Secrets St James & Wild Orchid Review
Here’s my Secrets St James & Wild Orchid review and why I think you should definitely consider them. If you want to celebrate something special; a honeymoon, a destination wedding, a special anniversary, to renew your vows, a romantic vacation or maybe even to celebrate some milestone like retirement or getting a clean bill of health, Secrets St. James & Wild Orchid would be the perfect place to celebrate.
Last year I was lucky enough to visit these beautiful adults-only resorts in Jamaica and published a short video of my interview with the resident manager; Deryk Meaney. Click here to watch the video.
These two resorts are side by side and share many restaurants and an entertainment venue. Even after over a year, I still remember the great rooms. I had a spectacular Preferred Club Master Suite Oceanfront. I think you’ll definitely enjoy the sun beds and a soaking tub on the terrace, upgraded minibar, upgraded bath amenities, plus an exceptional oceanfront view, a separate living area, dinner table for 4 guests, cordless telephone/fax, small refrigerator and a large balcony with a whirlpool for 2. This suite is huge and very high tech, with it’s Smart TVs. You can play your music through them and connect to the internet.
If you’re in a Preferred Club Presidential Suite Oceanfront, Preferred Club Master Suite Oceanfront, Preferred Club Junior Suite Ocean View Swim-Out or Preferred Club Junior Suite you’ll get private check-in/check-out service, private concierge, and private pool. Other amenities that I really enjoyed and think you will too is that you also have access to the Preferred Club Lounge featuring daily continental breakfast, afternoon hors d’oeuvres with exquisite desserts, fine liquors and complimentary computer/Internet access. All these perks really makes the Preferred Club a great value. At some resorts, the value doesn’t really measure up, but here it does.
That being said, you’ll still enjoy the standard Junior Suites, which offer either a garden view, an ocean view or are ocean front. They are all oversized rooms with separate sitting area, spacious bathroom with whirlpool tub (good sized) and a private, furnished balcony. They are all very well done.
The three small beaches here are beautiful and offer a lot of choice. The one directly in front of Secrets St. James is quieter. The largest one in front of Secrets Wild Orchid is more lively with the jerk carts and fruit carts there during lunch, access to several lunch restaurants and by the busier pool and walkway. Access to the beach at the tip of the property is one of the Preferred Club amenities and has upgraded lounge chairs. If you like to relax and not be bothered, you’ll love the privacy at all the beaches, which is hard to find in Jamaica. The reason they’re so private it that the property is at the end of a small peninsula and has a gated community between it and the mainland. This makes the area hard to get to and you won’t find locals on the beaches trying to sell their wares to the tourists.
There are four beautiful pools here. The two larger ones toward the center of the properties are open to everyone. The two at the ends are part of the Preferred Club amenities and have upgraded lounge chairs. You’ll really enjoy relaxing here and grabbing some Jerk Chicken from the lunch cart. If you prefer more action, you’ll gravitate to one of the more party pools at the center.
There are several spots designated with little hearts as “romantic spots” on the property map where you can enjoy a romantic sunset or steal a kiss. These are perfect spots for a romantic selfie.
These resorts are for adults only. The minimum check-in age is 21. But, unlike Sandals, they are not for couples only, so you’ll find singles, too. This gives it a much more lively atmosphere than you’ll find at most Sandals resorts. It’s a better pick for friends getting together, in my opinion. It’s really a perfect spot for a vow renewal, because you can invite family and friends whether they’re single or not.
The gourmet restaurants here are very, very good. They have so many choices and it’s all unlimited. I ate at many of them and not only was I impressed with the food, but also the ambiance, beauty and uniqueness of each restaurant.
- Barefoot Grill – Grilled Specialties
- Blue Mountain – Jamaican Caribbean Cuisine
- Bordeaux – Contemporary French Cuisine
- Coco Café – Premium Coffee & Pastries
- El Patio – Mexican Cuisine
- Himitsu – Pan-Asian Specialties
- Oceana – Seafood Specialties
- Portofino – Trattoria-Style Italian Cuisine
- Seaside Grill – Grilled Cuisine
- World Café – International Buffet
You’ll also enjoy unlimited premium drinks and even at the pool, they’re served in higher quality glasses than you’ll find at some other resorts.
- Barracuda – Beachside Bar
- Desires – Music Lounge & Sports Bar
- Manatees – Swim-Up Bar
- Marlin – Swim-Up Bar
- Piano Bar – Cuban-Themed Lounge
- Rendezvous – Lobby Bar
- Sugar Reef – Swim-Up Bar
- The Lounge – Piano Lounge
The entertainment here is phenomenal. They have an outdoor venue that’s a terraced amphitheater with casual, comfy seating that is also close to several of the fine dining restaurants. It flows naturally to go watch the show after dinner. While I was there they had a great singer and a fantastic acrobatic act.
Last thing that’s great about Secrets St. James & Wild Orchid, but not least, is the Spa by Pevonia. The spa is located on the St. James side of the resort. It’s got a complete hydrotherapy circuit, which is relaxing to do just by itself. Or, you can indulge in one of the relaxing spa treatments, such as a couples massage which you’ll experience side-by-side in a serene private escape. And, when you do one of the massages the hydrotherapy circuit is included, so why not make it a full afternoon?
I highly, highly recommend Secrets St. James & Wild Orchid to you. If you want a romantic honeymoon or vacation planned perfectly, please click here to complete my short questionnaire, hit submit and then make a phone appointment at your convenience. It’s so easy for you, because I do all the work. I can’t wait to talk to you!
