GoldenEye, Jamaica: The Birthplace of Bond

This year Jamaica celebrates 50 years of independence and the phenomenal people, developments and achievements that have made us one of the most influential cultures on earth. Also celebrating 50 years is the James Bond film franchise, which has in 50 years made the fictional 007 agent a household name around the globe. In as fascinating a story as the novels themselves, James Bond has his very roots in Jamaica. Not only were 13 James Bond novels written in Jamaica, but author Ian Fleming was himself enchanted by the island and called Jamaica his home.

(via GoldenEye Hotel & Resort)

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October 5, 2012 at 1:30 pm | Special Feature | No comment

Meetings & Incentives: Sunset Jamaica Grande for JAPEX 2012

Jamaica is a diverse destination with an exotic blend of culture, natural beauty and attractions suited for any kind of traveller with interests ranging from family to romance and adventure. Included is meetings and incentives, as Jamaica also boasts a thriving meetings and conventions sector, poised to support events of any size.

(via Sunset Jamaica Grande)

With the upcoming premier travel trade event in Jamaica, the Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX), let’s take a look at the 2012 host of this event, the Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa. Located in the resort area of Ocho Rios, the Sunset Jamaica Grande is a hotel of choice for meetings and conventions with over 30,000 square feet of indoor meeting space.

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September 28, 2012 at 3:54 pm | Jamaica Events, Meetings and Incentives, Ocho Rios | No comment

Weddings & Honeymoons: Weddings at Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica

Whether you dream of romance by the sea or on the steps of a historic great house, Jamaica has the perfect spot for you to celebrate your love with a destination wedding. From its tranquil oceanfronts, to its majestic waterfalls the island is packed with settings simply ideal for a wedding even the angels would envy.

Infuse your adventurous nature into your nuptials with a wedding on the falls at Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios. One of Jamaica’s most celebrated national treasures Dunn’s River Falls is as well known as reggae and equally stimulating. There are few places where the Arawak name “Xayamaca” – land of rivers and springs – is more apt. The Spaniards called the area “Las Chorreras”, meaning “the waterfalls” or “springs” and it is truly one of the most beautiful spots on the island.

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March 9, 2012 at 3:17 pm | Ocho Rios, Weddings & Honeymoons | No comment

The Jamaica Tourist Board’s Soft Adventure Bloggers Meetup 2011

From November 9-13, 2011 The Jamaica Tourist Board invited 9 Bloggers from across the US and Canada to experience the “softer” side of adventure travel in Jamaica. Bloggers Stephen Barrymore of The Wanderer Cynthia White of Johnny Jet, Lindsey Davis of Go Nomad Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil of The Planet D, Michael Ortiz of Smart Women Travelers, Robert Lloyd of Stop Having a Boring Life, and Teresa Plowright of About.com were those selected to enjoy these 5 days exciting action.

Upon arrival on the evening of the 9th, our bloggers (now guests of the Iberostar Grand Rose Hall in Montego Bay) were ushered my a bellhop and almost immediately introduced to their very own personal Butler who ensured that they were comfortable and connected to the internet so that they could share the journey they were about to embark on with the world.

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November 24, 2011 at 3:04 pm | Montego Bay, Negril, News & Updates, Ocho Rios, Off the Beaten Path, Trelawny, What to Do, Where to Stay, Where to Visit | No comment

Travel Resources: Top 5 Beaches in Jamaica

Looking for heaven on earth? The warm azure waters of The Caribbean Sea have a magnetic pull that very few (if any) can resist. Just looking at the ocean will tempt you to dive right in and Jamaica has some of the best beaches for you to enjoy the beauty of the sea and the shore. From the laid back to the energy-packed there are enough beaches here to suit just about any test. Here is a list of 5 of the best beaches in Jamaica:

Doctor’s Cave Beach

Energetic, stunning and exciting, Montego Bay on Jamaica’s north coast embodies a spirit that invites us all to come out and play. A definite favorite among travelers in search of a good time, the second city is a great place to have your fill of relaxation and revelry. World famous white sands and crystal clear waters fed by a mineral spring combine at the beautiful Doctor’s Cave Beach in Montego Bay. Founded in 1906, Doctor’s Cave is nestled between the Marine Park and the Hip Strip. The translucent water is known for its mineral content and its golden sands and turquoise water provide the perfect place to enjoy the tranquil warmth of the Caribbean Sea. Visitors can even watch brightly colored tropical fish swimming close to the surface.

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October 12, 2011 at 11:15 am | Montego Bay, Negril, Portland, What to Do, Where to Visit | 3 comments

What to Do: Chukka Caribbean’s Zion Bus Tour, Jamaica

Once a small fishing village Ocho Rios is now one of Jamaica’s major tourism hubs. Fun and excitement blend with rest and relaxation within this astoundingly beautiful garden parish and there’s no shortage of things to do. Popular activities include swimming with the dolphins at Dolphin Cove and bobsledding through a tropical rainforest at Mystic Mountain.

( via Chukka Caribbean )

From ATV Safaris to Zip Line Canopies and River Tubing Chukka Caribbean Adventures is well known for its thrilling and adrenaline pumping tours that invite travelers to experience the wild side of Jamaica. In addition to these there are however a vast collection of calm and relaxing tours that allow you to simply sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful Jamaican Scenery. Their Zion Bus Line is one such tour.

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September 21, 2011 at 8:16 am | Ocho Rios, What to Do | No comment

Weddings & Honeymoons: Weddings at Mystic Mountain, Jamaica

Jamaica is one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after islands and getting married here is a great way to have a wonderful trip, memorable wedding, and save a lot of money over a traditional wedding. Whether you dream of love by the sea or on the steps of a historic great house, the island has the perfect spot for you to celebrate your nuptials with a destination wedding.

( via Caribbean Dream Weddings )

From its tranquil oceanfronts, to its majestic waterfalls Jamaica is packed with settings simply ideal for a wedding even the angels would envy. Located just five minutes from Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, the enchanting Mystic Mountain lets you see Ocho Rios from a different, more exhilarating vantage point by taking you on a tropical forest adventure tour 700 feet above sea level. Stellar views are the centerpiece of this establishment, which also makes it perfect to host private groups and functions. Fresh mountain air, verdant slopes and stunning ocean views create a mystical environment that lends well to the romance of a wedding day.

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September 19, 2011 at 11:52 am | Ocho Rios, Weddings & Honeymoons, What to Do | No comment

Where to Stay: Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios

Located 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.

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August 22, 2011 at 3:04 pm | Ocho Rios, Where to Stay | 1 comment

Vacation Themes: Adventure: 5 Adventure Experiences in Jamaica

There’s more to Jamaica than just scrumptious food, stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. The island is bejeweled with fascinating hidden gems and natural wonders suited for anyone looking for an off the beaten path adrenaline rush. From exciting hikes through mysterious landscapes to heart-stopping dives into dark caves and deep waters, get ready for a thrill ride in Jamaica.

Cliff Diving

Throw caution to the wind and launch yourself into the warm, blue Caribbean Sea. While the food is to die for and a stunning view of the sunset, without a doubt the main attraction at Rick’s Cafe is the cliff jumping displays. You can either watch the professional cliff jumping displays or participate yourself if you’re feeling the daredevil spirit. Countless visitors and locals have jumped or dived from the cliff and into the crystalline water below. The highest platform jump is 35 feet and ensures the thrill of a lifetime, though some choose to jump from even higher points from tree limbs. Catapult your body from breathtaking heights into the cool embrace of the Caribbean.

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August 16, 2011 at 5:01 pm | Kingston, Ocho Rios, Off the Beaten Path, Vacation Themes | No comment

What to Do: Chukka Caribbean’s Dune Buggy Adventure

Jamaica is well known as the home of some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. White sands and golden sunshine is a source of appeal for many vacationers. However many travelers prefer to take a detour through the island’s striking mountains, backroads and hidden rivers, for their very own uniquely Jamaican excursion. One such excursion is the Chukka Dune Buggy Adventure.

With locations in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Trelawny this tour is for those who want to go off-road for a bumpy, dusty, dirty ride through Jamaica’s interior. Travel in the depths of the Cascade Rainforest where the sun plays hide and seek through the canopy of thick tropical foliage. Tour the historic hills of Rose Hall or take a tour through one of the great plantation estates of Jamaica the 18th century Good Hope Estate. With experienced and knowledgeable guides and so much to see this is an experience not to be missed. Start your engines in your Dune buggy built for two. Get ready for the drive of a lifetime ‘Caribbean Style’.

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July 8, 2011 at 12:09 pm | Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Off the Beaten Path, Trelawny, What to Do | No comment

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