How I Visited 21 Resorts in Jamaica
Last week I did site inspections at 21 resorts throughout Jamaica. Yes, it was crazy! During my 5 nights, I stayed at 4 different resorts and visited resorts in Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios.
You might be wondering what site inspections are, what I look for when I visit resorts, and what my schedule is like. Below will help you understand why I do site inspections and why they are so important to travel advisors.
What are site inspections?
Site inspections are basically tours where travel advisors can see a resort, learn about the amenities, and meet with their management team. In my opinion, site inspections are crucial because they allow travel advisors to experience a resort first-hand and make qualified recommendations to their clients.
Why are site inspections important?
You can only learn so much about a resort online and a resort can change. So even if I’ve been to a resort before, it’s important to go back regularly to see any changes or improvements.
What do I look for on site inspections?
Overall cleanliness. This is a BIG one for me. I have seen a correlation in the cleanliness in resorts and their ability to handle food allergies and dietary restrictions.
Maintenance. Is a resort doing continuous maintenance (paint, replacing items, etc.). Pictures online can be deceiving.
Vibe. When you’re at a resort you can quickly get an idea of the vibe (quiet retreat versus lively)
Staff. Especially when ordering food and drinks, I quickly can get the sense of their training with dietary restrictions.
Dining. What options are available, how are dietary restrictions handled, etc.
Drinks. Always keeping my eye out for Tito’s and other gluten-free options.
And so much more!
Taking a quick break in Negril. Love the crystal clear water!
Are site inspections like a vacation?
For many travel advisors, they are far from it. While I do get to see some beautiful resorts, going to the beach or pool is very rare. In the last few months I went to Punta Cana, Jamaica, and Cancun and only went in a pool in Cancun for 10 mins (I needed to check out the rooftop infinity pool!).
I often wake up at 6am to take pictures of the resort without people around, spend a day doing site inspections, have dinner with my team or resort staff, and then head to my room to catch up on email for my clients. Often, I come home needing a vacation. Lol! However, I can’t complain. I do love my job and visiting resorts beats any day sitting in my office in Maryland.
Do I rate resorts?
Absolutely. When it comes to resorts, I’m picky!!! I do have some favorite resorts and I have my own “do not sell” list. Of the 21 resorts I went to in Jamaica, I would only recommend 7 resorts to those with celiac disease, a gluten sensitivity, or with food allergies.
Enjoying some time with my team! I am affiliated with Shoreline Destinations, which provides opportunities to do site inspections and I get to work with an incredible group of advisors.
Which resorts would I recommend?
It really depends on what you’re looking for and your budget. Some resorts I’d recommend to families while others I’d recommend to couples looking for a boutique luxury resort. Jamaica offers a variety of resorts and there really is something for everyone.
If you’re considering a vacation in Jamaica or somewhere in the Caribbean, let me help you choose the best resort for you and make the process stress-free. Just fill out the contact form on my link to get started!