MANAGER of town centre travel agents St Andrews Travel, Janet Whittingham, has just spent a fun-packed week of sunshine and pampering on the island of Jamaica as a guest of Sandals, the ultra all-inclusive Caribbean hotel group.

Ocean sea view took my breath away

I WAS concerned that the resorts would be filled with doting honeymoon couples. However, while there were honeymooners and couples who had taken advantage of the "Free Weddings" on offer with St Andrews Travel, there were also couples of all ages, and many who had been dozens of times before.

Everything is included, no hidden extras, all the drinks, meals, water sports and even the scuba diving is included, and all of the resorts have a common theme of quality, choice, consistency and individuality.

The flight with Air Jamaica, which took nine hours from Heathrow, was different to say the least -- mid-air fashion shows, Jamaican cuisine and in-flight stretch aerobics. Direct flights also operate from Manchester with other airlines.

Our first hotel was the Sandals Negril. My room was a grande luxe loft suite with 24-hour concierge service. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven -- the ocean sea view took my breath away.

Two nights were spent in Negril, also looking at the Beaches Negril and Beaches Inn. I was impressed to see that the Beaches' properties are superb for families, singles, friends -- in fact, just about everyone.

Negril Beach is probably the best on the island -- seven miles of white, sweeping sand with clean, tranquil waters, with shady tree areas surrounding the coastline.

Our next port of call was Montego Bay, which hosts three Sandals resorts. We stayed at the five star Royal Caribbean, an elegant hotel combining colonial-style elegance with traditional Jamaican charm. Rooms vary.

After two days at Montego Bay, we travelled two hours east to Ocho Rios and the Dunns River Hotel -- a livelier hotel with a buzzing atmosphere for couples of all ages.

We witnessed several weddings during our stay. All were very personal and intimate, a wonderful, hassle-free way to tie the knot, with beautiful locations to choose from, either on the beach, in the lush gardens, or next to the waterfalls.

Whether as a couple, family or alone, Sandals and Beaches must be sampled at least once and it's guaranteed you will be coming back for more. For more details on Sandals, phone 01204 397367.