One Week in Jamaica

Just a couple weeks ago, I returned from an amazing trip to Jamaica!

I had the opportunity to visit and tour numerous resorts in Negril, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios. This is a destination which truly offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a luxury property, or have to stay budget conscious, Jamaica has something for you!

I started my trip in Negril, which is located on the western side of the island and is known for the world renowned 7 mile beach and spectacular sunsets. I had the opportunity to stay at the beautiful and newly renovated RIU Palace Tropical Bay. This resort offers everything from spacious guest rooms with premium liquor dispensers, beautifully manicured grounds, a variety of dining options, nightly entertainment, gambling, as well as free wireless access. It is a great property for families as well as your honeymooners! It sits on the magnificent Bloody Bay and my absolute favorite part about staying at this resort was that I was able to leave my sliding glass door open at night and listen to the waves roll in as I fell asleep.

While in Negril, I took a Sunset cruise aboard the ‘Wild Thing’ over to Rick’s Café where you can enjoy a meal or drink and watch the Cliff divers, or if you are a true adventure seeker, you can participate as well! It is truly something to behold!

Next, I headed to Montego Bay and stayed at the Iberostar Rose Hall. This phenomenal resort has 3 different and distinct hotels within its single complex. The first is the Grand – which really says it all. It a true ‘luxury resort’ and caters to adults only. The Grand just recently opened in January 2009 and truly offers the best of everything. They haven’t left any details out. From the moment you enter the lobby, you will be in awe of the breathtaking décor and ambiance. The next hotel in the complex is the Iberostar Rose Hall Suites, which is right next door to the Grand and also boasts luxurious and contemporary décor but here, children are welcome. The final hotel in the complex is the Iberostar Beach. This is also a family friendly resort where you can relax on the beach while the kids play at Club Lucy, or enjoy your time together at one of its many pools.

While in Montego Bay, I wanted to experience true, authentic Jamaican cuisine and was told to have lunch at Scotchies. It’s not at all the type of establishment that requires reservations and some would even say that its ambiance is rather “rustic”, but this thatched, outdoor restaurant does a fantastic job with traditional “Jamaican Jerk” cuisine. As you wait to be served at your table while seated on old kegs, the food is served, wrapped in aluminum foil right off the grill and was the most delectably delicious meal I have had in years! I sampled everything from Jerk chicken, to pork and fish to Chicken and pork sausage as well as sweet potatoes and yams… You definitely won’t go hungry here and who says eating with your fingers is inappropriate?!

That evening I headed down to Montego Bay’s “Hip Strip” which is famous for its great restaurants and abundance of nightclubs and shopping. I would highly recommend stopping by Jimmy Buffet’s ‘Margaritaville’. They have a wide variety of neon colored cocktails in almost every flavor imaginable!

Finally, I took a trip into Ocho Rios and had the opportunity to experience something that I never thought would be possible… Rainforest Bobsledding on Mystic Mountain! This is one of the newest attractions in Jamaica. You can choose from the Rainforest Zip Line canopy tour or the Rainforest Bobsled. You start your excursion being hoisted up the mountain side in a chairlift. The ride in and of itself is absolutely breathtaking. Once you disembark, you then begin the trip of your choice.

This was my first time in Jamaica and in all of the places that I have been able to travel to, this destination tops the list. From the amazing beaches and the beautiful resorts, to the lovely people and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, Jamaica is an island that leaves nothing to be desired. It really has something for everyone, and I can’t wait to go back!