Jamaica Travel News

JetBlue Announces Plans to Serve Kingston

JetBlue Airways has announced plans to begin new service to Kingston, Jamaica this fall.

The airline, which just began service to Montego Bay, expects to serve Kingston's Norman Manley International Airport with daily nonstop service to/from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Flights to the Jamaican capital are expected to go on sale in June at www.jetblue.com, subject to receipt of government operating authority.

Labels: Airlift, Kingston

posted by Paris and John @ 3:34 PM

Jamaica Celebrates New JetBlue Service

Jamaica spiced up JetBlue’s Terminal 5 at New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) on May 21, 2009 with island-style celebrations for the airline’s inaugural flight to Montego Bay (MBJ).

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett and Director of Tourism John Lynch were present at the morning festivities and participated in a special ribbon-cutting ceremony that included live Jamaican music.

“We are delighted that JetBlue is operating daily flights to Jamaica. The new service illustrates our continued efforts to attract more air carriers to Jamaica, thus making it an even more accessible destination for travelers,” said Minister Bartlett. “JetBlue is a very competitive and popular airline, and we are confident that with the new daily service from New York we will continue to welcome even more visitors to Jamaica from this market.”

When the flight arrived at Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport, it was greeted with a water cannon salute as well as music, food, and special greetings from Jamaican officials.

In addition to the morning celebrations at JetBlue’s Terminal 5, the Jamaica Tourist Board and JetBlue teamed up with Thrillist.com to throw a Jamaican soiree on May 20 at one of New York City’s swankiest venues, The Hudson Terrace. The evening started off on a high note with a special live performance by Jamaican reggae sensation Mojo Morgan from Morgan Heritage performing songs from his debut solo album, “Got MoJo?” and The Kevin Batchelor Band. Guests enjoyed featured Jamaican drinks and cuisine catered by Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery and Grill and got a chance to enter to win a trip to Rose Hall Resort & Spa, a Hilton Resort.

Flight Times: The daily JetBlue flight departs JFK at 7:55 a.m., arriving in MBJ at 10:51 a.m. The return flight departs MBJ at 11:50 a.m. and arrives at JFK at 4:39 p.m.

For more information:

• visit www.visitjamaica.com
• visit www.jetblue.com or call 1-800-JETBLUE (1-800-538-2583)

Labels: Airlift

posted by Paris and John @ 2:40 PM

Jamaica Launches Culinary Jerk Trail

Last week while attending JAPEX, we had the opportunity to witness the ribbon cutting for the new Jerk Trail, launched at Montego Bay's Scotchies.

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, who cut the ribbon on the trail, said, “Jerk cuisine has made its way onto menus worldwide, but we invite travelers to come Jamaica and sample this dish the way it was meant to be experienced – in our laid back, tropical environment. The Jerk Trail creates a culinary adventure featuring the distinct flavors of Jamaica, along with its breathtaking natural beauty and truly unique culture, as visitors travel across the island from Negril, through Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, to Kingston, ending in the home of Jerk – Port Antonio.”

Stops on the Trail: The Trail currently features 10 locations:

• Supreme Jerk Centre, Green Island
• Border Jerk Centre, Ramble
• Ultimate Jerk Center, Discovery Bay
• Scotchie’s, Greenwich Park
• Ocho Rios Jerk Center
• Lyming at Walkerswood
• G&B Jerk Centre, Victoria Road
• Pon Di Corner Jerk Center, Black Hill District
• Blueberry Hill Jerk Center
• Unique Jerk Center, Hope Bay
• Boston Jerk, Boston Bay

Map: You'll find locations scattered across the north coast as well as a location in Kingston. [Click here for a printable PDF version of the Jamaica Jerk Trail map.]


For More Information:

• visit www.visitjamaica.com/jerk

Labels: food, Montego Bay

posted by Paris and John @ 1:37 PM

Wata Rose Hall Triathlon and Wellness Festival Scheduled for October

The grueling ‘Witch Hill’, perched on lands at the historic Rose Hall Great House, remains haunted by the prowess of Olympians Greg and Laura Bennett, who both return to Jamaica this year for the 2009 Wata Rose Hall Triathlon and Wellness Festival.

Greg Bennett returns to defend his championship title, having won the event in 1:59:31 in 2008 while his wife Laura promises to move her notch up from 1st runner-up position to the number one spot.

On October 31, 2009, the power couple will compete against Triathletes from all across the globe in the international distance which comprises a 1500m ocean swim; 23k bike and 10k golf course run. The excitement commences with the swim at the Rose Hall Resort and Spa, A Hilton Resort, culminating with the run on the Robert Van Hagge designed 18-hole Cinnamon Hill Golf Course in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

“The event is challenging, but it is a true adventure,” stated the title holder, who added that it was the adventure that makes Triathlon a unique sport. “The Wata Rose Hall Triathlon is truly a special experience that will challenge every athlete with its dramatic climbs and the Witch’s Hill."

In the meantime, Laura Bennett, who placed fourth at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, has dared those up to taking a challenge to “Bring on the witch." The athlete noted, "I look forward to racing in Jamaica; it was and is a demanding course, exciting for the beginner triathlete and challenging for the professionals!”

Comparing Jamaica to a great end of season event the couple said the island was an easy trip from the States. “And the event is a great Triathlon challenge. We are both excited about having Rose Hall Jamaica on our schedule for the conclusion of the year.”

Complemented by a wellness festival, the marquee event has had added two new features to this year’s event. Rayne Russell, managing director of Entertain Jamaica, announced, “We want this event to be a family affair and so we have added a kid’s triathlon to the mix." The fun continues into the evening with a Halloween party at the 17th Century Rose Hall Great House made famous by the White Witch of Rose Hall, Annie Palmer.

“One thing we can promise is that Annie will ride out on her horse and carrying her whip, like she did back in the days,” said Russell as he gave a sneak preview into the ghost stories made famous by the witch.

Wellness Festival

The event will bring together leading fitness and wellness professionals from Jamaica and the United States, who will provide an open forum for discussion, exploration and learning.

“We will highlight the event through the unique holistic healing methods which have been practiced in Jamaica for generations, as well as a diverse realm of universally-recognized wellness traditions, most of which have made their way from the East to Jamaica’s shores,” said Russell.

For more information:

• visit www.rosehalltriathlon.com

Labels: festivals, Montego Bay

posted by Paris and John @ 2:07 PM

The Ritz-Carlton, Rose Hall Resort Offers Father's Day Package

Still looking for a good gift for a dad? How about a stay in Montego Bay? The Ritz-Carlton, Rose Hall Resort is offering two special deals for dads.

Father's Day Package: The resort’s Fathers’ Day Package include:

• one round of golf on the 18-hole championship White Witch golf course
• lunch at the White Witch Restaurant on Father’s Day

Price: US$85 per person

The Father's Day Lounge: Even if you haven't purchased the Father's Day Package, don't miss the Fathers’ Day Lounge which kick off at 6:00pm on June 21. Here dads can enjoy a relaxing evening at the Cohoba Lounge and indulge in a variety of rum selections, a tapas station and cigars, accompanied by live entertainment.

For More Information:

• visit www.ritzcarlton.com/rosehall

Labels: Montego Bay

posted by Paris and John @ 1:26 PM