Sand Castles Resort

My girlfriend and I went for a week on a late deal. I know, its a long way to go just for a week but I don't regret it at all.
The flight was horrid. The MyTravel plane was very cramped and the staff were rude. I'm 6' 4" so I found it very uncomfortable. I wouldn't recommend long haul flights with MyTravel.
The hotel looks lovely from the outside and the grounds are beautifully kept. It is only about 50 yards from the beach which is beautiful. The sea was clear except when the cruise liners arrived which stirred things up a bit.
The first room we had was pretty awful. The cooker didn't work (which is a problem when your self catering), the hot water also didn't work and then one night after a nasty storm we discovered a damp patch forming in the ceiling, directly above the TV. However, we spoke to our rep and she arranged a room change. This next room was far better. Everything worked as it should and we were happy with it.
The staff are friendly enough and reasonably efficient. The pool was a let down (small and not always clean). There was virtually no entertainment on sight (there was a band on the Thursday and Friday but played identical sets).
We spent our days either on the beach (the water is incredibly salty by the way) or on excursions. Word of warning, there is a Chukka Tours rep permanently based in the foyer. They are very expensive but with a little DIY you can save quite a lot of money. Try to arrange it yourself and get a taxi to where you want to go (only ever use a taxi with a red license plate and a driver with a badge around his neck). We went to Dunns River Falls (exhilarating), horse riding in the sea (amazing) and swimming with dolphins (even more amazing) and saved nearly 50% on the costs of all these just by going it alone.
There are a couple of supermarkets nearby which cater to most of your needs. It’s recommended you buy food and drink in Jamaican dollars as they always seem to round up when paying by US dollars.
You will be hassled when you leave the hotel but as always, a polite 'no thanks' is usually enough.
One big word of advice though. Don't ever ask a local for directions or tell them where you are going. They will escort you and then expect payment in return. If they ask you what you are up to today don't tell them. Just say 'nothing much, just relaxing'. If they ask you where you are going just say something like 'we're just going to browse around'. Don't give them any definite information as they will seize it and try to find a way of getting money out of you.
The restaurant 'ruins by the falls' is a 5 minute walk away and is stunning. Expensive, but stunning. And 15 minutes walk to the right of the hotel you have Margurettaville which is a great bar with an interior lighted pool and beach area. The pool and beach area is only open on Wednesday when they have a pool party. If you go make sure you wear your swimming gear, its half price entry if you do.
Anyway, overall we had a wonderful time with so many great memories. You just have to have your wits about you a little bit and don't expect luxury from the hotel. Its cleaned every day and people will take care of you.
Have a great time!