Our Honest Review of the Coyaba Villa Swim-up Rondoval Butler Suite with Private Pool Sanctuary (RSUP)

How far away is Sandals Dunn’s River from the airport?

Susie C: There are a couple of options. The one I prefer is to fly into Montego Bay, and then it’s a 90-minute included transfer to Sandals Dunn’s River. We always upgrade to a private transfer for a little extra, so we can stop when we want or get there as fast as we want. The other option is the newer airport in Ocho Rios, which is about a half-hour transfer, some of my clients prefer that, though there are no direct flights for most people, you go through Miami. I like Montego Bay because it’s a bigger airport and I go straight to the resort from there.

What’s the airport experience like, and what is Club MoBay?

Susie C: At Montego Bay you can pay a little extra for a service called Club MoBay, and it’s well worth it. Someone waits for you as you get off the plane with a sign and your name, and they walk you straight to the front of the customs and immigration lines, I’ve been there when 600 people were in line and I’ve waited two hours without it, so we do it every time, and I can set it up when you book through me. It does sell out, up to four months ahead. They walk you through the whole process, then the Club MoBay lounge is right next to the Sandals lounge, with free rum punch, little sandwiches, and the Jamaican patties they’re famous for, and they’ll put your drink in a to-go cup for the ride. If you don’t have Club MoBay, you still go through customs, then to the Sandals lounge where they set up your transfer. The Sandals included shuttle is usually a small one, maybe five or six couples, and it stops once for food, drinks, and a bathroom break. The roads are straight, not winding, I have motion-sickness issues and have never gotten sick on that drive, and it’s a beautiful ride with a bit of the island’s history along the way.

What should you expect when you arrive at the resort?

Susie C: They’ll be waiting for you, and one of the newer things they do is sing a welcome song as you get off the bus. Fun energy. They give you a cold towel for your hands and face, which feels great, and their signature drink or champagne, then take you into the lobby. Because this is a butler room, your butlers meet you in the lobby, take care of your luggage and do your check-in. If your room is ready before the three o’clock check-in they’ll let you in early. If you’re after that they’ll do the check in in your room which is nice. No standing at a front desk filling out forms. They walk you to your villa with a little tour along the way, have champagne waiting, go over your dinner preferences and reservations, and they’ll even iron your first evening’s clothes if you’d like.

What are the best rooms to stay in at Sandals Dunn’s River?

Susie C: I absolutely recommend this Coyaba Villa Swim-up Rondoval. It’s very popular and my clients who’ve stayed in it have loved it, two sinks in the bathroom, a soaking tub inside and a plunge pool outside, very luxurious, plus butler service. There are about 15 of these Rondovals, and when I was there I asked my butler which ones he’d recommend and I keep that list, so I request the best ones for my clients. Some are on an end, which people like because you only have neighbors on one side and fewer people swim past, so it feels more private. Whatever you prefer, I’ll put the request in to the right people.