5-Star Global Gourmet At Sandals Montego Bay

If you’re like me and plan your trips around food and drink, then you’ll want to bookmark Sandals Montego Bay for a vacay in the near future. The newly transformed resort takes their culinary program seriously. I’m talking authentic cuisine (headed up by chefs from the countries where the dishes originated), premium alcohol at every bar without any extra fees associated, innovative cocktails and stunning restaurant interiors. They’ve truly thought of everything thanks to the meticulous minds behind their 5-Star Global Gourmet program — one that promises an exceptional experience, regardless of the type of cuisine (from a casual jerk shack to a fine dining steakhouse). Did I mention that it’s an all-inclusive resort?! Yah… surprised me too!

Although I’ve read and heard glowing reviews of Sandals Resorts over the years, I didn’t really get what the buzz was all about until I stepped foot inside Sandals Montego Bay. To say their rooms, service and offerings blew me away is an understatement, but if there’s one thing that sets this hospitality chain apart from any other, it’s the culinary offerings. With the Sandals Stay at 1, Play at 3 Program, you have the option of dining at 23 restaurants across three resorts in Montego Bay (with complimentary roundtrip transfers). Trust me, you will not be disappointed by the variety nor quality. The only problem you’ll have is deciding where to eat!! But as they say in Jamaica: “there are no problems, only situations.” To help you navigate through the most delicious situation, here are a few highlights from our trip:

Thai Food On A Private Island

I’ll start with my most memorable culinary experience on our trip. Imagine a sunset boat ride to a private island followed by an evening filled with authentic Thai whipped up by a Thai chef. Not something I was expecting to have in Jamaica, but I quickly discovered that Sandals is all about surprising guests with the unexpected…

Innovative Cocktails

When the bartender started talking about his scotch bonnet infused sake cocktails, I knew Sandals Montego Bay was going to serve up some innovative drinks. And that they did. Interesting flavour profiles, well-balanced cocktails and beautiful presentations became the norm within minutes of stepping foot on the resort.

Proper Sushi

The one dish that consistently disappoints me in the Caribbean is sushi — most places just can’t get it right. But not at Soy — I truly felt like I walked into a sushi bar in NYC/Toronto. The decor is gorgeous and the sushi is exactly how it should be: perfectly seasoned rice, fresh and velvety fish, real wasabi & ginger (none of the pink stuff please and thanks).

Top-Shelf Liquor & Wine

When have you EVER stayed at an all-inclusive and had Rémy Martin, Glenfiddich and Tito’s Vodka served at the bar? And not just at an exclusive bar tucked on property or one that bills you for the premium stuff — you’ll find these brands at EVERY single bar without a surcharge. Even our rooms were stocked with local Appleton Estate Rum and Robert Mondavi wines (you’ll find six varietals at the resort)! I honestly couldn’t believe it. It goes to show that Sandals truly cares about delivering on quality, even if it means a reduced profit margin on their end.

Fresh Seafood

I’m a huge seafood lover so one of the highlights when visiting the Caribbean is always the fresh seafood. Sandals Montego Bay has a great variety on their menus — ranging from the most delicious Reef Shrimp to perfectly-cooked scallops. You really can’t go wrong with a seafood dish at any of the Sandals properties in Montego Bay.

Quality Snacks

If you’re the type who skips out on long, leisurely meals so you can spend more time at the beach/pool, the quick bites at Sandals Montego Bay will not disappoint. I tried them all (research LOL) and really loved the wood-fired pizzas at Dino’s Pizzeria and the ice cream at Café de Paris (don’t leave without trying the vanilla).

Local Caribbean Flavours

I was excited to see a lot of local dishes and drinks being served up at Sandals Montego Bay. Sometimes you can stay on a resort and have no idea what the local ingredients & dishes taste like (my pet peeve), but not here! I kicked my mornings off with Ackee and Saltfish (a traditional Jamaican breakfast) along with litres of Blue Mountain coffee (the only coffee served on resort — quite a feat since it’s one of the most expensive in the world!!).

Sandals Montego Bay also has a jerk shack on site so you can add a little spice to your life! Red Stripe in hand, of course…

I especially love that Oleander Room serves up Jamaican cuisine. During our visit, the Ackee Saltfish & Callaloo Quiche was a highlight — the roasted tomato and pepper coulis was perfection!!

A Dreamy Over-The-Water Bar

One of the newest additions at the resort, this over-the-water bar had me pinching myself. Latitudes is certainly the most special spot at Sandals Montego Bay in my opinion. I recommend grabbing a premium cocktail and enjoying the sunset from the hammocks suspended above the Caribbean sea. You can thank me later…

Have I convinced you to visit yet? These guys are seriously blazing a trail and delivering culinary experiences you will never forget — from the Caribbean’s first Speakeasy Bar (at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort) to dedicated culinary concierge desks, Sandals resorts are the ultimate getaway for food & drink lovers. This glutton is counting the days to her return…

A huge thanks to Sandals Resorts International for hosting me. As always, reviews and opinions are my very own.