Sunset Cove & Gully Beach

Exploring the Shores and Beaches

We didn't leave the Resort except for one day trip to Negril so we had plenty of opportunity to walk around the property. We didn't see it all. There are a lot of distractions. ⛵🎶🍹🍹🍗🥗🍹🍹🍍 We had to leave some things to look forward to next trip. We only had 2 days that the water was calm and the waves and surf that pummeled the coast made for fabulous "Kodak" moments and refreshing sprays. I think the constant hard surf contributed to the conditions on the manmade beaches and shorelines. I didn't spend much time on the loose beach sand or in the wavy water. I was off balance and somewhat wobbly the entire week. My ear didn't clear up from the flight and it had affected my mobility. And yes, I did consider the rum may have contributed some lol Maybe next time our beach experience here will be different.

Sunset Cove

We wanted to go somewhere for breakfast other than one of the buffets. The Poseidon Seafood Restaurant was open. On route we got some photos of Coral Beach, but hadn't planned on stopping there long. We were planning on spending the morning at the Sports beach and getting Jerk for lunch, or alternately something from the Restaurant again. As I mentioned before, breakfast was a bust. Shame. We left to look around and get a spot on the beach to settle for 3 or 4 hours with some drinks. I took my shoes off and was immediately set upon by sand fleas. I got several bites by the time I'd put my shoes back on. While in Jamaica my feet and ankles swelled up like tubes of ground meat. Heat, salt, sea level, walking; my diabetes, whatever the cause, it was a Bummer. With skin so thin, the fleas had a field day.

We decided to leave and just take the rest of the day and laze around the bungalow on the balcony. Me with my legs elevated. We were pretty sun soaked from the day before so it wasn't a difficult decision. We had the adult pool bar handy and took the shuttle to the buffet for lunch and walked back to our suite, grabbing a couple more drinks on route. We repeated this at supper time.

We didn't wind up going back to either the beach area or the Poseidon Restaurant so I have no idea what their seafood was like and Mike didn't get to eat at the original Jerk Hut. I think my biggest disappointment was that I didn't get to gorge on fresh shellfish as I had anticipated. I did get lobster a couple of nights at other restaurants so it eased a craving, but just.

Overall we didn't have a great experience at Poseidon Beach. It felt "snobby" and the people were distant. A good portion of the beach was cordoned off for exclusive use of the Resort's Travel Club members. First thing when arriving at the beach we were approached with an aggressive pitch for the Club. We'd already gone through this several times in the main lobbies and managed to put them off. I'm not big on exclusivity! We'll give the beaches and restaurants on Sunset Cove another go our next trip.

Jamaican Bougenvilla

Really beautiful and very dainty and plentiful on the property.

Jamaican Bougenvilla

Guango Tree (huge!!!!)

Jamaican Bougenvilla

Really beautiful and very dainty and plentiful on the property.

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Coral Beach

We didn't spend any time on Coral Beach or the Coral Pool, so no photos from there. It can be accessed from the Coral Adult Pool & Bar via a walkway at the back of the pool. The pool, bar and beach are designated as adult only. We were regular visitors to the bar & towel exchange, but didn't use the pool or visit the beach. When we first started looking at this resort years ago, Coral Beach was a nude beach during the day until shortly before sunset when it changed to clothing required so it could be open to all guests to view the sunsets. I don't know when it changed, but it is now clothing optional (tops only). As the small cove and beach is directly accessible to anyone snorkelling and is visible to anyone out in boats or other watercraft in Sunset Cove and is visible from family friendly suites, it isn't as private as made out to be.

A Hidden Gem

The Perfect Spot

The Resort was only 64% occupied when we were there. It made for some choice spots to pick for a couple of hours of privacy and discretely partaking in some Island herb. This area is on a stretch of beach near where Las Brisas Beach ends going towards the Jamaican side. It had a convenient breeze off the Caribbean. The staff worked hard this week to keep the constant deposits of seaweed cleaned up. All but our first 2 days were very windy and resulted with rough water and heavy surf. Like everywhere, there was great access to a bar and washroom. 😜 This resort is set up for all the necessary comforts. This spot (and our private cabanas) were my favourite places to clear the cobwebs. The entrance to it isn't immediately obvious which is exactly what we were looking for. The entrance area to our little piece of paradise resembles a sand patio surrounded by deck rails overlooking the Sea. Next to it is one of the areas the Resort has romantic moonlight dinners. In the early evening they moved the lounges, raked the sand and put up tables for 2. The tables were set up very nicely and tiki torches completed the ambiance. We walked past there one evening and it looked pretty sweet. It was way too pricey for our wallets at US$250 per couple. You have no option on what you are served and the meal is seafood heavy. Mike would not have eaten that night and I only eat certain seafood like baked, grilled or broiled fish, lobster, crab and shrimp. Mike only eats seafood if it's battered and deep fried.