JamaicaTripper Travel News

American Airlines Announces New Flights To Jamaica

2008-09-05T14:38:00.003-05:00

Teeth-chattering temperatures will soon be on the way, but travelers will now have more opportunities than ever to escape winter's chill by chillin' out in Jamaica, as American Airlines has announced a new service from Chicago and increased service from Dallas and Miami.

Each Thursday through Monday starting on January 31, 2009, a 188-seat Boeing 757 will leave Chicago O'Hare International Airport headed for Sangster International Airport in Montegeo Bay.

Starting December 18, 2008, passengers can board a 148-seat Boeing 738 which will leave daily from the Dallas/ Fort Worth International Airport for a flight to Montego Bay International Airport.

In addition to the three daily flights already offered to the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, American Airlines will begin offering a third flight daily (AA Flight 748) from Miami International Airport to Montego Bay International Airport.

Jaunts to Jamaica can also be taken on American Airlines from already existing flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York to Montego Bay and Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport to Kingston International Airport.

For More Information:

• visit www.aa.com

VisitJamaica.com Launches New Look

2008-09-04T14:16:00.003-05:00

Getting a new look is always fun and, as webmasters, we always enjoy looking at website redos. We just received word that VisitJamaica.com, the official site of the Jamaica Tourist Board, has received an overhaul and an all new look.

The new look reflects the rebirth of Jamaica’s online brand presence and focuses on the country’s diverse attractions, activities and accommodations that range from “Ritzy” to “Roadside.”

The site is also launching promotions with Travelocity and luggage company Eagle Creek as well as a promotion with Amazon.com and Universal Music promoting Jamaica’s music.

For More Information:
• visit VisitJamaica.com

Half Moon Reports No Damage

2008-09-02T17:09:00.001-05:00

We're happy to report that we've received word from Half Moon; the longtime Montego Bay resort has received no damage following Gustav other than a few fallen tree limbs. Managing Director of Half Moon, Richard Whitfield, notes that there has been no physical damage to any structure or injury to any person.

The resort is still operational and will resume accepting guests once the local airport reopens.

During the storm, over 150 guests from the U.S., UK, Germany, Canada, Austria and Italy were accommodated at the resort. As Tropical Storm Gustav made its way to Jamaica, Half Moon waived all cancellation fees for reservations scheduled for August 28 to September 1. Guests taking advantage of this waiver can reschedule their visit at the original rate booked up to December 15, 2008 and between May - October 2009.

For More Information:
• call 1-888-830-5974
• visit www.halfmoon.com

Riu Montego Bay Opens

2008-08-29T17:08:00.003-05:00

In spite of Tropical Storm (now Hurricane) Gustav, Riu Montego Bay opened its doors on August 29, 2008 as scheduled. This 681-room resort includes three specialty-themed restaurants, five bars and a conference room. The beachfront all-inclusive resort--located less than two miles from the airport--is the first Riu resort in Montego Bay and the fourth Riu resort in Jamaica.

Riu Montego Bay also includes:

a swimming pool
day and nighttime entertainment
a nightclub
a kids' pool, mini-club and playground
full-service spa (at extra cost)
game room with slot machines
gift shop
internet café

All rooms feature marble tile bathrooms, balcony or patio, satellite cable TV, a/c, hairdryer, telephone, in-room safe, radio alarm clock and mini-bar with full size bottles. Suites feature a lounge area, iron, balcony and suite bathrooms offer a hydro-massage bathtub, shower cabin, and bidet.

For more information:
• visit www.Riu.com

Hotel Updates after Tropical Storm Gustav

2008-08-29T16:53:00.002-05:00

We've been getting reports from Jamaica's hotels today following Tropical Storm (now hurricane) Gustav.

Sunset Resorts:

Sunset Jamaica Grande, Ocho Rios
Status: No damage to Jamaica’s landmark resort. The hotel is fully operational and remains open for all guest arrivals as of Friday, August 29, 2008.

Sunset at the Palms, Negril
Status: No structural damage has been reported, however some landscaping damage has occurred. Guests were relocated from the resort on August 28, 2008 and were accommodated at SunsetBeach Resort & Spa The hotel will reopen for arrivals tomorrow afternoon, August 30, 2008 at which time relocated guests will also be returned to Sunset at the Palms.

SunsetBeach Resort & Spa, Montego Bay
Status: The newly renovated 430-room resort has not suffered any damage and a clean-up of minor debris is in progress. The hotel is fully operational and remains open for all guest arrivals as of Friday, August 29, 2008.

RIU Hotels and Resorts:

Status: The Riu resorts in Jamaica experienced some heavy rains last night, and report no damages as a result of TS Gustav. Riu Montego Bay, which opens today, will be welcoming guests from Europe, Canada and USA. Some flight delays are expected since Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay closed yesterday at 4pm and re-opened today at 1pm.

WATA Rose Hall Triathlon and Wellness Festival in October

2008-08-27T15:01:00.005-05:00

Although the Olympic flame which burned bright for 16 days in Beijing has been extinguished, sports enthusiasts inspired by the experience have the opportunity to compete side by side with athletes who have made their countries proud in the upcoming WATA Rose Hall Triathlon and Wellness Festival, taking place from October 23 - 26, 2008. Held at Jamaica's Rose Hall, the event-- celebrating its inaugural year-- welcomes Triathlete of the Year Greg Bennett and his wife Laura Bennett, who placed fourth during the recent Beijing Olympic games, US Olympic team member Julie Ertel Swail and Ironman participant Jordan Rapp.

The triathlon will take participants through some of the most scenic portions of the "Elegant Corridor," from the 18-hole Robert von Hagge, Cinnamon Hill golf course to the area's newest addition-- the Iberostar Rose Hall Resort-- and along the new North Coast Highway. Amateur athletes can challenge themselves like the champions as they tackle a 1500 m ocean swim, two laps on a bicycle course and two laps on the Cinnamon Hill course dubbed "The Witch" before a final race toward the finish line on the grounds of the Rose Hall Great House, where a party awaits those who pushed themselves to the limit.

For those looking to balance body and spirit, the four-day event also features a Wellness Festival, where holistic healers, Medicine Men and spa personnel explain such transcendental treatments as Reflexology, Reiki and Yoga while nutritional experts expound the benefits of healthy eating through Jamaican "Ital" and vegetarian meals.

Package deals are available through Island Resorts & Tours, which include roundtrip airfare, a three night stay, roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, and all hotel taxes and surcharges. The Rose Hall Resort & Spa package begins at $303 (EP), with $605 for the all-inclusive option; Ritz Carlton Rose Hall package, with accommodation in a Gardenview room, starts at $401 (EP), and the Iberostar package, which includes all drinks, meals and select activities, stars at $643.

For more information regarding packages to the event:
visit www.islandresorttours.com.

For more information regarding the WATA Rose Hall Triathlon and Wellness Festival:
visit www.rosehalltriathlon.com.

Jamaican Olympians Receive Complimentary Stay from SuperClubs

2008-08-24T10:46:00.002-05:00

The fleet feet of Jamaica's finest athletes have earned them not only Olympic medals and the admiration of sports fans around the globe, but also a one-week complimentary stay for two at any SuperClubs all-inclusive resort.

After his world record-shattering 100- and 200-meter sprints on the track at the Bird's Nest in Beijing, 2008 Olympic champion Usain Bolt has the opportunity exchange his golden shoes for the golden sands at his choice of Grand Lido Resort and Spa, Breezes, Hedonism or Starfish resorts.

“We’re just exploding with pride and joy at our athlete’s phenomenal performance so far, and we want to show how much it means to us here in Jamaica,” said Zein Issa, SuperClubs’ Vice President Marketing.

Also getting a chance to live life in the slow lane for a week at a SuperClubs resort are gold medal winner Shelly-Ann Frazier, the first to cross the finish line in the women's 100-meter sprint in the 2008 Beijing Olympic games, and Sherone Simpson and Kerron Stewart, who tied for second place in the same event.

In appreciation for their performances, any Jamaican athlete who reaches the podium during the 2008 Olympic games will receive the same offer from SuperClubs.

Several Jamaica Resorts Offering 08/08/08 Wedding Packages

2008-06-22T15:46:00.002-05:00

Several Jamaica resorts are offering special wedding packages for August 8, 2008...since, after all, eight signifies a new beginning, the promise of eternal love and good luck in many cultures. Here's a look at several lucky wedding packages:

Grand Lido Resorts & Spas and Breezes Runaway Bay Resort & Golf Club are both offering 8/8/08 packages and offering special savings for the week of August 5-12.

Grand Lido: Brides and grooms who book an eight-day wedding getaway at Grand Lido Resorts & Spas with a wedding date of 8/8/08 will enjoy a complimentary wedding ceremony, accommodations in a beachfront suite, $388 in spa credits, an eight-course meal, and eight special romantic turn-down services. This package is US$3,888 per couple and also includes an on-site wedding planner.

Breezes Runaway Bay: This package includes eight nights in an Oceanfront guestroom, an on-site wedding planner, $288 in spa credits, a romantic breakfast the day after the wedding, and a private romantic picnic. This package is US$2,888 per couple, tax and gratuity included.

Sandals Resorts offers the Eight Steps of Love and the 8/8/08 Infinity Wedding packages to celebrate the special date of 8/8/08. Beginning with a Preston Bailey Signature WeddingMoons® ceremony at sunset, the 8/8/08 Infinity Wedding package (priced at $4,888) features:

fresh floral decor designed by celebrity wedding planner Preston Bailey
an eight-course gourmet dinner
a two-tiered wedding cake designed by Sylvia Weinstock
a personal wedding consultant
spa pedicure for the Bride
half-hour massage for the Groom
solo musician for the wedding ceremony
eight-course reception for the couple and six guests
chilled sparkling wine in keepsake Beverly Clark toasting flutes
Sandals Resorts' Wedding Photography Package
professional videography of the special day
rose petal turndown service
scented bath for two
romantic breakfast in bed

Not tying the knot that day? The Eight Steps of Love package is priced at $888 and includes:

Breakfast in bed with a personalized love note for your loved one
one-hour morning sail
gourmet picnic basket lunch
couples massage at the Red Lane Spa®
photo session with a professional photographer
memory scrapbook keepsake
sparkling wine and chocolate covered fruit delivered to the room
candlelight dinner on the beach
a romantic turn-down service with eight flickering candles

Jamaica Inn Offers Girlfriends Retreat Package

2008-05-30T14:59:00.003-05:00

Girlfriend getaways are becoming more and more popular as mother-daughter getaways, bachelorette bashes, or just a chance to get away with the girls. Now we've received word that Jamaica Inn is offering a girls-only escape with the Girlfriends’ Retreat package.

The Package: This offer includes:

four nights’ accommodation in a deluxe veranda suite
private roundtrip transfer from the Montego Bay airport
complimentary breakfast daily
a special one- hour forty-five minute spa session with deep stress relief massage, hydrating aroma facial, and mint body cleanser

Price: Prices start at US$1,608 for single occupancy and US$2,276 for double occupancy for travel through October 31.

For More Information:
• visit www.jamaicainn.com

SuperClubs Offers $600 Air Credit at Three Properties

2008-05-25T16:01:00.000-05:00

With air prices on the rise, here's a good deal that's come across our desk: SuperClubs' "Fare is Fare" Deal. This offer is for three of the brand's Jamaica properties, Grand Lido Braco, Grand Lido Negril, and Breezes Runaway Bay.

Grand Lido Resorts & Spas: $600 Air Credit + $150 Spa Credit

The Package: You'll receive a bonus air credit of $600 per room (deducted from the total booking cost) for every paid six-night minimum booking through June 21, for travel between June 1 and July 31. Also, both properties offer a $150 spa credit per room, which can be used at the on-site full-service Blue Mahoe Spa for treatments ranging from the Caribbean Peppermint Scrub using island mints and sea salts to the Sun Aloe Wrap, to calm and re-moisturize tan skin.

Price: Land packages star at $261 per person, per night, for a Royal Beachfront room at Grand Lido Braco, and $299 per person, per night, for a Jr. Suite Beachfront room at Grand Lido Negril.

Breezes Runaway Bay Resort & Golf Club: $600 Air Credit

The Package: You'll receive a bonus air credit of $600 per room (deducted from the total booking cost) for every paid six-night minimum booking through June 21, for travel between June 1 and July 31.

Price: A Plunge Pool Verandah Suite begins at $239 per person, per night; land-only.

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

Holiday Inn Sunspree Offers Father's Day Package

2008-05-23T20:45:00.002-05:00

In Montego Bay, the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort (the first Jamaican resort we visited and, even after all these years, still great fun) is offering a special Father's Day package. The three-night all-inclusive package with airfare at Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort includes savings up to 50 percent.

Price: The package, which include air and a standard room, starts at $525 per person from Miami and Fort Lauderdale; $545 per person from Orlando; $589 per person from Atlanta; $709 per person from Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York (JFK); $719 per person from Chicago; and $655 per person from Los Angeles.

For More Information:
• visit Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort Montego Bay

Photos of Grand Palladium Under Construction

2008-05-20T15:27:00.000-05:00

We just returned on Friday from Negril and along the drive back to Montego Bay we passed the construction site for Grand Palladium Resort and the smaller, adjacent Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort (located just east of Lucea). Set to open in the coming summer months, this mega resort has gotten a lot of interest so we wanted to pass along photos of the property underway. These were shot Friday, May 16. You can also do a virtual walkthrough of the resort .

Couples Resorts Offers 35 Percent Off

2008-05-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

Can't decide which of the four Couples Resorts in Jamaica to book? Here's a fun way to make the choice: the "Secret Rendezvous" package.

Here's the deal: you'll book the dates of your trip but you won't find out which of the four Couples resorts you've booked until a week before departure. You might be at Couples Ocho Rios, Couples Sans Souci, Couples Swept Away or Couples Negril!

Price: The rates for this package are $390 per room, per night (or $195 per person) from June 1 – 30, 2008. A three-night minimum stay is required. This offers a savings of 35 percent; the lowest published rack rate for the time period is $606 per room/per night.

For more information:
• visit www.couples.com

Chukka Prepares Father's Day Program

2008-05-11T14:14:00.000-05:00

Chukka Caribbean Adventures has prepared a two-part package for Dads on Father's Day. First he'll soar through the trees on the Chukka Canopy Tour, a zip-line experience.

When Dad comes back down to earth, Chukka will put him on an ATV and send him for a rugged adventure ride through Jamaica’s hills.

Dad’s special gift from Chukka Caribbean Adventures is a commemorative Father’s Day t-shirt.

Price: The Chukka Canopy Tour is US$88, and is appropriate for kids 10 years and older. The ATV Safari is US$75 for ages 16 and older. The offer is valid for bookings made on the Chukka Caribbean Adventures website.

For More Information:
• visit www.chukkacaribbean.com

Photo courtesy Jamaica Tourist Board

Ritz-Carlton Offers Father's Day Program

2008-05-09T14:04:00.001-05:00

Sure Mother's Day is this weekend but that means it's time to start thinking ahead to Father's Day. Here's an interesting package we've received: The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort has created the His Retreat program just for Dad. The package is valid on Father’s Day and includes a round of golf at The White Witch Golf Course, followed by an 80-minute Deep Tissue massage.

Price: His Retreat is offered at US$295, and is based on availability.

For More Information:
• visit www.ritzcarlton.com

JAPEX 2008

2008-05-05T15:46:00.005-05:00

We told you that last weekend we returned from Kingston and the annual JAPEX conference, the travel trade show for Jamaica. This was the first time the conference had been held in Kingston in five years (last year we attended in Ocho Rios), and the conference had grown. For the first time, we noticed more participation from buyers from the Russian Federation as well as South America and Europe.

The event started with a poolside welcome reception, Out of Many, One People, at the Hilton Kingston. The next day was spent on the trade show floor (and, for us, in morning press conferences) followed by the Many Moods of Kingston night at the Bank of Jamaica auditorium.

We've compiled a video of scenes we shot during this year's JAPEX including a speech by Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett about plans for Jamaica tourism and performances at the special evening functions:

Trip Report: Hilton Kingston

2008-05-02T17:08:00.006-05:00

Last week we spent three nights at the Hilton Kingston for the annual JAPEX conference, a travel trade show. The hotel is located in New Kingston.

Our room was in one of the two-story poolside buildings (most rooms are in the high-rise tower). The room was motel-basic: a plain bathroom with barely functioning shower and toilet and a basic bedroom with a broken TV remote, redeemed only by a nice, private balcony.

The hotel grounds are lush but unkempt. Public areas are tired and badly in need of a renovation.

We dined at the poolside buffet which was enjoyable. During our stay, we also had lunch at the poolside grill which was far too slow (especially for a business hotel) and at the breakfast cafe, which was overpriced and also badly in need of a renovation.

In short, we would recommend a look at the neighboring Courtleigh or the Jamaica Pegasus (on the other side of the Courtleigh), both in easy walking distance to the Hilton's meeting facilities.

Jamaica Makes Plans for Casinos

2008-05-01T15:38:00.003-05:00

We just returned from Kingston and the annual JAPEX travel trade show; there was a lot of talk at the show about the very strong possibility of casinos in Jamaica's near future. Right now, many properties have slots-only game rooms but this change will allow for full casinos with table games. Presently the proposal is before the parliament (and has a lot of opposition from local religious groups) but it sounds like this will soon become reality.

"We are looking at casino gaming as a value-added attraction," said Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, at the press luncheon last Friday. "Jamaica will never be a casino destination. You will never see stand-alone [casinos] dotting the landscape. We are being very careful and very limited. Casino is not the basis of the product but an addition."

Video of Bob Marley Museum, Kingston

2008-04-29T15:29:00.004-05:00

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).

Sunset Beach, Sunset Jamaica Grande Offer Sale

2008-04-25T10:50:00.001-05:00

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

Faith Tourism Events, Festivals Planned

2008-04-24T13:05:00.000-05:00

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

Jamaican Chefs Featured at China's Jamaica Week

2008-04-23T08:50:00.000-05:00

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

Jamaica Week Wraps Up in China

2008-04-22T08:46:00.000-05:00

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

Muddy Days in Ocho Rios

2008-04-21T09:25:00.003-05:00

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.

Starfish Trelawny Offers Promo for Single Parents

2008-04-18T14:31:00.000-05:00

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)