Jamaica Travel News

Peter Greenberg Explores off the Beaten Path Jamaica

We just ran across this video about off the beaten path Jamaica by Peter Greenberg. We've traveled with Peter in the past--and you've probably seen him as travel editor of the Today Show--and Peter knows his stuff. This video features the Pelican Bar and Jake's on the South Coast as well as Scotchies, always a great place for real Jamaican jerk, on the north side of the island.

Labels: food, South Coast

posted by Paris & John @ 9:30 AM

Secrets Resort Planned for Montego Bay

You might be familiar with the elegant Secrets resorts in Mexico, luxury adults' all-inclusive properties. In late 2009, Secrets Montego Bay is scheduled to open with two adjacent 350-suite resorts. The resorts will feature suites with oversized four-posted beds and Jacuzzi tubs for two. The resort will offer 14 gourmet a la carte restaurants, a spa, 24-hour concierge service, and more.

Labels: Montego Bay

posted by Paris & John @ 9:56 AM

Jake's Adds Hope House

Jake's has long been a great option on Jamaica's South Coast thanks to its laid-back atmosphere and signature boho-chic style. Now there's another good option for those looking for the privacy of a villa vacation: Hope House.

Jake’s newest addition, Hope House, is located in the seaside community of Old Wharf Treasure Beach. This is the second beachfront villas in Jake's collection, joining the already popular Calabash Bay Villa. The one of a kind Grecian/Mexican/Caribbean architecturally styled villa is the latest creation of Jake’s Sally Henzell who originated the property’s style over ten years ago when she started Jake’s.

“Hope House is the first in several of these beachfront villas we anticipate opening in the Old Wharf area of Treasure Beach over the next few years,” said Jason Henzell, president of Island Outpost and general manager at Jake’s. “My mother’s artistic vision, which she used to create the rooms at the main property, is continued in this extremely unique seaside villa that will offer yet another way to enjoy Treasure Beach and the Jake’s experience.”

The Villa: Located just under a 10-minute walk from Jake’s, Hope House is located along the coast of the seaside villa community of Old Wharf Treasure Beach. The villa features four-bedrooms (one king, two twins and a queen) with adjoining full bathrooms and air-conditioning, a full kitchen, combined living and dining room, outdoor eating areas and decks as well as a an infinity plunge pool, outdoor Jacuzzi (off the master bedroom), outdoor barbecue area, satellite television and wireless Internet access.

Amenities: Guests at Hope House will have access to all the amenities and features offered at Jake's to in-house guests including access to the TV/games room, borrowing DVDs and CDs from the vast collection as well as snorkel equipment, use of the business services at the front desk, the Jake’s restaurant and Dougie’s bar.

About Jake's: Sally Henzell, set designer of her husband Perry Henzell’s films including The Harder They Come, created Jake’s which is considered by many as the originator of shabby chic in the Caribbean. The 29-room resort, set on six acres, features dramatic cottages.

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

Labels: South Coast

posted by Paris & John @ 3:00 PM

American Adds Ft. Lauderdale-Kingston Flights

Starting in June, there will be one more way to travel from the US to Jamaica: American Airlines is launching new service between Fort Lauderdale and Jamaica, subject to government approval.

The daily flight will follow this schedule:

From Kingston, Jamaica, to Fort Lauderdale
Flight 512
Departs 10:00 a.m.
Arrives 12:50 p.m.

From Fort Lauderdale to Kingston, Jamaica
Flight 501
Departs 8:00 a.m.
Arrives 8:40 a.m.

Right now, American has flights to Jamaica from Miami with three daily flights to Kingston and two flights to Montego Bay. American also offers daily Montego Bay flights from New York-JFK and five times weekly flights from Dallas/Fort Worth.

Labels: tourism

posted by Paris & John @ 2:45 PM

Classics of Jamaica Package Announced

If you're looking for a traditional getaway in a classic Jamaican resort, here's a new package we've received that just might fit the bill. Round Hill Hotel & Villas in Montego Bay and Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios are offering The Classics of Jamaica package.

Round Hill Package: At Round Hill, the package includes three nights’ accommodation in an oceanfront deluxe room located in the Pineapple House, full breakfast daily on the seaside terrace or in-room, a complimentary welcome beverage on arrival, daily New York Times fax, afternoon tea, and complimentary use of non-motorized water sports and the fitness center.

Jamaica Inn Package: At Jamaica Inn, the package includes three nights’ accommodation in a Premier Verandah Suite located either directly on the water or right on the beach, breakfast daily served in the dining room overlooking the sea, a complimentary Planter's Punch on arrival plus one each day on the beach.

Price: Rates start at US$2,681 per couple.

Dates: The Classics of Jamaica package runs from May 1 to October 31, 2008.

For More Information:
• visit www.roundhilljamaica.com
• visit www.jamaicainn.com

Labels: Montego Bay, Ocho Rios

posted by Paris & John @ 9:39 PM

Breezes Montego Bay Offers Minimoon

Want a honeymoon but can't afford it in terms of time or money? Here's a solution: a three-night minimoon. Breezes Montego Bay is now offering a Minimoon package which includes:

• three nights' accommodation in an Oceanfront deluxe guestroom
• private transfer to and from airport
• chilled Champagne served at the resort’s rooftop Jacuzzi

Price: The year-round package is US$1,236 per room (tax and gratuity included), subject to availability.

For More Information:
• visit www.superclubs.com

Labels: Montego Bay

posted by Paris & John @ 9:36 PM

SuperClubs Offering SuperSavings Through May

The month-long “SuperSavings Sale” can be booked through April 11 and offers 50 percent, or more, savings at four Jamaican resorts, with optimum value for week-long getaways before May 31. Each resort also offers an added bonus in the form of spa credits at SuperClubs’ Blue Mahoe Spas, specializing in holistic treatments with a Caribbean flair.

Grand Lido Resorts & Spas: Starting rates for Beachfront rooms are $227 per person, per night, and stays of seven-night or longer receive $350 spa credits, plus a complimentary catamaran cruise for two (Grand Lido Negril) or Ocho Rios Shopping Tour (Grand Lido Braco), valued at $75-$125. This affordable luxury escape is an unbeatable treat with 55 percent savings. Shorter stays of less than seven nights qualify for a $250 spa credit.

Breezes Runaway Bay: Starting at $150 per person, per night, guests enjoy Premium room accommodations, 50 percent savings, along with $150 spa credits, and unlimited greens fees at the adjacent 18-hole PGA quality golf course, windsurfing lessons, and reef/wreck/drift diving at the P.A.D.I. Gold Palm Resort certified operation. For stays under a week, a $100 spa credit applies. Guests can also choose to upgrade to a Plunge Pool Verandah Suite for an additional $35 per person, per night.

Starfish Trelawny: At $129 per person, per night, Starfish guests save 50 percent and are upgraded to the Super-Inclusive Platinum Plan – a room savings of $76 per day – and can enjoy unlimited access to motorized sports, and restaurant/drink privileges. Guests receive a $100 spa credit. Bookings under seven nights qualify for a $50 spa credit.

The Fine Print: All starting rates above are per person, per night, based on doubles, land only. Spa credits are based on per room. A five-night minimum stay is required, although seven-night bookings yield the highest discounts.

For more information:
• call 1-800-GO-SUPER (800-467-8737)

Labels: Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, Runaway Bay

posted by Paris & John @ 2:43 PM

Ritz-Carlton Offers Key to Paradise Package

We've just received word that the elegant Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort is offering the Key to Paradise package.

The Package: The package includes deluxe, suite or clubroom accommodation, food and beverage from all outlets on property, non-motorized water sports, taxes and service fees, starting at US$799 per room, per night. Children aged 5 – 11 staying in-room with their family can enjoy complimentary accommodation, plus complimentary food and beverage when they choose from the children’s menu.

Dates: Offered from May 1 through December 17, 2008.

For More Information:
• visit www.ritzcarlton.com

Labels: Montego Bay

posted by Paris & John @ 2:40 PM