Jamaica not what I expected!

I was fortunate to be chosen to visit Jamaica on a fam or educational trip with the Jamaican Tourist board. I and 13 of my colleagues flew out from Gatwick to Kingston with British Airways. Being a 10 hour flight I was not looking forward to it but it went quite quickly and the staff and service were very good.

On arrival in Kingston we were met by Torrance from the Tourist Board. Going through customs and immigration took a little while but by the time we got through our bags were there waiting for us. We were taken to our bus for the two and a half hour transfer to Ocho Rios - this will be cut to an hour once the new expressway that is being built is completed.

Our first two nights were at Sandals Dunns River Falls. Our rooms were in the main building with views to the front. It was a good size and a lovely big balcony to sit on. When we did our inspection the rooms opposite with the sea views turned out in most of our opinions to be the nicest although there were higher categories available.

We were lucky enough to experience Dunns River Falls (where we got very wet) and Dolphin Cove where most of the girls swam with the dolphins and I got to sample some of the local rum!

There is plenty to see and do in Ocho Rios - a lot of the cruise ships come in here and there are lots of shops and restaurants to check out.

Our next three days were at the Half Moon in Montego Bay - this is a huge property on 400 acres of land. It does not make you feel like you are in a massive resort though, as the accommodations are spread out and consist of cottages, suites and villas. It has 52 swimming pools so you are never going to be crowded whilst getting your tan.

Again a lot of cruise ships come into Montego Bay and you can visit the "hip strip" at night if you are looking for evening entertainment. There are lots of championship golf courses in Jamaica - the Whyte Witch at Half Moon being one. This one though has a superb restaurant attached called the Sugar Mill which does exceptional food.

We also visited Rose Hall, one of many plantation houses found in Jamaica which has quite a story to tell.

I have to say that Jamaica was not what I had expected - it has many attractions and suits all types of holiday maker from families to honeymooners to the rich and famous. I felt extremely safe at all times even when out in the evening and would urge those who have never considered it to be an option to rethink and give it a chance - I for one can't wait to go back. As the slogan for the Tourist Board says "Once you go you know!"