Forgot to mention other things about our stay at Runaway Bay.
Beach
The Beach is crystal clear water, even standing in 5 feet of water I could see the design on my toe nail polish. NOW THATS CRYSTAL CLEAR if you ask me. Very soft sand and warm water, very soothing and comforting to major back surgery. Almost spa like! Sand is soft and the staff always raked every morning and collected water line trash. Plenty of beach chairs to choose from whether you wanted to be in the sun or the cool shades of a coconut tree. Really nice beach!

Water Activities
Many FREE water activities for the young and old. Snorkeling, hobe cat sails, windsurfing, scuba diving or views on the Glass bottom boats. The staff was always willing to help with kudos out to Marvin Allen (watersports staff) who made us laugh and keeping us happy always!

Spa
Although I only went there to have a pedicure, the staff of women were charming and cordial. I did not have a massage as I am healing from major back surgery. Every one I talked to whom had used the facility had ranted and raved it was the Best Massage they ever had!

BONUS - CLIVE - Arts & Crafts director
Ladies, you must visit Clive at the beach pool bar on Tues. or Fri. and have your large toe nail hand painted with a beautiful Tropical scenery. This is generally a freebie - - - but DONATIONS are glady accepted. You must ask him about how he landed at Breezes Runaway as it is quite an interesting story. He is a gifted handicap man with a warm heart of gold. LADIES - - PLEASE see him on those days - - you will not be disappointed! PROMISE! I miss him dearly!

Flight
We had a direct flight from Newark, NJ - going was not problem. Coming home was almost an hour delay due to the tropical weather problems in the Northeast coastline.

Duty Free Airport shops
We found most of the liquor shops did sell booze way below town or resort shop prices. However tee shirts were almost twice as much as the resort. Our resort had tee shirts for 10 - 15 US dollars for adults, airport shops were selling them for 20 - 30 US dollars (twice as much). Although we did not go into town for shopping (our fault) you probably can really get great bargains.

We are already looking to book our next vacation at Runaway Bay and will be returning within the next year.

REMEMBER PEOPLE, YOU GET OUT OF A VACATION WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT. If you are looking to relax and have fun you will. If you looking to nitpick everything you will! SIT BACK, RELAX and HAVE FUN! Ya, mon! NO PROBLEM!

I just returned from a week at this resort and I have to say, I had a fantastic time. I'd read the reviews before I left, and they are pretty much bang on-this is a fun resort. This is not a 5 star resort, so if you are looking for very high end rooms and elegant 5 star dining, this is not the resort for you. If you are looking for a really fun resort with friendly staff and tons of included activities, this is the place to go.

Rooms: Our room was very clean and pretty basic by Canadian standards. I had no issues with this as I had no plans to spend a week in our room. This room was nicer than other resorts I'd stayed and had been recently renovated. We were upgraded to a plunge pool due to low occupancy and it was a nice touch. I would stay in this room again and pay the difference.

Food:Typical and unremarkable buffet, but again, off season and low occupancy so it was expected. We made some suggestions for lighter lunch menu additions and they were well received. The Reggae Cafe is another lunch choice and the jerk chicken and patties were amazing. The serving staff and chefs are friendly and the service would be 5 star in any restaurant in Canada-this staff has had extensive customer service training. There were 3 other restaurants and we had no problems getting reservations, but they were opened on alternate days due to occupancy. I liked the Starlight Cafe the best (mongolian stir fry)

Booze: I'd read a few reviews about watered down drinks and don't see it. Lots of top shelf booze and who can argue with Red Stripe?Order what you want. They have everything. We waited seconds for drinks at the bar and loved the bartenders. Arlene at the Pelican Bar is hilarious..go and visit her.

Activities:There were a few things cancelled, but there were activities scheduled every half hour all day and occupancy was low, so this was no surprise.There were things going on pretty much all day and night. We met quite a few divers (diving is included at this resort- a huge plus and money saver) The aquatics were fun and the instructor is great. Check out his classes and burn off that jerk chicken! If you are looking for lots of activities, you will find them at this resort.

Beach:this beach is beautiful-clean, well kept white sand. There is a coral reef right at the edge of the resort so you can snorkel in front of the hotel and see a ton of fish. There is an area on the edge of the beach where the guests have been feeding fish with little pieces of bread so there are tons of fish if you want to see them. We were not hassled by anyone at all. Occasionally people walked through the water and offered to sell various things, but I wasn't bothered and I'd expected to be. On the resort, it's not an issue. I was surprised because I'd expected to be bothered but security is pretty tight.

Overall, this is a really fun and friendly resort with a great mix of couples, singles and older teenagers having a great time. I met many people who'd stayed at this resort 10+ times and that says a lot. The staff is top notch and go out of their way to make sure you have a great time. Natascha at guest services went the extra mile to make sure we were happy and had fun. If you are considering this hotel and want to go to Jamaica and have a great time in the sun on a beautiful beach, book it. No problem, mon!

Recently stayed at Breezes Runaway Bay with another couple. I cannot say enough about the staff here. They go over the top to make you feel like you are the only one's in the resort. We didi not have the best weather due to Hurricane Ike but the staff certainly did their best to make us forget about that. I had seen other reviews regarding the food and we had no complaints. I beleive the choices were limited due ti the lack of occupancy of the resort but we ate well and all was good. We can hardly wait to return and I will be watching for airfare specials.

The place had everything you could ask for in a resort! The place was beautiful and there was plenty to do there. We got an Ocean front room and the view was amazing! We had an awesome time and would love to go back. The food and the restaurants there was AMAZING!! Especially the Sushi bar, which had the best and funniest chef in all of Jamaica, Bubba!!! We loved him and the food and hope to see him again someday.

Finally, Breezes is a wonderful value. It has everything that sandals has but at a better price. If you have a choice, definitely go Breezes!!!!