Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Destination Jamaica: Ocho Rios

Preparing for a visit to the Caribbean can be a bit overwhelming, there are so many islands to choose from. However, if it is adventure, landscapes, history, and beautiful beaches you are seeking, you simply have to visit Jamaica. You can make your visit to Jamaica all the more special by renting one of the many Jamaica villas that cater to singles, couples, families and friends. These Jamaica villas are an alternate to a hotel, offering you apart from services and facilities all the privacy and space you could ever want to make your visit extra special.

One of the most well known destinations in Jamaica is Ocho Rios, located on the northern coast of Jamaica. It has become an incredibly popular destination for cruise ship passengers. Once a small fishing and banana port, Ocho Rios is today the cruise ship capital of Jamaica and is frequented daily by visitors who are looking for a world class holiday destination.

There is so much to see when you visit Ocho Rios. But first, if you want to be close to all the action, you can stay in one of the Silver Sands villas, located close by. These villas encompass a beautiful, pristine, private white sands beach and provide all the comfort and privacy you could wish for during your stay. The villas employ a local staff who are well versed with the island and can provide you all insider perspectives and tips to go off the tourist track and explore the road less taken. The Silver Sands villas also organize tours to Ocho Rios.

If it is adventure that you are looking for in Ocho Rios, you can check out the Dunn’s River Falls. Located to the west of Ocho Rios, the 600 foot cascading waterfalls are a sight to behold. You can plunge right into the water and be a part of the human chain that leads up the stone steps right to the top of the waterfalls. It goes without saying, the views from the top are simply breathtaking. There is a small fee to go to Dunns River Falls Park; currently this is $15 for adults and $12 for children. After climbing the falls, you can relax on the beach, spend time in the picnic areas and explore the tropical foliage.

You can also visit the nearby Dolphin Cove conveniently located next to Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios. The visit is sure to be a one in a lifetime experience. Here in the park, you can swim with a family of Bottle Nose dolphins. The cove is surrounded by four acres of tropical rain forest and is also home to other marine species such as rays, eels and sharks as well as tropical birds, like the macaw.

If it is a beach that catches your fancy, the Turtle Beach is just within walking distance. If you wish to make Ocho Rios your base, you can also make the Turtle Beach Towers apartments your base, more so if you are fond of water sports. There is plenty of action here to keep you busy and apart from the water sports, there are plenty of shopping plazas and a craft center where you can shop for local crafts. One shopping center definitely worth a visit is the Taj Mahal Shopping Centre where you can shop for luxury items and great duty free goods. If it is more traditional Jamaican goods you are interested in, you can head to the Island Village Shopping Centre where you can find branded stuff, jewellery, hand made cigars, and the famous Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee.

Then there are other attractions in Ocho Rios that you can explore. If it is the historical that catches your fancy, you can visit Prospect Plantation, a working plantation which grows a variety of different foods such as sugar cane, banana, cassava, avocado, and pimento. You can also enjoy the spectacular views over the White River. A miniature golf and horseback riding is also available.

What ever your idea of holiday, Ocho Rios will not disappoint. Beautiful Jamaica villas located amidst breathtakingly beautiful surroundings, spectacular beaches, plenty of action, great food and great duty free shopping, you couldn’t ask for more.

1 comment:

Villa In The Caribbean said...

Hello Friends,

Jamaica is famous for its outstanding all inclusive resorts, most of which are virtually self contained beach front vacation villages with an abundant array of included amenities and dining options. Thanks a lot!