Jamaica Travel News

Jamaican Resorts Fill Travel + Leisure List

Jamaica, for the fifth year in a row, is the Caribbean island with the most resorts on Travel + Leisure magazine’s 14th annual World’s Best Awards readers’ survey, with ten hotels, up from five in 2008, named to the list of Top 25 Resorts in the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas.

The Jamaican properties on the list of Top 25 Resorts, Caribbean, Bermuda and Bahamas category include:

• Couples Negril (2)
• Couples Swept Away, Negril (3)
• Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios (6)
• Couple Sans Souci, Ocho Rios (7)
• Couples Tower Isle, St. Mary/Ocho Rios (8)
• Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios (11)
• Rockhouse Hotel, Negril (20)
• Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa, South Coast (21)
• Round Hill Hotel & Villas, Montego Bay (24)
  
• Half Moon, Montego Bay (25)

Survey results for the 2009 World’s Best Awards appear in the magazine’s August 2009 edition, on newsstands now and online at www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest. A complete methodology of the awards also appears on the Web site.

Labels: Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, South Coast

posted by Paris and John @ 5:55 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

Jake's Offers Volunteer "Goodwill Jamaica Package"

Jake’s, Jamaica’s hip Treasure Beach boutique hotel, unites visitors and locals with the new volunteer “Goodwill Jamaica Package”.

Jake’s guests are invited to explore and even participate in community development projects from the non-profit organization BREDS.

“The true soul of Jamaica is born and bred in our local communities,” said Jason Henzell, president of Island Outpost and owner of Jake’s. “By volunteering in Treasure Beach, our guests not only earn the satisfaction of giving back to local residents, but they can also meet the people whose joyous spirit defines the island – and hopefully lean to integrate that joy into everyday life.”

For guests that stay four nights or more, Jake’s “Goodwill Jamaica Package” includes three days of guided visits and activities at BREDS-sponsored organizations, surrounding schools, local farms, fishing communities and construction projects.

Henzell is also a founder of BREDS. Formed in 1998, BREDS is a non-profit organization concerned with the promotion of education, sports and heritage in Treasure Beach. BREDS is run by volunteers and is funded by donations. With the Dollar-a-Night initiative, participating guest houses, including Jake’s, contribute $1.00 for each room night rented. Annual fund-raisers, such as the Treasure Beach Off-Road Triathlon and the South Coast Hook n Line Fishing Tournament, also provide support.BREDS’ upcoming projects in Treasure Beach include the development of the Treasure Beach Sports Park.

Guests and locals mingle cheerfully at Jake's, a 30-room resort, set on six acres of land. Dramatic cottages commune with the garden, sea and sky, near a secluded fishing village. The bohemian atmosphere comes as no surprise: 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.

Prices: Package rates range from $95 per night for a gardenview one bedroom up to $325 per night for an oceanfront romance suite. Villa accommodations and rates are also available.

For more information:

• call 1-800-OUTPOST
• email: jakesinfo@cwjamaica.com
• visit www.islandoutpost.com/jakes

Labels: South Coast

posted by Paris and John @ 4:35 PM

Sandals Select Club Announces Refer-A-Friend Program

Are you a Sandals Select Reward Club member? This loyalty program for previous guests of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts has announced a new offer when members refer a first-time guest.

You can receive 5,000 Sandals Select points when you refer a first-time guest to a Sandals Resorts or Beaches Resorts vacation. The Refer-A-Friend Program awards club members with $125 off their next stay when the referred guests book their vacation by March 26, 2009 for travel by December 20, 2009.

The first-timers you refer who book by February 26, 2009 get savings of up to 60 percent off regular rack rates (minimum three-night stay) and up to three nights free (minimum seven-night stay).

Program Perks: What are the other perks of the program? The club (which you're eligible to join after your first stay) offers member-only savings and events throughout the year. This year’s exclusive events include an invitation to Sandals Resorts’ Annual Reunion Week (April 13-17, 2009) and to the Chairman’s Invitational Golf Tournament (September 17-20, 2009), an annual golfing trip at the Sandals Golf & Country Club in Ocho Rios for the resort company’s most loyal guests.

Other perks for members include:

• Enrollment bonus of 10,000 Sandals Select points
• Free one-week stay for every 70 paid nights at participating resorts
• Monthly e-newsletters outlining exclusive savings and event opportunities
• 10% savings at the gift shop and photo shop on property
• Dedicated on-site loyalty manager to plan excursions and events during your Luxury Included® vacation
• Welcome gift
  

For more on the Sandals Select Reward Club:

• call 1-800-NOW-4-SSG (1-800-669-4774)
• visit sandalsselect.com and refer to promotion code SSRAF09

Labels: Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, Sandals, South Coast

posted by Paris and John @ 11:56 AM

Watch for Jamaica on Wheel of Fortune

Watch for Sandals Week on television's popular "Wheel of Fortune" game show. Scheduled to air from April 27 through May 1, 2009, the week of shows was filmed on the island in late January.

Vanna White (photo, right) and crew filmed at Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa and also Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa.

Through daily "Prize Puzzles," members of the Wheel Watchers Club will have the opportunity to win a Sandals getaway.

Photo courtesy Sandals

Labels: Negril, South Coast

posted by Paris and John @ 10:34 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 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

Peter Greenberg Explores off the Beaten Path Jamaica

We just ran across this video about off the beaten path Jamaica by Peter Greenberg. We've traveled with Peter in the past--and you've probably seen him as travel editor of the Today Show--and Peter knows his stuff. This video features the Pelican Bar and Jake's on the South Coast as well as Scotchies, always a great place for real Jamaican jerk, on the north side of the island.

Labels: food, South Coast

posted by Paris and John @ 9:30 AM

Jake's Adds Hope House

Jake's has long been a great option on Jamaica's South Coast thanks to its laid-back atmosphere and signature boho-chic style. Now there's another good option for those looking for the privacy of a villa vacation: Hope House.

Jake’s newest addition, Hope House, is located in the seaside community of Old Wharf Treasure Beach. This is the second beachfront villas in Jake's collection, joining the already popular Calabash Bay Villa. The one of a kind Grecian/Mexican/Caribbean architecturally styled villa is the latest creation of Jake’s Sally Henzell who originated the property’s style over ten years ago when she started Jake’s.

“Hope House is the first in several of these beachfront villas we anticipate opening in the Old Wharf area of Treasure Beach over the next few years,” said Jason Henzell, president of Island Outpost and general manager at Jake’s. “My mother’s artistic vision, which she used to create the rooms at the main property, is continued in this extremely unique seaside villa that will offer yet another way to enjoy Treasure Beach and the Jake’s experience.”

The Villa: Located just under a 10-minute walk from Jake’s, Hope House is located along the coast of the seaside villa community of Old Wharf Treasure Beach. The villa features four-bedrooms (one king, two twins and a queen) with adjoining full bathrooms and air-conditioning, a full kitchen, combined living and dining room, outdoor eating areas and decks as well as a an infinity plunge pool, outdoor Jacuzzi (off the master bedroom), outdoor barbecue area, satellite television and wireless Internet access.

Amenities: Guests at Hope House will have access to all the amenities and features offered at Jake's to in-house guests including access to the TV/games room, borrowing DVDs and CDs from the vast collection as well as snorkel equipment, use of the business services at the front desk, the Jake’s restaurant and Dougie’s bar.

About Jake's: Sally Henzell, set designer of her husband Perry Henzell’s films including The Harder They Come, created Jake’s which is considered by many as the originator of shabby chic in the Caribbean. The 29-room resort, set on six acres, features dramatic cottages.

For more information:
• call 1-800-OUTPOST
• visit www.islandoutpost.com

Labels: South Coast

posted by Paris and John @ 3:00 PM

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.

Labels: Photo of the Day, South Coast

posted by Paris and John @ 8:50 AM

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.

Labels: Photo of the Day, South Coast

posted by Paris and John @ 8:07 PM

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.

Labels: Photo of the Day, South Coast

posted by Paris and John @ 3:13 PM

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.

Labels: Photo of the Day, South Coast

posted by Paris and John @ 11:28 AM

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

Jake's Planning Hook N' Line Fishing Tournament and Fish Fry

From October 13-15, Jake's in Treasure Beach will be co-sponsor of the annual Treasure Beach Hook N' Line Fishing Tournament, Fish Fry and Fun Day on the Calabash Bay fishing beach in St. Elizabeth.

Now in its 11th year, the Hook N' Line Tournament sees local fishermen vying for prizes by catching the largest fish using only the traditional fishing method of a simple hook and line. A three-day competition, the fisherman with the weightiest fish at the end of the weekend wins the tournament. Other events include a boat race, local talent show, fish fry and community beach party.

Guests are welcome to go fishing with local fisherman to test skills in catching the biggest King Fish, Barracuda, or Jack Fish.

Giving Back to the Community: Proceeds from this event (through the tournament's entrance fees and purchases of souvenir t-shirts) go toward various projects supported by Breds The Treasure Beach Foundation, the local community based non-profit. This year's fundraising efforts are in aid of repairing the community's ambulance, an integral part of the volunteer emergency response system BREDS and a team of New York emergency doctors established in the small fishing village over five years ago. For more information visit www.breds.org

Island Outpost's fishing tournaments are the latest in its long roster of charitable initiatives. Giving back to the culture he so highly regards, owner Chris Blackwell established Island ACTS (Assisting Communities Toward Strength), which serves as an umbrella for Island Outpost's many charities throughout Jamaica and works towards the advancement of education, healthcare and community development. The charities created and supported by Island ACTS represent a cross section of Jamaica communities and lifestyles. They include: Oracabessa Foundation, established by Chris Blackwell to promote the sustainable development of Oracabessa and its environs; The Mary Vinson Blackwell Foundation in the Parish of Trelawny, dedicated to the renowned fashion and home furnishings designer; and BREDS, a non-profit organization formed in 1998 by Henzell and Peace Corps volunteer Aaron Laufer to promote sports, education, culture, emergency health care (Breds-run community ambulance service), and environmental awareness in Treasure Beach.

For More Information:

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

Labels: festivals, South Coast

posted by Paris and John @ 4:31 PM

Jake's Offering Watercolor Workshops

We've seen many unique packages in Jamaica offering instruction ranging from yoga to cooking but this is the first we've seen that features a watercolor workshop! Hosted by visiting artists-in-residence Ginny O'Neil and Tom Menihan, Paint Jamaica at Jake's is offered January through March 2008 with 20% of the proceeds donated to BREDS.

"Jamaican art embodies the passion of island culture with a distinct point of view," said Jason Henzell, president of Island Outpost and owner of Jake's. "Spirituality, nature, perseverance and heritage have all served as influences to artists visiting our country. We invite our guests to learn the methods of capturing and expressing their own experiences through Jamaican techniques."

Dates: Paint Jamaica at Jake's weekly watercolor workshops will be held Wednesdays from 11:00am to 1:00pm, January 16 through March 26, 2008.

Price: Priced at $25 an hour per person, workshops are available to adults 18+. Basic materials supplied by instructors. Some additional art supplies can be purchased at Jake's Gift Shop. Private lessons are available by appointment while artists are on-site, January 8 through April 8, 2008. Priced at $50 an hour for one person and $25 for each additional person, lessons welcome beginning artists to the advanced. Open to adults and children with a choice of locations.

Giving Back: Ginny O'Neil and Tom Menihan will donate 20% of proceeds of the workshops to BREDS, a non-profit organization formed in 1998 by Henzell and Peace Corps volunteer Aaron Laufer to promote sports, education, culture, emergency health care (BREDS run a community Ambulance service), and environmental awareness in Treasure Beach.

Room Rates: Accommodations at Jake's start at $115 per room beginning on December 15, 2007 through April 19, 2008.

For more information:
• call 1-800-OUTPOST
• visit www.islandoutpost.com

Labels: South Coast

posted by Paris and John @ 12:16 PM

Update from BREDS

Yesterday we told you about a hurricane relief fund that's been set up by Breds - The Treasure Beach Foundation and is being operated by Jakes's. The fund will assist with providing aid for the many people of Treasure Beach. Unfortunately, though, we gave you the wrong URL for BREDS and wanted to make sure we corrected it. The correct URL is www.breds.org.

We received this update from Jason Henzell, Island Outpost President and Jake's Owner, about the project: "The directors of Breds - The Treasure Beach Foundation, a registered non-profit (since 1998) did a preliminary assessment in the area from Great Bay to Fort Charles, including Lewis Town and Sandy Bank. This preliminary assessment took into account type of damage (category 1-4 as used by UN) and ability to pay. Our directors know this community extremely well and I can assure you that we know of those in need and without a support system. Our goal is to raise US$10,000 and has this matched to help approx 50 persons. If we exceed this amount, our intention would be to include the district of Beacon where persons also received extensive damage. Not included in this figure is loss of fishing traps which we extimate could be as high as 1,000 rolls of mesh which translates into approximately 4,000 traps. As we know, this is essential to the sustainability of Treasure Beach, being a Fishing Village."

To make a contribution:
• call (876) 965 3000
• visit www.breds.org
• email info@breds.org

Labels: South Coast, weather

posted by Paris and John @ 2:16 PM

Giving Back to Jamaica After Hurricane Dean

If you're wondering how to help the people of Jamaica in the wake of Hurricane Dean, we've just received word about a hurricane relief fund established by Jake's and run by BREDS, The Treasure Beach Foundation.

According to Island Outpost President and Jake's Owner, Jason Henzell, “These forces of nature tend to bring out the best in people - my staff and community are incredible. Spirits are high, and our faith is stronger now than ever. The Jamaican spirit is strong, and with that, we know we will prevail all obstacles. Faith is the strongest asset of any nation, and for Jamaicans, it is the gold standard.”

Jake's resort has established a hurricane relief fund through Breds - The Treasure Beach Foundation (USA), which Henzell runs for the less fortunate who have property damage, no insurance, no support system, especially to the sick and elderly. The initiative is also in concert with Treasurebeach.net, a community web site.

BREDS, TREASURE BEACH FOUNDATION is a non-profit organization established in 1998 to promote education, sports, cultural heritage, environmental awareness and more recently emergency healthcare in Treasure Beach. The long-term vision for Breds is to establish Treasure Beach as a model for low-density, environmentally friendly, sustainable community in Jamaica. The term “Breds” short for Brethren -- has for generations, been a familiar way of hailing a person from this local fishing community.

To make a contribution:
• call (876) 965 3000
• visit www.breds.org
• email info@breds.org

Labels: South Coast, weather

posted by Paris and John @ 2:13 PM

Sandals and Beaches Resorts Offering Fall Sale

Both Sandals Resorts--with locations in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril and the South Coast--and Beaches Resorts--with properties in Negril and the Ocho Rios area--are now offering fall sales for September and October vacations.

Sandals Resorts is offering travelers up to 50% off regular rack rates.

For families traveling this fall, Beaches Resorts is offering travelers up to 45% off regular rack rates. Rates begin at $159.50 per person, per night with a minimum three-night stay.

Of course, September and October coincides with the peak months of hurricane season--but don't forget that both these resort chains (and several others in Jamaica) now have hurricane guarantees that will cover you if your trip is interrupted by a storm.

For More Information:
• visit www.sandals.com
• visit www.beaches.com

Labels: Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, South Coast

posted by Paris and John @ 4:45 PM