Royal Plantation (Ocho Rios)
With Ocho Rios often serving as a quiet escape as compared to other more lively Jamaican tourist destinations, Royal Plantation resort certainly epitomizes this sentiment. Constructed in the early 50′s, Royal Plantation maintains a quaint charm that has escaped the real world in decades past. Setting foot on the resort’s grounds is almost a time warp back to a simpler era, in the best sense of the statement. Still up to date with modern day luxuries and amenities, the unique dcor, building structure and staff chivalry take guests back to an age in which appearance and politeness was of utmost importance, without sacrificing the convenient and pampering innovations of the last 40 years. From beach waiters clad in ties and vests to butlers in every suite, the service is simply unparalleled and a valuable part of the Royal Plantation experience.Perhaps a hotel best suited for couples, honeymooners and even destination weddings, the Royal Plantation’s unique feel and exquisite property is inherently intimate. Intentionally providing little to do aside from enjoy the company of others and hear your heart beat, activities on the resort are geared more towards traveling pairs than full family fun. With that said, a diverse selection of water sports are available on site, including sailing, snorkeling, scuba, windsurfing and kayaking. Perhaps after an exerting day on the water, guests might enjoy a pampering package at the resorts renowned spa. Tennis and golf is also available for more active vacationers, in addition to a 24 hour fitness center, helping to keep off the pounds added by the first rate fine dining options. Three dinner restaurants are located on-site, ranging from white table cloth and jacket to a more relaxed open-air beachfront meal. For those who wish to take their special getaway into the heart of Jamaica, tours are available, highlighting various aspects of the islands cultural heritage, such as a bobsled tranopy, canopy ziplines, rum falls, and Bob Marley infused rides. Among the more romantic tour options would be the scenic beach horseback ride and swim. For an escape from the ordinary to melt away modern day concerns, it would be hard to better than Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios.