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FDR Pebbles 08/12/02
Reviewers Rating:  Great
We just returned from 5 nights at FDR Pebbles with our 2 boys, ages 10 and 12. This was our sixth trip to Jamaica and we are very experienced in all-inclusive resorts. This was the first time we have taken our children to Jamaica and it was a relatively easy experience. I'll cut straight to the resort. First off the suites are clean, simple, and small. Each suite is divided into two rooms by a wall that goes part way to the ceiling and a folding door. Obviously, this provides limited privacy and quiet within the suite. We were very glad that we paid the extra $50 for an adjoining suite. It would have been a terrible decision to attempt to put all four of us in one suite. The bus ride from Montego Bay to FDR is 30 minutes and checkin was relatively smooth. The resort has 96 suites and shouldn't have long lines at checkin. Our boys spent all of their time with the pre-teen activity directors and we rarely saw them. They went out of their way to show how independent they could be and really seemed to enjoy the freedom. They ate with their friends and leaders and saw no point in hanging out with Mom and Dad. They have a schedule of activities each day for each age group. However,the first couple of days, our boys were the whole group, so they made up the schedule. They really liked that. Pebbles provides the standard activities for all-inclusives, snorkeling, kayaks, wind surfing, video games, large game room, fitness center. The beach was OK, but shade was really at a premium. I only found 4-6 chairs that were fully shaded by palm trees. We got those first thing in the morning. The beach is far too narrow for any type of man made shade coverings. the palm trees are right against the buildings which are right against the beach which is only about 15 feet deep. It was actually better for snorkeling than the beach at Braco. However, typical of all of the north shore, the wind is strong in the afternoon. The food was OK. We expected standard buffet fare and that is what we got. Breakfast was the best, omellettes, fresh fruit, and pastries. Plus the usual buffet breakfast. The adults-only, Italian restaurant was nothing special. However, not having kids around at meal time was great. I believe Pebbles was specifically designed by FDR to accomodate older kids after they outgrew the original FDR resort. However, that was not consistent with the guests. When we arrived the resort was half full. Most families had small children. Over the weekend the resort filled up, with over half of the guests being Jamaican families on a weekend getaway. This was the first time we had run into Jamaicans staying at the resort along with the usual Americans and Europeans. It certainly changes the personality of the resort, not to mention making it really tough to win the Jamaican trivia contests. We we astonished a the number of families that did not take advantage of the vacation nannies provided by the resort. Each family is assigned a nanny who will take care of the children all day. Our boys were too old, but we saw many families who chose to keep their small children all day instead of making use of the nannies which are included in the price. There is one big pool at the resort with a swim up bar and grill. The kids loved the swim up bar, and all seemed to enjoy ordering the "drink of the day", just like the grown-ups. The tie-dying was great. Make sure you take a white T-shirt for the kids to dye. It was the best tie-dying I have seen. We ate lunch at the pool bar and grill every day. I actually enjoyed that food more than the lunch buffets. The only trip we took away from Pebbles was the historical trip to Falmouth and the crocodile farm which is also included in the price. It was a nice diversion and taught the kids a little more about Jamaica. We spent almost all of our time on the beach reading and relaxing. However, we were the only ones who were regularly doing so. Most families were with their children at the pool or beach. For souvenirs there is a wonderfull craft mall about 200 yards down the beach east of Pebbles. It has 80 shops with local vendors all hawking their wares. It is indimidating for some who don't like to haggle or be strongly encourage to shop at a specific shop. However, it is a great chance to mingle with the locals and lots of girls went their to get their hair braided. Immediately east of the craft mall is the Trewlany Starfish resort which recently joined the SuperClubs chain has a family all-inclusive resort. I tried to take a quick look around Starfish but the guard would not let me very far past the gate. My initial observation was that it was much busier and louder than Pebbles. The noise level of the resort is pretty high because of the small children, making it a little tough to find peace and quiet. The staff was easily the equal of any Grand Lido. We commented more than once that the staff was just as good as the more expensive resorts. Mosquitos were a problem. I would definitely use more bug spray if I had it to do over. I'm sure it was the best vacation my kids will ever take. As far as the myself, I'm looking forward to a nice quiet beach with no children and lots being waited on.
Brent
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