Just returned from a four-night visit to Jumby. Really hard to rate this property, as they were beyond stellar in some areas, and not quite up to snuff in others. I am planning to go back, though. Read on for pros and cons.
PROS: This property is GORGEOUS! We have traveled all over the world and and Jumby more than holds its own. The decor is perfect: luxe yet understated. I'm a decorating fanatic and couldn't find a single quibble with anything in the looks department.
Staff were very sweet, friendly and fun, although they need more training (see cons, below).
Very peaceful and quiet place. Even on a busy beach day, we never heard any noise, and it was SO tranquil at night. That's a big plus for us, but those hankering for nightlife and bustle may get antsy.
Dinner at the Estate House was delicious, in a stunning setting with excellent, low-key service. The sweet and talented chef also did a bespoke private dinner for my 60th birthday, which was outstanding.
Jumby meets you at the gate when you get off your plane, then whisks you through customs and immigration, so no long (long, long) waits in line. We didn't realize this and went to another property first. Ouch! They did whisk us through on our return, though. Was fun to be chauffeured in a black limo (or SUV), and the boat ride over (5 minutes, tops) was smooth aboard a luxe catamaran straight out of a Bond movie.
CONS: This hurts to write, as I loved the property, but they're having issues with food and service. Some of this may have been the fact that it was Easter week, so there were lots of multi-generational family groups. It's hard to keep the kiddos and romantic couples happy at the same time! As the romantic couple, we got forgotten one evening at dinner, waiting so long for food that I got a migraine. I had to go back to the room and the food was cold and inedible by the time in reached us. I spoke up, to say the least, and every effort was (successfully) made to correct the problem going forward.
I also felt for this level of property that the food overall was lacking, except at the Estate House. Limited and not very good wine list, reliance on buffets, and very small portions. I'm a size 2 and not a big eater, but was hungry on more than one occasion.
Service needs work. Everyone was SO nice, but it seemed no one was in charge. Requests were forgotten, we had to chase things down, and having multiple wait staff during meals made the service worse, not better. Fewer staff who are responsible, accountable and empowered may solve that problem. I know they're working on it.
My husband, who is an activities freak, was a bit restive. There is lots to do, but because of Easter week, several things got canceled or weren't available. I was happy lolling on the beach, but those who want to be constantly on the go should make an effort to pin down activities in advance.
My husband loved the spa, but I had a bad experience. Due to migraines, I can't have strong fragrances, and unfortunately, I got hit with aromatherapy before I knew what was happening. I had to leave 20 minutes into a 60-minute massage. No charge and lots of apologies, but those types of errors should not happen. When someone says, "No fragrance," believe them!
Overall, despite wobbles, Jumby is a special property with a stunning beach. I hope the talented staff and management get food and service in hand, as at this level, there is no room for error.
