Event Update: The Jamaica Tourist Board Bloggers Meetup 2011 (Days 1 & 2)From August 24-28, 2011 The Jamaica Tourist Board hosted yet another Bloggers MeetUp. Fifteen amazing Bloggers and tweeters from North America were in the Jamaica experiencing just a taste of what the island has to offer in and around the popular resort areas of Montego Bay and Negril. The Bloggers were hosted by the luxurious Riu Montego Bay and Riu Palace Tropical Bay in Negril. After checking in to the exquisite Riu Montego Bay on the very first day the Bloggers made themselves at home and enjoyed the spoils which included everything from a fully stocked mini bar, a swim up bar and pool, beachfront rooms (affording a stunning view of the sunset) all-inclusive buffet style and à la carte restaurants. The bloggers woke the next morning to a tour of the property before heading out on the road, eager to begin their island adventure. The day’s activities kicked off with a visit to one of the most famous and intriguing historical structures in Jamaica Rose Hall Great House. September 1, 2011 at 7:13 pm | Jamaica Events, Montego Bay, News & Updates, What to Do, Where to Eat, Where to Stay, Where to Visit | No comment Where to Stay: Jamaica Inn, Ocho RiosLocated in the beautiful area of Ocho Rios on one of the best private beaches in Jamaica. Jamaica Inn has consistently been ranked as one of the top resort hotels and holiday destinations in the Caribbean. Built in 1950, and painted a shade of blue-violet, this gracious and elegant property consists of a series of long, low two-story buildings set in a U-shape near the sea, 2km (1 1/4 miles) east of town. ( via Jamaica Inn ) Since opening nearly a half-century ago, Jamaica Inn has been known as a private getaway with first-class services and amenities. Past guests have included Marilyn Monroe, Arthur Miller and James Bond creator Ian Fleming. A true retro hotel in the most upscale sense of the word it has remained little changed in 4 decades, sticking to a way of life that many clients adore. Each room is furnished with Jamaican antiques and well-crafted period pieces. Lovely patios open onto the lawns, and the bedrooms are reached along garden paths and come equipped with balustraded balconies opening onto views of the sea. August 22, 2011 at 3:04 pm | Ocho Rios, Where to Stay | 1 comment What to Do: The Au Naturel ExperienceWith more nude beaches than any other Caribbean island, Jamaica is the perfect place to bare it all. Our au naturel beaches range from sedate and relaxing, to wilder and more self-indulgent. So it’s just a question of packing a towel and some serious sun block, and then picking a patch of sand that’s right for you.
( via Destination 360 ) Nude tanning is permitted on private beaches island-wide. Find a secluded spot to slip out of your suit at Oracabessa’s James Bond Beach or at Negril’s Bloody Bay. Or take a boat ride to an island shared only by fellow nudists, Negril’s Booby Cay. Ask for a little more privacy at Reggae Vibes, Ocho Rios, and the managers will corner off a section of the beach just for you. In Trelawny, Time & Place’s deserted white sand offers quiet seclusion that’s perfect for wearing nothing at all. August 18, 2011 at 12:17 pm | Negril, Ocho Rios, Trelawny, What to Do, Where to Stay | No comment Weddings & Honeymoons: Weddings at Strawberry Hill, JamaicaJamaica is among the most romantic of the Caribbean islands and each year hundreds of lovebirds flock to its vast golden shores and breath-taking vistas to make their dream of a wedding in paradise come true. In addition to awe-inspiring natural scenery there are many resorts equipped with wedding planners and packages designed to cater to your every need. Strawberry Hill, a signature mountaintop oasis, offers an enchanting mix of rich Jamaican heritage balanced by healthy conscious living. ( via Strawberry Hill ) Perched in the Blue Mountains, and located 3,100 feet above sea level, this unique boutique property houses a Living Spa, a Main House, and twelve handcrafted 19th century Georgian style cottages, including one bedrooms, studios and deluxe villas; each is carefully sited in a private tropical haven with magnificent mountainside and city views. Shout your love from the mountaintop in a summit ceremony. Towering above the horizon in this magical mountain range, you’ll feel on top of the world. This stylish retreat just outside of Kingston is a favourite for chic weddings and honeymoons infused with classic Caribbean charm. August 11, 2011 at 1:50 pm | Kingston, Weddings & Honeymoons, Where to Stay | No comment Where to Stay: Jake’s Treasure Beach, JamaicaFor decades, Jamaica’s south coast has been the haunt of discerning travelers – wooed by its understated ambiance. It’s your turn to experience precious island treasures off the beaten track. From waterfalls to safaris, peppered shrimp to curried lobster, the South Coast is an eclectic retreat; complete with silver sands and the inviting Caribbean Sea. Treasure Beach on the south coast is definitely for travelers looking for that “off the beaten” path privacy outside of the regular tourist resort areas. Six miles of black sand beaches, private coves, and rocky shorelines four public beaches well suited for swimming, snorkeling, and body-surfing. Jake’s in Treasure Beach is a boutique resort with personality and charisma. Known to be one of the best places to stay in The Caribbean, this beachfront property features a mosaically tiled sea-water swimming pool and a string of vividly designed colorful, thatch-roofed cottages along the cliffs. July 9, 2011 at 9:30 am | The South Coast, Weddings & Honeymoons, Where to Stay | 1 comment Where to Stay: Frenchman’s Cove Resort, JamaicaPort 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. June 25, 2011 at 11:22 am | Portland, Weddings & Honeymoons, Where to Stay | No comment Weddings & Honeymoons: Honeymooning in Portland, JamaicaThe 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. June 22, 2011 at 11:57 am | Portland, Weddings & Honeymoons, What to Do, Where to Stay | No comment Where to Stay: GoldenEye Hotel & Resort, JamaicaOracabessa 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 June 21, 2011 at 12:49 pm | Where to Stay | No comment Weddings & Honeymoons: Honeymooning in Negril, JamaicaThe black cliffs, azure waters, breathtaking sunsets and mellow vibes of Jamaica’s “Capital of Casual”, Negril have been known to seduce everyone from the luxury seekers to the to the backpacking traveler. Negril’s casual, laid-back pace and natural beauty make it a favorite escape for locals and visitors alike and the ideal destination for newlyweds celebrating the first days of their new life together. ( via ) Negril is an exceptional place where every day holds another surprise for you. The area features some of the best snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing and dolphin watching as well as hiking and horseback riding tours. Frequently flocked to by thrill-seekers and sun-worshippers alike, Negril’s Seven Mile Beach boasts turquoise, see-through waters hugging a coastline of rocky cliffs and white sands that seem to trail on forever. If you’re seeking a vacation experience heavily based on relaxation and uninterrupted hours of one on one time to enjoy the majestic beauty of the Utopian coastal environment then a day spent on this beach is ideal. June 8, 2011 at 2:22 pm | Negril, Weddings & Honeymoons, What to Do, Where to Stay, Where to Visit | No comment Where to Stay: Crystal Cove, JamaicaSnugly located between the Blue Mountains and the Caribbean Sea, Port Antonio on Jamaica’s eastern coast is one of the most celebrated vacation spots on the island. Best suited for the discriminating traveler, seeking privacy while being located among the greenest and lushest part of Jamaica. Port Antonio offers visitors rich natural beauty, rugged coastlines, romantic beaches, wonderful waterfalls. Among its natural wonders there are hidden coves, beautiful flowing rivers and the Blue Mountain range rising to its peak throughout this beautiful tropical sanctuary. ( via Varun Baker ) Crystal Cove is a charmingly appointed seaside three-bedroom, three bath villa located on the famous Blue Lagoon. Offering quiet corners for relaxation while you gaze out over the peaceful Caribbean Sea, the upstairs terrace, outside of two of the bedrooms, is furnished with plantation chairs and cushions so you can enjoy the ultimate in comfort while taking in the scenery. Have breakfast, lunch or dinner on the spacious ocean front indoor dining room or on your outdoor terrace which is shaded by a large Almond Tree right at the water’s edge. From your balcony look for the reef only 20 yards from your villa. An enlarged, lighted, dock is available for sunning and star gazing. May 31, 2011 at 10:31 pm | Weddings & Honeymoons, Where to Stay | No comment |













