The entertainment at this resort was lacking. The "Disco" (which were were told by guests was not a "disco" at all) did not open until 10:30 p.m. and the piano bar did not open until 10:30 p.m. either. There was one night where a violinist (who was very good) played in the courtyard around 7:00 p.m.. but, was quickly interrupted by a "marching band" that lasted over an hour. If you enjoy soft music, and dancing with your partner before 10:30 p.m., this is not the place to go. Daytime activities were limited as well. The hotel was beautiful, the beaches were beautiful. The bar service needs to be improved. We waited at an empty bar for over 5 mintues with three bartenders behind the bar conversing before we finally gave up and found another bar to get a glass of wine.
We've stayed at St. Lucia Regency and Grand Bahamian and both of these resorts had a variety of nightly entertainment that started before 10:30 p.m. Both also had an array of daily activities such as bingo, trivia, and such.

We went to Sandals, Whitehouse in July 2008 for our wedding and honeymoon. We were married in the Dutch Gazebo on the beach. We purchased the twilight wedding package which is a step up from the free wedding that is included with a week's stay. That package included some things, like pictures, a DVD, flowers, the steel drum player at the reception, and several other things that we knew we wanted. It was cheaper to get it all in a package.

The resort was wonderful. The beaches and pools were beautiful, the food and drinks were outstanding. The staff treated us like Royalty. They were so friendly. I didn't want to leave and I already want to plan another visit.

The only negative thing about our whole experience was the long ride from the airport to the resort, it was a long hour and half ride on a narrow, windy, bumpy road. Not good if you get motion sick. But when we arrived at the resort things were so nice that we forgot all about the ride!

The rooms were nice but we found out that all of the rooms are the same size and almost exactly alike unless you get one with Conceirge Service or a Butler, so your best bet is to get one of the lower level rooms. We were hardly in our room anyway except to sleep!

When you go, you should go to the orientation on the first or second day so you don't spend all of your time trying to figure out what to do and where to go while you are there.

Each night when they come to turn your bed down they will leave an agenda for the next day, take this with you to help you decide what to do each day. It has great info on there about the events and activities of each day.

Duty free at the airport if cheaper than the giftshop at the resort. You can purchase alcohol and coffee in duty free at the airport and carry it on board with you. When you get back to the states and are reacquainted with your checked luggage you can put the items you bought in there and let the luggage go back up to customs and it will be ok. You just cannot put it in your carry on luggage and go thru customs with it in the states, they will throw it away.

I hope this helps!
Julie and Barry
July 2008

We enjoyed just about every minute of our 7-night, 8-day stay at Sandals Whitehouse. The staff were courteous and professional, the grounds were immaculate, and there were lots of activities to keep us entertained. Since it is the only resort within about 2 hours, the area is not cliche-touristy - Whitehouse is a fishing village.

We enjoyed dining most at Bluefields (Jamaican specialties), Eleanor's, and Jasmine's (pan-Asian) restaurants. Giuseppi's Restaurant was pretty good and The Bayside had good breakfast buffet. Arizona's was American food for picky/homesick travelers - burgers, Tex-Mex, etc. - and not our favorite. But then, why go all the way to Jamaica to eat American food? We wouldn't eat there next time, there are so many good things to try at the other restaurants.

Our candlelight dinner on the beach was fantastic and we would recommend it strongly. One caveat - apply insect repellent before your dinner! We forgot to do this and got lots of bug bites during dinner (and noticed other guests at other candlelight dinner tables swatting at bugs and itching, as well). Now that we know about using bug stuff, we'll certainly be doing another candlelight dinner on our next visit. The food was wonderful and our server, Ezroy, was one of a few Sandals staff members who impressed us most.

We also enjoyed repeating our vows at Sandals. The wedding staff are great to work with, especially Rochelle. The wedding cake was delicious - we got fruitcake (Jamaican black cake) and ate it all by ourselves! If you have particular songs you want played, be sure to bring them along on cd...

Brides, an up-do will keep your hair off your back and keep you cooler during your ceremony. I found the photography session to be a little difficult because the light reflecting off the water, white sand, and our white clothing made it hard to open my eyes it was so bright. Sunglasses are not allowed for the pictures/ceremony - maybe try contact lens sunglasses? The photographer was great, and easy to work with.

We'd advise waiting to buy souvenirs for people back home until getting to the airport, if you have time before your flight. The gift shop at Sandals Whitehouse has lots of fun stuff, but it is more expensive than shops at the airport.


We had a fantastic first visit to a Sandals, and first visit to Jamaica - and we've fallen in love with both. We'll definitely be returning.

We have been to the Caribbean more times than I can count have stayed at The Atlantis, Sandals Royal Caribbean, Royal Bahamian, Sandals Mo Bay, & Sandals Ochee. Been to Barbados, Aruba, The Caymens, Dominica, the DR & Mx.amoung others. Needless to say we love the Caribben. My favorite island of them all is Jamaica. DO NOT compare Jamaica to where you are from, as it takes on a rythem of it's own, dont question it appreciate it.

Lounge & Ride: as expected an hour & a half to and an hour back (fast driver yeah!) They know the roads and driving customs, so sit down and dont worry. They have been driving the same roads all thier life, enjoy the landscape. The airport employees take your luggage to the bus and load it for you TIP them as they do not work for Sandals. Or you could just load your luggage into the bus window yourself.

Check in: Fine be aware they put a $600 hold on your VISA to use when you are on the property. It is a cash free resort. You can use your visa in the shops, but they do not accept cash. Tour desk takes the resort credit and charges your $600 hold. You can tip for great service though if you feel it warrented.

Room: We booked the cheapest room French Village run of the mill room, as we did not plan on spending much time there anyway, but as past guests of Sandals they up graded us to the Italian Village 1318. Great room! Nice view and we were right in the center of everything going on. Nice touch! My WiFi never worked the whole time as internet down, but it was fine. We had a fridge ect. Well stocked, no booze, you have to a different room type for a in room bar. No big deal though you only had to walk across the sidewalk to La Caberet to get a drink if you wanted.

Pools: Ours at the Italian Village was the biggest pool in Jamaica. Very nice & not hard to get a chair. The employees roll up towels and set them on the chairs in the am, so if they are still rolled up the chair is not taken. Some are reserved for suiets but few & far between. The French & Dutch pools are alot smaller. The French pool was the volleyball pool, and the Dutch was the one eveyone was relaxed at.

Beach: Very nice & well maintained. Saw starfish and other fish. Did a snorkel tour where they take you out on the reef. Was surprised to see how nice it was. There were alot of fish & corals. They do not provide masks to use at will so take your own if that is an issue. You can walk beyond the property boundries at each end. All natural beach (not clothing optional, nature) and nice place to take pics. No vendors or others trying to sell you anything.

Grounds: Great like the garden of Eden. Butterflies, flowers in bloom, and exotic birds. Locals come in every Mon afternoon & evening (2 different sets)Afternoon vendors were cheaper but left at 4pm sharpe, evening craftors were more pricey and not willing to come down in prices.

Food: Great! Ate at every restaurant and buffets no complaints. Only wish were there longer than a week to try more of the menus. I tried to eat local foods ackee & saltfish, conch, ect. I can eat pizza & steak at home. Theamed nights were nice too. Liked the past guest dinner menu. All top notch & ALL the staff was pleasent. I did see how much [-] the staff puts up with from drunk, idiot, tourists that do not know how to act in public, and think the resort and all guests revolve around them! Just because you are at the biggest pool in Jamaica, it dosen't mean you have to shout when talking. All the people in the pool do not want to hear your life story. We met alot of nice people, but there were some idiot people I wanted to strangle! Either lean how to hold your liquor, don't drink as much, or develop some tact! Mind you I am from NY. We just went to the beach for peace & privacy.

Tours: We did the Negril shopping tour. We went to Times Square shopping mall & the Sandals Negril for lunch. An hour each way. Sandals Negril was VERY Small. Thier main pool was the size of the Dutch pool. Food was ok. Lively little place though.
We also did the Black River Crock & YS Falls Tour. NICE. They take you to a little cafe place on the top of a hill, for a Jamaican buffet lunch. After that, then to The YS. A tractor takes you through a race horse farm, to the falls. Something to see. Store & bar there with food for purchase. My advice get off the resort too, and see Jamacia!

Entertainment: As expected, they bring in a marching band, a steel drums band for the Pirate dinner and late nite club. You can do as little or as much as you want to. The piano bar is nice, (too many drunk people who think they can sing, and think the staff is there is kiss thier backside for my liking) I believe in treating people how I want to be treated, A simple please and thank you would not hurt! The staff just smiles politely, and performs the job at hand. I can see how Amercians get a reputation.
The Pirate dinner is great something to be seen. We never needed reservations once, for any dinner, never had to wait, and dinner service usually took about an hour.

Overall: Just go and have fun a great time! No worries, but be respectful to other guests and staff. The resort is amazing, words can not express it. Romantic ect. Dont spoil it by turning it into a Cancun spring break. Having said this I am in my early 30's yes I drink, and have been known to visit the pharmacy a time or two in the past. I am very open minded. Enjoy this place, it is amazing. Dont pay any attention to any "BS" reviews. Relax there is no stress here. Just enjoy Jamaica & it's people. There is no place in the world like it!