Silver Sands resort in Jamaica

Jamaica is a popular holiday destination boasting numerous beautiful vacation resorts catering to families and couples who wish to spend quality time together and explore the scenic island at their own leisure and pace.

One such resort is the Silver Sands resort with Jamaica villas and cottages surrounding a beautiful white sands beach. A secure community of Jamaica villas and cottages, the fabulous Silver Sands resort offers, as already mentioned, a safe, clean, private beach for you to enjoy your vacation rental holiday in Jamaica. The resort features a great variety accommodation options ranging from cottages to villas for two to a large group.

These vacation villas are perfect for families and couples who wish to spend quality time together. The resort features many facilities and so you don’t really have to venture out far for anything. Some of these include a club house, bar and grill, and a large patio overlooking the private beach which never gets crowded. There is also a lovely romantic gazebo on the end of the Silver Sands Jetty where you can even exchange your wedding vows. The resort all has its own villa mart where you can shop for groceries, gifts and souvenirs.

Silver Sands resort is very child-friendly and has a special play area for children. The beach is safe and the kids can play around and make friends with other children while you sit back and relax. In case you want to go out with your spouse, the staff will arrange for childcare facilities so you can enjoy some intimate moments together without worrying about their safety.

You can laze away the hours at the private beach or go snorkelling to discover the coral reefs. In the evening, enjoy leisurely strolls or go power walking or jogging on the estate. There is lots to do on the Silver Sands resort; however if you wish to venture out, the resort will also arrange a tour to the nearby Ocho Rios. If you wish to go on your own, the attentive staff will arrange for transport and will also advise you on what to see and do.

Tips for choosing a Jamaica villa

If you are traveling to Jamaica and have decided to book a vacation villa, all you have to do is to enter the term ‘Jamaica villa’ in the search bar and within seconds, you will be bombarded with choices. But before you click on the first result, visit the website and book the villa, it is important that you do some research and then make an informed choice. A wrong decision can spoil your well deserved holiday and to prevent that from happening, we have mentioned here some tips to choose the right Jamaica villa.

To find the perfect Jamaica villa, begin from the beginning, which means back to the internet. Browse through the results of your search and do a comparative study of what the villas are offering. First, you will get an idea of the type of services and amenities provided by the Jamaica villas. You will also get an idea of the rates of Jamaica villas, condos, cottages, apartments and studios. This will help you decide on the property which is well within your budget.

As a word of caution, do not be carried away by a classy website. More than the design it is the content that counts. This means that you read everything you can about the Jamaica villa in question. Find out as much as you can about the facilities and amenities offered by the property. For example, the villa in question may be providing you with a well equipped kitchen but are the services of a cook also included. In all probability, you may want to cook once in a while but not all the time. Then again, spend some time thinking on what facilities you would definitely require to make your stay comfortable, say, TV, DVD player, Internet etc.

Also see how well the villa is connected to the attractions in Jamaica. Does the villa staff provide services like arranging for transport and tours? Also does it offer childcare facilities. This is important if you are traveling with small kids and there may be times when you would want to spend quality time with your spouse. In such a situation, you would definitely want your children to be well taken care of while you are away.

Again, if you are taking your pet with you, ensure that the villa is pet friendly or there might be awkward situations later on.

Also browse through the website and see what other information it offers in terms of what the island has to offer. Most genuine websites would go out of the way to provide all the information they can to their guests to ensure that their stay is a memorable one.

Finally, go through the testimonials of the previous customers. They can be faked, but if the website is genuine it won’t have a problem in providing you references to validate their authenticity.

An informed decision is always a wise decision. So search carefully and then once you are satisfied with all the details, book your Jamaica villa and look forward to a rewarding trip under the Caribbean sun.

Why choose a Jamaica villa?

You can make your trip to Jamaica all the more special by booking a Jamaica villa in a beautiful resort. You can definitely stay in a hotel but what makes these Jamaica villas all the more special is the fact that apart from the services that you would associate with a hotel, these rentals also provide you the privacy and space that only a home can provide.

Given the complexities and demands of the modern age, people don’t really get time to spend time with their families and loved ones. So today, travel is not just about discovering new places, but also rediscovering and reconnecting with each other. A reunion in the lap of nature can rekindle the special bond between couples and families and if this is what you want from your trip, then you must stay in a Jamaica villa. The reason is obvious; you cannot reconnect amidst the prying eyes of strangers. A villa in Jamaica gives you the opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones and rejuvinating the emotional bond that has been scarred by the cares of daily life.

In terms of costs also, you stand to gain because at the cost of less than a hotel room, you can book a vacation home for your entire family. This especially holds true if you are there for an extended stay. Then again, a stay in a hotel would mean that you have to eat out everytime. In your own Jamaica villa, you can cook your own meals or alternatively, have the cook prepare you the choicest of native and other dishes. Needless to say, apart from eating what you want and when you want, you can also save on money.

Jamaica villas are located in all-inclusive resorts which means you get all the facilities and numerous options to keep you busy within the complex itself. However, if you wish to venture out, the helpful staff would advise you on what to see and where to go as also make the travel arrangements for you. If you don’t want to take your children along, they would also arrange childcare facilites. A stay in a Jamaica villa therefore means complete peace of mind and no care in the world.

So on your next visit to Jamaica, stay in a vacation home and make your visit all the more special.

Silver Sands Villas guide to natural attractions in Jamaica

Jamaica has pioneered the concept of the all-inclusive resorts, which means you can rent a Jamaica villa, cottage or apartment within its premises and enjoy all possible facilities within the compound without having to venture out for anything. However, there are some natural attractions that are worth exploring, outside the walls of the resort and one such attraction is Holywell Park, one of Jamaica’s best kept secret.

Holywell is described as a ‘park within a park’ because it is actually located in Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park (BJCMNP), 35,00 feet above sea level. Bathed in tropical mist, the park is perfect for recuperating from the wear and tear of everyday life. On a clear day, you can see as far as Kingston, Portmore and Port Royal. Part of the park was destroyed by the hurricane Gilbert and Ivan but was extensively replanted with pine trees, and today it stands resplendant as ever.

Needless to say, the park is a haven for those looking for a eco-tourism adventure. For the wildlife enthusiasts, the biggest charm is the rare flora and fauna encompassed in its boundaries. Here you can see the Jamaican Boa the largest snakes in Jamaica and Giant Swallowtail Butterfly, the largest in the Western hemisphere. If you are timing is right, you can also view a rare bamboo species that flowers once every 33 years. The park also houses the world’s tiniest orchids. If this was not enough, it is also home to the famous Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee.

Those looking for some great outdoor activity, will not be disappointed. The park offers four hiking trails with the most famous being the one that takes you past a scintillating waterfall and a river. The park, in fact, has ten rivers flowing through it. And if you get tired of all this activity, you can take a cool, refreshing dip in the numerous ‘watering holes’ found here. That would definitely make you hungry and so you can check out the
Numerous covered gazeboes and picnic tables perfect for relaxation and ejoying your food while observing nature.

Beaches in Jamaica: Boston Bay Beach

Jamaica is one of the world’s most famous beach holiday destinations offering many pristine, white-sand beaches caressed by the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. You can spend your family vacations in luxurious Jamaica villas, apartments, condos, cottages and apartments located in magnificent resorts that promise a wide array of of incredibly exciting and fun activities for every age beneath the Caribbean sun. There are numerous beaches in Jamaica waiting to be explored and one such beach is Boston Bay Beach.

Located on the eastern coast of Jamaica, the beach is approximately 4.9 miles from Athenry Gardens. It is quite close to Priestman's River, which means that once you have your fill of the beach, you can also explore the colorful town. The beach is one of the less crowded ones in Jamaica, which means that you can find your own quiet corner and at the same time be as near the natural attractions as you want.
The golden sands of the beach are perfect for a family picnic or simply lazing away the hours in the sun getting a glorious tan. You can enjoy the sounds of the water crashing against the rocky and rough bay or if you want more action, simply grab a surfboard and go conquer the waters. You can enjoy a number of activities including surfing, diving and snorkeling. You can also mingle with the local crowds and during weekends enjoy musical performances.

If you are hungry, you don’t have to venture out far. The beach is dotted with a number of vendors selling delicious jerk meals. If you are staying in a Jamaica villa or any other vacation rental, you would get access to a well-equipped kitchen, which means you can pack your own picnic basket and bring it to the beach. Alternatively, there is the Blue Mountain Inn where you can head to for a meal in less informal surroundings.

As stated above, Boston Bay Beach also provides convenient access to some of the most magnificent natural attractions of Jamaica. You can visit Athenry Gardens, which is located at about 4.9 miles to the west of Boston Bay. On the other hand, if you are interested in the history of Jamaica, you can go to the Lighthouse in Port Antonio, which is located 7.8 miles to the west of Boston Bay. Then there are other attraction such as Rio Grande Rafting, Somerset Falls, and Blue Mountain-John Crow National Park that are well worth a visit.

Jamaica’s natural attractions: Luminous Lagoon

Jamaica is a visitor’s delight and those who come here, usually do so for relaxing in the sun, sand and sea. However, there is more to Jamaica than its exotic beaches. The country abounds in natural attractions, one of which is Martha Brae River and its spectacular Luminous Lagoon in the Montego Bay region.

A legend has it that the Spanish Conquistadores captured a local woman and forced her to disclose information about a gold mine. The woman finally agreed and took them to the mine’s cave where she used her supernatural powers to change the course of the river. The waters went crashing into the cave and drowned the Conquistadores.

The river is excellent for affordable bamboo rafting adventures. Per raft rates for day time trips are about US$30 per couple and one small child up to ten years of age. This includes a 4.5 hours trip with refreshments included. The rafting adventure provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beautiful natural environment and view of Jamaica’s unique animal life.

You may well wonder why the name Luminous Lagoon. The best way to find an answer to this is to enjoy a rafting trip at night because under the moonlit sky, the “glistening waters” of the Luminous Lagoon really shine. You can book a special nightime rafting tour which would include a delicious seafood meal and then at sunset, you would be taken to a tour of the world-famous lagoon.

There is another reason, why the lagoon is so named. It is home to a rare phosphorescent microbe known as dinoflagellate that lives where the warm fresh waters of the Martha Brae River meet the salt waters of the Caribbean. The constant flow of the water of the river causes the microbes to move and glow with a neon-green color. The entire effect is nothing less than ethereal especially when you see the fish swimming in the water for they look more like moving stars. In fact this effect can be witnessed in just four places in the world and Jamaica is considered the best place to witness it.

During the cruise, you can also stop for sometime and swim in the shallower portions of the lagoon. Needless to say it is very romantic swimming amidst the ‘stars’ amdist the tropical ambience surrounded by the mangroves.

You can reach Luminous Lagoon Montego Bay & Ocho Rios. If you are staying in an all-inclusive Jamaican resort, the accommodating staff would also advise you on booking the tour.

Safety tips for your Jamaican trip

Jamaica is a traveler’s delight. Offering lots of sun, sand and sea, this land of reggae and jazz promises everything that you would want for a dream Caribbean vacation. There are plenty of sightseeing opportunities as also things to do both in water and land. However, to ensure that your trip is a smooth one, you must keep certain safety measures in mind.

Travel in groups

Jamaica is famous for its all-inclusive resorts where you can rent your own private Jamaican villa, condo, studio and apartment. Some of these resorts such as the Silver Sands resort encompasses a private beach and also provides facilities, services and plenty of activities to do within its protected environs. However, should you wish to venture out, you should travel in groups instead of venturing out alone to ward off unwanted interest.

Avoid venturing out after dark

After dark, it is advisable to remain in crowded tourist areas and at all costs you should avoid the inner cities. Also avoid some problem areas such as Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Spanish Town.

Maintain a low profile

For your own safety, don’t flaunt valuables such as expensive watches and jewelry. Keep important documents under lock and key in your own private apartment. When traveling out, just keep the amount of money you would require rather than carrying all of it.

Carry mosquito repellants and bug sprays

Use mosquito repellants and bug sprays to protect yourself against tropical diseases and also to ward off ants from your luggage.

Precautionary measures on the beaches
It is advisable to watch your steps while walking along the beaches and especially in the waters to avoid being stung by the sea urchins. Similarly, when going scuba diving and snorkeling, avoid disturbing the marine life for your own and its safety.

Drink bottled water

Even though tap water is claimed to be safe for drinking, you should opt for bottled drinking water. Bottles are recycled in Jamaica, however, the part under the cap remain untouched so do remember to wipe the mouth before drinking.

Honeymoons in Jamaica: Planning ahead

If you are planning a honeymoon, there is one destination that you should consider and that is Jamaica. Located in the Caribbean, the island of sun, sand and the beautiful sea provides the idyllic background for a romantic interlude. A honeymoon in Jamaica means an opportunity to bask in the glory of nature—beaches, rainforests, waterfalls, mountains, and also the perfect chance to discover each other. To make the best of your visit, a little planning ahead could make your trip all the more memorable. Here are some tips to help you plan ahead.

Research for the right accommodation

This would require some patience but a little bit of research can take you a long way. You can start with finding the right accommodation. While there are good hotels you can consider, you can also book a Jamaican villa, cottage, condo or apartment that is all inclusive in terms of facilities and services. You can make your honeymoon really special by staying in beachfront cottages or villas or ones that give you the fabulous ocean front views. Some of these Jamaican apartments also offer special packages and discounts for a certain period of stay, marriages and honeymoon. So a little bit of planning can help you cut down costs.

Booking flights

You can cut down costs by booking flights if you are a bit flexible with your timings. There are sites that offer last minute packages and so if you are lucky, you can get yourself a spectacular bargain. Then there are some other sites that give you an idea of whether you should book at that time or wait for the prices to go down. There are chances that you may miss the flight altogether but in probability, you will get a good bargain especially if it is the off-season.

Planning an adventure activity

Jamaica gives you endless opportunity for outdoor activity which you can enjoy together. Small things together done together can bring you closer and to help you decide what to do, you can consider the following activities.

1. Blue Mountains tour

The Blue Mountains, in the northeast of Kingston, have more to offer than the world-famous Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee that’s grown there. You can explore the majestic green peaks, which are part of 195,000-acre John Crow Mountain National Park either on foot, on bicycle, or by car. The caffeine addicts can visit coffee plantations such as the Jablum Coffee Factory.

2. Dunn’s River Falls tour
Located in Ocho Rios, Dunn’s River Falls are one of the island’s top attractions that are perfect for a Jamaica honeymoon, especially when you consider the fact that you can climb to the top of this spectacular formation that looks like a giant wedding cake.

3. Dolphin Cove tour

Dolphin Cove is situated next to Dunn’s River Falls and is Jamaica’s premier marine amusement park. You can visit the Jungle Trail, which is populated by exotic animals and tropical birds. But for those on a honeymoon, the highlight is the chance to swim with the dolphins.

Jamaica: The ideal Valentine’s Day destination

Love is in the air and there is no better destination than Jamaica to rekindle the romance in a relationship or connect with your loved ones. John Lynch, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, sums it all when he says, “From our tranquil waters to the lush tropical surroundings, couples will find Jamaica presents an ideal getaway to escape the everyday and celebrate their relationships.” And with the added increase in airlift, thanks to new services from JetBlue Airways and AirTran Airways, reaching this exotic destination has become easier than never before.

Jamaica is all set to spice up its appeal by offering a great selection of romantic activities and getaway packages and what with the Valentine’s Day falling over the long President’s Day weekend, the timing is just right to whisk away your loved one to this idyllic paradise.

Romantic retreats

If you are in Jamaica, you simply have to stay in an all-inclusive holiday resort encompassing beautiful villas, cottages, condos and apartments to suit all tastes and budgets. If you are on a romantic vacation, you would definitely need all the space and privacy to rediscover each other and add spark to your relationship and this is exactly what makes the Jamaican villas so appealing. These homes also have kitchenettes/kitchens where you can prepare your own meals, enjoy a candlelight dinner or dine, in the terrace accompanied by the gentle winds and music of the waves washing ashore. To make your trip convenient and hassle-free, these vacation homes also take care of the necessities including airport pick up and transfers, tour arrangements and transfers, child care facilities etc.

Destination weddings

There is no time like the Valentine’s Day to say the magical ‘I do’ and again no better destination than Jamaica to say it. Perfect weather and perfect locales, you could not ask for more for a fairytale wedding setting. The wide range of wedding locations in Jamaica includes beaches, mountains, rivers, country, gazebos and stunning waterfalls. Resorts in Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Kingston, Negril, and Port Antonio provide the best of services and locations. Guests can hire the services of an on-site wedding coordinator to help plan the special day including decoration for the ceremony, arranging flowers for the bride and groom, reception dinner including wedding cake for the wedding group etc.

Special tours

While in Jamaica, you can take advantage of various tours that are arranged entirely for your benefit. For example, there is the Dunn's River & Ocho Rios Special arranged by the Silver Sands resort that takes you to Columbus Park in Discovery Bay, followed by a drive through the 2 mile Fern Gully above Ocho Rios and then a stop in Ocho Rios for lunch and shopping. After lunch, the tour continues to Coyaba Gardens in Ocho Rios and then Dunn's River Falls, where you have enough time to climb the Falls.

There are special packages for special days and so for Valentine’s Day, Dolphin Cove, Jamaica’s premier amusement park, offers couples an up close and personal experience on the Dolphin Encounter. Couples who book a select encounter together can take advantage of a 50 percent discount on one encounter on purchasing a full-priced encounter.

Jamaica travel guide: Montego Bay

Jamaica is the land of sun, sand and the sea and those looking for a dream Caribbean escape could not ask for more. However, apart from the natural attractions, Jamaica also offers the best of what tourists look for in their trips to distant lands. This would include fine dining, shopping, and golf courses, to name but a few and in this regard, Jamaica does not disappoint. For those looking for more than just the beaches, Montego Bay, the second largest city in Jamaica, is the perfect destination. It is the hub of the tourist activity on the island, and apart from providing convenient access to the much sought after beaches, it also provides access to shopping plazas and exclusive restaurants.

Accommodation in Montego Bay

While there are a lot of hotels in Jamaica, the island is better known for its exclusive holiday resorts encompassing beautiful Jamaican villas, condos, cottages and apartments to cater to all tastes and budgets. The advantage of these holiday homes is that they provide you privacy and space as also more flexibility in terms of planning your activities and tours. Besides, these Jamaican villas are perfect for spending quality time with your loved ones and if you are on an extended stay, you can even invite your family and friends to spend some time with you without incurring any extra costs.

Activities in and around Montego Bay

Doctor's Cave Beach: This is considered to be one of the most popular beaches in Jamaica. It is located right on the "Hip Strip", and provides convenient access to restaurants and night life.

Rosehall Great House: This is the famous home of the infamous Annie Palmer (The White Witch of Rosehall), who was known for her murderous ways to both husbands and slaves.

Greenwood Great House: This was the former plantation home of the Barrett family. Elizabeth Barrett Browning spent time there during her childhood. The house still contains furnishings and personal items belonging to the family.

Rocklands Bird Sanctuary: As the name itself suggests, the sanctuary is a magnet for the bird enthusiasts. Here you can see countless variety of birds including the Streamertail Hummingbird, the National Bird of Jamaica.

For the golf lovers, Jamaica offers a number of championship courses including the
Cinnamon Hill Golf Course, Half Moon Golf Club and the Tryall Club, rightfully rated as one Jamaica's best.

Jamaica tourist guide: Discovery Bay

Discovery Bay is a town in Saint Ann Parish in Jamaica. It is a land of verdant hills, crystal clear waters and beautiful landscapes stretching as far as the eyes can see. One of the most prominent tourist attractions in Jamaica, Discovery Bay enjoys a unique place in the island’s history for it is widely believed that it is here that Christopher Columbus landed in 1494, and so the name.

Accommodation in Jamaica

Jamaica is known to be the birthplace of the concept of all inclusive vacation resorts as an alternate to a hotel stay. Accordingly, you will find a number of Jamaican villas, cottages, condos and apartments suited to your needs. Hotels too are good but one reason why the vacation villas are so successful here is that they allow you to explore the country at your own leisure and pace. They also prove to be more cost-effective especially if you are on an extended stay or you wish to invite or entertain your friends.

Activities in and around Discovery Bay

One of the main attractions in Jamaica is the Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, which in Spanish means eight rivers. There are steps leading up the world-famous falls and once up, you can take in the panoramic views of the surroundings.

Then there is the Dolphin Cove, which is a marine amusement park perfect for enjoying a picnic or swimming with the dolphins.

Jamaica’s beaches promise lot of fun and adventurous activities. You can take a boat and go out fishing or if you wish you can indulge in white water rafting, kayaking, diving and snorkelling, and ofcourse, swimming.

Jamaica still has some working plantations which are definitely worth a visit. You can take a guided tour or go on horse back to explore the scenic trails.

The Green Grotto caves are not to be missed. There is a crystal clear lake in the caves located between Discovery and Runaway Bays. Fragments of pottery and adzes were found here suggesting that the Arawak Indians took shelter here at some point of time.

Those interested in golf will not be disappointed. There is a championship golf course, SuperClubs Golf Club at Runaway bay that offers a challenging game amidst beautiful settings.

Jamaica tourist guide: Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios, which means eight rivers in Spanish, is one of the most sought out tourist destinations in Jamaica. This picturesque town is home to the stunning Dunn’s River Falls. Apart from the waterfalls, the town has much more to offer, notably magnificent beaches and the beautiful colonial-period buildings.

Ocho Rios is idyllically located about one and a half to two hours from every major town in Jamaica and is the only town that borders five of the island's most interesting parishes. To cater to the large number of tourists who come to this area, Ocho Rios boasts several exclusive villas and apartments offering all possible amenities required for a comfortable stay. These Jamaican apartments provide all the comforts and services of a hotel as also the privacy and space that only a home can provide. Overlooking spectacular surroundings, these vacation homes are perfect for those who wish to spend quality time together with their families and loved ones. Besides, they provide convenient access to the best of Jamaican attractions, some of which are:

• Dunn's River Falls: These falls are undoubtedly the main attraction of Ocho Rios. The water of the Dunn's River cascading over the rock terraces to the sea forms a pretty sight. If you wish, you can also climb up the stepping stones leading to the water fall and stand under the shower. There is a Dunn's River feast every week with dancing, music, and swimming.

• Dolphin Cove: You can enjoy a fun filled day swimming with the dolphins. This is one activity your kids are sure to enjoy.

• Fishing and boating: You can visit the beach at Island Village to soak up the sun and laze away the hours. However, if you wish to indulge in something more active, you can take advantage of a full range of activities offered here including fishing and boating.

• Prospect Plantation: Go horseback riding to discover the scenic trail or simply enjoy the tour of this 1000-acre plantation, which dates from 1721. People from all walks of life have planted trees at Prospect Plantation, including former Jamaican Prime Minister P.J. Patterson and, Sir Winston Churchill planted a mahogany tree in front of the Great House. Today, the former sugar estate grows bananas, cassava, coffee, allspice, coconut and many other crops, but not for the commercial market.

• Green Grotto Caves: Explore these historic caves with a crystal-clear lake at the bottom located between Discovery and Runaway Bays. The first Jamaicans, the Arawak Indians are believed to have found shelter here, a fact that is backed by the multiple fragments of pottery and adzes that have been unearthed from time to time.

• Golfing at Sandals Golf & Country Club: The course is located in the hills just above the eastern end of the Ocho Rios area. It has narrow fairways and offers a challenging test of your game in a spectacular setting.

The best beaches in Jamaica

For most visitors, Jamaica is all about sun, sand and sea and so if you are visiting the island for its beaches, the country will not disappoint. There is no shortage of coastline to explore and between the white sand beaches with lively beach bars in the north to the more remote, rocky and often black sand beaches in the south, you’ll find one to you’re your tastes. Listed here are some of the beaches that are definitely worth a visit.

Seven miles beach: The 7-mile sugary, white sand beach in Negril is considered to be one of the most famous beaches in the world. Once a sleepy fishing village, Negril is today a much sought out vacation destination that caters from young singles to families. The beach itself is simply stunning.

Frenchman’s cove: The beach is located just east of Port Antonio and there is an entry fee of £2 to get in but it is worth it. The beach has a freshwater stream where you can enjoy a dip or if you wish, you can venture into the sea. The beach is prettily overhung with tropical foliage.

Boston Bay: Located a few miles further east, Boston Bay is a tiny, quiet beach. The beach has suffered from the ravages of a recent hurricane but even then the beach has a beauty of its own. Adding to its appeal are the jerk stalls are selling peppery, smoke-grilled pork and cups of fresh young coconut milk.

Lime Cay: This is a small island of Port Royal. The place is great for a family vacation and you can just hire someone to take you there by boat. Once there, you can spend a fun-filled relaxing day picnicking, swimming and soaking up the sun.

Treasure beach: This is located south of the island next to a small fishing village. The coves here are perfect for snorkelling.

Ocho Rios: This is one of the most famous destinations in Jamaica. There is a small but perfectly formed stretch of white sand beyond Island Village where you can laze away the hours in the sun. If you want, you can also try your hand at water sports or cool off with an ice-cream from the adjacent shop. Jamaica is known for promoting the concept of all inclusive holiday resorts as an alternate to a hotel stay. There are beautiful Jamaican apartments in Ocho Rios that provide convenient access to the best of what the island has to offer.

Adventure activities in Jamaica: Skydiving

Jamaica, which has much to offer its visitors in terms of sun, sand and the beautiful weather, has added skydiving as the latest feather in its cap of adventure activities. Those looking for some great adrenalin rush can head to the Boscobel Aerodrome in St Mary, conveniently located from the Turtle Beach Towers or Carib Ocho Rios.

Skydiving Jamaica specializes in tandem skydives, which is very safe and is open to both new and experienced skydivers. As a first timer, you will be given a 20-to30 minutes training session by a licensed instructor who will explain you all the technicality of the sport including the jump and landing process. And after that you are all set to go.

What better to experience Jamaica than your body flying at 120 miles per hour? And just when you begin to relax, the instructor pulls your rip cord and you are all set to enjoy a six- to eight-minute parachute ride back to the landing area on the airport.

And you can capture the whole experience, from suiting to landing, on video at no extra costs. The package also includes 40 to 80 still pictures to relive the moments and take back beautiful memories to show back home.

Once back from your adventure, how about coming back to the comfort of your own exclusive apartment, to relax and feel the tiredness drain away from your body, leaving you fresh to face another exciting day in Jamaica.

What to look for in a Jamaica holiday resort?

If you are planning a trip to Jamaica, chances are you would think of booking a hotel for your stay. Well travel accommodation has come a long way since the days of the hotel and today there are plenty of options to ensure that you get more than just the comforts and services of a hotel. Ask people what they wish to gain from their trip abroad and chances are that apart from sightseeing and enjoying great activities they would also want to spend quality time with their loved ones and reconnect with their families and friends. All this is definitely not possible while staying in the impersonal environs of a hotel. What you need is privacy and space and these are two things which only a home can provide. A home in a distant land? Yes, family resorts provide exactly that. Search the Internet and you will come across numerous Jamaican holiday resorts with exclusive Jamaican villas, cottages and condos offering you the best of services at the most reasonable costs.

But first what are these family holiday resorts? Basically these resorts have exclusive villas, cottages, studios and apartments which you can book for the period of your stay in Jamaica. Known by various names such as vacation rentals, vacation homes etc, these rentals combine the privacy and space of a home with the services and luxuries of a hotel. So in a way, these vacation homes give you the best of both worlds. So which one to choose and especially if you are traveling with a family?

First, keep in mind that Jamaica is what could be best termed as a romantic destination. What this means is that even if you are traveling with your children you would want to spend quality time with your partner/spouse. But at the same time you would want to ensure your children are also well taken care off. Most Jamaican villas provide childcare facilities as part of the package or at some extra costs. For example, you can check out the Silver Sands villas and cottages that take pride in providing child friendly services. These villas and cottages provide free car seats for all children traveling on transfers and tours. Then again, if you require a crib/cot, you just have to let the company know in advance and it will have one ready for you before you reach at no extra charge. These villas also provide high chairs, strollers or push chairs at no extra cost.

So if you are planning a trip to Jamaica, do keep these points in mind and if you wish to make the most out of your trip to Jamaica, you can check out the Silver Sands villas that ensure you get your value for money.

What do Jamaica villas have to offer?

Think of Jamaica and the images that immediately strike the mind are the stunning beaches, lofty mountains, brilliant landscape, reggae, jazz, tempting food and warm hospitable people. If you want to savor all the flavors of this idyllic paradise, stay in a Jamaica villa. Why you may well ask. Here are some reasons which may convince you to rent a Jamaica villa next time you visit this beautiful country.

First, these Jamaica villas are part hotel and part home in that they combine the luxuries and services of a hotel with privacy, space, warmth and comfort that only a home can provide. So at the price of one you get the best of two. Reason enough, you might say but then there are other factors that go in favor of Jamaica villas.

Travel today has gone beyond its accepted definition. Today a visit to a new place is not about just seeing and doing a few activities. It is about experiencing a place and that is something you really can’t do staying in a hotel surrounded by the usual tourist crowds. Why not live like locals to get the local taste of life? That is exactly what Jamaica villas let you do. These villas are contemporary, well equipped with all modern amenities, yet furnished and decorated in a style that is uniquely Caribbean. And then instead of eating out everyday, you can have the cook prepare your food and give you a taste of the local cuisine.

As in the case of a hotel, Jamaica villas also have an attentive staff to take care of your needs whether it is arranging for tours and transfers or providing you the necessary information you require to know your way around the island.

So that is what Jamaica villas have to offer. The best of experiences, the best of services, the best of costs, and all this at a cost that is much less than a hotel. Convinced? So when you next visit Jamaica, stay in a vacation villa or cottage and if you don’t know where to start, check out Silver Sands villas and cottages and you could not make a better choice.

Why stay in a vacation rental in Jamaica?

Jamaica is the perfect destination for a true Caribbean escape. Great beaches, beautiful scenery, enchanting landscapes, tempting cuisine, enchanting music and dance and above all, warm hospitable people, this is Jamaica and there is more.

Make your visit to Jamaica all the more special this time by renting a vacation villa instead of staying in a hotel. The reason for this is obvious. A hotel can provide you all the comforts and services you require but not the space and privacy you need to spend quality time with your family and friends. Besides, hotels can prove to be very costly especially if you are on an extended stay, because apart from the expensive rent you would also dish out a lot of money eating out everyday. The costs simply add up.

Jamaican villas take travel accommodation to the next level in that they combine the best of what hotels and homes provide---quality services with privacy and space. Basically you get the best of the two worlds at the cost of one. Depending on your budget and preferences and whether you are traveling alone or with family and friends, you can choose between studios, condos, villas and apartments.

Jamaica villas and cottages allow you to get a taste of the local way of life. These homes, besides being cotemporary are decorated and furnished in a style that is unique to Jamaica. Besides, you can have the cook come in to prepare local dishes which you can savor in the dining room or sitting in the terrace or balcony taking in the views with the gentle breeze playing on your face. You can wake up to sound of the gentle waves washing ashore or be lulled to sleep by their music. During the day, you can laze away the hours swaying in a hammock or indulge in some great water activities. In the evenings, enjoy long solitary walks under the moonlit sky or entertain your friends in the privacy of your beautiful garden.

Should you wish to venture out of the idyllic surroundings, the attentive yet unobtrusive staff will not only arrange for tours and transfers but will also advise on the places to visit on the tourist and the off the beaten track.

So next time you visit Jamaica, rent a villa or cottage, you will be spoiled for choice. If deciding on the perfect option becomes difficult, check out Silver Sands, a vacation rental community that specializes in providing the best options at the best rates combined with the best service.