Jamaica Travel News

Photo of the Day (POTD) Feature

Today we're launching a new feature on JamaicaTripper: Photo of the Day (POTD). Each day, we'll be showcasing a photo from somewhere in Jamaica, one that just might remind you of a previous visit...or motivate you to plan the next one!

Today's photo is taken a The Ruins restaurant in Ocho Rios. Visitors enjoy al fresco dining right at the foot of these spectacular waterfalls:

Labels: Ocho Rios, Photo of the Day

posted by Paris & John @ 2:14 PM

Jake's Planning Hook N' Line Fishing Tournament and Fish Fry

From October 13-15, Jake's in Treasure Beach will be co-sponsor of the annual Treasure Beach Hook N' Line Fishing Tournament, Fish Fry and Fun Day on the Calabash Bay fishing beach in St. Elizabeth.

Now in its 11th year, the Hook N' Line Tournament sees local fishermen vying for prizes by catching the largest fish using only the traditional fishing method of a simple hook and line. A three-day competition, the fisherman with the weightiest fish at the end of the weekend wins the tournament. Other events include a boat race, local talent show, fish fry and community beach party.

Guests are welcome to go fishing with local fisherman to test skills in catching the biggest King Fish, Barracuda, or Jack Fish.

Giving Back to the Community: Proceeds from this event (through the tournament's entrance fees and purchases of souvenir t-shirts) go toward various projects supported by Breds The Treasure Beach Foundation, the local community based non-profit. This year's fundraising efforts are in aid of repairing the community's ambulance, an integral part of the volunteer emergency response system BREDS and a team of New York emergency doctors established in the small fishing village over five years ago. For more information visit www.breds.org

Island Outpost's fishing tournaments are the latest in its long roster of charitable initiatives. Giving back to the culture he so highly regards, owner Chris Blackwell established Island ACTS (Assisting Communities Toward Strength), which serves as an umbrella for Island Outpost's many charities throughout Jamaica and works towards the advancement of education, healthcare and community development. The charities created and supported by Island ACTS represent a cross section of Jamaica communities and lifestyles. They include: Oracabessa Foundation, established by Chris Blackwell to promote the sustainable development of Oracabessa and its environs; The Mary Vinson Blackwell Foundation in the Parish of Trelawny, dedicated to the renowned fashion and home furnishings designer; and BREDS, a non-profit organization formed in 1998 by Henzell and Peace Corps volunteer Aaron Laufer to promote sports, education, culture, emergency health care (Breds-run community ambulance service), and environmental awareness in Treasure Beach.

For More Information:

• call 1-800-OUTPOST or 44 (0) 1895 450 731 in the UK
• visit www.islandoutpost.com

Labels: festivals, South Coast

posted by Paris & John @ 4:31 PM

Goldeneye Planning 10th Annual Marlin Fishing Tournament

Goldeneye will stage its 10th Annual Oracabessa Marlin Fishing Tournament on Sunday, October 7, 2007 at Oracabessa Bay/James Bond Beach. Million dollar boats? Not here. What can be found is a celebration of indigenous fishing culture as local fishermen (and women!) test their skills with nothing more than their boat, a length of fishing line and the strength in their arms.

About the Event: The Oracabessa Marlin Fishing Tournament is a non-profit, community-based event, free for all participants and spectators. It is the result of an active partnership between Goldeneye, St. Mary Fisherman's Cooperative and the Oracabessa Foundation. The events goals are to create a family-oriented community day, to promote environmental awareness and sustainable fishing practices and to raise funds for the purchase of safety equipment needed by the St. Mary Fisherman's Cooperative.

The Schedule: Fishing boats set to sea at 7:00 am in hopes of hooking the biggest marlin. Landlubbers can take part in an array of activities to test their own fishing skills:

• the "Reel in the Marlin" contest replicates the haul of a 150-pound fish
• the "Precision Casting" tests casting skills
• the "Team Boat Landing" race will see teams of four competing to land a boat the fastest

Environmental education booths come courtesy of local organizations Friends of the Sea, National Environmental and Planning Agency, the Maritime Authority, Institute of Jamaica and the Natural History Department. Other activities include face painting, bounce-about, trampoline and crowd favorite the St. Mary BMX Stunt Bicycling Jam. New this year is an exhibit from the Reggae Xplosion Museum in Ocho Rios.

The Prizes: After the weigh-in station closes at 5:00 pm, prizes will be awarded to: Biggest Marlin, Biggest Nonbill Fish, Most Weight Total Catch, Most Courageous Fisherman and Best Fisherwoman. Also up-for-grabs is the "Prettiest Boat" Award open to entrants who participate in the boat painting day prior to the Tournament. Once the Awards Ceremony finishes, the "after-tournament" fun begins with vibes provided by Teflon Sound.

For More Information:

• call 1-800-OUTPOST or 44 (0) 1895 450 731 in the UK
• visit www.islandoutpost.com

Labels: festivals, Ocho Rios

posted by Paris & John @ 4:28 PM

Sandals Royal Caribbean Opens Cricket Pub

For all its popularity in Jamaica, the game of cricket remains a mystery to many American travelers. Now, thanks to a new 60-seat restaurant and bar opened at Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort and Private Island in Montego Bay, the game can become just a little more familiar and fun.

The new Cricketers’ Pub, opened on September 17, serves authentic pub meals and beverages and is designed to pay homage to the Gentleman’s Game, or cricket. The pub provides familiar surroundings to the growing number of British guests and features six large TV screens showcasing the greatest moments in both test and one-day cricket.

“We have been welcoming a high percentage of European guests, particularly British guests and this is our way of ensuring that they not only enjoy a fabulous vacation, but that they also relive the ‘good old days’ of cricket and not miss one live match,” said Jeremy Mutton, general manager of Sandals Royal Caribbean. “We’re also providing all guests with another opportunity to experience authentic foods and cultures from a different part of the world. The response has been really positive.”

According to CEO of Sandals Resorts, Adam Stewart, “For enthusiasts or those who are curious about cricket, this pub is a great spot to experience the bat-and-ball sport. It’s all about cricket, right down to our pub staff, who are uniformed in the West Indies team Cricket World Cup shirts and caps.”

For more information:
• call 1-800-SANDALS
• visit www.sandals.com

Photo: Jeremy Mutton (left), General Manager of Sandals Royal Caribbean, with Adam Stewart (right), CEO of Sandals Resorts, at ribbon-cutting ceremony for Cricketers’ Pub. Photo courtesy Sandals Resorts

Labels: Montego Bay

posted by Paris & John @ 4:54 PM

Jamaica Now Free of Malaria

Late last year, a malaria outbreak was reported in the Kingston area; the Jamaica Information Service, the government website, is now reporting that the island is malaria free. No new cases have been identified in the last three months.

Malaria, which is a rare problem for Jamaica, was never a problem for the resort areas of the north coast.

Labels: tourism

posted by Paris & John @ 8:29 PM

Couples Resorts Sponsoring Sweepstakes

With its four romantic resorts in Jamaica, Couples Resorts and the new romantic movie “Feast of Love” from MGM Studios are a natural fit. The movie, which premiers September 28, is from Academy Award® winning director Robert Benton (KRAMER VS. KRAMER) and tells the story of professor Harry Stevenson (Academy Award® winner Morgan Freeman) as he witnesses love and attraction among the town's residents -- who include Academy Award® nominee Greg Kinnear, Radha Mitchell, Billy Burke, Selma Blair, Alexa Davalos and Toby Hemingway with Jane Alexander and Fred Ward.

Now Couples Resorts is running a “Feast of Love Sweepstakes” from September 25 through November 14, 2007, giving U.S. and Canadian consumers a chance to win a 5-day/4 night getaway to one of four Couples Resorts in Jamaica.

To enter sweepstakes:
• visit www.couples.com/feastoflove

posted by Paris & John @ 8:55 PM

Sunset Resorts Offering Package for Single Parents

The two large Sunset Resorts (Sunset Beach Resort and Spa, Montego Bay and Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort and Spa, Ocho Rios) are now offering a special package for single parents.

The Single Parent Vacation Promotion features a 50% discount off the double occupancy published rates when accompanied by one to three children under the age of fifteen in the same room. Children under the age of 15 pay the regular child supplement.

Dates: The promotion is valid for reservations booked between now and December 15, 2007 for travel from November 1 through December 22, 2007 at Sunset Beach Resort and now through December 22, 2007 at Sunset Jamaica Grande. Offer is based on availability, restrictions and blackout dates apply, and all travel must be completed by December 22, 2007. Blackout dates include November 21 to 24, 2007.

This offer is not valid at Sunset at the Palms in Negril.

Price: All-inclusive rates per single parent, reflective of the 50% savings, range from $140 - $250 per night at Sunset Beach Resort & Spa and from $162 - $287 per night, at Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa. Rates are valid for travel from now through December 22, 2007. Children up to the age of 15 are $55 per night. Maximum three children per room with one adult.

The Package: Rates include accommodations with a private balcony, all meals, bar beverages, wine by the glass, non-motorized water sports, tennis, entertainment, taxes, and gratuity.

For more information:
• visit www.sunsetresortsjamaica.com
• call 800-234-1707

Labels: Montego Bay, Ocho Rios

posted by Paris & John @ 11:01 AM

Jake's Offering Watercolor Workshops

We've seen many unique packages in Jamaica offering instruction ranging from yoga to cooking but this is the first we've seen that features a watercolor workshop! Hosted by visiting artists-in-residence Ginny O'Neil and Tom Menihan, Paint Jamaica at Jake's is offered January through March 2008 with 20% of the proceeds donated to BREDS.

"Jamaican art embodies the passion of island culture with a distinct point of view," said Jason Henzell, president of Island Outpost and owner of Jake's. "Spirituality, nature, perseverance and heritage have all served as influences to artists visiting our country. We invite our guests to learn the methods of capturing and expressing their own experiences through Jamaican techniques."

Dates: Paint Jamaica at Jake's weekly watercolor workshops will be held Wednesdays from 11:00am to 1:00pm, January 16 through March 26, 2008.

Price: Priced at $25 an hour per person, workshops are available to adults 18+. Basic materials supplied by instructors. Some additional art supplies can be purchased at Jake's Gift Shop. Private lessons are available by appointment while artists are on-site, January 8 through April 8, 2008. Priced at $50 an hour for one person and $25 for each additional person, lessons welcome beginning artists to the advanced. Open to adults and children with a choice of locations.

Giving Back: Ginny O'Neil and Tom Menihan will donate 20% of proceeds of the workshops to BREDS, a non-profit organization formed in 1998 by Henzell and Peace Corps volunteer Aaron Laufer to promote sports, education, culture, emergency health care (BREDS run a community Ambulance service), and environmental awareness in Treasure Beach.

Room Rates: Accommodations at Jake's start at $115 per room beginning on December 15, 2007 through April 19, 2008.

For more information:
• call 1-800-OUTPOST
• visit www.islandoutpost.com

Labels: South Coast

posted by Paris & John @ 12:16 PM

Air Jamaica Now Offers Web Check-In

With over 300 flights a week to Jamaica, Air Jamaica has more flights to the island than any other carrier...and checking in for those flights just got a whole lot easier. Travelers can now check in online at www.AirJamaica.com . The new option, Web Check-In (WCI) will expedite the check-in process and enable passengers to reduce the length of time checking in at the airport.

The online check-in feature allows passengers with electronic tickets to check-in for their flight, select a seat and print a check-in confirmation - over the internet, from the comfort of their home, hotel or office. At the airport, passengers who have used this service can proceed to the specially marked Web Check-In counter for the relevant verification, baggage and security checks to be carried out. At this point a boarding pass is issued in exchange for the check-in confirmation.

With this convenience, travelers with bags to be checked can arrive at the airport counter at least 90 minutes before the scheduled departure of their flight. International passengers with no checked bags can arrive at the counter at least 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure and passengers traveling wholly within Jamaica with no checked bags can arrive at the counter at least 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure.

During the initial rollout of this service, WCI will be available to passengers departing from Kingston, Montego Bay, Miami and Fort Lauderdale allowing them to check-in 4-18 hours before scheduled departure.

Passengers using WCI will need to have the first and last names of all passengers, reservation record locator, passport and any other relevant travel documents in addition to emergency contact information.

The new feature will not be available to unaccompanied minors, special service need passengers, standby listings and travel on interline flights, i.e. connections with non Air Jamaica carrier, codeshare flights or groups of 10 or more. In addition, customers making changes to itineraries or cancellations must contact an Air Jamaica agent via telephone or at the airport.

Labels: tourism

posted by Paris & John @ 3:40 PM

New Minister of Tourism for Jamaica

Elections on September 3 in Jamaica resulted in victory by the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) which meant a new government. For the tourism world, that means a new Minister of Tourism. Edmund (Ed) Bartlett, a marketing executive and long-standing Parliamentarian, has been appointed Minister of Tourism in Jamaica's newly elected government.

Here's the latest news from the Jamaica Tourist Board about the new Minister:

Bartlett is no stranger to the tourism portfolio, having been the Opposition spokesman on tourism and matters related to the Jamaican Diaspora during the last administration. In over 22 years in the Jamaican Parliament, he has served as Minister of Youth and Community Development as well as Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting and Culture.

Born and educated in Jamaica, Bartlett is a graduate of the University of the West Indies. He has held senior accounting and marketing positions at Revere Alumina Jamaica Ltd. and Texaco Caribbean Inc. respectively. In the 1980's Bartlett was appointed Vice President for the World Conference on Cultural Policies. In that period, he further served as Vice Chairman of the United Nations International Youth Year Advisory Committee and addressed the UN General Assembly as the island's representative during the 1985 celebration of the International Year of Youth.

Bartlett assumes the position as Minister of Tourism in Jamaica at a time when the island is experiencing substantial infrastructural development in its tourist industry. Over the last three years, the number of hotel rooms has been increasing at a rapid rate and it is anticipated
that hotel room inventory will continue to increase at an average of 4,600 rooms per year between 2008 and 2010.

In 2006 Jamaica recorded 3 million visitors for the first time with over a million arrivals out of the US market for the second consecutive year. Bartlett has expressed his determination to focus on marketing, product development and investment in keeping Jamaica in the forefront of Caribbean tourism and has already set an aggressive growth target for the destination.

In its stated programme for tourism development in Jamaica, the new government has emphasized diversification of the industry. Areas identified as having potential for increasing the contribution of tourism to the island's economy include promotion of more high-value luxury accommodation, increased focus on Jamaica's culture and heritage, the opening of resorts in non- traditional areas as well as expansion of cruise ship facilities on the island's famous North coast.

Labels: tourism

posted by Paris & John @ 9:52 AM

Reader Question: Gas Prices in Jamaica?

Dear JamaicaTripper:

I'm considering renting a car during my November visit to Jamaica. I've found information about car rentals but I haven't been able to find information about gas prices in Jamaica. Can you help?

Thanks, Tom, Orlando, Florida

Dear Tom,

Look for gas prices to run almost double the prices you would expect to see in the US at any given time. You'll find numerous gas stations on the island, many open daily, but only some accept credit cards. Expect to pay cash at the smaller stations.

Labels: mailbox

posted by Paris & John @ 7:04 PM

Port Royal Music Festival Deemed A Hit

We've just received word that Jamaica's Port Royal Music Festival was a real hit. Held September 7 through 9 in the community of Port Royal, the former pirate's lair that's just a short drive from Kingston. The Festival, endorsed by the Jamaica Tourist Board, consisted of three shows: The Celebrity Party, The Main Show and Jazz on the Harbour, during which international artists joined local performers to thrill and delight music lovers with a mix of genres.

Photo courtesy Jamaica Tourist Board

Labels: festivals, Kingston

posted by Paris & John @ 8:29 PM

Reader Question: Can I Use My ATM Card in Jamaica?

Dear JamaicaTripper:

I am visiting Jamaica on a cruise at the end of the year. I'll be spending one day in Ocho Rios.

Do you know if I will be able to use my ATM card? If so, should I obtain Jamaican currency (or, if not, should I exchange money somewhere?) Thank you, Dean, Knoxville, Tennessee

Dear Dean,

Thanks for your question. In the old days (not so many years ago), you couldn't use foreign ATM cards in Jamaica; only Jamaican ATM cards were accepted by local machines. This is still the case at some machines but many now accept US cards. In fact, in Ocho Rios you'll find some ATM machines that not only accept US ATM cards but will give you your money in US dollars. Look for CoolCash ATM machines; these provide money in US dollars as do some others (they'll be marked that they're dual currency.)

You'll find numerous ATM machines in Ocho Rios; the biggest one in town is located at 11 Main Street. Near the cruise dock, stop in at Margaritaville in Island Village for another ATM (it's located near the restrooms); you'll also find machines at Soni’s Plaza, Gem Palace, Dolphin Cove, Sunset Jamaica Grande, Breezes Runaway Bay, Dunn’s River Falls, and other locations around town.

Don't worry about obtaining Jamaican money; just about every place we've ever stopped in Ocho Rios has accepted US dollars (and provided change back in US dollars on most occasions.)

Happy travels! Paris and John

Labels: mailbox

posted by Paris & John @ 3:14 PM

Sandals and United Vacations Team Up for Sale

Here's an offer that combines both a airfare sale to Jamaica and a stay at Sandals Resorts. United Vacations is offering a special, limited time offer for Sandals Resorts. If you book your vacation package by September 21, you'll receive 50% off companion airfare, and up to 55% on your stay at Sandals. Your vacation must include air and a minimum three night stay, for travel through December 14, 2008 with select blackout dates. Be sure to use promotion code SANDALS when booking.

How much will you save? It varies by resort:

Savings up to 55%
• Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach & Villa Resort

Savings up to 50%
• Sandals Dunn's River Villaggio Golf Resort & Spa
• Sandals Inn
• Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa

Savings up to 45%
• Sandals Montego Bay
• Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa
• Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Offshore Island

An additional bonus: United Vacations customers earn 500 bonus miles per adult - up to 1,000 bonus miles per reservation - with any complete vacation package booked online at www.unitedvacations.com. That's in addition to the regular miles they'll earn with their flight.

With United Vacations, travelers always have the option of customizing their vacation experience by adding show tickets, city tours, rental cars, hotel transfers and more to their itinerary. Travelers also enjoy the convenience of having everything located on one reservation.

The Fine Print: Companion flies 50 percent off offer is valid for roundtrip flight to Jamaica with three nights or more hotel stay at Sandals Resorts. Promotion code SANDALS must be entered at time of booking to redeem the savings. Offer is valid for bookings 9/1-9/30/07 with travel 9/1/07-12/14/08, excluding 11/16-11/21/07, 12/20-12/31/07, 2/15-2/17/08, 3/7-3/24/08. Pricing reflects resort savings of up to 50% are available for bookings 9/1-9/21/07 and travel 9/1/07-12/31/08, savings will vary per resort and travel period. Sandals Grande Ocho Rios savings up to 55% is valid for bookings 9/1-9/30/07 and travel 10/1/07-12/27/08, excluding 12/27-12/31/07. All offers are based on availability and are subject to change without notice. Offer is not retroactive or combinable with any other offers and may be changed or withdrawn at any time without notice. Additional restrictions and blackout dates may apply.

For more information:
• visit www.unitedvacations.com
• call 888-328-6877
• contact your travel agent

posted by Paris & John @ 11:21 AM

Announcing Our New Jamaica Contest!

We're announcing our first contest! Enter to win a package filled with Jamaica goodies: a SuperClubs t-shirt, a Sandals polo shirt, a Couples Resorts tote bag and a copy of All That's Good, the story of Sandals' Butch Stewart. Check out our new contest page for all the details!

Labels: JamaicaTripper news

posted by Paris & John @ 4:42 PM

American Friends of Jamaica Host October Gala in NYC

The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Jamaican charitable and social initiatives, celebrate achievement this fall with its 26th Annual Gala and Auction for Jamaican Charities to be held on October 9, 2007 at Cipriani 23rd Street, New York City.

The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) fosters a network of support provided by American multinational corporations with commercial interests in Jamaica, American winter residents, members of the diplomatic corps and Jamaicans living overseas. The event will also be a prime celebration for the youth for their involvement in Jamaica, as well as to gauge more interest and aid.

"New York is the heart and soul of the American Friends of Jamaica. We are proud of what our friends here have done to assist Jamaica and have been doing for over 25 years," commented Ambassador Glen Holden, AFJ's President. "Together, we will exceed expectations this year."

The event is also the time when the spotlight is on awarded philanthropists. This year, AFJ will honor Louise and Edgar Cullman with the AFJ International Humanitarian Award for their active involvement in a wide range of philanthropic and civic organizations. Louise and Edgar Cullman have unselfishly given their time and efforts to improving Jamaican lives, increasing awareness and instrumental in raising funds through a multitude of initiatives, including The Tryall Fund and Culbro.

Last year's recipient was Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, Island Outpost and Palm Pictures who brought international attention to Jamaican culture and also renowned for bringing Bob Marley, Traffic and U2 to the world.

The gala will include a reception, dinner, entertainment along with an auction of items ranging from luxurious Caribbean packages to fine art.

Cost: Tickets are available for $500.00 US per person.

For More Information:
• for information or to purchase tickets, visit www.AFJ.org/gala or call 212-626-6883

About American Friends of Jamaica:

Since its inception in 1982, the American Friends of Jamaica has raised over $11 million dollars for Jamaica non-profits focused in the areas of education, healthcare and economic development. In 2006, 15 grants were awarded to organizations such as Project Help Jamaica, Jamaican Ministry of Education, the Jamaica Society for the Blind and Hanover Charities. In addition to fundraising through special events such as the gala, the AFJ has a comprehensive strategy involving individual giving and partnerships with corporations and foundations such as the Tiger Woods Foundation, Jockey International, Grace Kennedy Limited and Western Union International. In 2006, the AFJ also launched its Diaspora Giving Program, a dynamic initiative that serves to formalize charitable dollars from Diaspora members in the United States to Jamaican Organizations.

Labels: tourism

posted by Paris & John @ 3:44 PM

Travel + Leisure's World's Best Survey Puts Jamaica in Caribbean Lead

It's once again the time of year for lists and perhaps no list gets more attention than Travel + Leisure magazine's annual World's Best Awards readers' survey.

How did Jamaica fare? Here's a rundown of top places this year:

• In Ocho Rios, Jamaica Inn was ranked number 49 overall in The Top 100 Hotels category. The hotel was one of only three Caribbean properties in the top 50 overall, and the third of six total Caribbean properties in The Top 100 Hotels category.

• Another list surveyed the Top 25 Hotels in the Caribbean. In Jamaica, the top choices were:

** Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios (3)
** Couples Sans Souci in Ocho Rios (11)
** Royal Plantation Spa & Golf Resort in Ocho Rios (16)
** Round Hill Hotel & Villas in Montego Bay (17)
** Grand Lido Braco Resort & Spa in Runaway Bay (20)
** Rockhouse Hotel in Negril (24)

For all the survey results for the World’s Best Awards 2007, see the magazine’s August 2007 edition or visit www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest.

Labels: tourism

posted by Paris & John @ 4:20 PM

Jamaica Goes to the Polls

On Monday, September 3, the citizens of Jamaica go to the polls to elect the country's 8th Prime Minister. (The election was originally scheduled for August 27 but was postponed due to Hurricane Dean.) The race has been a close one; you'll find full coverage over at the Jamaica Gleaner online.

Labels: tourism

posted by Paris & John @ 4:17 PM