Sunset at the Palms (SATP) is one of three Sunset resorts operating on the Caribbean island of Jamaica. While the resorts in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are top notch, Sunset at the Palms in Negril is the best of the lot, offering serene surroundings and unique accommodations.
This all inclusive resort is much more intimate and eco-friendly than the mega resorts. SATP has a luxurious feel, but it’s also eco-friendly. According to the travel website Oyster, in 1998, SATP became “the first hotel in the world to receive certification for environmentally sustainable tourism from the U.K. organization Green Globe”.
Transportation from the Airport to Negril
Visitors to Jamaica traditionally fly into the Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.
Transportation to the resort from the airport can be by a quick, shuttle flight into the Negril Aerodrome, located just behind the Sunset at the Palms resort or by the most popular method, the shuttle bus. Since Sunset at the Palms is one of the first resorts as you arrive in Negril, there is no long wait as others are dropped off at the area
hotels.
Arrival at Sunset at the Palms Resort in Negril
Guests arriving at Sunset at the Palms are greeted with friendly smiles and warm welcomes, along with a tropical fruit drink and a fresh, cool face towel, setting the tone for top quality service at the resort. Guests are escorted to their rooms by one of the porters. The path to the rooms give wind their way through the gardens filled with
tropical flowers, shrubs and trees. Although the resort is just off of Norman Manley Boulevard, the central two-lane highway, the sounds of traffic are muted by the vegetation and it is more common to hear birds than motors.
Rooms at the Negril Resort
SATP offers two types of rooms. The Tree Top Deluxe rooms, which are duplex bungalow style, reminiscent of a tree house in the jungle, have dark wood floors and king sized beds. The French doors open onto a veranda overlooking the garden, with chairs and a table, as well as a daybed. The bathrooms have slate tiles with a glass enclosed shower featuring two shower heads including one hand held, four body jets and a slate bench.
The split level Tree Top Suites, which offer two full baths and a master bedroom upstairs, as well as an upper and lower veranda.
The rooms all offer air conditioning, cable television, and telephones.
Resort Activities in Negril
While SATP offers the standard, non-motorized water sports included in the price, as well as a cooking and bartending class, the resort is not as frantically action packed as many of them in Jamaica, priding itself on relaxation instead. There is no activities director yelling over a microphone and no officially sanctioned drinking contests going on at the pool. The night life ends early at the resort, although there are a myriad of activities in
Negril. There is a fully equipped gym and the resort has a swimming pool and a large hot tub.
All Inclusive Food and Drink at Sunset at the Palms
There are three restaurants on premises. The Palm Grove buffet is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the menu changes each day. The food is good and plentiful, and offers standard Merican and European fare along with some traditional Jamaican and Caribbean favorites. In addition, dining each night is themed, with a menu
planned around the theme. Friday night offers not only the buffet, but also a beach bash, with entertainment and a buffet style meal on the beach.
The Palm Breeze Beach Bar and Grill is open during the day, and offers sandwiches and grill fare as well as Jamaican Jerk chicken and grilled snapper.
The Lotus Leaf is the upscale restaurant and dining is styled as Asian fusion and a la carte.
There are three bars at the resort, The Bamboo Bar is poolside, the Martini Lobby Bar is slightly more formal, and the last is at the beach.
Bloody Bay Beach, Negril, Jamaica
The Sunset at the Palm Resort is across the street from the beach on Bloody Bay, just a short walk. Although it is across the street, it is actually closer to many of the rooms than the walk across the mega resorts.
The water is calm and clear, and the sand is white. The music plays all day, but in more subdued tones than many of the larger resorts. Bob Marley and other reggae is the dominant style. There is never a shortage of chaise lounges or room on the beach for the guests.
Sunset at the Palms is a favorite resort, with many guests returning year after year. For tourists wanting night life and parties, then SATP is not a good choice but if relaxation, service with a smile, and a beautiful beach are the main reasons for the vacation, then Sunset at the Palms fits the bill.