Jamaican Adventure
Our five-night stay was nothing short of amazing. We experienced 5* hospitality in stunning hotels, beautiful landscapes and scenery, the most delicious jerk chicken and pork I have ever tasted, exciting activities and one of the most beautiful beaches with powder soft white sand and crystal-clear blue waters that nearly made me cry when I had to leave. Perhaps most important of all though, the warm welcome we received from the locals was genuine and heartfelt – and left me planning to return soon for sure.
Location wise, I had always assumed that each area of Jamaica would be similar – wrong again! Our lovely host Shenika from the Jamaican Tourist Board guided us through a fantastic varied itinerary – we were based in Montego Bay (hard times) and visited Ochos Rios and Negril, with various stops along the way. These three main areas are all very different, and I left with a clear idea of which type of customer would be most suited to each, as follows:
Montego Bay – only 20 minutes or so transfer from M Bay airport and a range of hotels to suit every budget. Mobay (to use the local lingo) is in on the north coast and perfect as a base if you intend to explore during your stay. We stayed at 5* adults only Secrets Montego Bay in an awesome ocean view room. Your ‘Unlimited Luxury’ all-inclusive stay includes amazing food including 24hr room service, mini bar, activities, a world class spa and nightly entertainment. We visited neighbouring Breathless resort (uber cool with a clubby vibe where we experienced the foam party), Sunscape (budget conscious families) and Zoetry (zen wellness resort for a calm retreat) – there really is somewhere to suit everyone.
Ochos Rios – around 100km east of Montego Bay, Ochos is perfect for thrill seekers! Here you will find Dunns River Falls – a must for any first-time visitor and I’m proud to say I climbed to the top! I can also highly recommend Mystic Mountain. First you board the chairlift, taking you through the rainforest on a 20-minute trip to 700 feet above sea level at the top of mountain. From the top you can either zipline down through the trees or board the bobsled, inspired by the Olympic team and twist down the mountainside! After all this excitement head to Martha Brae for a peaceful rafting experience gliding down the river followed by stopping for amazing jerk chicken with the locals at Scotchies.
Negril has beaches to die for! The most amazing powder white sand, and crystal-clear blue waters I have seen – to rival Half Moon Bay in Antigua! Negril has a chilled, laid back feel and a range of smaller hotels – perfect if you plan to kick back and do nothing at all expect gaze at the beautiful sea. We had the best evening ever at Rick’s Café, Negril – this place is world famous for its cliff jumping and amazing sunsets. Set high on the cliff we spent a very happy couple of hours watching the daredevils jump from the cliffs before dancing to the live reggae band with a cocktail whilst the sun set, just magic and the perfect way to end our trip.
Jamaica – they call you the ‘home of all right’ and with good reason! I left smiling with happy memories of your stunning scenery, blissful beaches, amazing food, lust for live and the warmest welcome ever! I shall be back for sure.