Located just 33 miles from the tourism capital of Montego Bay, Whitehouse is the hub of Bluefields Bay, an area of Breathtaking scenery and coastal splendor that could be more different in spirit form the hubbub of Montego Bay. Discovered by former Christopher Columbus shipmate Juan de la Costa, Bluefields Bay was established in 1519 as the first Spanish settlement in Jamaica and later became the first major port for European ships stopping for supplies.

Although cruise ships have yet to disturb the drowsy reveries of crocodiles, the waterfronts of Whitehouse bustle with international activity of a different sort. The town is Jamaica's largest fishing village, and the packaging of conch and lobster for export is the major source of employment for the locals. It's also a vacationing fisherman's paradise, where the catch of the day could be conch, lobster, kingfish, snapper, barracuda or tunny.

Dazzling sunsets and bird watching are also part of this region's claim to greatness. Migratory birds such as the great white crane and the green heron make annual pilgrimages o the Whitehouse area. The nearby Font Hill bird sanctuary is a must stop for those who yearn to see our feathered friends in all their glory.

The area even boasts a homegrown celebrity, Peter Tosh, who was only second to Bob Marley in popularizing reggae internationally. A monument in his honor is located in nearby Belmont.

View rooms and suites at Sandals Montego Bay

The best way to enjoy the area's natural serenity is à deux at the couples-only Sandals Whitehouse resort. Opening in February 2005, the resort lies amid 50 acres of woods and tropical landscaping in Parker’s Bay, Westmoreland. It features a beautiful, private quarter mile stretch of beach, the longest on the south coast, and comprises three distinctly themed European villages-French, Italian and Dutch-each with its own distinctive décor.

In all, the new property offers 360 luxurious oceanfront rooms with balconies, including 54 beachfront one-bedroom suites featuring suite concierge service. Every room marries the style of the Old World-amenities such as king-size mahogany four-poster beds; furniture crafted by local artisans, and a separate dressing and vanity area-to the conveniences of the modern world-a 25” television an Internet access.

View restaurants at Sandals Whitehouse

For drinks and dining, guests can choose from among six full-service bars, two of them swim-up pool bars, and seven outstanding gourmet restaurants, including Italian, Caribbean, Asian, Tex-Mex/Beachside Grill, an international buffet and a European patisserie.

Active recreation opportunities abound: freshwater swimming pools, including a 12,000-square-foot main pool, Jamaica’s largest-a dive training pool and three whirlpools; a jogging trail and a nature trail; four tennis courts (lit for nighttime play), two squash courts, a basketball court and a volley ball net, shuffleboard diagram and a miniature golf course. Watersports enthusiasts will want to participate in scuba divining, snorkeling and windsurfing, all with complimentary equipment. Kayaks, Hobbie Cats, paddleboats and aquatrikes are also available for guests’ use.

View more amenities at Sandals Whitehouse

For those who choose fitness as a vacation lifestyle, a sate-of-the-art, air-conditioned fitness centre offers Life-Fitness equipment, free weights, elliptical cross-trainers, treadmills, stationary bikes and stair steppers, along with Aquafit and aerobics classes. Horseback riding and fishing are options too, for a nominal charge.

At night Sandals Whitehouse comes alive with a variety of entertainment choices: a two-story indoor theatre, a nightclub, a piano bar, billiards room and the Xboxtm Game Oasis, featuring today’s hottest video games courtesy of an exclusive partnership with Microsoft’s Xboxtm.

In addition, the property boasts over 11000 square feet of extensive meeting facilities, including a three-level amphitheatre.

View list of local tours available at Sandals Whitehouse

For the last word in pampering, guests will want to take advantage of the full-service European spa with six single rooms, four couples’ rooms, a hydro therapy room, a fitness centre, a beauty salon, a sauna and steam rooms, hot and cold plunge pools and a court yard for relaxation. It is available to guests at an additional charge.

Even with such an exciting array of activities to choose from, couples my find that their favorite pastime at Sandals Whitehouse is that ultimate of luxuries: time spent together in an idyllic setting. Whether it’s spent relaxing poolside or beachside, diving for treasure or drowsing on the divan, an all-inclusive vacation at Sandals Whitehouse is sure to ignite ad invigorate the senses.

View list of local tours available at Sandals Whitehouse