What to Do: Surfing at Boston Bay, Jamaica

Well renowned as “The Jerk Capital of Jamaica” Boston Bay in Portland Jamaica is not only a tantalizing treat for the taste buds it also appeals to sun worshipers and vacationers seeking to venture into the realm of water sports. The golden sands and rough waters will tempt you to grab a surfboard and ride the waves, take a lesson in wind surfing, or venture further out to some good snorkeling sites.

Located on Jamaica’s eastern coast, 4.9 miles from Athenry Gardens. Boston Bay is close to Priestman’s River, so exploring the town is a convenient option and in fact most people come out for the food and local interaction. Vacationers who are hoping for a taste of seclusion blended in with elements of local charm in Jamaica may find that Boston Bay is just the right spot. In addition, Boston Bay is conveniently located near a number of fascinating natural attractions including the Rio Grande, Somerset Falls, and Blue Mountain-John Crow National Park. Visitors may also choose to explore the history of Jamaica with a visit to the Lighthouse at Port Antonio, just 7.8 miles west of the beach.

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July 28, 2011 at 11:50 am | Portland, What to Do | No comment

Events: Makka Pro Surf Contest 2011

The 2011 Makka Pro surfing contest being hosted by the Jamaica Surfing Association at the Makka Surfing Beach at Southaven, Yallahs St. Thomas, is shaping up to be one of the biggest ever surf events in Jamaican surf history! The event, set for July 29-31 is attracting enquiries from pro surfers from Trinidad to New York as this year’s Makka Pro is the 3rd event in the 2011 Western Atlantic Pro Surf Series.

With the recent successes by Jamaican surfers on the regional and international stages, the surfing world is now taking this adventure sport in Jamaica much more seriously. The Makka Pro, now in its 5th year, is demonstrating that the Jamaica Surfing Association is committed to ensuring Jamaica becomes recognized as a genuine destination for adventurous surf travelers. The Makka Pro is sponsored by The Jamaica Tourist Board, Insight, 7Union, SDF, Spanish Court Hotel, Able Planet, Wata, Xtrak, Arnette, OAM, Dakin, Magma, and Millennium Paving Stones.

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July 27, 2011 at 1:18 pm | Jamaica Events | 3 comments

Where to Visit: The Great Morass, Jamaica

The Great Morass in Negril, Jamaica is a large nature preserve for birds and animals. It is located off of the land side of Norman Manley Boulevard, stretching along for 7 miles parallel to Long Bay and Bloody Bay. The morass lies on the coastal flood plain of the Black River and attracts over 300 animal species including birds, butterflies and reptiles.

The Great Morass is a sanctuary where wild crocodiles sun themselves while colorful tropical birds swoop and soar. The marshland’s lonesome, ungroomed charm is perfect for those looking to venture off the beaten path. It is nature untamed and free of the tourism machine and the best point of access is the Royal Palm Reserve. To get there you’ll travel just 10 minutes out of Negril to Sheffield. Turn left onto Springfield Road. Take next left and follow the road to the Reserve. Escape to the Royal Palm Reserve and discover the enchantment of Negril’s 300-acre hidden treasure.

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July 26, 2011 at 3:38 pm | Negril, Where to Visit | No comment

Event Update: Reggae Sumfest 2011: International Night 2

International Night 2 at the 19th staging of Jamaica’s Reggae Sumfest saw a jam-packed venue filled with patrons ranging from the wild and eccentric to laid back and relaxed. The 2011 installment of “The Greatest Reggae Show on Earth” featured stars from every genre of Jamaican music. From smooth lovers rock to roots rock, reggae, dancehall and even rap music, there was something for everyone.

( Photo by Varun Baker )

‘Rebel’ girl Cherine Anderson got the pot stirring early with her seductively soulful style. Her duet with Chuck Fender was among the crowd favourites. Hezron followed with a few rocking tunes of his own. Contemporary Reggae artist Protoje’s performance turned the notch up another level with his particular brand of rebel/roots music. His hit songs “Arguments”, “Roll”, “Dread”, “JA” and “Rasta Love” were among the the crowd favourites and featured an electrifying guitar solo from Jason Worton of the band “Indiggnation”.

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July 25, 2011 at 12:04 pm | Jamaica Events | 1 comment

Event Update: Reggae Sumfest 2011: International Night 1

International Night 1 at Reggae Sumfest 2011 put the Reggae back in Reggae Sumfest. When headliner R. Kelly cancelled (due to circumstances beyond his control) just days before the event many wondered who would be his replacement. His absence gave way to a last minute booking of Reggae music veteran Cocoa Tea who evened out the trio that would take the night by storm.

( Photo by Varun Baker )

The night’s first performance of note was from Dancehall singing sensation Tanya Stephens. Known for her provocative style and sometimes controversial lyrics she received resounding applause throughout her performance, particularly for her hit songs “Yu nuh ready fi dis yet” and the sexually suggestive “Boom Wuk”. “Good ride” got the ladies rocking to the beat and “Talk up, what’s your story”, “Can’t Breathe”, “After you”, “To the rescue” and “These streets” had vast members of the audience bellowing along.

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July 23, 2011 at 8:22 pm | Jamaica Events | No comment

Event Update: Reggae Sumfest 2011: Dancehall Night

Dancehall night (July 21, 2011) at this year’s staging of Reggae Sumfest was choc full of explosive perfomances, surprize guest appearances and crowd-pleasing stage antics from Jamaica’s Dancehall fraternity. Music lovers from all across the globe showed up in large numbers hungry for thrills and they were not disappointed.

( Photo by Varun Baker )

Dancehall diva’s Tifa, Spice and Cecile were among the night’s favourite female performers. Tifa’s entrance (which saw the artist emerging from a giant ‘gift-wrapped’ box) was of particular interest. Her attitude-pacekd performance also saw an appearance from Fambo for a performance of their hit “Swaggin’”. Spice, who also had a surprize in store, was joined by R&B hit-maker Mya for the debut of their spanking new single.

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July 22, 2011 at 8:42 pm | Jamaica Events | 2 comments

Weddings & Honeymoons: Catamaran Weddings in Jamaica

Jamaica is the most popular site in the Caribbean for weddings and it’s easy to see why. Jamaica’s beaches, waterfalls, mountains, and gardens provide dramatic backdrops for the perfect dream wedding. The island offers a wide variety of venues to accommodate any wedding desire, from a small and quiet ceremony to a large elaborate event – and everything in between.

The island’s many resorts also offer an assortment of wedding packages, some with complete wedding coordination services and discounts for the bridal party. Hotel staff and professional planners can help you plan your special day to perfection. So you can let your imagination run wild in a place where fantasy and reality meet! Choose a sunset ceremony on a sailboat bobbing on the blue, tropical waters off the coast of Negril, while the sun slowly drops below the ocean’s horizon, creating a truly romantic evening for your special day.

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July 21, 2011 at 11:26 am | Weddings & Honeymoons | No comment

Event Update: Shaggy’s “Summer in Kingston” Album Launch

On Saturday July 16, 2011 Grammy winning, diamond-selling Reggae superstar Orville “Shaggy” Burrell hosted a free block party on Knutsford Boulevard in Kingston to celebrate the launch of his album “Summer in Kingston” and the premiere of the video for his new single “Sugarcane”.

( Photo by Varun Baker )

Patrons were treated to performances by Agent Sasco, Chino, Di Genius, Stone Love, Renaissance and Ity and Fancy Cat among others. The boulevard was packed with people who showed up in droves to see the spectacle which included race car displays, surprise performances by elite members of Jamaica’s music fraternity and a VIP area set up with a Sugarcane and “Jelly” theme. Popular Jamaican comedians and the night’s masters of ceremony Ity and Fancy Cat were the first to entertain the ever-expanding crowd who thoroughly enjoyed their particular brand of humour.

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July 19, 2011 at 4:11 pm | Jamaica Events | No comment

Travel Resources: 5 Places to See the Sunset in Jamaica

There’s no doubt about it, the perfect end to a day is witnessing a majestic sunset pulling down the curtains on a beautiful blue sky. Watching the sunset paint new colors across the sky and sea is a favourite pastime for many Jamaicans particularly when the suns rays are reflected on the surface of a tranquil ocean.

An experience both soothing and awe-inspiring, a Jamaican sunset is not to be missed while vacationing on the island. The spectacular tropical vistas and green flash at sunset set the stage for memorable starlight dinners so it’s a perfect activity for couples on their honeymoon. Or simply a moment of introspection on a deck or a balcony. There are many places to witness this phenomenon all across the island, however there are of course a few select spots that offer a better vantage point than others. Here is a list of 5unset in Jamaica:

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July 18, 2011 at 4:55 pm | Montego Bay, Negril, Portland, The South Coast, Travel Resources, Weddings & Honeymoons, What to Do, Where to Eat, Where to Visit | No comment

What to Do: The River Walk Tour at Mayfield Falls, Jamaica

Jamaican waterfalls are some of the most beautiful in all the Caribbean. Because Jamaica is so mountainous you will find waterfalls all over the island. Located in the Dolphin Head Mountains in Glenbrook just a scenic 1-hour drive away from “the capital of casual” Negril, Mayfield Falls is one of the most unspoiled and tranquil areas in Jamaica, truly a hidden eco-tourist treasure.

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Situated on five-acres of lush tropical terrain, Mayfield Falls offers two sparkling waterfalls and twenty one mineral water pools, providing total refreshment and complete relaxation. It is an ideal location for day tours, nature walks, company retreats, weddings, meditation, special events, and school tours. Be one with nature as you spend a whole day in the mountains, playing under waterfalls, swimming in natural pools and jacuzzis, and relaxing under bamboo trees as the charming riverbed runs through farming country in a magnificent valley surrounded by serrated peaks.

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July 15, 2011 at 4:52 pm | Negril, What to Do | No comment

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