Jamaica Travel News

Strawberry Hill Offers Unplug & Unwind Package

Unplugging and unwinding come easy in Jamaica, which was recently ranked third as the world’s happiest nation using the Happy Planet Index. This study, as reported in CNN on July 4th, 2009, seeks countries with the most content people and considers the ecological footprint of that country.

The best place to admire this happy nation just might be Strawberry Hill, the luminous 25-acre mountaintop, mystical retreat ideal for travelers seeking tranquility, peace and oneness. The tranquil retreat is now offering the Unplug and Unwind Package, perfect for enjoying the peace and quiet of the Blue Mountains.

Price: Starting at $455.00 per night based on double occupancy or $296.00 per night based on single occupancy.

Dates: Strawberry Hill Unplug and Unwind is valid now through December 18, 2009. Tax and service charges are additional.

The Package: The package includes:

• Elegant Suite with private balcony overlooking the majestic Blue Mountains
• Breakfast and a la Carte Dinner
• Elemental consultation and Elemental Nature Massage
• Free use of Sauna, Plunge Pool and Yoga Shala
• Amenities include blended tropical fruit punch, herbal water and teas

Strawberry Hill’s new Living Lounge, located in the Living Spa, houses a private wine bar exclusive to hotel guests and Spa clients. The Living Lounge is ideal for special occasions or for those who want to socialize while savoring wines, indulging in treatments and unwinding to their favorite music. Also on offer is a 60-foot negative-edge swimming pool, nature trails, bird-watching expeditions and mountain bikes to help guests connect with the intense natural beauty of this fertile region.

For More Information:

• visit www.islandoutpost.com
• call 1-800-OUTPOST (688-7678)

Labels: Kingston

posted by Paris and John @ 4:43 PM

Island Records Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Roots, Rock & Reggae Tour

The Roots, Rock & Reggae tour offers emerging artists and music aficionados a chance to hone in their beat when booking six nights or more in any of or a combination of Island Outpost’s artistically influenced hotels, Strawberry Hill, Geejam and Jake’s, now through now through December 14, 2009 with stays in specific room categories:

Strawberry Hill, Blue Mountains

Room: Studio Suite. Situated on the mountaintop to stunning effect, Gong, Tree, Cedar and 59 Steps make up the property's four studios suites. Housing palatial four-poster beds with all-purpose kitchenettes, bathrooms and balconies, the studios capture the refined luxury and absolute peacefulness of the property. Each studio offers a quiet, personalized environment and features an uninterrupted canvas of the city lights of Kingston

Room Rate per Night: $595

Roots, Rock & Reggae: Strawberry Hill’s Musical History

In addition to touring Chris Blackwell’s wall of fame at Strawberry Hill, take a day to truly dive into the roots of the reggae culture. Tour the Bob Marley Museum, dedicated to the life and achievements of the phenomenal Reggae artist who Chris Blackwell led to international acclaim. Emerge through a musical history of artifacts, memorabilia, numerous writings and photographs, and other awe-inspiring mementos. The museum is Bob Marley's former place of residence and was home to the Tuff Gong record label. Feel the vibe and get inspired from the hundreds of artists, musicians, and producers from all over the world who have previously recorded at this studio and visited the museum.

Geejam, Port Antonio

Room: Ska. A unique cabin named in homage to the legacy of its respective Jamaican musical genres, Ska offers a mellow, airy octangular space with glass doors opening onto an elevated surround sound view. Ambient reverb of the sound-systems rolling across the hills or a rooster announcing the day can easily be heard from the room’s balcony or the cabin’s private hot tub..

Room Rate per Night: $595

Roots, Rock & Reggae: Geejam’s Studio Experience

A recently refurbished state-of-the-art recording studio is one of Geejam’s most prized features. An A-list of international music talent, including Gwen Stefani and No Doubt, Common, India.Arie, Björk, Tanya Stephens, Sly and Robbie and Gorillaz, have all written and recorded at the property. In addition to the top-of-the-line technology, including Pro Tools and a Neve console, the atmosphere at Geejam also lends itself to the continuous flow of creative juices. Even if not a professional, guests can book time on the mic to fulfill that lifelong fantasy with the 3-hour complimentary session. Studio packages are available to those booking a recording session. The three hour studio experience includes an introductory session in the control room and a demo session on the mic in the live room. Learn how a recording is assembled from tracking to mixing using the Pro Tools and start recording your stardom!

Jake's, Treasure Beach

Room: Deluxe One Bedroom Oceanfront. The ocean spray can be felt from the veranda of Seapuss, the deluxe oceanfront room. The aquatic theme enhanced by warm Moroccan accents redefines island groovy chic. Queen-sized bed offers ultimate refuge, while the private outdoor showers complete the perfect bathing ritual

Room Rate per Night: $295

Roots, Rock & Reggae: Henzell’s Drive

The bohemian atmosphere comes as no surprise here: Jake’s is run by the Henzell family, also responsible for Jimmy Cliff’s The Harder They Come, the hippest Caribbean film of all time. Sally, its set designer, unfurled her talents here. Receive a Harder They Come DVD and CD and a poster, and take a beautiful drive down Jamaica's southwestern coast from Sav-La-Mar leading to Belmont’s fishing village which is the birth and resting place of one of the Wailers’ founding members…Peter Tosh.

For more information:

• visit www.islandoutpost.com
• call 1-800-OUTPOST

Labels: Kingston, Port Antonio, South Coast

posted by Paris and John @ 4:38 PM

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

Fun in the Son Grand Finale Concert Planned in Kingston

Think "spring break" and the "Caribbean" in one sentence and you probably picture wild parties on the beach. And you'd be right in some locations...but Jamaica offers an increasingly popular alternative to the traditional spring break getaway: Fun in the Son, a gospel getaway.

The 2009 Fun in the Son event, which began on March 13, celebrates a grand finale concert this Saturday with a grand finale concert. Now in its seventh year, the annual Best Dressed Fun in the Son Gospel Spring Festival grand finale concert will be held at the University of the West Indies (UWI) at the Mona Bowl starting at 10:00 am. Thousands of local, regional and international attendees are expected.

The festival, which was first staged in March 2002 is produced by Glory Music Inc., headed by Tommy Cowan, who has toured worldwide with big-name music stars that include Maxi Priest, Freddie McGregor and the late Bob Marley.

“Fun in the Son” brings together a diverse audience interested in an upbeat, vibrant celebration. We are so pleased by its growing popularity as a leading gospel event worldwide,” Cowan stated.

The alternative spring break event launched in Kingston on March 6, continued its celebration in Ocho Rios at the Ocean Village Shopping Centre on March 13 with the Fun in the Son Cross Over Party and, in Negril on March 14 at Bourbon Beach where they hosted the Fun in the Son Beach Party.

This year’s free Fun in the Son Concert on Saturday, March 21 will feature a number of local and international gospel acts including Pastor Carlene Davis, Andrew Palau, Papa San, Goddy Goddy, DJ Nicholas, Judy Mowatt, Omari, The Grace Thrillers, IROCC, Jason Mighty, Shepherd and more.

For More Information:

• visit www.funinthesonjam.com

Labels: festivals, Kingston

posted by Paris and John @ 9:57 PM

Kingston Restaurant Week Begins November 8th

Enjoy a true taste of the Jamaican way of life during the fourth annual Kingston restaurant week, taking place from November 8 - 15, 2008. Foodies will find themselves on a gastronomic journey when sampling the culinary artistry of chefs from 35 dining establishments, who will serve cuisine at a discounted prix fixe rate throughout the event.

Along with diverse menus to please every palette, each restaurant's scenery will add spice to your dining experience. At Morgan's Harbour, the waters of Port Royal once reflected the sails of pirate ships, while Strawberry Hill offers a view of the twinkling city lights of downtown Kingston. The history of the island is on display at several venues, including Norma's On the Terrace and the Grog Shoppe at Devon House, a 19th century mansion, and at Cuddy'z, which showcases sports memorabilia.

Tourists staying at the Terra Nova will only have to travel as far as the hotel's Regency Room to order signature dishes at a lower rate, as will the Jamaica Pegasus hotel's Columbus restaurant and the Hilton Palm Court.

"Kingston is a dynamic center of activity," Director of Tourism Basil Smith commented, "and Kingston Restaurant Week is a wonderful entrée to the delicious spread of offerings that can be savoured and enjoyed in the city".

For more information about Kingston Restaurant Week:

• visit www.visitjamaica.com

Labels: Kingston

posted by Grace Sydney @ 12:33 PM

Jamaica Celebrates October Olympic Homecoming

This Reuters video shot October 3 in Kingston covers the homecoming parade enjoyed by Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt and the Jamaican Olympic team. The island is celebrating a week-long recognition of the team's success at the Beijing games when they brought home 11 medals including six gold medals.

Labels: Kingston

posted by Paris and John @ 9:26 PM

JAPEX 2008

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:

Labels: Kingston, tourism

posted by Paris and John @ 3:46 PM

Trip Report: Hilton Kingston

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.

Labels: Kingston

posted by Paris and John @ 5:08 PM

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 and John @ 3:29 PM

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 and John @ 1:05 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 and John @ 5:53 PM

Island Outpost Offering Fitness Options

Jamaica's resorts aren't waiting until January to start thinking about fitness resolutions, and Island Outpost, always an innovator, is promoting a healthier lifestyle with several fitness offerings.

"Instead of that spinning class, trade it for mountain biking in Jamaica. Skip the laps in the pool for a swim in the Caribbean Sea. Running on the treadmill? Forget it. Get up and get out and into the countryside...staying in shape has never felt or looked so good," says Andria Mitsakos, president and CEO of AMPR. "Island Outpost's collection of hotels in Jamaica helps release the stress and elevates the spirit with adrenaline-packed programs to stay fit and motivated throughout the year!"

Island Outpost offers two types of fitness retreat getaways - the adventure and the holistic (meditative or spa). Whichever fits the mood or personality, guests who are active on an Island Outpost vacation recharge their body, mind and soul and even receive a sense of motivation to continue back at home, stronger, healthier and ready to take on the world! Shaping up comes easy at the following hotels:

Strawberry Hill (Blue Mountains)

For the overworked, rest assured, yoga is king here and private yoga retreats are offered seasonally at Strawberry Hill. Pure fitness amidst the cleansing mists of Jamaica's Blue Mountains boost morale and holiday spirits, especially with fall retreats such as the Healthy Living program offering Yardi Fitness, H20 Cardio and Resistance Training and guided by
professional instructors and Jamaican vibes. Healthy Living is offered in September and November.

A-listers and Zen-seekers seek tranquility throughout the year here with mountain trails for bicycling, walking and jogging. Trekking through the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park or swimming at the nearby Upper Reach Falls rejuvenates muscles while snorkeling and fishing at nearby Lyme Cay island add to the fun.

Rates: Rates for Strawberry Hill start at $395 based on double occupancy now through December 19, 2007 and then $595 December 20, 2007 through April 19, 2008.

Jake's (Treasure Beach)

The funky bohemian hideaway Jake's lures the adventurously fit minded with the off road Jamaican terrain right at its doorstep. Guests can opt to go hiking, biking and kayaking solo (and rent their own equipment) or team up with local Andy Nembhard who operates a guided service out of Jake's.

Whether it's off-roading or taking a leisurely ride through this sleepy fishing village, professional mountain bikes will help make the journey a comfortable one. Jake's is also a great place to go on a walking/hiking tour -- guests can choose from several different suggested routes listed in their in-room guides that will have them meandering along the coastline all the way to the nature reserve at the Great Pedro Bluff. Early morning kayak trips along the coasts of Frenchman's Bay, Calabash Bay and Great Bay can also be organized. And new this season guests can enjoy weekly yoga sessions at the Calabash Gazebo.

Now in its 13th year the Jake's Jamaican Off-Road Triathlon takes place every spring, featuring a 500-meter ocean swim, a 13.7-mile mountain bike course and a 4.3-mile cross-country run and can be done as a team or individually. The race is the main fundraiser for Breds Treasure Beach Foundation, a local non-profit that helps raise funds for sports, education,
environmental initiatives and health programs in the small fishing village of Treasure Beach.

Rates: Rates for Jake's start at $95 based on double occupancy now through December 14, 2007, and $115 between December 17, 2007 through April 19, 2008.

Goldeneye (Oracabessa)

The island escape that inspired Ian Fleming's James Bond novels remains a hotbed of action and thrills. To hone 007-sharp reflexes and channel the Bond spirit, risk-takers mix daring explorations into their workouts with Jet Ski safaris, snorkeling, kayaking and deep-sea fishing.

A mini-triathlon challenges guests to 20 miles each of walking/jogging, kayaking and swimming. Guests with a competitive itch opt to defy the laws of physics with Jamaica's Fat Tyre Festival on February 10, 2008.

Rates: Rates for Goldeneye start at $660 based on double occupancy through December 18, 2007 and $840 December 19, 2007 through April 18, 2008.

The Caves (Negril)

On the westernmost tip of Jamaica atop volcanic cliffs, The Caves provides aquatics with guided snorkeling tours through the caves and grottoes exploring the exciting life that lies beneath. Most leap right off the tropical cliffs with tightened abs and glutes for that extra work-out. Guests kick-off their day with morning yoga, free of charge, with Rosa, the hotel's certified yoga instructor.

Rates: Rates for The Caves start at $495 per room, double occupancy, now through December 19, 2007. The Caves is all-inclusive which includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, house wines and spirits. In addition to snorkeling equipment, water rafts, bicycles and kayaks are available.

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

Labels: Kingston, Negril, Ocho Rios, South Coast

posted by Paris and John @ 5:10 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 and John @ 8:29 PM

An Update from the Jamaica Tourist Board

Good news has continued to come in from Jamaica today in the wake of Hurricane Dean. We just received an island-wide update from the Jamaica Tourist Board. Flights resumed today into Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport and many hotels are reporting that they've had little or no damage. Here's a rundown of the latest news:

IN GENERAL

· Nearly 14,000 tourists remain on island. 5,000 residents were housed in 231
shelters throughout the island.

· Hotels are reporting no severe damage and many expect to be fully operational by the end of the day. A round-up below details specific hotels.

· All Couples Resorts, Sunset Resorts & Island Outpost properties in Jamaica have reported no damage, and with the worst now past they will be getting back to business.

MONTEGO BAY AND FALMOUTH

· No major damage was reported to tourism infrastructure in Montego Bay. In Falmouth, a few trees were down and the Falmouth Court House received minimal damage. Most damages reported were to craft markets such as Old Fort, Holiday Village, Success and Bamboo Village.

· No damage was reported to the Montego Bay Cruise Ship Terminal.

· Chukka Caribbean Adventures in Montego Bay reported no damage, and operations should be up and running by Tuesday August 22, 2007, including reinstalled canopy tour lines.

· All seven Sandals Resorts and three Beaches Resorts in Jamaica report no structural damage today as a result of Hurricane Dean.

· SuperClubs' six resorts and three affiliate hotels are open and fully operational in Jamaica

· Half Moon Resort - The 400 acre resort experience only minimal effects. There has been no physical damage to any structure or injury to any person. A survey crew assessed the property and reported only fallen trees, limbs and debris.

· Round Hill Hotel & Villas is fully operational and open for business.


KINGSTON

· Hilton Hotel suffered water damage to furniture, carpets and foliage.

· Pegasus Hotel minimal damage to foliage and windows.

· Altamont Court hotel had minimal damage to roof and foliage.

OCHO RIOS

· The following attractions reported no damage and will be opened for business on Wednesday, August 22, 2007:

· Dolphin Cove
· Dunn’s River Falls
· Prospect Plantation
· Green Grotto Cave

· Chukka Caribbean Adventures in Ocho Rios reported no damage, and operations should be up and running by Tuesday August 21, 2007, including reinstalled canopy tour lines.

• Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, has not been directly affected by the hurricane. The hotel currently has no power but this should be remedied in the next couple of hours. Guests due to arrive at this time have the opportunity to revise their reservations and can do so by contacting the Sandals group or their travel agent.

• Jamaica Inn has a few fallen trees, but no structural damage.

· Sunset Jamaica Grande - No damage to resort. The hotel is open for all guest arrivals as of Monday, August 20, 2007.

· GOLDENEYE suffered no structural damage. Will be open for arrivals on Wednesday, August 22, 2007

· Sandcastles Resort reported no significant damage and is open for business.

SOUTH COAST

· Golf View Hotel in Mandeville reported no damage.

RPORTLAND

· Fern Hill Hotel - No significant damage reported.

· Jamaica Palace - Minimal damage to property.

NEGRIL

· Rick’s Café - Slight damage to bandstand area.

· Sunset at the Palms - No structural damage has been reported, however landscaping damage has occurred. Guests were evacuated from the resort and were accommodated at Sunset Beach Resort & Spa and Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa. The hotel will reopen for arrivals Tuesday afternoon, August 21, 2007 at which time evacuated guests will also be returned to Sunset at the Palms.

· Tensing Pen - Sustained minimal damage and should be open for business by this weekend.

Labels: Kingston, Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, weather

posted by Paris and John @ 7:56 PM

Strawberry Hill Offering Yoga Retreat

This fall, yogis flock to Strawberry Hill for Healthy Living, a six-night fitness escape in Jamaica's Blue Mountains. Teaming with Caribbean Fitness Consulting, the resort offers invigorating exercise courses amidst inspiring scenery.

Healthy Living Course: Strawberry Hill's Healthy Living courses are infused with Caribbean flair and guided by professional Caribbean Fitness Consulting instructors. Among featured sessions are:

• Yardi Fitness class with pulsating reggae music
• power Yoga
• H20 cardio
• resistance training
• power walking

Courses are set in a variety of locations, including the private Yoga (SHALA), Oasis Pool, main lawn and mountain trails. During breaks, yogis munch on tantalizing healthy snacks.

Fitness instructors can earn certifications and continuing educational credits.

Availability: Strawberry Hill's Healthy Living is available for booking September 17-24
and November 19-12, 2007.

Price: This package is priced at $595 per night for four persons in a two-bedroom villa. Two additional persons can join the villa for $150 per day for food and beverage. Studio suites are priced at $495 and deluxe villas at $390 (per X persons per night). Rates are subject to an additional 8.25% general consumption tax and 10% service charge. Airport transfers are not included.

For More Information:
• visit www.islandoutpost.com
• call 1-800-OUTPOST, Caribbean Fitness Consulting at 781-449-7636, or 0800-OUTPOST1 in the UK

Labels: Kingston

posted by Paris and John @ 2:57 PM