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Swept Away 05/01/02
Reviewers Rating:  Excellent
This past March I visited the beautiful Swept Away for the second time. I can not say enough good things about this all-inclusive resort. The grounds are absolutely lovely and lush. We had a beachfront room and what a treat to walk off our private verandah and then just a few feet to the beach and that gorgeous water. The room was very comfortable and really looked like the pictures on their web site. The rooms stay very cool and have a very natural feel with lovely wooden louvre blinds that you can open for fresh air or close for privacy. I truly recommend the beachfront rooms if you can manage the extra cost. I would rate the food as good to very good. If you like fish, those dishes are quite good as are any of the traditional jerk dishes. I live in NYC and have been to many top rated 5 star restaurants and while the food is certainly not of that quality . .it is definitely good enough. They also go out of their way to make the service (on non-buffet nites) very special. I would not recommend the steaks. I found them overcooked and tough, but Jamaica is hardly known for its quality beef. The veggie bar had some nice selections for lunch or late afternoon snack. When I was there they had grilled tilapia on most days there and it was outstanding!!! The quality of the drinks was also quite good although some of the frozen drinks are automatically made weak, but you can request them stronger and you can request more top shelf liquors if you like. They had a free catamaran party boat excursion to the Pickled Parrot on Wednesday and Friday nights. Do not miss this. They also had a free trip via mini bus to Rick's cafe. I think it was Saturday and one other night. Rick's is worth seeing for the cliff divers and jumpers. I would not recommend jumping here or at the Pickled Parrot. I saw people get hurt . . one woman knocked the wind out of herself and needed people to help her swim to shore and I saw two woman land just a little off and were black and purple all up the backs of their legs by the time they made it out of the water. Also I recommend the complimentary snorkeling trips. You might not hear a lot about Jamaica and snorkeling, but it is really quite good. We saw lots of nice fish and even some sea turtles. If Orlando is the guide, tell him I said hi. They also have a free glass bottom boat ride that you can take every morning. Bring bread with you from breakfast to attract the Sergeant Major fish. One of the best parts of the glass bottom boat ride was getting to see the other resorts. If you like a more private and less commercial resort with a very lush tropical feel you will be very happy you chose Swept Away. We saw the naked people at Hedonism and that resort has nothing over Swept Away nor does Sandals. Those resorts are commercial and crowded looking . . .Swept Away is not. I consider myself very picky and Swept Away definitely makes the cut Swept Away is adults only. It used to be couples only, but now singles can go as can adult friends. Definitely nice not to have kids running around. And for those with coach potato boyfriends or husbands . . . you will be thrilled that there are no televisions in the room. Who wants a blaring television when trying to soak up paradise. This "amenity" alone would keep me coming back to Swept Away. We are going back again for the long 4th of July weekend we love it so much. And once the rates are out for 2003, I will be booking a 9 night trip in February . . beachfront of course. Two warnings . . .sometimes check in can be delayed. And do not leave anything overnight on your verandah especially if on the ground floor. We had some caps and flip flops and other strange things snatched one night. Also if you are a big party animal Swept Away probably will not have enough action for you, but if you want peace and quiet and an all adult crowd and paradise . . .this is definitely THE place. And if you can handle a very very small plane, the 15 minute flight from Negril to Montego Bay sure beats that 2.5 hour twisty turny bumpy mini bus ride. If you are a repeat guest, Swept Away will comp you the short free flight either to or from Negril. I would definitely recommend taking that free flight on the way home as they are usually not ready to let you check in early especially during the busy season. Email me at chadda11@aol.com if any other specific questions.
Donna Watts
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