From early morning Pickleball to sunset cruises: How an all-inclusive Jamaican resort redefined wellness for me at 45

Up until recently, a holiday at an all-inclusive resort was not an idea I entertained, even if it was somewhere beautifully hot and sunny. I realise how odd that might sound, but spending more money to have everything in one place, I felt, ties you there somewhat. Meaning I would be less likely to sample traditional cuisines or venture outside of the resort as much.

When I was invited on an all-inclusive, five-day trip to Sandals South Coast resort in Jamaica, I was very excited to visit a country I had heard so much about but never had the chance to visit. But more so I was keen to see if my perception of such a holiday was wrong.

Being such an active person - physically and mentally - the trip, for me, was a revelation, offering the ideal balance of busy and calm I have spent decades trying to master at home. It stimulated my brain and body in the most wholesome ways, and then allowed both to relax in ways I had never considered, but knew I'd take home to my everyday life.

The trip offered me opportunities to see as much of the country as I wanted and safe to do so, put me face-to-face with Jamaican people, who, I have to say are among the most wonderful, kind and brilliantly funny people I have ever had the pleasure to meet, put traditional Jamaican food on my plate daily, and showed me parts of this magnificent country I could only have had by staying there.

It redefined my idea of wellness with everything it had to offer. And I am already planning my next trip back. Here's why...

About Sandals South Coast

Sandals South Coast is nestled in Whitehouse, on the south-west coast of Jamaica. The resort is situated within a 500-acre nature reserve, with a two-mile stretch of white sandy beach.

Flying direct from Heathrow airport, our flight took approximately 11 hours to reach Sangster International Airport, where a booked car took approximately 75 minutes to reach the resort.

When I arrived it was dark, so it was the following morning I got to see where I was staying in all it's glory. And it's breathtaking. Everywhere you turn there is lush green grass, the most beautiful vibrant flowers, miles of white sandy beaches, pools everywhere you look and the smell of the most delicious fresh food being cooked. The environment is calm and joyful, and it's hard to feel anything else while you're there.

Rooms at Sandals South Coast

I stayed in a Longbeach Beachfront Swim-up Club Level Suite, which had all the mod-cons you would expect - king-size bed, air con, mini fridge, iron and ironing board, safe, SMART TV etc. But by far the biggest selling point of this room is being able to open your patio doors, not only see the sea and have a huge bath tub that you can relax in under the stars, but having private access to a pool via stairs that lead straight off your patio.

Waking up and opening the curtains to the sound and sight of the ocean, and a recliner, pool, tub and table and seating area waiting for me really set the tone of the day. It gave me the ability to enjoy facilities and relax in my own private space, which, particularly when the beach and main pool was busy, was something I really appreciated.

The suite I stayed in was one of many room options available at Sandals South Coast. And the pinnacle has got to be the Blue Mahoe Overwater Butler Villas. I was fortunate enough to have a peek inside one and it is everything you would expect and more.

The interior is beautiful - the height of luxury with a huge soft-linen covered bed, stunning bathroom with his and hers sinks and a walk-in rain shower - but really what you're here for is the view. Crystal blue sea as far as the eye can see. And you want for nothing, as each villa comes with its very own butler to tend to your every need.

Weddings here are a very popular option for couples wishing to tie the knot in beautiful surroundings. Sandals South Coast has a Serenity Over-the-Water wedding chapel, where I saw one couple get married. I remember thinking the day they must have had there, in such a beautiful setting with such gorgeous weather, would have made joy-filled memories to last a lifetime.

Pickleball at Sandals South Coast

Sandals South Coast in Jamaica is a premier destination for pickleball, featuring 12 dedicated, lit courts - the largest complex in the Sandals portfolio. Sandals is an official partner of USA Pickleball, offering complimentary, certified coaching, daily open play, and clinics for all skill levels.

Playing pickleball at Sandals was my first experience of the sport - that was 11 months ago and I still play at least twice a month back home. A brilliant sport for the more mature among us, I was hooked on this easier, less intense form of tennis immediately.

I had a lesson on my first day with coach Michael Reynolds, a pickleball player for 10 years and coach for five, and I went back every morning of my stay at 7am for an hour's session with him. He did drills tirelessly with me, played games, helped me improve and we had such a laugh along the way. Meeting him was a highlight of my trip, not only did he introduce me to a sport I had no experience of in a fun and non-intimidating way, he was truly wonderful company.

If you stay at Sandals South Coast, pickleball is a must, no matter what your ability. But I will say if you do take part, try to get to the courts early in peak season. By 9am the sun was blistering, and so I was glad to have done my session in the slightly cooler early morning slot.

Other Activities & Facilities at Sandals South Coast

It would take me all day to highlight all the ways this resort could cater to your needs, so instead I will highlight the ones I valued the most.

First up, watersports. The resort has watersports available every day, including windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, scuba-diving (for certified divers at an additional cost) and more. Every day, I would have an early game of Pickleball, before the sun got too intense and hot, went for breakfast after and then made my way to the beach, where I would spend at least a couple of hours out on a paddleboard. It fulfilled everything my mind and body needed, and is, by far, the thing I missed the most when coming home.

Alongside watersports there is also a sports pavillion where you can enjoy a game of tennis or pickleball. And a fitness centre and aerobics studio with a timetable of classes you can attend. I went to a couple of aqua aeobics classes - the instructor was very funny, which made it even more fun, and was a great way to meet new people.

Next up, the spa. Nestled inside the stunning grounds is the most tranquil spa, which has a steam room and sauna and an outside plunge pool and normal pool to enjoy. During my visit, every day there was a short, but intense downpour around 3pm, during which I would go to the spa and relax in outside but undercover spa pool. The whole resort has a sense of tranquility about it, here it is on a whole other level.

If you want a more traditional pool that you can lay by with a book, there are no less than four freshwater pools and four whirlpools to choose from across the resort. No matter where I was, I was never more than a few minutes away from a beautiful pool, many of which came complete with a pool bar. Which I, for one, was a big fan of - not only did I try some excellent cock and mocktails, I also met and had some lovely conversations with other holiday makers.

Taking things up a notch, in the evenings the resort comes to life a little more with the entertainment on offer. There is a show or performance on every night of the week should you wish to partake after you have dined in one of the many excellent restaurants.

Excursions at Sandals South Coast

If you're looking to get outside of the resort, various organised excursions are available (at an additional cost). If there is something you'd like to see, or somewhere you would like to go that you can't see as an option, I would always recommend speaking to reception staff to find the easiest and safest way.

Excursions I considered during my stay were trips to YS Falls, touring the Appleton Rum Estate, a trip to Floyd’s Pelican Bar - a bar a mile off shore only accessible by boat. Completely destroyed during Hurricane Melissa in October last year, the bar has been rebuilt and once again open for visitors. I also really liked the look of Black River safari tours, a boat trip down Jamaica’s longest river to see crocodiles and mangroves.

I enjoyed the Reggae Sunset Catamaran Cruise, which costs approx $125 per adult. The three-hour evening excursion set off just before sunset, sailing along Jamaica's south coast, we visited a quiet beach area to enjoy a swim in the ocean, before cruising to Scott's cove where I took delight in spotting a crocodile quietly idling in the water.

During the cruise I was also lucky enough to see dolphins, flying fish zooming across the water surface, and one of the most incredible sunsets lighting up the sky a deep orange. It was truly breathtaking - worth every penny.

The cruise includes unlimited drinks, limited appetisers and upbeat music, which made it a fantastic, fun atmosphere. And a great place to meet and talk to people. It was very lively and loud, particularly downstairs, which is worth noting if you're actually wanting a quiet, peaceful experience. Going up on deck, however, there is room to find a quieter space and take in the spectacular views.

Food & Dining at Sandals South Coast

It's hard to know where to start with food at Sandals South Coast as you really are spoilt for choice. There are no less than seven restaurants you can dine in, one French pâtisserie and three food trucks that serve from around lunchtime to early evening.

Every morning I would go to the Bayside restaurant after pickleball for the buffet breakfast. I have never seen so many options, so much so I often found it very difficult to choose. Pancakes and omelettes made to order, traditional Jamaican food always on offer, as well as cooked English-style breakfast and everything you would need to fulfil a continental breakfast brief too. The fruit on offer here was also varied and exotic, which I enjoyed immensely as I got a taste of a few I had never tried, eg dragonfruit, and now buy all the time.

I tried to experience as many of the others as possible, dining at Sushi on the Sand, Jasmine's (Pan-Asian), Guiseppe's (Italian), Eleanor's (Pan-Carribean), the Jerk Shack (food truck serving authentic Jamaica specialities) and Taquiero (a taco food truck - and a favourite at lunchtime by the pool or on the beach). I could write a whole post on each one, but needless to say, none of them disappointed.

The only slight downside is getting a table at some of them. I was only just able to get a table at Sushi on the Sand on my final night as it was so busy. I was told it gets booked quickly and quite far in advance, so would definitely suggest getting any reservations in early. I would have liked to have gone to this restaurant more than once, but there were plenty of other incredible options to choose from.

I do also have to mention Café De Paris, which is, as the name suggests, a little French-inspired cafe, with daily pastries, cakes, ice cream and the smoothest coffee I have ever tasted. Open all day (6am - 11pm), I went in here daily for snacks and coffee - I particularly loved grabbing a coffee and pastry very early morning to enjoy on the beach as the sun came up.

Everything to know before you book

• Where: Sandals South Coast, Jamaica
• Best for: Couples, solo and mature travellers
• Cost: 7-night all-inclusive holidays start from around £1,399–£1,659 per person (rates are typically lower when booking for June through November)
• Don’t miss: Pickleball, spa, sunset cruise
• When to go: November - April
• Travel tips: Approx 75 mins from Sangster International Airport
• Optional: pack clothing and footwear suitable for pickleball