Excellent experience
We used the airport transportation service and had a very pleasant experience with Jamaican taxi. They got in contact with me the day before the trip and provided very detailed and useful information on how to meet and confirmed the car seat request we had. The ride to the hotel was very pleasant, the driver was driving very careful and safe, even if it took just a bit longer due to the busy traffic, the ride was just perfect as we get easily motion sick if roads are too curvy.
On the way back to the airport we had to contact them to arrange the morning pick up a day in advance. The driver was waiting for us ahead of time and we had no worries at all being late for the flights. We talked a lot about Jamaican music and sport with both drivers, it was a really great experience. And not on last place the cars were very clean and comfortable, looked like new. Strongly recommend using this company, very glad we found them! If we go back to Jamaica we would definitely use their services again, we used the private transportation and the prices they offered were unbeatable. The communication through WhatsApp was very convenient as well.
Another Memorable Vacation To Royalton Hideaway
A Return to Paradise: Why Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters Remains My Favourite Jamaican Resort
I first visited this resort back in 2011, when it was known as Royalton White Sands. After my stay, I wrote a detailed review that, to my surprise, became the most-read review of the resort on TripAdvisor at the time. Unfortunately, when the resort underwent rebranding and changed its name, the review was taken down.
Well, I’m back—and I’m thrilled to report that not much has changed… except that things have only gotten better!
About Me
Before diving into my experience, let me give you some context. I’m an avid traveller, and I’ve been to Jamaica over 20 times, staying at various resorts across the island. Despite all my travels, Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters remains my all-time favourite. The staff are always warm, friendly, and eager to help. The atmosphere, service, and evolving amenities make it stand out.
Resort Growth & Amenities
Since my last visit, the resort has expanded. It now includes two sister resorts connected side by side: Hideaway and Royalton Blue Waters. This means shared amenities, a broader range of facilities, and more dining and entertainment options for guests.
Yes, like any growing resort, there are a few minor hiccups, but the overall experience far outweighs them. And I’ll share both the highlights and a few helpful tips.
Dining & Service
One of the things I noticed and appreciated was the flexibility in service. Unlike other resorts that rigidly follow schedules, Hideaway adjusts operations based on real-time guest feedback. For instance, one morning you might find four omelette stations, and another morning, just two, depending on demand. This is thanks to the responsiveness of the team and the daily customer surveys they actually respond to.
Special shout-out to Mario, the restaurant manager, who’s always around, taking feedback and implementing changes on the fly. That kind of leadership makes a big difference.
The buffet, now serving both resorts, is consistently good. The food is always hot, unlike many other resorts where it arrives cold. The Calypso Restaurant (formerly the old White Sands buffet) serves breakfast and dinner, and is perfect for late risers like me. No line-ups, no rush, just great food.
As for à la carte dining, I highly recommend:
ZEN (Asian cuisine) – Very popular, so if the app gives you trouble booking, just ask the concierge and they’ll take care of it.
Hunter Steakhouse – Try the steak, ribs, and chicken combo. It was so good I couldn’t even finish it. That warm, soft bread they serve before the meal didn’t help my self-control either!
Fitness & Wellness
My wife and I always make sure the resorts we visit have a decent gym, and I was really impressed by the new gym at Blue Waters. It has treadmills, a squat rack, and plenty of free weights, everything you need to burn off those buffet calories. There’s also the original gym behind the swim-up bar, smaller but still functional.
Entertainment & People
The entertainment team deserves all the praise! I had a blast taking part in Jamaican trivia, and Team James (me!) crushed it thanks to my frequent visits to the island.
Zaria and her team made our vacation memorable. Marvel at the swim-up bar, and Martha from housekeeping thank you all for your smiles and hard work every day.
Things to Improve
Every paradise has its quirks:
Key System: The resort uses a high-tech wristband key system. It’s sleek, but not intuitive at first. It took me four days to figure out I had to pull and turn the knob after the green light. A quick orientation at check-in would help newcomers.
Elevator Dependence: My only long-term recommendation is to keep buildings at 3 floors max. Jamaica sometimes faces elevator maintenance delays, and expanding vertically could create more issues. This is very common at most resorts in Jamaica. So you need patience, as there is only one elevator working
Family Fun
Whether you're travelling as a couple or bringing the kids, this resort has you covered. The water park is the largest I’ve seen among resorts in Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, or Mexico. Kids will love it, and parents can relax knowing there’s plenty to keep them entertained.
Final Thoughts
Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters continues to be my go-to Jamaican escape. Despite the name change and new layout, the heart and soul of the resort remain the same, if not better. The staff go above and beyond, the food is delicious, and the resort continues to evolve while keeping guests' needs front and center.
Can’t wait to return next year!