Jamaica Travel News

Video of Bob Marley Museum, Kingston

Just this weekend we returned from four days in Kingston for the annual JAPEX travel trade show.

While we were there, we had the opportunity to visit the Bob Marley Museum on Hope Road; Marley bought this home in 1975 and created a recording studio here as well.

This video takes a look at the grounds and exterior of the home (unfortunately photos aren't allowed inside the house or behind the home).

Labels: Kingston

posted by Paris & John @ 3:29 PM

Sunset Beach, Sunset Jamaica Grande Offer Sale

We've just received word of a sale at the newly renovated Sunset Beach Resort & Spa, Montego Bay and Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa, Ocho Rios. We've stayed at both properties and they're great for families...perfect for the kids stay free portion of the sale valid during two of the sale periods!

The Sale: The Sunset Super Sale offer is as follows:

• Spring: Travel through June 22, 2008 save 20% or more plus two children stay free*
• Summer: Travel June 27, 2008 through August 23, 2008 save 20% or more
• Fall: Travel August 24 through December 22, 2008 save 20% or more plus two children stay free*

Details: The Sunset Super Sale must be booked by May 22, 2008 and is valid for travel through December 22, 2008 as outlined above. Two children ages 15 and under stay free when sharing one room with two adults. Please contact a local travel agent or tour operator to take advantage of the Sunset Super Sale and to make reservations. This offer is not valid at Sunset at the Palms. Restrictions and blackout dates apply.

What It Includes: Rates include all meals, cocktails, wine by the glass, non-motorized water sports, daytime and nightly activities, taxes and tips.

For More Information:
• visit www.sunsetresortsjamaica.com

Labels: Montego Bay, Ocho Rios

posted by Paris & John @ 10:50 AM

Faith Tourism Events, Festivals Planned

Former National Football League (NFL) player Miles McPherson, the founder of Miles Ahead, and close to 300 volunteers from the San Diego-based organization will visit Jamaica between April 24 and May 5 to work on projects that range from health screenings to sports clinics and from deaf interpretation workshops to rebuilding local elementary schools.

The visit forms part of Jamaica Broilers Group's 50th anniversary celebrations and three major family-oriented festivals, under the Best Dressed 50Fest banner, which will be presented in Mandeville, Montego Bay and Kingston between April 26 and May 4.

The Festivals: The festivals - put together by Jamaica Broilers in partnership with churches across Jamaica, the Luis Palau Association and Miles Ahead - will feature both local and international gospel musicians, including Papa San, Carlene Davis, Prodigal Son, Toby Mac, and Israel Houghton & New Breed, as well as messages of hope from evangelists Luis Palau, Andrew Palau and McPherson himself.

• April 26- 27: Andrew Palau will present at the Mandeville Festival to be held on the Manchester High School grounds
  
• May 2-3: Miles McPherson will be at Montego Bay's Dump Up Beach
  
• May 3-4: Luis Palau will be on the King's House grounds in Kingston
  

"We are so excited to be in a position to make evangelistic, social and economic contributions to a culture that has influenced my upbringing and has helped shaped my faith," said Miles McPherson, senior pastor of the 10,000-strong Rock Church in San Diego. His father and grandparents are from Jamaica.

For more information:
• visitwww.milesahead.com and www.bestdressed50fest.com

Labels: festivals, Kingston, Montego Bay, South Coast

posted by Paris & John @ 1:05 PM

Jamaican Chefs Featured at China's Jamaica Week

Yesterday we reported on Jamaica Week which recently wrapped up in Beijing; the event featured Jamaican music, culture and food.

During the event, Jamaican chefs Paige Barrow and Omar Jackson from Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall collaborated with Jurgen Bemmerl, Executive Chef of The Ritz-Carlton Beijing Financial Street.

Ms. Barrow, from Kingston, began work at the Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall in 2000 as a Cook when the property opened and has worked her way up to now Restaurant Sous Chef for Jasmine, which caters to those seeking a Jamaican and Asian fusion cuisine. Mr. Jackson who started as a Cook 1 has been with the property for over six years. During that time has worked as Banquet Kitchen Sous Chef before being promoted to Restaurant Chef of Mangos, a beach and poolside restaurant.

While in China, Ms. Barrow and Mr. Jackson designed daily menus of traditional Jamaican dishes and with the support of their counterparts at The Ritz-Carlton Beijing Financial Street fusing the spicy and colourful Jamaican fare with the Asian cuisine.

Photo: Jamaican chefs Paige Barrow (2nd from left) and Omar Jackson (left), from Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall, collaborated with Chinese chefs from Ritz-Carlton Beijing Financial Street to prepare a wide variety of tasty dishes, including jerk chicken (pictured here), curried goat and rice and peas and delectable desserts for the Grand Jamaican Evening Reception and Dinner held recently at The Ritz-Carlton Beijing during Jamaica Week. Photo courtesy Jamaica Tourist Board

Labels: tourism

posted by Paris & John @ 8:50 AM

Jamaica Week Wraps Up in China

Photo: Jamaican entertainer A.J. Brown

A week-long celebration of Jamaican food and culture has wrapped up in China. Held at the Ritz-Carlton Beijing to coincide with the visit of Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett and his delegation attending the China Outbound Travel and Tourism Market (COTTM), the week featured Jamaican food, music, and culture.

The week started with a Jamaican Sunday Brunch on April 13 presented by Ritz-Carlton Beijing Financial Street in collaboration with the Ritz Carlton Rose Hall Jamaica, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and the Embassy of Jamaica. The brunch featured jerk chicken, curried goat and rice and peas to delectable desserts prepared by Paige Barrows and Omar Jackson, Jamaican chefs from Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall collaborating with Jurgen Bemmerl, Executive Chef of The Ritz-Carlton Beijing Financial Street. This was complemented by Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee along with live Caribbean music.

Jamaica Week ended with a Grand Jamaican Evening Cocktail Reception and dinner at the Ritz-Carlton. The five-course dinner was attended by Chinese government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, tour operators and travel partners, business persons, members of the media and COTTM delegates. The wonderful fare again provided by chefs from Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall and Ritz-Carlton Beijing with special presentations of world renowned Jamaican drinks, Appleton Rum and Blue Mountain Coffee. Guests were also treated to live musical entertainment by the Ritz-Carlton Jazz/Reggae Group and Jamaican entertainer A.J. Brown.

Photo: Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism (center), Mr.Yang Wanming Director General of Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs for Ministry of Foreign Affairs, People’s Republic of China (left) and Mr. Li Jianping, Vice President of Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) during the Grand Jamaican Evening Cocktail Reception and Dinner

Photos courtesy Jamaica Tourist Board

Labels: tourism

posted by Paris & John @ 8:46 AM

Muddy Days in Ocho Rios

Heavy rains last week caused Ocho Rios to be swamped with mud. Here's a photo from CNN.com's iReport, shot late last week by a local resident:


The Jamaica Gleaner also has coverage of the event.

Labels: Ocho Rios

posted by Paris & John @ 9:25 AM

Starfish Trelawny Offers Promo for Single Parents

This summer season, Starfish Trelawny will be offering a special promotion for single parent families: there will be no single supplement.

We've stayed at this family-friendly resort which has a lot to offer families with chidlren and teens. Older kids enjoy a private island hideaway just a short swim away, windsurfing and flying trapeze lessons. At the Kids' Club, supervised, age-specific programs keep toddlers entertained, while adult pampering is available at the Blue Mahoe Spa.

Price: Nightly rates start at $74 per adult; $50 per child (age 2-13). No single supplement.

Dates: SuperClubs‚ family promotions run from May 1 through December 22, 2008.

Restrictions: A two-night minimum booking is required; all rates are land only.

For more information:
• visit www.superclubs.com
• call 1-800-GO-SUPER (800-467-8737)

Labels: Montego Bay, Runaway Bay

posted by Paris & John @ 2:31 PM

Our New Jamaica Guide Hits the Shelves

Our latest Jamaica guidebook has hit the shelves! Fodor's In Focus Jamaica, 1st Edition (In Focus) covers all the major resort and city areas: Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, Runaway Bay, South Coast, Kingston and the Blue Mountains in an easy to carry format. We had a lot of fun researching the guide across Jamaica. You might know that we've been writing the Jamaica chapter of Fodor's Caribbean (the gold guide) for the past 10 years but this is an extended look at the island.

Labels: JamaicaTripper news

posted by Paris & John @ 1:35 PM

Beaches Offers Single Parent Fun Months

Single parents traveling with kids know that one parent in a room can be an expensive proposition thanks to single supplements. Here's a way to beat the cost: the sixth annual Single Parent Fun months at all of Jamaica's Beaches Resorts.

The Promotion: The SPF program waives the single supplement fee (of up to $190 per night) for single parents at all four resort locations in Jamaica. Also, guests can enjoy tailored activities and events such as Single Parent Welcome Receptions, Social Cocktail Receptions, Kid’s Movie Nights and more. Single parents will be thrilled to spend cherished one-on-one time with their children during the day but still partake in adult conversation at night.

Dates: Available for travel between May 1 – May 31, 2008 and August 17 – October 31, 2008

Extra Bonus: The second set of travel dates fall on Beaches Resorts’ WonderFALL Celebration, a new annual season of events and activities designed for parents with young children.Taking place during September and October , highlights of the upcoming WonderFALL season include: exclusive savings of up to 45 percent off regular rack rates; a special welcome gift pack; new exclusive Sesame Street Stage Shows; parenting seminars hosted by Sesame Workshop; the arrival of new sensation, Abby Cadabby; nighttime dive-in movies; poolside dance parties; a live show with Gordon and Elmo (limited three-week run in September); and specially-themed arts and crafts activities!

For more information:
• call 1-800-BEACHES
• visit www.beaches.com

Photo courtesy Beaches Resorts

Labels: Negril, Ocho Rios

posted by Paris & John @ 3:59 PM

Roaring Pavilion Offers Mother's Day Spa Services

Here's a package we just received for Roaring Pavilion Villa & Spa, located just west of Ocho Rios. We had the opportunity to tour this incredible villa last year and it really is something special, from its own beach and pool to its own on-site spa. The villa has been a favorite with celebrities from Tom Cruise to Celine Dion and it's easy to see why.

Now Roaring Pavilion has created special spa services just for Mom and Dad this May and June, including:

• Like Mother Like Daughter Facials
• Father and Son Manly Manicures
• Mother and Daughter/Father
• Family Bond Massages

This 5,000-square-foot private villa is situated on James Bond Beach and accommodates up to eight guests in four master suites, with a staff of nine. The Luxury All-Inclusive plan starts at US$4,000 per night for four people and includes meals, non-alcoholic beverages and a chauffeur-driven car.

Price: Nightly rates for five to eight people are US$4,500.

For More Information:
• visit www.lacurevillas.com

Labels: Ocho Rios

posted by Paris & John @ 3:26 PM

Jake's, The Caves, Strawberry Hill Offer Bonus for Moms, Dads

Mother's Day and Father's Day last through the summer season at Island Outpost’s properties in Jamaica. Moms and Dads get a special treat when they book four nights or more at Jake’s, The Caves or Strawberry Hill.

The Bonus: Moms and Dads receive a free night and a 30-minute massage per person, plus a complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival.

Dates: This offer is valid for travel between Mondays and Thursdays, from April 20 - Dec. 20, 2008.

For More Information:
• visit www.islandoutpost.com

Labels: Kingston, Negril, South Coast

posted by Paris & John @ 5:53 PM

Chukka Offers Mother's Day Special

If you'll be in Jamaica on Mother's Day, here's a fun offer we just received: Moms joining Chukka Caribbean Adventures on Mother’s Day for a River Tubing Safari down the Great River in Montego Bay or the White River in Ocho Rios will be treated to a complimentary 10-minute head-and-neck massage, plus a tropical drink.

Both of these are family adventures for kids ages six and up.

Price: The River Tubing Safari is US$67 per adult, US$50 per child in Montego Bay/Negril; and US$66 per adult, US$48 per child in Ocho Rios.

Booking: The offer is valid for bookings made on the Chukka Caribbean Adventures website: www.chukkacaribbean.com

Labels: Montego Bay, Ocho Rios

posted by Paris & John @ 5:41 PM

Island Outpost Adds New Property in Port Antonio

Island Outpost which offers some of the most unique hotels in Jamaica (Jake's, Goldeneye, The Caves, Strawberry Hill) has announced the opening of a new property: Geejam.

Located in Port Antonio, this property was originally founded by music producer Jon Baker as a recording hideaway--through the years it hosted No Doubt, Common, India.Arie, Björk and Gorillaz, and others. Baker has now joined forces with fellow music industry veteran Steve Beaver to metamorphosize Geejam into an insider escape.

Geejam is located on six acres of the San San Estate within immediate proximity of Frenchman’s Cove. The property also borders Drapers, which was a little known village until Gwen Stefani gave it props at the 2003 Grammy Awards after recorded No Doubt’s multi-platinum album Hey Baby at Geejam. A 10-minute drive west will find travelers in the historic town of Port Antonio.

Accommodations: Geejam features three self-contained deluxe cabins – Ska, Mento and Rock Steady, which are privately arranged among banana trees with views of the Caribbean. The spacious Drum & Bass suite boasts 180-degree views. Sanwood, the hotel’s three-bedroom villa, features a private swimming pool and sundeck.

Amenities: Hotel amenities include a state of the art recording studio, spa therapies, swimming pool (Sanwood only), fully equipped air-conditioned fitness center with trainer, and the Bushbar, recently nominated by the Jamaican press as one of the “top ten most fascinating places to hang out.” Here a team of international chefs serve a distinctive blend of Jamaican-Japanese fusion cuisine.

Rates: Rates range from $495 USD to $1,950 in high season and from $425 USD to $1,750 USD in low season. Rates are based on double occupancy and include breakfast. All rates are subject to 18.25 percent tax and service.

For More Information:
• Visit www.geejamhotel.com or www.islandoutpost.com

Photo courtesy Geejam and Island Outpost

Labels: Port Antonio

posted by Paris & John @ 2:05 PM

Take a Sneak Peek at Grand Palladium in Lucea

The drive from Montego Bay to Negril heads through the town of Lucea (pronounced Lucy). Soon travelers may be turning off in Lucea to the new Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa and Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort are scheduled to open in summer 2008. Part of the Fiesta Hotel Group, these all-inclusive resorts will offer 1056 rooms, nine restaurants, five pools, and more.

Labels: Montego Bay

posted by Paris & John @ 7:57 PM

Sandals Negril Adds New Suite Categories

Starting June 1, 2008, Sandals Negril will be offering three new luxury suite categories:

• the Romeo & Juliet One-Bedroom Plantation Suite with Whirlpool and Private Plunge Pool

• the Honeymoon Penthouse Oceanview One-Bedroom Plantation Suite with Whirlpool

• the Honeymoon Penthouse One-Bedroom Plantation Suite with Whirlpool

These will all be decorated in the style of a West Indian plantation house with mahogany four-posted beds and other mahogany furniture (plus plenty of modern touches like two flat screen TVs and a bath with whirlpool tub.) All these suites also feature Sandals Resorts’ exclusive butler service and 24-hour room service.

For More Information:
• visit www.sandals.com

Labels: Negril

posted by Paris & John @ 3:15 PM

Beaches Resorts Offers First Night Free Promo

The three Beaches Resorts in Jamaica are each offering a “1st Night Free” promotion during select 2008 dates.

Dates: Families who book a minimum seven-night vacation by April 30, 2008 for travel between April 26, 2008 and June 5, 2008 receive their first night free. This offer is combinable with Beaches Resorts’ consumer savings promotions for 2008, Single Parent Fun Months, Sandals Select Points and Free Weddings.

What It Includes: Like a stay anytime at Beaches, the package includes accommodations (with the option of butler service in some categories), gourmet dining, unlimited premium brand wine and spirits, all land and watersports including snorkeling and scuba diving, daily and nightly entertainment and more.

For More Information:
• call 1-800-BEACHES
• visit www.beaches.com

Labels: Negril, Ocho Rios

posted by Paris & John @ 2:29 PM