Rating:
Price:

SuperClubs, which competes successfully with Sandals in Jamaica, spent $125 million transforming a tired old relic, the Ambassador Beach Hotel, into this all-inclusive resort. The nearby Sandals is more imposing, elegant, stylish, and upscale, with better amenities and views. Rowdier and more raucous, and located on a prime 450m (1,500-ft.) beachfront along Cable Beach, Breezes attracts a more middle-of-the-road crowd; it's unpretentious and more affordable (though it ain't exactly cheap, and we think it's rather overpriced for what it is). This U-shaped beachfront resort has two wings of rooms plus a main clubhouse facing a large pool area. Except between March and May, when no one under 21 is admitted, both couples and single travelers over 16 are accepted here (unlike at Sandals, which accepts only heterosexual couples in love). Everything is included -- the room, meals, snacks, unlimited wine (not the finest) with lunch and dinner, even premium brand liquor at the bars, plus activities and airport transfers.

The refurbished hotel rooms contain pastel-painted wooden furniture with Formica tops, and an air-conditioning system that actually works. Rooms, however, are not as luxurious as those at Sandals. Bathrooms are medium-size but well equipped, are tiled and have a shower and bathtub.

Diners can sample unremarkable international fare at the food court, although the Italian restaurant serves a better dinner. A beachside grill and snacks are available throughout the day. Entertainment includes a high-energy disco, a piano bar, and a nightclub. Karaoke is inevitable, but the professional "Junkanoo" live shows, which are presented every Saturday night, are better, and local bands often perform. The social centerpiece is a sometimes-overcrowded terrace with a swimming pool. The resort offers a first for The Bahamas -- ice-skating in a 149-sq.-m (1,600-sq.-ft.) outdoor rink open 24 hours. Skating equipment is complimentary.

© 2005, Wiley Publishing, Inc.