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Tuesday, December 25, 2007

POTD: Christmas Tree, Sandals Dunn's River, Ocho Rios


A Christmas tree rings in the season in the lobby of Sandals Dunn's River in Ocho Rios.

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posted by Paris and John @ 2:50 PM

Friday, December 14, 2007

POTD: Trident, Port Antonio


Long a favorite with the rich and famous set, Trident Villas & Hotel has a new owner and soon will be sporting some new renovations. We've heard different reopening dates for this famous property (best known as the place where Robin Moore penned The French Connection); we'll keep you posted as we hear a reopening date for this scenic accommodation.

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posted by Paris and John @ 12:27 PM

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

POTD: Village of St. George, Port Antonio


One of Jamaica's most unusual shopping areas, the Village of St. George in Port Antonio combines several architectural styles into one. Although it began as a shopping area for visitors, diminished tourism in Port Antonio has resulted in many of the St. George shops being converted into offices today.

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posted by Paris and John @ 3:48 PM

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

POTD: Bob Marley's Meditation Rock



This stone, located at the Bob Marley House and Mausoleum in Nine Mile, was made famous in Bob Marley's song "Talking Blues." Used as a meditation spot, Marley sang:

Cold ground was my bed last night
And rock was my pillow, too.

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posted by Paris and John @ 11:54 AM

Monday, December 10, 2007

POTD: Mento Band


A local mento band performs at Sandals Whitehouse using some traditional instruments like the rumba box, a thumb piano the player sits atop.

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posted by Paris and John @ 12:18 PM

Friday, December 7, 2007

POTD: Slot Machines, Hedonism III


Jamaica doesn't have full casinos like Aruba, Puerto Rico, or the Sint Maarten--you won't find any table games here. You will find slot machines, however, at many of the larger resorts. Some have a separate indoor room set aside for slots; here Hedonism III has an outdoor area set aside for the machines near the main pool (and the waterslide just behind the machines).

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posted by Paris and John @ 6:46 AM

Thursday, December 6, 2007

POTD: Dolphin Cove at Treasure Reef, Ocho Rios


One of our most memorable experiences this year was the opportunity to swim with dolphins at Dolphin Cove in Ocho Rios. Located near Dunn's River Falls, this well-run operation offers deep and shallow water opportunities in various price ranges as well as shark swims and stingray swims. Here John does the dolphin pull, drawn through the water by two of many dolphins who live here.

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posted by Paris and John @ 3:29 PM

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

POTD: Fishermen's Boats near Alligator Pond


The beach off the popular restaurant Little Ochie, located on the South Coast near Alligator Pond, is dotted with colorful fishing boats. Much of the seafood served at the restaurant comes straight out of these boats, just yards from the indoor/outdoor restaurant.

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posted by Paris and John @ 8:50 AM

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

POTD: Bloody Bay, Negril


In Negril, the beaches of Bloody Bay, lined with all-inclusives, are quieter than the public stretch of Seven Mile Beach. On the beach, you're free to walk as far up as the high water line, walking past other resorts.

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posted by Paris and John @ 4:50 PM

Monday, December 3, 2007

POTD: Island Village, Ocho Rios


If you're coming to Ocho Rios for the day on a cruise ship, you'll be right by Island Village, a shopping and dining area that was built by Chris Blackwell of Island Records (and was Bob Marley's former producer). The village is home to many small boutiques selling Jamaican art, clothing, and souvenirs as well as some duty free shops with jewelry, cigars, Harley Davidson items, and rum. You'll also find Margaritaville Ocho Rios here as well; it's always busy and is located right at the water's edge.

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posted by Paris and John @ 3:52 PM

Friday, November 30, 2007

POTD: Chess Board, Couples Sans Souci

It seems like just about every Jamaican resort has a jumbo chess board somewhere on property but this one at Couples Sans Souci caught our eye because of the locally-made, hand-carved chess pieces.

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posted by Paris and John @ 3:40 PM

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

POTD: Chenille Plant


The chenille plant (sometimes known as the red-hot cat tail) grows throughout Jamaica and its fuzzy, long blooms are often used to spell out the letters of a bride's and groom's names on resort wedding reception tables.

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posted by Paris and John @ 3:20 PM

Monday, November 26, 2007

POTD: Roaring Pavilion Villa & Spa


If you ever wonder how the rich and famous travel in Jamaica, the answer is often villa vacations. The Ocho Rios area is home to some of the most luxurious villas on the island including this one, Roaring Pavilion, located just west of town. The four-bedroom Roaring Pavilion Villa and Spa has plenty of indoor-outdoor living and dining areas, a pool, a private beach (the beach that was made legendary when Ursula Andress comes out of the sea in Dr. No), and its own on-site spa. Guests here have ranged from Celine Dion to Jack Nicholson to Tom Cruise.

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posted by Paris and John @ 12:09 PM

Friday, November 23, 2007

POTD: Irish Moss Stand, Alligator Pond


The drink Irish Moss, popular as an aphrodisiac across Jamaica,is sold at this colorful stand near Alligator Pond on the island's south coast.

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posted by Paris and John @ 8:07 PM

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

POTD: Air Margaritaville


If you haven't been to Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport in a couple of years, you'll find that it is home to a new terminal filled with shops and restaurants, including Air Margaritaville. Part of the popular Jimmy Buffet chain which includes locations in Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Negril, the restaurant serves burgers (yes, the famous Cheeseburger in Paradise) plus some island items like jerk chicken and conch fritters.

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posted by Paris and John @ 8:28 PM

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

POTD: Lighthouse at Sunset Jamaica Grande, Ocho Rios


Sunset Jamaica Grande, which has the largest meeting space in Jamaica but is also a very popular leisure hotel with families, opened its new lighthouse slide this year. The lighthouse makes a striking landmark when you're out on the water; we took a catamaran cruise and enjoyed the sight of the lighthouse from some distance away.

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posted by Paris and John @ 1:48 PM

Monday, November 19, 2007

POTD: Captain Crazy Leads Tour at Nine Mile


A jovial tour guide known as "Captain Crazy" leads a tour of the home where Bob Marley was born. Located at Nine Mile, the Bob Marley Centre and Mausoleum is a day tour from Ocho Rios.

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posted by Paris and John @ 7:40 AM

Friday, November 16, 2007

POTD: Blue Hole near Mafoota




Tucked on a quiet country road that turns east just south of Anchovy and head to the agricultural community of Mafoota, Blue Hole is just that...very blue. This natural spring provides drinking water for the area's communities and is a serene stop rarely visited by tourists.

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posted by Paris and John @ 10:28 AM

Thursday, November 15, 2007

POTD: Kling Kling



Locally known as the Kling Kling, this shiny bird is actually the Greater Antillean Grackle. Don't worry about trying to seek out this bird...he'll find you! Look for this yellow eyed bird at breakfast; he has an incredible sweet tooth and comes looking for sugar packets (even if it is Sweet 'n Low) and pastries.

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posted by Paris and John @ 4:18 PM

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

POTD: Couples Sans Souci Pool


Visitors enjoy the seaview pool at Couples Sans Souci, one of four Couples Resorts in Jamaica.

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posted by Paris and John @ 3:08 PM

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

POTD: Pirate's Lookout, Firefly


This building was once a pirate's lookout used by Captain Henry Morgan, the pirate who later became Sir Henry Morgan, governor of Jamaica. Its thick walls contain gun slots pointed at the sea and a getaway tunnel leads to Port Maria. Today the building serves as a small pub at Firefly (Noel Coward's former home).

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posted by Paris and John @ 8:49 PM

Monday, November 12, 2007

POTD: Jerk Stands at Boston Beach


Boston Beach near Port Antonio is known throughout Jamaica as THE place to go for jerk. The eateries are simple with carry-out and some seating; expect to pay just a few dollars for a meal. At most of the jerk stands, you'll walk right up to the pit and order by weight.

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posted by Paris and John @ 3:28 PM

Friday, November 9, 2007

POTD: Sunken Garden at Goldeneye


This sunken garden sits between the sea and the Ian Fleming Villa at Goldeneye, located near Oracabessa. Beneath these twin almond trees, the writer of the James Bond series liked to have his meals; today guests at the villa can enjoy dinner beneath these trees as well.

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posted by Paris and John @ 2:36 PM

Thursday, November 8, 2007

POTD: Negril Sunset


No where in Jamaica will you find a better sunset view than in Negril.

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posted by Paris and John @ 2:35 PM

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

POTD: The Guys from Scotchies Too


The men behind the fiery jerk pits at Scotchies Too in Ocho Rios take a moment out of their busy dinner rush to pose for a photo at one of the open-air jerk pits.

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posted by Paris and John @ 9:15 AM

Monday, November 5, 2007

POTD: "Casino" Night at Sandals Dunn's River


As a local benefit, Sandals Dunn's River recently hosted a "casino" night for guests with games out on the pavilion. We found that any evening here, though, is a nice night out on the pavilion; the resort also offers nightly shows.

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posted by Paris and John @ 1:19 PM

Friday, November 2, 2007

POTD: Hedonism II's Moon Hill


Hedonism II's "Moon Hill" is deserted in this photo but, when groups check out and head off to make the bus ride back to the Montego Bay, expect to see guests out here saying goodbye in Hedonism style..."mooning" their departing friends.

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posted by Paris and John @ 9:50 AM

Thursday, November 1, 2007

POTD: Fortlands Road, Discovery Bay


West of Ocho Rios, the community of Discovery Bay is home to some of the island's top villas. These properties, many of them located on Fortlands Road, offer families or multiple couples a home away from home atmosphere with a complete staff to prepare the meals you select, private pools, private beaches, and more.

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posted by Paris and John @ 9:10 AM

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

POTD: Halloween at Hedonism II


Halloween is one of the most popular times of the year at Hedonism II. Many guests bring decorations (and not-so-traditional costumes); these guests decorated their room for the annual room decoration party.

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posted by Paris and John @ 12:27 AM

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

POTD: Smooth Sailing on Catamaran Cruise


Catamaran cruises are a popular afternoon activity across Jamaica; this shot was taken off the coast of Ocho Rios.

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posted by Paris and John @ 10:19 AM

Monday, October 29, 2007

POTD: Window Shopping


A jewelry store window in Ocho Rios tempts shoppers in nearby resorts and from the cruise ships.

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posted by Paris and John @ 12:16 PM

Friday, October 26, 2007

POTD: The Original James Bond Beach


Located west of Ocho Rios, this is the original James Bond Beach, the spot where Ursula Andress made her famous entry out of the water in Dr. No. It is located west of Ocho Rios near Laughing Waters. This shot was taken from the private beach at Roaring Pavilion Villa and Spa.

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posted by Paris and John @ 11:17 AM

Thursday, October 25, 2007

POTD: Somerset Falls, near Port Antonio



Somerset Falls, located west of Port Antonio, is a tranquil stop, far quieter than Ocho Rios's Dunn's River Falls and more accessible than many other falls in the Portland area. Lush rainforest surrounds the walk up to the falls and the highlight of the visit is the chance to board a small boat and actually go beneath the falls into a small cave. This photo was shot as we entered the cave beneath the falls.

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posted by Paris and John @ 2:46 PM

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

POTD: Red Stripe


Red Stripe beer is almost a symbol of Jamaica. This photo was taken at Rick's in Negril.

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posted by Paris and John @ 12:00 PM

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

POTD: Sunset at Sunset Beach Resort


Thanks to its position on a peninsula, the aptly named Sunset Beach Resort west of Montego Bay offers a spectacular view of the sunset, the best outside of Negril.

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posted by Paris and John @ 1:41 PM

Monday, October 22, 2007

POTD: Grave of Annie Palmer, Rose Hall


The last stop on the tour of Montego Bay's Rose Hall greathouse is at the grave of Annie Palmer, former mistress of the house. Some believe Annie murdered three husbands and countless slave lovers at the house.

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posted by Paris and John @ 11:43 AM

Friday, October 19, 2007

POTD: Quiet Moment, Ocho Rios


A guest at Couples Ocho Rios enjoys a quiet moment at the ocean's edge.

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posted by Paris and John @ 8:17 PM

Thursday, October 18, 2007

POTD: Walkerswood Foods




Whether you're interested in Jamaican food from the point of view of a diner or a chef, we think you'll enjoy the Walkerswood Jerk Country Tour. The tour, which takes place at the Walkerswood factory near Ocho Rios, includes a look at the many plants that play a role in Jamaican cuisine and a visit to Mother Thyme's Spice Garden where "Mother Thyme" (above) will explain how local plants have historically been used both in terms of health and cooking on the island. A visit to the factory itself includes a chance to taste many of the sauces and condiments made here.

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posted by Paris and John @ 3:14 PM

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

POTD: View from Goldeneye's Restaurant


View from the restaurant at Goldeneye, the Island Outpost resort located at author Ian Fleming's former Jamaican home. Fishermen return from sea to unload the day's catch, some of which will find its way into gourmet dishes at the small resort.

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posted by Paris and John @ 8:58 PM

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

POTD: View of Port Maria from Firefly


Although Noel Coward didn't write "A Room with a View" from his home in Jamaica, the view from his house Firefly definitely fits the bill. The second floor office offers this spectacular view of Port Maria. The next time you're visiting Ocho Rios, try to schedule a tour of Firefly; it's a quiet getaway from the resort areas and a peak back at Jamaica's celebrity history as well.

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posted by Paris and John @ 10:57 AM

Monday, October 15, 2007

POTD: View from Greenwood Great House


The second floor balcony at Greenwood Great House, located just east of Montego Bay, offers a spectacular view of the Caribbean.

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posted by Paris and John @ 9:06 AM

Friday, October 12, 2007

POTD: Chapel at Sandals Montego Bay


Sandals Montego Bay is one of the few resorts in the Caribbean with its own traditional chapel on site, a popular place for weddings and vow renewals.

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posted by Paris and John @ 3:58 PM

Thursday, October 11, 2007

POTD: Firebreather at Half Moon Village


A firebreather performs to a convention crowd at Half Moon Village, a shopping and dining area located just east of the Half Moon resort.

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posted by Paris and John @ 3:23 PM

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

POTD: Cruising Up the Black River


The Black River, named for the peat deposits that stain its waters, is a favorite day trip for visitors to the South Coast or to Negril. Cruises ply these rivers and offer visitors a chance to see the mangrove-lined banks that are home to numerous bird species as well as the Black River's most famous residents: crocodiles.

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posted by Paris and John @ 3:13 PM

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

POTD: A Cold Jelly along Bamboo Avenue


Young jelly coconuts tempt many travelers to stop as they make their way through the scenic drive known as Bamboo Avenue on the South Coast. Here tall bamboo bend over the road and form a tropical canopy.

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posted by Paris and John @ 11:28 AM

Monday, October 8, 2007

POTD: Jerk Pit at Scotchies Too, Ocho Rios


Scotchies, located on the east side of Montego Bay on the North Coast Highway, has long been a favorite jerk stop for travelers and now it has some competition: Scotchies Too. Located in Ocho Rios, the popular jerk restaurant opened in late 2006 and offers all the treasures of the pit: jerk pork, jerk chicken, jerk sausage, you name it.

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posted by Paris and John @ 11:24 AM

Friday, October 5, 2007

POTD: Sunrise over Montego Bay


Another day begins for Montego Bay, as seen from the towers of Sunset Beach Resort.

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posted by Paris and John @ 8:06 AM

Thursday, October 4, 2007

POTD: Bayside Restaurant, Couples Ocho Rios


Bayside Restaurant, one of many restaurants at the all-inclusive Couples Ocho Rios, is literally perched over the water. Seaside diners enjoy (not just a great Italian dinner) but the gentle lapping of the surf beneath them and the sound of evening frogs in the hills.

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posted by Paris and John @ 10:07 AM

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

POTD: Dunn's River Falls


If you know one picture of Jamaica, it's that of Dunn's River Falls, the spectacular cascade of water that comes from the mountains down to the sea. The climb starts at the beach and visitors work their way up the falls with the help of local guides. If you're not visiting from a cruise ship, try to plan your visit to the falls on a day when cruise ships aren't calling in Ocho Rios; you'll find the falls far less crowded.

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posted by Paris and John @ 10:28 AM

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

POTD: "The Black Farmer" Visits Mafoota Farm


Late last year we traveled with a group of journalists from the US, UK, and Canada accompanying Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, better known to UK readers as "The Black Farmer." Emmanuel-Jones produces a line of specialty food products including The Black Farmer® sausages in the UK. As a young boy, he lived in Jamaica. A film crew recorded his visit to the island including this stop at Mafoota Farm, a cooperative farm located south of Montego Bay. The farm provides many of the local products used by chefs at the Sandals resorts.

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posted by Paris and John @ 7:10 AM

Monday, October 1, 2007

POTD: Hedonism II Prude Beach



Hedonism II in Negril boasts the Caribbean's highest repeat guest rate. Guests are drawn to the resort's anything goes atmosphere...the "Be wicked for a week" slogan here just about says it all! The beach directly behind this pier is the resort's "prude" or clothed beach. Notice all the empty chairs? It's easy to see which of the resort's two beaches--clothed and unclothed--draws the crowds!

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posted by Paris and John @ 2:22 PM

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Photo of the Day (POTD) Feature

Today we're launching a new feature on JamaicaTripper: Photo of the Day (POTD). Each day, we'll be showcasing a photo from somewhere in Jamaica, one that just might remind you of a previous visit...or motivate you to plan the next one!

Today's photo is taken a The Ruins restaurant in Ocho Rios. Visitors enjoy al fresco dining right at the foot of these spectacular waterfalls:

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posted by Paris and John @ 2:14 PM