What a Travel Advisor Looks for in a New Resort (Before I Ever Recommend It to You)
And Why Princess Senses The Mangrove in Jamaica Passed With Flying Colors
Booking a vacation isn’t just about choosing a destination—it’s about choosing an experience. And in today’s world of luxury travel, expectations are higher than ever. That’s exactly why I vet every resort I recommend with the same thoroughness I would use if I were booking it for myself.
Recently, I’ve had my eye on one of the newest and most buzzworthy luxury adults-only resorts in the Caribbean: Princess Senses The Mangrove in Jamaica. From overwater bungalows to a rooftop bar with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea, this resort is already making waves—and here’s why it passed my travel advisor test.
My Travel Advisor Checklist: What I Look For in a New Resort
Before I ever suggest a resort to my clients, I go beyond the brochure. I look for five essential elements:
- Authentic Adults-Only Vibes
- High-Quality Dining and Beverage Options
- Luxury-Level Accommodations and Club Upgrades
- Unique Features That Set the Property Apart
- Strong Service and Guests Feedback
With those criteria in mind, let’s talk about why Princess Senses The Mangrove made the cut.
1. True Adults-Only Luxury in Jamaica
There’s a big difference between “adults-oriented” and truly adults-only. Princess Senses The Mangrove is a strictly 18+ resort, making it a top choice for couples, honeymooners, and grown-up friend groups looking for peace, privacy, and elevated experiences.
The vibe is sophisticated but relaxed—think modern tropical design, open-air architecture, and thoughtfully landscaped walkways that make you feel like you’re part of the natural surroundings (yes, including the mangroves that inspired the name).
2. Elevated Dining and the Rooftop Bar You Didn’t Know You Needed
Food and beverage quality is one of the first things I examine in any all-inclusive resort—and here, Princess Senses delivers.
With 14 restaurants and 10 bars planned once the resort is fully completed, there’s no shortage of variety. But one standout feature already turning heads? The rooftop bar perched at the highest point of the resort. With panoramic views of Jamaica’s north coast, it’s the kind of place where you linger a little longer—cocktail in hand, sunset glowing in the background.
Expect a mix of international cuisine, fresh seafood, and Jamaican specialties, all crafted with a focus on quality ingredients and plated presentation that feels more like fine dining than buffet grazing.
3. Overwater Bungalows & The Platinum Club: Where the Luxury Lives
Let’s talk accommodations—because this is where Princess Senses The Mangrove shines.
The overwater bungalows are among the very few available in Jamaica, and they are absolutely next-level. Suspended above turquoise waters, each bungalow offers a private deck, direct water access, and ocean views that you have to see to believe. It’s pure honeymoon magic—or the ultimate “we deserve this” escape.
Want exclusive perks without going full overwater? Enter the Platinum Club. This elite-level room category includes:
- Private check-in/check-out
- Access to exclusive lounges and pools
- Upgraded mini-bars and in-room extras
- Premium location rooms and priority reservations
As a travel advisor, I love recommending Platinum Club upgrades because they provide a 5-star feel without the 5-star price tag of full villa or bungalow experiences.
4. Unique Eco-Luxury Setting
One of the most talked-about features of the resort is its commitment to sustainability. Built around a protected mangrove ecosystem, the resort has taken great care to integrate eco-conscious design without sacrificing comfort.
From the lush natural walkways to the use of sustainable materials, the resort blends Caribbean beauty with modern responsibility. For travelers who value experiences that are both indulgent and intentional, this is a huge win.
5. What Guests (and Travel Pros) Are Saying Now
Now that Princess Senses The Mangrove has had time to settle into its stride, the feedback has been loud and clear: this resort is delivering exactly what today’s luxury adult traveler wants.
Guests consistently rave about:
- The serene, adults-only atmosphere that truly allows for rest and reconnection
- The attention to detail in service, especially in the Platinum Club and overwater bungalow categories
- The beautiful, natural setting that makes the property feel like a peaceful retreat rather than a mega-resort
- The rooftop bar, a standout feature that’s become a favorite for sunset cocktails and pre-dinner vibes
Travel professionals, including myself, love how the property balances modern luxury with eco-conscious values—and how it consistently meets the high expectations of clients who are looking for something “beyond the basics.”
This is no longer a “wait and see” resort. It’s a confidently recommended destination for couples, honeymooners, anniversary trips, and anyone who wants to experience what elevated all-inclusive travel can truly be. “While visiting the resort this June, I was truly impressed by the attention to detail at the resort. This is something that I look for when visiting a resort before recommending it to my clients. I am looking for how clients at the resorts are being treated, if the resort is kept up to a high standard, amenities at the resort, and if the staff is friendly. This resort checked off all my boxes – I was extremely pleased.” – Tina Moczynski, Travel Specialist at Shores And More Travel.
Final Thoughts: Is Princess Senses The Mangrove Right for You?
If you're looking for a sophisticated adults-only experience in Jamaica with a blend of nature, luxury, and curated relaxation, Princess Senses The Mangrove is absolutely worth considering. Whether it’s a milestone celebration, a romantic retreat, or simply time to hit pause on everyday life, this resort offers all the elements of a grown-up getaway that delivers.
Let’s Make Your Dream Trip a Reality
As a travel advisor, I don’t just help you book—I help you design an unforgettable experience that matches your lifestyle and goals. Let’s chat about whether Princess Senses The Mangrove is the right fit for your next escape.
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