Jamaica Travel News

Reader Question: Anniversary Trip to Ocho Rios

Just seen your web-site. I want a vacation in the Ocho Rios area. Proposed to my wife over 10 years ago on Turtle Tower Beach in Ocho Rios back in October 1998. It's our 10 year Wedding anniversary this year. Where would you recommend for a week from her parents in Kingston, Jamaica?

Congratulations on your upcoming anniversary! You've got lots of good choices in Ocho Rios, certainly one of the most romantic spots on the island. It's a tough call but here are a few of our romantic favorites in the Ocho Rios area:

* Couples Tower Isle. Formerly Couples Ocho Rios, this resort is wrapping up a mega-renovation and reopening under a new name. The couples-only resort has an emphasis on romance with a 50s vibe and a private island.

* Sandals Dunn’s River Villaggio Golf Resort & Spa. There are two Sandals resorts in Ocho Rios but this is our favorite (Sandals Grande Ocho Rios is too big for our tastes; the property is divided into a beachside portion and a mountainside portion that's comprised mostly of villas.) You can always hop the free shuttle and visit (and eat or play) at the other Sandals property.

* Couples Sans Souci. If the two of you like spas, this is a top choice. The resort is elegant, offers excellent dining options, and plenty of spa treatments.

* Goldeneye. Located east of Ocho Rios near Oracabessa, this boutique resort is located on the estate of the late author Ian Fleming of James Bond fame. Fleming's former home is now a villa but smaller accommodations are just right for couples looking for plenty of privacy. Quiet, upscale, and intimate, this resort offers peace and quiet (although check of the status of an addition to the property being built nearby. We've heard this won't interfere with the atmosphere of the property but haven't been here during construction.)

* Jamaica Inn. This historic resort (one suite is named for a favorite guest, Winston Churchill) is known for its attentive staff. It's pricey, genteel, and always memorable.

* Royal Plantation. Once a Beaches resort, today this property is no longer an all-inclusive but an exclusive hotel with a lot of attention to service, including butler service on the beach.

Happy travels! Paris and John

Labels: mailbox, Ocho Rios

posted by Paris and John @ 8:10 PM

Reader Question: Gas Prices in Jamaica?

Dear JamaicaTripper:

I'm considering renting a car during my November visit to Jamaica. I've found information about car rentals but I haven't been able to find information about gas prices in Jamaica. Can you help?

Thanks, Tom, Orlando, Florida

Dear Tom,

Look for gas prices to run almost double the prices you would expect to see in the US at any given time. You'll find numerous gas stations on the island, many open daily, but only some accept credit cards. Expect to pay cash at the smaller stations.

Labels: mailbox

posted by Paris and John @ 7:04 PM

Reader Question: Can I Use My ATM Card in Jamaica?

Dear JamaicaTripper:

I am visiting Jamaica on a cruise at the end of the year. I'll be spending one day in Ocho Rios.

Do you know if I will be able to use my ATM card? If so, should I obtain Jamaican currency (or, if not, should I exchange money somewhere?) Thank you, Dean, Knoxville, Tennessee

Dear Dean,

Thanks for your question. In the old days (not so many years ago), you couldn't use foreign ATM cards in Jamaica; only Jamaican ATM cards were accepted by local machines. This is still the case at some machines but many now accept US cards. In fact, in Ocho Rios you'll find some ATM machines that not only accept US ATM cards but will give you your money in US dollars. Look for CoolCash ATM machines; these provide money in US dollars as do some others (they'll be marked that they're dual currency.)

You'll find numerous ATM machines in Ocho Rios; the biggest one in town is located at 11 Main Street. Near the cruise dock, stop in at Margaritaville in Island Village for another ATM (it's located near the restrooms); you'll also find machines at Soni’s Plaza, Gem Palace, Dolphin Cove, Sunset Jamaica Grande, Breezes Runaway Bay, Dunn’s River Falls, and other locations around town.

Don't worry about obtaining Jamaican money; just about every place we've ever stopped in Ocho Rios has accepted US dollars (and provided change back in US dollars on most occasions.)

Happy travels! Paris and John

Labels: mailbox

posted by Paris and John @ 3:14 PM

Reader Question: Is Climbing Dunn's River Falls Dangerous?

Dear JamaicaTripper,

I'm visiting Jamaica in December on a cruise with my husband, my 10 and 13 year old sons, and my mother, who is in her 60s. Everyone really wants to climb Dunn's River Falls but I wonder if it's safe? We are not climbers. Thanks, Diana M., Charleston

Dear Diana,

Thanks for your email. Dunn's River Falls is really a spectacular sight and definitely one of the top attractions on the island. It is a genuine waterfall, though, so slips do occur. Some things to keep in mind:

• be sure to go with one of the fall's guides. There are freelance guides who try to take travelers up the falls but the guides who work for the falls know the terrain and will tell you exactly where to step.
• bring your own water shoes. There are shoes for rent but we always bring our own; we know they fit correctly and will be comfortable, helping to prevent slips.
• take it slow. It's not a race; groups can go up the falls very slowly.
• feel free to stop. If you'd like to just climb part of the falls, that's fine, too; you can get out at many places along the way. The falls start at the beach level and very gradually make their way up; this first leg of the hike is the easiest. If you get out, you can walk the remainder of the way right beside the falls (great for photos) on a paved sidewalk.

Happy travels!

Labels: mailbox, Ocho Rios

posted by Paris and John @ 1:47 PM