Sandy Haven Resort

Originally built in 2004, the property was reborn in March 2012 as Sandy Haven Resort. On an area of the strip lined with mostly value and mid-range properties, Sandy Haven sticks out like a sophisticated thumb (for starters, it's one of the only hotels in the area with a sign that doesn't look decades old). The resort's rustic-chic lobby is an open-air A-frame design with thin but sweeping curtains framing the entrance. Small palm trees in large pots and sturdy, contemporary wooden chairs and couches with large cushions sit around coffee tables adorned with old issues of travel and beauty magazines. Reception is a simple, solitary wooden table with two cushioned club chairs in front. This is also where the two-computer business center and small shop are located. Sandy Haven's grounds are carefully landscaped to feel both open and lush, and paved walkways guide guests either to their rooms or out toward the beach. A cream, white, dark brown, and green color palette can be found throughout the hotel in the plants, sand, paint, furniture, and other bits of decor. The result is relaxed, balancing, and effortlessly classy without being pretentious -- although some wear and tear can be seen on flimsy pieces of furniture (particularly in the rooms). At the end of the day, this is one of the few upscale boutique alternatives to the sometimes impersonal, all-inclusive mega-resorts. 

One of Sandy Haven's biggest assets is its location. Unlike people at other upscale properties in the area -- mostly the large all-inclusives farther up the street -- Sandy Haven's guests are within walking distance to local restaurants, bars, and entertainment. This gives guests the ability to stay in a chic, contemporary hotel while still maintaining the freedom to explore some of the local life and culture. The hotel is about a five-minute drive (or 30 minutes walk) to the town center's roundabout and just 10 to 15 minutes to the center of the West End. Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport is about an hour-and-a-half by car. 

Sandy Haven's 35 rooms are spacious with partially separated bedrooms, vanity areas, and bathrooms. Don't be surprised if some of the furniture seems a bit scuffed or worn. Interestingly, room size is barely a factor in room category upgrades. Those who bump up to Deluxe Oceanfront Rooms trade walk-in closets for standalone wardrobes and gorgeous soaking tubs. All rooms have air-conditioning, wine fridges posing as mini-fridges, good Wi-Fi signal, flat-screen TVs with cable, private patios with table and chairs, coffeemakers with Blue Mountain coffee, and near-blackout curtains. Dressing areas with dual-vanity sinks, full-length mirrors, and walk-in closets (or tubs) are buffers between the bedroom and bathrooms. Amenities (are supposed to) include umbrellas, name-brand toiletries inclusive of exfoliating soap and conditioner, digital safes, and hairdryers, though certain items may be missing occasionally. Bathroom sections have toilets and walk-in showers with huge rainfall shower heads. Ground-floor Deluxe Ocean Front rooms have patios, though they lack privacy and the ocean views are interrupted by both the outdoor dining patio and the small sea of beach loungers. If possible, grab one on the second floor for a wraparound terrace and better views. 

Sandy Haven packs quite a few amenities on its small property, with the beach being the number one draw. The resort has a nice patch of sand that allows for multiple rows of loungers, a few beat up and moldy cabanas, and even a hammock stretched between trees -- with plenty of public beach space to spare. The resort has also cleverly placed a row of large potted plants to act as a (successful) barrier between their private beach space and the public beach, making Sandy Haven a welcomed respite from all the wandering and aggressive peddlers. At Sandz Bar and The Almond Tree Beach Grille, guests can load up on frozen daiquiris, grab a snack, and watch the sunset. For dinner, guests can head to Bongos Restaurant for premium spirits, a wine list, and, if they're lucky, some great piano-based entertainment. The resort's pool is on the small side and loungers are limited, but there is a small hot tub (guests have to turn the heat on), though this can get awkward if someone is receiving a massage in the spa palapa just off to the side. There are also an adequate gym, small business center, and little gift shop off the lobby. Guests receive a welcome drink on arrival and there's a free continental breakfast served at The Almond Tree Grille. Parking and Wi-Fi are also free.