Hi Gemma
We have been to Royal Decameron Runaway Bay for three years running now as we love it so much, we chill out so much. We are 46 and 60 with older children and have been with them and also on our own.
I can help with some of your questions. We always go in July so cant help with the question regarding weather sorry.
As far as currency goes, we found it best to take US dollars and try and get some small bills - $1 for tipping. In resort we usually tip at the end of the holiday, but when you go out it is expected, and they will ask! The shop on the complex is quite good for gifts and food/drink ( not that you should ever be hungry!) and it is best to have Jamaican dollars in there as they will convert into US but usually give the change in Jam$. I would think GBP50 worth of Jamaican Dollars would be ok. They prefer USDollars most places you go and all the excursions are priced in USDollars.
As far as your partners birthday, well if you let them know at reception when you arrive they will advise and i have no doubt sort something out. There is a Thai fusion restaurant on site, which opens on alternate nights, that is VERY nice, quiet and romantic if you get a table overlooking the sea. You have to book with reception on the morning, but they will get a nice table for you if you tell them it is a special occasion. There is also a beauty salon on site and the ladies do massages which are done in the gazebos overlooking the sea on the beach, all enclosed for privacy and you both have it done at the same time. i gave it to my other half as a birthday surprise and although nervous at the thought, really enjoyed it.
Runaway Bay is a quiet and reasonably isolated resort in itself. Ocho Rios is about half an hours drive away which is much busier and good for shopping. A taxi driver in resort called Precious always takes us down there and is much better than relying on the resort bus or going on a tour. He can take you anywhere and is very knowledgeble. He can be booked at reception just agree a price before you go.
We did Dunns River the first year we went , we were 44 and 57 and although glad we did it i have to say it was a bit of an effort. We went on the Martha Brae river rafting this year, a slow ride on a bamboo raft being punted by a local, good, relaxing, but expensive for what it was. I took the kids to Dolphin Cove ( near Ocho Rios), we did the Dolphin touch experience, good day out but again expensive for what it was, but we enjoyed it. Most of the excursions are very "active" and we havent done many for this reason. There is the Bob Marley tour which we have been told is good, and another to see the sunset in Negril, which we were told was a long way to go and not that good. But there are various boat trips which are more sedate. All the details are available in resort and i am sure that they will do their best for more specialist requests.
The transfer from the airport is about one and half hours on good roads. Make sure you have money ready as they do expect a tip, sometimes for loading your bags on the coach at the airport as well as at resort. Going rate is USDollar 1 or JAM$100 per case.
Warning for going home, Montego Bay check in is VERY strict on weight. No case can be over its limit even if another is under, they will make you undo your cases and readjust your weight there and then at checkin. If you think you are going to be close to the limit it may be a good idea to invest in some of those hanging scale things.
You will love this place, the staff are so friendly, my user name here is the nickname i was given by one of the beach attendants called Marlon and his mate Christopher, so if you should meet them say Julee Mango and Dave said Hi!
I hope you enjoy this holiday as much as we have and if there is anything else i can help you with then please dont hesitate to contact me. I am very envious that you are going so soon!
Best Wishes Julie
