While discussing travel with another couple, my wife and I heard about a holy grail all inclusive resort in Jamaica called the Franklyn D Resort and Spa. Ir is located on Runaway Bay within easy driving distance to shopping in Ocho Rios. Like many all inclusive it has pools, toys, beaches, and restaurants that as guests you are able to frequent. Unlike some other all inclusive resorts, it has some very attractive amenities that as a father and a person with a mobility issue I plan to take advantage of.
Let me start by saying that this is not a giant faceless monolithic resort like a Club Med or Sandals resort. This is a smaller boutique resort, that specializes in families who may or may not have mobility issues or other special needs. I am not saying that this is a "special" resort, it just acknowledges that there are families who may have issues that they will need help with on vacation.
As a person who may need this type of assistance I appreciate it.
The Franklyn D has just 80 guest rooms that I have been assured are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Most have a full or partial ocean view and are right on the beach. They have many accessible walking paths and one lovely dock/pier that goes over the water. Believe me this pier is what hooked my attention initially.
What reeled me in (to continue the fishing metaphore) was that included in the price or the room you not only got to eat, drink (including alcohol), and play with their beach toys, but the price include a vacation nanny from 9:30-4:45. I love my son but past vacations have shown that he quickly tires of his parents if we are all he is hanging around with for several days. These wonderful nannies show up to your room and are as hands on with your children as you want them to be. Want to have a kid free lunch while your little one rides the water slide? Done. Kid wants to go to the beach and play with his new friends while you ger a message or read your book? Done! We have looked at other all inclusives and have not found a program similiar to this one (but believe me we are still looking).
True, I have not been to this resort (YET!!), but with all the research my wife and I have done (so far). AND the quick replys to my Facebook posted questions my wife and I are seriously considering on visiting them in 2014 (if not sooner).
