This was our 4th time at Jewel. Please read my previous reviews. Again, we used Reggae Island Tours/Tomeik Christie. Great friend, great guy, great driver. There's no one else we'll use!!! Find him on FB!!! As a repeat guest, we felt a change on this trip, mainly due to the GM, Miss Barbara Burton being absent....she was on "vacation". During the week, we.... as well as other repeat guests, heard rumblings of a possible takeover. While I don't know if that's true, we did see some new ( temporary??? ) management, and the feel during this trip was different. This trip was also different due to the water ( NOT Jewel's fault ). The waves were way too choppy that we couldn't do any of the water sports. Normally, water sports are a highlight for us. That said, we still managed to have a great time. We met 2 other couples there, couples we met on previous Jewel trips. And we made the most of the week. How cool is it that we met couples here.....and planned this trip to vacation together again!!! Bellhop/Concierge....Donovan was great!! He checked in with us all week to ensure our vacation was going well or to enquire about anything we may have needed. Check-in was smooth. We were greeted warmly and welcomed home. All the ladies at the front desk were hospitable during the week. Our room was oceanfront and could not have been better! The room was cleaned daily by a stand-out Jewel employee.....Cathy Lee. She was such a sweetheart.....personable, and engaging, and added a few touches that made the room feel special. She was so good, that I made it a point to give her a shout-out at the front desk! TJ, the fridge attendant, also catered to a request which was appreciated. He made it a point to check in to see how our vacation was going. We enjoyed chatting with him. Great guy!! The food as usual was great. Honestly....if you can't find something good here, that's on you. True, we didn't enjoy everything.....but we never went hungry either. Chef Fredrick.....you know we love you from way back!! Keep up the good work! Fitzroy who is in charge of service is also a standout!! He remembered us from past trips ( as did many of the staff ), checked in, and took the time to chat. Moonstone and Platnium were yummy and at Jade, we were entertained by Geetha! While I'm allergic to eggs, hubby had his daily omelet made by none other than Merric, who remembered to make them extra spicy!! I can't remember her name but a hostess at the Coral Cafe needs to be mentioned. As always on vacation, I lost my voice. She went out of her way to get me tea, honey, and lime juice. My voice came back the next morning. We found all the staff at the buffet to be very pleasant. The grounds are, as always, stunning. One of the reasons we keep coming back. It's def. NOT a concrete jungle here. Donovan and his team are wonderful at what they do. We did a nature walk with Donovan again, which we enjoyed so much. His knowledge and passion are evident and we are always grateful for the time with him. Thanks for the coconut, Donovan!! The entertainment team was fantastic. Damario, Jhavol, Rasheeda, Britnee, and the head of entertainment, Milton.... all did a great job, esp. considering water sports weren't an option. They kept guests happy!! Hey Britnee.....next time, we're doing Karaoke. I promise I won't chicken out!! I hate to exercise.....esp. on vacation but Oran and his water aerobics is actually fun!! The nightly entertainment was great. As usual, The Silver Birds Steel Drum Band was the highlight of my week. This trip, Jewel had a new singer, who to me, was THE BEST EVER!!! Tenshon Tenshon! I enjoyed his singing so much...he should become a regular to Jewel! I also need to say......The music I love was played on this trip. Thanks for the dancehall, guys! I can't forget to mention the silent headphone party....what a great time. The Jewel cats looked healthy, and well-fed and were the friendliest we've seen them. It's noticed and appreciated by us repeat guests!! Nickera at the Irei Cafe was a joy every morning. She remembered our coffee orders. One morning, hubby slept in and she inquired where he was. She makes great coffee and is another standout. Whitney deserves her own paragraph. Everyone mentions her and how great she is! Whitney......even though you photo-bombed us, we still love you, girl. After all, you are Sam's Jamaican girlfriend. Wink wink! Security....as usual...top notch! Always friendly and looking out!! One issue....and I did bring it to the front desk......The smoking area beside the grill!!! IT NEEDS TO BE MARKED!! A few times, we went for a smoke. Guests would be sitting there eating, then get nasty because we were smoking. IT'S A SMOKING AREA!!!! Not an eating area! I'd point that out and they'd argue. I try to be a considerate smoker and smoke in the designated areas and I should not be attacked for smoking there. Signs would help!! Now for the best part....for us anyway. THE BAR STAFF!!!! We hang out either at the Sunken Treasure bar or the Sunset bar. These bartenders are not just staff to us, they are family! Ryan, Marlon, Ojaci, Alvin, Andre, Teka, Sheffan, Shaunesse, and my girl.......Sherene!!! Sherene not only makes a killer Bob Marley shot, but she is also one of the sweetest people there! Last but not least......Donovan the head bartender!! He made our trip!! So attentive, so sweet, and so good at his job. Honestly, words fail to convey how much he means to us! Jewel IS HOME to us. It's our escape. Our happy place. Would we go back? ONLY if Barbara Burton remains GM!!!! Thank you Jewel for another fantastic week!!! …
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.