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And so we return to Jamaica for another season of fun in the sun. This time with a different focus! We are here to attend a family wedding in Ocho Rios and return to the amazing seven mile beach at Negril, followed by a pilgrimage back to Montego Bay.
For my Baltic Cruise Blog click here.
And so we return to Jamaica for another season of fun in the sun. This time with a different focus! We are here to attend a family wedding in Ocho Rios and return to the amazing seven mile beach at Negril, followed by a pilgrimage back to Montego Bay.
I fell in love with Jamaica many years ago and can always count on change and surprises every time I return. In many ways, it is not the same Jamaica from the past. Life has changed for the people and in many ways for the better.
The wedding, which was held at the Riu resort in Ocho Rios was magnificent! The bride and the setting were equally matched in their beauty for certain. The ceremony was perfect as was the dinner and the beach party that ended in the wee hours of the day. Wedding photographs immortalized the day and all of it's resplendent charm.
Ocho Rios
The town of Ocho Rios is wrapped around a small bay which began as a fishing village and was ear marked for tourism in the early 1980's. Today, the streets are lined with duty-free shopping plazas and fast food restaurants. Cruise ships dock near the famous Turtle Beach at least four days a week, but cruisers do not tend to venture to the beach or town.
Turtle Beach
Turtle Beach
The main attraction at Ochee (as the locals call it) is Dunn's River Falls, which is located in a National Park. The 600 foot terraced cascades are one of the most photographed and visited waterfalls in the world. Thrill seekers enjoy a challenging climb over slippery rocks and rushing water, up a series of "staircase" waterfalls. If you hire a guide, they show you the safest way to climb. Hands are held in a long chain to keep everyone steady. Bring water shoes or rent them on-site to assist you with your climb. Lockers are available for a fee. The park is filled with tropical plants. There are many look-outs along side of the falls, where you may stop for a view should you choose not to make the climb.
Jamaica is a country infused with pride. Local music legend, Bob Marley is a cherished "native son". As Jamaica and Bob Marley are synonymous, no visit would be complete without some sort of "Bob" experience. This time, we choose a visit to the Bob Marley Museum and Mausoleum at Nine Mile, in the Parish of St. Ann, which is a perfect day trip from Ocho Rios. The journey through the countryside winds into lush tropical jungle, hilly terrain and quaint, unspoiled villages making this an experience to remember. At the museum, you will be guided by Rastafarian's who are sure to charm you with their devotion to Bob Marley and knowledge of the region. If you are lucky they will serenade you with Bob's most popular tunes. On the way back to Ochee, there is a most welcomed stop at Scotchie's Jerk Restaurant.
More pride can be felt when we hear about the accomplishments of the Jamaican Olympic athletes who were phenomenal in Beijing in 2008, when this small island placed 14th in the world. Jamaican sprinter, Usain "Lightening" Bolt is truly a national hero. Also, not forgotten is the Bobsled team, from the Calgary Winter Olympics in 1988. The team's adventures are immortalized in the movie Cool Runnings. You can now relive the experience at Mystic Mountain, near Ocho Rios, where you can ride more than 1000 meters of bobsled roller coaster track. Be prepared for the ride of your life!
Besides the wedding, a highlight of our stay in Ocho Rios, was meeting Peter and Lisa from Bosham, England. It was a true pleasure spending time philosophizing and sharing life's experiences with two such kindred spirits. We will plan to meet again some day for certain!
Montego Bay
If you are not up for the "ride of your life", you can still experience the spirit of the bobsled by dining at the Bobsled Cafe in Montego Bay. They have two locations, one on Gloucester Avenue (Hip Strip) and a second outdoor location at the airport. A replica of the sled can be viewed at the Hip Strip location (which is directly across the street from the world famous Doctor's Cave Beach). Drop in for one of the daily specials or try the Jamaican jerk chicken pizza. They will even deliver a pizza to Doctor's Cave Beach if that is your fancy. Personally, I prefer the authentic Jerk cooking at the Pork Pit which is a little further up the "strip". To satisfy your sense of adventure try ackee and salt fish with callaloo, festival and boiled bananas at the restaurant under the Reggae Bar, just across the street from the Casa Blanca Hotel. For 440 J or $4 we had the most amazing food ever with an added bonus of a "tour" in behind the restaurant to show us the ackee and apple trees.
Montego Bay is the second largest city in Jamaica and it is the gateway to tourist activity on the north coast. The beach regions in both directions are rapidly expanding with all inclusive resorts in both the east and west. The city sits in a large bay, with mountains rising in the background. It is a hub for shopping and dining.
There are several beaches in Montego Bay, including Carlyle Beach and Fletcher Beach but the best known is Doctor's Cave. This world famous beach has undergone a face lift in recent years, with new washroom and shower facilities and several terraced restaurants offering a range of food options. Blue, yellow and red beach umbrellas are available for rent and create an attractive scene, but I opted for a coconut palm to curl up under. What a fine way to enjoy the warm ocean breeze and the crystal clear turquoise hue of the Caribbean Sea in all it's glorious splendor. As my eyes rest on this idyllic backdrop, it is easy to feel serene. An occasional Red Stripe beer for refreshment combined with a relaxing swim in the warm and welcoming sea completes the experience.
When the busy nature of the "hip strip" becomes over stimulating, it is wonderful to retreat to our hotel at the Toby Resort for some peace and tranquility. I love this hotel for it's gardens which are really an oasis from the hustle and bustle of Montego Bay. It has great proximity to the "action" and to the newly re-opened Cornwall Beach and world famous Doctor's Cave Beach. There are two pools at the hotel - one of them with a waterfall. Also, there is wireless internet and I could pick up a signal from my room. The on-site restaurant Toby's Good Eats – serves Jamaican and European cuisine. For a budget hotel, the rooms are well appointed. Less than a mile from the airport, there is no worry about missing your airplane when you stay at the Toby. This hotel has served me well in previous sojourns to Montego Bay.
Negril
Dunn's River Falls
Jamaica is a country infused with pride. Local music legend, Bob Marley is a cherished "native son". As Jamaica and Bob Marley are synonymous, no visit would be complete without some sort of "Bob" experience. This time, we choose a visit to the Bob Marley Museum and Mausoleum at Nine Mile, in the Parish of St. Ann, which is a perfect day trip from Ocho Rios. The journey through the countryside winds into lush tropical jungle, hilly terrain and quaint, unspoiled villages making this an experience to remember. At the museum, you will be guided by Rastafarian's who are sure to charm you with their devotion to Bob Marley and knowledge of the region. If you are lucky they will serenade you with Bob's most popular tunes. On the way back to Ochee, there is a most welcomed stop at Scotchie's Jerk Restaurant.
Bob Marley's Childhood Home
Bob's Home
Near Nine Mile
Bus at Nine Mile
Bob's Museum
Rasta Humor
Shack Near Nine Mile
At Scotchies
More pride can be felt when we hear about the accomplishments of the Jamaican Olympic athletes who were phenomenal in Beijing in 2008, when this small island placed 14th in the world. Jamaican sprinter, Usain "Lightening" Bolt is truly a national hero. Also, not forgotten is the Bobsled team, from the Calgary Winter Olympics in 1988. The team's adventures are immortalized in the movie Cool Runnings. You can now relive the experience at Mystic Mountain, near Ocho Rios, where you can ride more than 1000 meters of bobsled roller coaster track. Be prepared for the ride of your life!
Besides the wedding, a highlight of our stay in Ocho Rios, was meeting Peter and Lisa from Bosham, England. It was a true pleasure spending time philosophizing and sharing life's experiences with two such kindred spirits. We will plan to meet again some day for certain!
Montego Bay
If you are not up for the "ride of your life", you can still experience the spirit of the bobsled by dining at the Bobsled Cafe in Montego Bay. They have two locations, one on Gloucester Avenue (Hip Strip) and a second outdoor location at the airport. A replica of the sled can be viewed at the Hip Strip location (which is directly across the street from the world famous Doctor's Cave Beach). Drop in for one of the daily specials or try the Jamaican jerk chicken pizza. They will even deliver a pizza to Doctor's Cave Beach if that is your fancy. Personally, I prefer the authentic Jerk cooking at the Pork Pit which is a little further up the "strip". To satisfy your sense of adventure try ackee and salt fish with callaloo, festival and boiled bananas at the restaurant under the Reggae Bar, just across the street from the Casa Blanca Hotel. For 440 J or $4 we had the most amazing food ever with an added bonus of a "tour" in behind the restaurant to show us the ackee and apple trees.
Tourist Police - Friendly and Helpful!
Montego Bay is the second largest city in Jamaica and it is the gateway to tourist activity on the north coast. The beach regions in both directions are rapidly expanding with all inclusive resorts in both the east and west. The city sits in a large bay, with mountains rising in the background. It is a hub for shopping and dining.
There are several beaches in Montego Bay, including Carlyle Beach and Fletcher Beach but the best known is Doctor's Cave. This world famous beach has undergone a face lift in recent years, with new washroom and shower facilities and several terraced restaurants offering a range of food options. Blue, yellow and red beach umbrellas are available for rent and create an attractive scene, but I opted for a coconut palm to curl up under. What a fine way to enjoy the warm ocean breeze and the crystal clear turquoise hue of the Caribbean Sea in all it's glorious splendor. As my eyes rest on this idyllic backdrop, it is easy to feel serene. An occasional Red Stripe beer for refreshment combined with a relaxing swim in the warm and welcoming sea completes the experience.
When the busy nature of the "hip strip" becomes over stimulating, it is wonderful to retreat to our hotel at the Toby Resort for some peace and tranquility. I love this hotel for it's gardens which are really an oasis from the hustle and bustle of Montego Bay. It has great proximity to the "action" and to the newly re-opened Cornwall Beach and world famous Doctor's Cave Beach. There are two pools at the hotel - one of them with a waterfall. Also, there is wireless internet and I could pick up a signal from my room. The on-site restaurant Toby's Good Eats – serves Jamaican and European cuisine. For a budget hotel, the rooms are well appointed. Less than a mile from the airport, there is no worry about missing your airplane when you stay at the Toby. This hotel has served me well in previous sojourns to Montego Bay.
Gardens and Pool at Toby's Resort
Amazing Ackee Lunch!
Cornwall Beach
Doctor's Cave Beach - Recently Renovated
Going to work in MoBay
View from the Montego Bay Club Condos
Negril
My hands down favorite location on the island has always been Negril and it did not fail to disappoint me this time. The 1960s and 1970s saw the sleepy little town invaded by hippies from North America. Today, people are being drawn in even greater numbers to its famed seven-mile-long sandy beach and its spectacular sunsets.
Negril, 81 kilometers west of Montego bay, is really the essence of a fun-in-the sun vacation. I fell in love with Negril's casual nature and it's dazzling seven mile beach back in the 1980's, while gazing at the calm waters and it's hues of blue and turquoise. The "end of the day show", consistently features magnificent peach coloured sunsets which are guaranteed not to disappoint. In the evening, take in a live reggae concert on the beach featuring superstars including Yellowman and Julian Marley (Bob's son).
Negril is divided into two distinct areas with different personalities. The seven mile beach, with all of it's charm and beauty is worth the visit alone. Do not miss the West End area with it's rugged cliffs, spectacular views, the best sunsets in the world and the finest dinning Negril has to offer. There are many restaurant options, but my two favourites are Ixtabi and Rockhouse, which offer good service, great food and a perfect atmosphere for a romantic dinner. Go early to enjoy the facilities, see the caves and cliff dive if you dare!
It was amazing to return to Negril and to the White Sands Hotel. Seeing all of the staff and returning patrons made me feel like I was returning home. Thanks to the manager Francis and to all of the staff for welcoming us back.
Ah yes, Jamaica, I will return!
Negril Beach
Beach Scene
Negril
Fruit Lady
It was amazing to return to Negril and to the White Sands Hotel. Seeing all of the staff and returning patrons made me feel like I was returning home. Thanks to the manager Francis and to all of the staff for welcoming us back.
Ah yes, Jamaica, I will return!
White Sands Entrance
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