Events: International Reggae Day 2011

Jamaica has been celebrated as the birthplace of Reggae music for decades and International Reggae Day, is an annual 24-hour global media festival which celebrates Jamaica’s rich cultural legacy, history of quality music the power and impact of the island’s music, creativity, and global influence. The festival’s international network mobilizes a 24-hour Reggae party anchored at www.ireggaeday.com, inviting fans of the music worldwide to wear their Reggae colours, plant a tree and explore other aspects of Jamaica’s creative experience.

Set for July 1, 2011 the event takes place in Kingston, the capital of Jamaica, which is located in south east of the island near a charming bay. International Reggae day hosts dozens artists, locals and foreigners, in a marvelous music marathon. Lot of artists comes from the Caribbean Islands. This is a wonderful experience for Reggae lovers. This year International Reggae Day honours three vanguards of Reggae: Dennis Brown, Gregory Issacs and Burning Spear and invites media around the world to celebrate their timeless catalogue of great music and their invaluable contribution to the global Reggae movement.

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June 28, 2011 at 3:12 pm | Jamaica Events | No comment

Where to Visit: Good Hope Great House, Jamaica

In the 1800’s heyday of King Sugar, the Parish of Trelawny, Jamaica boasted almost one hundred plantations. For the architecture or heritage buff, the Parish and in particular it’s capital, the coastal town of Falmouth is a virtual goldmine. When sugar was king and the profits from the sweet gold made the fortunes of men, families and nations, Falmouth was considered to be the most cosmopolitan city in the western world, the “Paris of the Indies”.

( via Cockpit Country Jamaica )

It was also home to a vast number of merchant shops and traders selling slaves, sugar, rum, fine furniture and logwood. Located just minutes outside of Falmouth, sitting back from the main road the Good Hope Great House was built around 1755 and is known for its high raftered ceilings and pinewood and wild orange floors. Good Hope Estate was formed through a land grant, given to Colonel Thomas Williams. The estate consists of one thousand acres, bordering the Martha Brae river. Colonel Williams was the grandson of one of the first settlers in the island after its conquest by the English. The estate later became the property of John Tharp who became the largest land and slave owner in Jamaica.

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June 27, 2011 at 1:25 pm | Weddings & Honeymoons, Where to Visit | No comment

Where to Stay: Frenchman’s Cove Resort, Jamaica

Port Antonio, on Jamaica’s eastern coast, is nestled between the Blue Mountains and the Caribbean Sea. Port Antonio has preserved its charm as a sleepy fishing village while still offering the comfort, variety and adventure of a vacation hideaway – with its bottomless lagoons, lush vegetation, crystal clear waters, beaches, mountains and beautiful red sunsets.

( via Frenchman’s Cove Resort )

Best of all, everywhere you go there are friendly people. Port Antonio is the authentic Jamaica where guests mix with locals – no need for fences here. The area is still, thankfully considered relatively virgin territory and Frenchman’s Cove is a perfectly secluded spot that will make you fall in love with the water instantly. One of the most beautiful beaches in The Caribbean, let alone Jamaica this white-sanded shore, set against a magnificent backdrop of exotic tropical gardens and crystal-clear mountain streams, is so idyllic; it’s no wonder it was featured in the major motion pictures Club Paradise and Treasure Island.

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June 25, 2011 at 11:22 am | Portland, Weddings & Honeymoons, Where to Stay | No comment

Travel Resources: 5 Places to Eat in Negril, Jamaica

The black cliffs, azure waters and laid-back vibe of Jamaica’s “Capital of Casual”, Negril have long been the source of appeal for this great escape, not to mention its reputation as one of the best places in Jamaica to see the sunset. Like many other spots in Jamaica, visitors to Negril can choose from a range of restaurants that satisfy every palate. Find classic Jamaican dishes like jerk chicken on the menu, and sip on a rum cocktail inspired by the island. No matter the menu, most of these restaurants offer spectacular views overlooking Negril’s pristine beaches and dramatic cliffs. Here’s a list of 5 Places to Eat to help narrow down your options a bit:

Ossie’s Jerk Centre

( via Varun Baker )

A small wood shack with outside tables under a roofed patio located on the Morass side of Norman Manley Boulevard in Negril, Ossie’s Jerk Centre has a solid reputation not only for it’s tasty jerk dishes but also for it’s outstanding “must have” sauces. A rare gem that’s as popular with locals and visitors alike, this spot is perfect for travelers who want to experience that home-cooked goodness that comes naturally with small eateries. The atmosphere is as delightful as the affordable food, this spot is definitely worth a stop for anyone vacationing in Negril and looking for a place to taste the real Jamaica. For more excellent Jerk spots in Jamaica be sure to consult the Jamaica Jerk Trail here!

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June 24, 2011 at 5:31 pm | Jamaican Food, Negril, Where to Eat | 2 comments

News & Updates: Kathy Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb on Smile Jamaica/The Today Show

On Friday March 4, 2011 Jamaica was given a unique opportunity for a collaboration between NBC’s The Today Show and Television Jamaica’s Smile Jamaica. TVJ’s Smile Jamaica broadcasted from a special location with NBC’s Kathy Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb as co-hosts! The special episode featured the very best of Jamaican culture, cuisine, fashion and entertainment.

In addition to touring the streets, enjoying sips of authentic, delicious coconut water and relaxing on a raft ride down a tranquil river. The special guest hosts learned a few dance moves from Orville Hall and members of Dance Expressionz on the set of Television Jamaica’s Smile Jamaica morning show. Also sharpening her skills was TVJ’s Simone Clarke-Cooper. The show was broadcast on TVJ live from Half Moon, A RockResort, in Montego Bay and was recently featured in two segments on the Today Show. Enjoy the exclusive footage above!

June 24, 2011 at 1:29 pm | News & Updates | No comment

What to Do: Rafting on the Martha Brae River, Jamaica

Flowing for over 20 miles from the tip of the Cockpit Country to the Caribbean Sea, the Martha Brae’s fame comes from its beauty and legendary past. According to local myth, the river is named after a Taino woman who was believed to possess magical powers and to know the location of a secret gold mine. One day the Spanish forced the woman to take them to the mine, but on the way she used her powers to alter the river’s course, and so the roaring river blocked the mine’s entrance and killed the Conquistador.

After years of twisted English translations the River Matibereon became known as the Martha Brae River. Today, Martha Brae River, offers an excursion for those looking to commune with nature; outdoor activities for all ages; and some exciting folklore to entertain those who visit. Over 40000 visitors travel down the Martha Brae on bamboo rafts every year. The river is located in Falmouth, Trelawny, and offers two main attractions – the thrill of bamboo rafting and the stunning Luminous Lagoon of Glistening Waters.

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June 23, 2011 at 2:38 pm | What to Do, Where to Visit | 2 comments

Weddings & Honeymoons: Honeymooning in Portland, Jamaica

The parish of Portland on Jamaica’s east coast is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places on the island. With its stunning blue waters, romantic coves, remote white sand beaches, breathtaking panoramic views and some of the best food on the island Portland has long been a favourite getaway spot for everyone from celebrities to couples on their honeymoon and families on vacation. With it’s rustic charm, waterfalls, and river rafting it is perfect for any nature lover and this is part of its allure.

There’s no shortage of activities you can do while honeymooning in Portland. In addition to sailing, water-skiing, wind-surfing, sunbathing and swimming visitors may choose to take a bamboo raft tour, stopping off at a secluded beach along the way and all this can be done in just one day or over a number of days, the choice is yours. A picture-perfect display of nature’s finest works with dazzling walls of green mountainside slipping into crystalline waters. Port Antonio’s quiet charm casts a romantic spell that’s sure to enchant you.

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June 22, 2011 at 11:57 am | Portland, Weddings & Honeymoons, What to Do, Where to Stay | No comment

Where to Stay: GoldenEye Hotel & Resort, Jamaica

Oracabessa on Jamaica’s North Coast is one of the fastest growing resort areas in Jamaica. Its towering cliffs, shining in the golden sunlight, may be a clue to origins of the town’s name, which is said to derive from the Spanish words oro (gold) and cabeza (head). It is a friendly town with a covered produce market and a few shops and bars.

( via GoldenEye Hotel & Resort )

The main street is a pleasant and graceful promenade with a number of well-maintained buildings in the early 20th-century Jamaican vernacular tradition. To the east Oracabessa merges into a residential community which is the site of luxury villas such as Firefly Estate, once the home of Noël Coward and Goldeneye Hotel & Resort. To the immediate west of Oracabessa is the village of Boscobel, home of Ian Fleming International Airport, Jamaica’s newest international airport

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June 21, 2011 at 12:49 pm | Where to Stay | No comment

Event Update: Caribbean Fashion Week 2011

Hundreds of fashionistas and members of the mainstream media from around the world once again returned to Jamaica for the 11th staging of Pulse’s Caribbean Fashion Week (CFW). Held from June 8-13, 2011 at the National Indoor Sports Arena in Kingston. This year CFW delivered once again the quality entertainment and top tier designs it is known for.

( via KingstonStyle )

Attendees enjoyed 3 nights of live entertainment and saw electrifying performances by Jamaican songbird Tanya Stephens, Dancehall superstar Mavado, Soca giants Machel Montano, David Rudder and Fab 5 as well as R&B artiste Joe and self-proclaimed “King of the Dancehall” Beenie Man. After parties at Studio 38, Fiction and Club Privilege were also a welcome treat. This year’s host of master designers included British-Jamaican fashion designer Sandra Kennedy, Trinidad’s acclaimed Claudia Pegus, Jamaica’s Barry Moncrieffe and Mutamba plus Vogue stylist Gavin Douglas. There were also some fresh designers with colourful statements to make.

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June 17, 2011 at 9:30 pm | Jamaica Events, News & Updates | No comment

Travel Resources: 5 Seductive Coves, Cays and Bays in Jamaica

Jamaica is one of the most sought-after destinations in the Caribbean and the world. The island’s stunning natural beauty and an alluring cultural appeal have been wooing travelers all over the world for decades. Part of its charm is the abundance of access to sparkling shores and tranquil turquoise waters. Jamaica is filled with seductive coves, cays and bays. For travelers interested in visiting them, here is a list of 5 of the most enchanting:

Lime Cay

( via Varun Baker )

Fifteen minutes by boat from the famous former pirate haunt Port Royal is a small, low-lying island cay with one of the most beautiful beaches in Jamaica. The largest of the many small cays off the coast of Port Royal, Lime Cay is a part of Jamaica uninhabitable by humans because it is occasionally submerged when the tide comes in. Lime Cay, and the beaches there are public and open to all who can get out there. Seclusion and privacy are part of the draw to Jamaica’s beaches, and Lime Cay offers a taste of off the beaten path travel without taking you too far away from the city.

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June 10, 2011 at 4:10 pm | Kingston, Negril, Ocho Rios, Portland, The South Coast, Travel Resources, Where to Visit | No comment

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