On the Road with Rosalyn: Jamaica!
One of the things we’re most proud of at Social Butterfly Express is our personal connection to travel. SBE grew from the personal passion for travel of Founder and Lead Travel Consultant Rosalyn Cooper, combined with her planning savvy, and she is constantly on the road scouting locations for her destination wedding couples, honeymoons, and even large group trips!
We’re so excited to bring you this new series, On the Road with Rosalyn! This series will chronicle Rosalyn’s personal and professional travels, giving you the scoop on the best locations, venues, and excursions!
In this edition, Rosalyn heads to Montego Bay, Jamaica for a 5-day, 4-night birthday celebration at the Iberostar Grand Rose Hall Resort! Check it out below!
Heading to Jamaica!
The 1600+ mile journey from Cleveland to Montego Bay was with United Airlines, the first time flying United for international travel. The flight was good, but Rosalyn recommends staying away from the Basic Economy seats. The flight can be 5+ hours depending on any layovers or connections, and the lack of extra legroom in their economy selection, combined with the inability to upgrade your seat in this bracket, means Basic Economy may not make for the most comfortable trip down there. That being said, Basic Economy can save you a couple of bucks while still getting you from point A to point B!
This trip took place from August 3rd to August 7th, 2019. One important anecdote is that Jamaica’s Independence Day Celebration kicks off the first weekend of August. While this can mean a lot more hustle and bustle - and more fun!- when traveling during those dates, it also means resorts fill up quickly, so it’s important to plan ahead which will help you avoid sold-out resorts or price hikes at the airport!
Arriving at the Resort!
The purpose of this trip was a birthday celebration for Rosalyn, and relaxation was top of mind! Iberostar did not disappoint, delivering a lavish and customized experience from the second we set foot on the resort. Iberostar also has an option that allows you to choose your own room, much like you choose a seat on many flights nowadays. The resort is huge, so this is a pretty cool bonus and something you don’t see often in many hotels! This exclusive service is available when booking online, or when calling your reservation into their private call center.
Check-in included introductions with our personal butler who was with us for the duration of the trip - totally amazing! The service from the staff at Iberostar was incredible. You couldn’t find a staff member that didn’t have a smile on their face, and they were happy to provide recommendations on the best local spots to grab jerk chicken - a definite must when in Jamaica!
After getting acquainted with the staff and settled in the room, Rosalyn joined Iberostar’s Event Coordinator for a private tour of the property, something she makes a point to do at every destination she visits. Because Social Butterfly Express specializes in 100% custom travel experiences, this is very important for her ability to make personalized recommendations and her ability to speak from personal experience at specific resorts and locations ensures we can provide our customers with truly memorable trips!
Resort Highlights!
Iberostar’s Grand Rose Hall is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort, making it a perfect getaway for alone time with your honey, or in Roz’s case, a totally relaxing and kid-free birthday trip! They feature top-shelf adult beverages, personal butler service, complimentary Wi-Fi, instructed fitness classes, and even a pillow menu!
Food is huge at all-inclusive resorts, and depending on the resort (and the package!), we usually hear that food is either totally amazing or just so-so. Iberostar’s Grand Rose Hall did not disappoint when it came to food!
Mornings started with breakfast on a private balcony overlooking the sand and the sea - can you say dreamy?! The resort features the Little River International Buffet, which is the resorts main buffet restaurant and also includes show-cooking stations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
There were several on-site restaurants, all included with the room, and all offering delicious eats and great service including:
- Uncle Tony’s Beach Restaurant and Grille: perfect for a quick lunch or snacks throughout the day.
- Samurai: a Japanese a la carte specialty restaurant complete with Tepanyaki tables - a great option for dinner. This is a non-smoking restaurant with a semi-formal dress code requiring long pants and collared shirts for men.
- Jambalaya: features cajun a la carte items, with the same dress code requirements as Samurai and another great dinner option!
- Uncle Tony’s Steakhouse: an a la carte specialty restaurant
Spa Sensations!
Relaxation was the name of the game for this vacation - check out the dreamy tub set up in the room! Rosalyn’s trip to the spa fit in perfectly with that M.O.
Iberostar’s website said it best when they said:
“Self-care and self-indulgence are the reasons travelers choose 5-star luxury accommodations. Travelers keep returning to the Montego Bay spa at the Iberostar Grand Rose Hall because the world-class spa services and amenities are second to none.”
Rosalyn indulged in a massage and facial that aligned perfectly with her plan for relaxation, and of course the spa in a resort like Iberostar did not disappoint!
Iberostar prides themselves on one-of-a-kind spa treatments, and services happen when they’re needed and where they’re needed.
The Iberostar Spa Motto:
This one-of-a-kind Montego Bay spa offers services that can be enjoyed alone, in pairs, or in groups. Romantic couples’ treatments are available, as well as massages and other therapies. Wedding parties, bachelorette parties, or groups of friends on holiday can enjoy group packages or seaside services. Those looking for something more secluded have access to private suites for all luxury spa treatments. Sun-worshipping guests can receive seaside treatments too.
Total mind and body relaxation and rejuvenation are an appointment away. The 5-star service expected from Iberostar Grand Rose Hall extends into the spa with our attentive practitioners and staff of stylists. No detail is overlooked—luxury service never felt so good.
Services happen when they’re needed, where they’re needed. Certain massage services and couples’ packages are available on the beach or under the stars. There are also private treatment suites available if alone time is preferred—or alone-together time for couple’s treatments.
Sounds pretty dreamy, right? They definitely live up to their promises in the spa and beyond!
Check out Iberostar Grand Rose Hall for Your Next Trip!
If you’re planning a destination wedding, honeymoon, anniversary trip or other romantic celebration, or just looking for white sand and cool blue water for relaxation like no other, the Iberostar Grand Rose Hall is for you! Savor the island vibes at this one-of-a-kind Montego Bay paradise!
No detail is left out by this five-star resort or their caring staff, and the seaside views and cool Caribbean breezes will help you relax and unwind like none other!
Social Butterfly Express would be honored to help you plan the destination wedding, honeymoon, or trip of your dreams! Consultations are complimentary and obligation-free. Click here to request a quote and get ready to hit the road with Social Butterfly Express!
Rosalyn Cooper,
Founder + Lead Travel Consultant, Social Butterfly Express
