A Butler?  Well the one thing I can say about a Butler, a Butler is the ultimate in luxury travel. 

I had the incredible opportunity for my fifth wedding anniversary to have not one Butler but two for my stay at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios.

Rick and I knew we wanted something special for our fifth anniversary.  We talked about Hawaii (too far), talked about a cruise (been there, done that), talked about where we honeymooned (Jamaica) and we decided that is where we wanted to go back to again.

We didn’t want just any anniversary trip, we truly wanted to celebrate five years of a very happy marriage and we wanted to treat ourselves to something we had never experienced before.  So with that I booked the Romeo and Juliet Honeymoon One-bedroom Suite with Private Pool.  Can’t get much better than that I thought. 

But on our arrival at the resort, I quickly learned it could get a lot better.  Now being the good travel agent that I am (actually great) I knew about all the features of the Butler service at Sandals.  What I didn’t know was ACTUALLY how incredible it is!

The moment we stepped of the coach at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios the Butler experience started.  Well it actually all stated back at the Montego Bay Airport when we arrived at the Sandals Lounge.  We were greeted by a very efficient Sandals Host with a PDA in hand, asked our last name and punched something up.  With that our luggage was taken and we went in to have our first Red Strip of the trip.  

What we didn’t know, she had sent a message to the resort that we are on our way.  So when we stepped off the coach at the resort, gave our name, we were whisked inside to the Concierge Lounge where our Butler Ricardo greeted us with a cool towel and a glass of champagne.  He introduced himself and asked if we were ready to go to our room.  It was amazing, we had not been at the resort for two minutes and we were going to our room.

So following Ricardo, we stepped outside to our waiting golf cart, pointed out our luggage which he loaded up and we sped off to our room as he identified different features of the resort along the way.

The Romeo and Juliet Suites are located up top of the resort in a beautifully landscaped, lush tropical paradise. From here all you see is a spray of colorful flowers and the Caribbean Sea in the distance.  Breathtaking!

Ricardo escorted us to our suite.  Wow, first inside is our private pool and Jacuzzi with a beautiful Trompe L'Oeil mural on the wall.  He offers us something to drink which we accepted, taking us to the lounge area of our suite which is to one end of the pool. 

Walking in the French double doors is a beautifully appointed lounge with stocked kitchen, bar and sitting area.  I had champagne while Rick goes for a Johnny Walker Black on the rocks.  I know you are asking “how were top shelf bar beverages such as those already there?”  Well that part was easy.  Before we arrived in Jamaica I went on line selected our personalized Butler services.  So Ricardo had already stocked the fridge and bar with the beverages of our choice.   Bottled water, champagne, Red Strip, Pinot Grigio.  Not to mention a plate of fresh fruit and a selection of cheeses and crackers.

We sat down in our lounge and Ricardo proceeded to go over features of the suite, the resort and his duties to us.  Sitting there listening I thought, “We’ll probably never need this guy.  We’re pretty self-sufficient travelers and can take care of ourselves.”

The one thing we did need was information about the golf and the spa.  Ricardo had all that and more.  Info on golf, the spa, excursions, events and entertainment happening at the resort.  He was able to answer all our questions. 

Then he showed us the rest of our suite which would be the sleeping and bath area.  Wow again!  What a shower and beautiful vanity.  Everything was so beautiful.

He gave us an itinerary with each day of our stay indicated and asked us to list what we would like to do each day, when and where we would like to have each meal and any excursions or activities we would like for him to arrange. 

He told us there are two Butlers that will be taking care of us.  He and Andrea split the day so we have service from 8am to 8pm.  Again, I’m thinking to myself.  “What am I going to do with TWO of them?”

Then he gave us a cell phone, pre-programmed with both Ricardo and Andrea’s numbers.  This is so we could contact him from any location on the resort (and in the area) at anytime.

Next he offered to take us on a tour of the resort and asked if we would like to have our clothes unpacked and put away.  “Oh my gosh I thought….someone touching my clothes!”  Before I could say no, Rick says “yes, that would be great!”  “Tammy always has to unpack everything and put it way before we get to go out and do anything.”  Now I’m looking at Rick like he is an idiot.  But what can I say other than great… 

So Ricardo walks with us to the golf cart and proceeded to drive around the resort.  He takes us back into the Manor House and walks us through the different restaurants, out by the pool, to the spa and back to the Polo Lounge for a drink.  He asks us again what we would like and we both chimed, “its Pina Colada time!” 

He orders for us as we tell him we would like to do the Canopy Tour excursion the next day.  With that, he steps over to the excursion desk and picks up a few brochures for us to check out while we are enjoying our drinks.  He comes back and says we are all confirmed for 11am the next morning.  The tour was almost sold out but because we are Butler guest, we were able to get in.

We went on to talk about what we wanted to do during our stay.  We told him it was our anniversary and that we wanted to have dinner one night at Sandals Dunn’s River at Kimono’s Restaurant.  He said he would take care of the reservation.

He asked about dinner that evening and suggested we dine at the Market Place Restaurant.  We decided on 7:30pm for dinner and Ricardo said he would take care of our table.  I knew this restaurant did not require reservations, so I really didn’t understand what he was going to do.  But I just let it go and finished my pina colada.

I said, “We better go back to our room and get cleaned up for dinner.”  Ricardo said “right this way.”  Back out to the golf cart and Ricardo takes us up to our suite.  The one thing I do have to point out, this resort sits on a hillside and there are jitney’s that run every few minutes for the guests.  With Butler service, your Butler will take you anywhere you want to go on the resort property and will arrange for transportation if you choose to go off the resort.

Since Ricardo had been with us this entire time, I thought the unpacking had not been done.  We arrive back at the suite to fine everything put away, while Ricardo showed us where it had all been put.  “How’d he do that??”  Andre did the unpacking before he left for the evening.  Remember I said there are two Butlers.  But we had only met one.  Well, the mystery Butler Andre had taken care of everything.  Because the Butlers are so well trained, they know what drawers are best to place which clothing items and how to store everything.  Pretty impressive, hum?

So with that Ricardo leaves us and says he’ll pick us back up at 7:15pm to take us to dinner.   He leaves and I look at Rick and we both say “wow!”  This is something.  So we filled out our itinerary plans for our stay and got ready for dinner. 

At 7:15pm the Butler cell phone rang.  Rick answered to have Ricardo ask if we were ready for dinner.  “Yes we are” Rick tells him and Ricardo answers “I’m out front of your suite.”

So out we walk to our golf cart and down the hill we go to the Manor House for dinner.  Ricardo walks us inside and down stairs to the restaurant.  He asks if we would like to dine inside or outside?  We decide inside since it’s a little muggy outside.  He tells us to wait where we are, that he’ll be right back.  Rick looks at me with that “what is he doing look?”  I just shrug.  Ricardo comes back a moment later and says “I’ve picked out the perfect table, inside but right by the window.” 

He then escorts us to the table which was a perfect table for two, with candle light and a view outside.  He seats us, asks our drink order and returns with our waiter and drinks.  He then asks if we need anything else and tells us when we are ready to go back to our suite, just let the front desk know and someone will take us back up.  He also tells us that he is off the next day and Andre will be taking care of us all day.

So thank you and good nights were said and we were left to enjoy a delicious dinner and a relaxing evening.  That was day one with our Butler.

Day Two:  The next morning we rise early and order a pot of coffee.  Even though there is a coffee maker in our lounge, we drink more coffee than that little pot.  At 8:00am our Butler phone rings and Andre introduces himself and asks if we need more coffee or if we would like breakfast?  We ordered some juice, fruit and croissants which Andrea brought in the matter of a few minutes.

As he introduces himself and I’m thinking one of the criteria of being a Butler has to be good looks.  Both of these guys are great looking or maybe it’s the black and gold stripped vest and ties?  No, they are good looking, articulate, knowledgeable, respectful and gracious hosts.

He asks is there anything we would like to do before going to the Canopy Tour?  Well, yes I say, “I have a new laptop and is there wireless internet access in the area?”  Yes he says there is and it’s down at the Manor House.  Andre told us it has to be set up with a certain access code.  “What time would you like to have that taken care of?”  I said how about in an hour.  So Andre says he’ll be back to pick us up along with our laptop in an hour.

One hour later the cell phone rings and Andre says he’s waiting for us in front of our suite.  So off we ride to the Manor House.  Andre takes us into the Concierge Lounge and starts to set up our computer.  For some reason, he is not able to get it to work properly.  He tells us the IT person will be in at noon and he will take care of it. 

I ask, “Well we’re going on the Canopy Tour, will he be here when we get back?”  Probably not Andre says, “Just leave your computer with me and I’ll have him take care of it while you are having fun on the tour.”   In the back of my mind I’m thinking “brand new computer and I’m just going to leave it?”  Oh well, it’s insured.

So off to the bar the three of us go for a morning Bloody Mary.  Well a Bloody Mary for Rick and me.  Andre goes to find an open bar to get it for us. 

While we are waiting for him another couple sits by us and we start talking.  They are from Scotland and are here to play golf.  Rick and the two of them make plans to play golf the next morning.  I’m going to the spa, which I have left information for Andre to schedule my services.

Andre returns and says “the van is here for the canopy tour” and we say our good-byes to our new friends from Scotland.  So off we go in the van while Andre waves good-bye with one hand and holding our laptop in the other.

If there is one excursion you should do while in Jamaica, it is the Chukka Canopy Tour.  What a fantastic trip and the most professional guides.  I can not say enough and what a great, great time we had. 
(Check back more pictures soon come.)

 When we returned back to the resort, there was Andre waiting at the front of the Manor House for us.  I think to myself, “How did he know we were on our way back?”  He’s standing there with our computer and says the IT guy Marlon is waiting for us.  We forgot to leave our password.  How great!  Marlon had us connected in two minutes while Andre went for Pina Coladas. 

So we are now connected back to the internet world which makes me feel better that my clients can still reach me by email.

Andre informs us that we have reservations at Kimonos, Sandals Dunn’s River at 7:30pm.  He will pick us up at 7:00pm to take us to the resort shuttle.  He asks what would we like to do.  It was very hot on the Canopy Tours so I’m just thinking about a cool dip in our pool.  Back in the golf cart we go with fresh Pina Coladas in hand, to our suite where Rick and I spend the next couple of hours floating and playing in our private pool relaxing.

7:00pm the Butler phone rings and Andre says he’s waiting out front.  He takes us down to the Manor Building where the resort shuttle is waiting.  He tells us when we arrive at Sandals Dunn’s River, we will be met by a Butler there that will escort us to Kimonos. 

Sure enough, we arrive at Sandals Dunn’s and another Butler takes us to the restaurant, brings us our cocktails and wishes us a good evening.  Dinner was fun, oriental tableside grilling with the Jamaican ‘ya mon” flair!  We had a great time. 

What we didn’t know that something was happening back at our own resort.  We took the resort shuttle back to Sandals Grande Ocho Rios and when we arrived back we took one of the jitneys up to our suite location. 

The big surprise was when we opened the door to our pool patio.  Andre has placed candles around the Jacuzzi and hibiscus flowers floating in the pool.   He had taken one of the CD’s we brought with us and had the music playing.  How romantic was that?  What a way to top off a special evening.

Andrea had also left a message for Rick that the van to the golf resort would leave at 7:15pm.  Call the front desk at 7:00am for someone to pick him and his clubs up.  As for me, I would be having a “From C to shinning Sea” facial and eye treatment at 10:00am.  Ricardo would pick me up at 9:30am unless I needed him earlier.

Day Three:  Begins with Rick leaving at 7:00am for the Sandals Golf and Country Club meeting up with our Scottish friends at the Manor House.  I sleep in for another hour, getting up early enough to fix myself a coffee and Bailey’s for breakfast.  We had asked Andre the day before if we could have a bottle of Bailey’s Irish Cream for our room, which magically appeared.

9:30am Ricardo knocks on my door and says he here to take me to the Red Lane Spa.  Off we go in the golf cart, he telling me about his day off and me telling him about the Canopy tour.

Ricardo escorts me to the spa and takes me into the Meditation Room, offering a cup of tea.  While I enjoy my tea, listening to the waterfall, he checks me into the spa.  Returning with my esthetician, he tells me to enjoy and he will see me later.

For about the next two hours my face is pampered while I enjoy the beauty and tranquility of a candle scented room and soft music. 

At noon, I’m back in my swim suite ready to relax by the pool.  Ricardo is there wanting to know if I would like to go back to the room or if I need anything.  I let him know that I’m going to the main pool and if Rick calls that’s where I’ll be.  He said he would find me when Rick got back from playing golf.  So he leaves me at the swim-up pool bar, reading Tim Dorsey's "The Big Bamboo" and drinking a Bloody Mary. 

About and hour later I catch Rick walking towards the pool with Ricardo standing at the top of the stairs.  Rick has a Pina Colada in hand.  When he get’s to me I asked where did he stop for the Pina Colada and he said he didn’t.  When they were on the way back from the golf course, he phoned Ricardo and asked if he could have three Pina Coladas waiting when they arrived.

Sure enough Rick said “He was standing there with three Pina Coladas on a tray.”   Michael and Eleanor were most impressed and wanted to know how they could get a Butler.  So the four of us had lunch and made plans to attend the Jamaican theme night for dinner.

Rick called Ricardo and he came back to the Manor House to pick us and our friends up after lunch.  First he dropped off Michael and Eleanor telling them he will pick them up after he collects us at 7pm for dinner.   He called us at 7pm and said he was there and then we drove over to Michael and Eleanor’s room was and collected them.

Jamaica Night, lots of singing and dancing, trivia games and FUN.  A good time was had by all along with good food.  When we returned to our room our bed was turned down with two towel swans waiting for us.  Along with a message for pick-ups in the morning.  Rick to the golf course at 7:00am and for Tammy, Ricardo will pick me up at 7:45am for my 8:00am spa morning.

Day Four:  Sure enough 7:45am Ricardo (he came in early) was there to take me to the spa.  Rick had left already for golf.  Dropping me off, Ricardo said he would see me later.

For the next three hours I enjoyed massage, hydro therapy and polishing, not to mention pampering at Red Lane Spa.  What a great morning and winding up just before lunch. 

Ricardo was there waiting when I came out.  He had brought my laptop with him so I could check my email while I was at the Manor House.  He said Rick had called and they would be leaving the Country Club just shortly.  He wanted to know if I could meet them for lunch.  Ricardo suggested lunch at the Market Place Restaurant.  So we walked from the spa to the Polo Lounge where Ricardo ordered a Mimosa for me and I set up my laptop to check emails. 

Just a few minutes later Ricardo was back at the bar ordering three Pina Coladas.  I knew Rick must be close by.  There the threesome arrives to waiting Pina Coladas and a table in the shade at the Market Place.  Not to mention, he took my computer back to our suite.  Talk about service!

That afternoon I was to have a site inspection of Sandals Grande Ocho Rios, both the Manor side and the Rivera side, Sandals Dunn’s River and Royal Plantation.  Ricardo had arranged for a car to take both Rick and I to Royal Plantation and Sandals Dunn’s.  Along with coordinating the times for the inspections ith the sales offices.  Ricardo took us down to the Rivera side of Sandals Grande.  He and Rick were talking about something while I looked at several room categories.  When I met back up with them I asked “what are you two doing?’  The reply was “nothing” but I had a feeling something was up.  So Ricardo put Rick and I in a taxi and sent us to Sandals Dunn’s and Royal Plantation.

Both resorts are beautiful.  It would be very hard to decide which one to stay at if I knew I could only stay at one.  The only thing I do know, I would want a Butler!

When the taxi brought us back to the Manor Building, I asked Rick if he had arranged dinner plans with Ricardo.  He said he had and that we would be having dinner at Orchids and Ricardo will pick us up at 6:30pm.  I said, “We better get back to the room and get cleaned up.”  A jitney was there, so we took it back to our suite.

At 6:00pm I was getting ready when I heard someone at the door.  Rick was out on the patio by the pool so he answered it and then came into where I was getting ready.  I asked, “Who was that?”  He answered, “It’s housekeeping here to refresh the lounge area and re-stock the bar and fridge.”

So I went back to finish getting ready for dinner.  At 6:30pm the cell phone rang, Rick answered and said, “Okay, we’re ready.”  So I walked towards the door opening it to our patio/pool area.  There on the other end was a surprise.  A table for two had been set up with all the trimmings.  Candles, flowers in the pool and music.  Ricardo was serving a dinner for two on our patio.  I couldn’t believe it.  I asked, “How long have you two been working on this?”  Ricardo said, “It was all Rick’s idea.”  I looked at Rick knowing probably not.  I answered, “I’m sure he had help.”  What a romantic evening.  A private dinner for two, in our room, under the stars, how divine!

Day Five:  No golf or spa today but a day of just relaxing and goofing off at the resort.  Called Andre at 8am to take us down to the Manor House for breakfast and to spend the day at the pool.   Andre arranged for a Cabana by the pool and that’s were we spent the day.  The most we moved was from the Cabana to the swim-up pool bar.  We didn’t even have to do that as the Cabana came with its own Butler!

We already had reservations at the Arizona Restaurant on the dock for 8pm but wanted to change it to a table for four.  We had asked our friends from Scotland to join us for our last evening at the resort.  So Andre took care of that for us before leaving for the day.  At 7:00pm Ricardo picked us up and then we went to pick up our friends to have dinner at the Arizona Restaurant.  Ricardo took us to the Rivera side where the Arizona is located along with the Sundowner Bar.  He went to the bar with our drink order while we watched the Jamaican sky start to changed colors.  We had cocktails and talked as the hint of evening darkness started. 

At 8:00pm Ricardo came to collect us and escort us to our table at the Arizona.  How beautiful!  Sitting out on the Promenade dock, cool breeze blowing, stars coming out, nice glass of Beringer wine, fine dinner, company of new friends, can it get any better? 

The only sad event of the evening was saying good-bye to Ricardo.  I found myself remembering first day, “what am I going to do with a Butler?”  I didn’t know then but I do now.  Your Butler becomes your escort to a great travel experience.  They are there to take care of the details so you don’t have to be bothered.  From something as simple as arranging a taxi to planning and executing a private dinner for two, the Butler can do it.  But most importantly, the Butler cares about you and is there to make your Sandals stay a truly memorable experience.

With our good-byes said, it was bitter sweet for Rick and me as we knew the next day we would have to say good-bye to Andre also.  We finished our evening with our friends from Scotland, exchanging emails and more good-byes.  Lucy them as they were staying on for several more days.

Lastly they asked if they could see our suite.  Certainly, so we all went up by jitney from the Rivera side to the Manor side and our suite.  When they walked in they could not believe how beautiful.  They had a pool at their room also but it was not private.  We had a glass of wine in our lounge and they talked about changing rooms and they wanted ours and they wanted Ricardo and Andre!

I told them I would check with Reservations in the morning to see if the room was available and leave them a message before we left.  They were playing and early round golf again.  One more glass of wine and then off to their room. 

Ricardo had left a message saying Andrea would pack for us in the morning.  With that thought, I had one more dip in our private pool.

Day Six:  Waking up this morning, I just could not bare the idea of someone packing my dirty cloths.  Butler service or no Butler service, that was just too much for me.  So I got up and packed everything. 

Rick went down to the Manor House at 7:00am to say one more good-bye to Michael and Eleanor.  They still wanted to move to our room and want Ricardo or Andre just to pack their stuff and move it while they were playing golf.  Rick told them, “If it can be done, Tammy will take care of it.”

We called Andre and said we would be ready to leave at 9:00am as I needed to meet with reservations about our room.   He asked why and I told him our friends loved it along with he and Ricardo and they wanted it.  He told me that he did not have anyone checking in that day but was not sure about the next five days.

Shortly someone came for our luggage and then Andre came to collect us.  We went to the sales office and found the room was available for Michael and Eleanor.  So, a call was made to the golf club with a message about the additional cost. 

ith that we had to say good-bye to everyone at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios and to Andre.   I found myself thinking again, “what am I going to do with a Butler?”  Have the trip experience of a life time.

Tammy Renie, CTC, CSS, DS

Red Parrot Travel & Red Parrot Honeymoons

As a side note, Michael and Eleanor did pay to upgrade to our suite for the remainder of their stay at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios because they were so impressed with the Butlers and the suite.  We had an email from them when they returned to Scotland saying they had a wonderful time.

Butler services and features can vary at each of the Sandals Resorts.  Some elements in this story are at an additional cost.