Friday, May 28, 2010

Jamaica family vacations

If you are planning a family trip to Jamaica, you may want your own privacy and space and if this is the case, you can choose to stay in Jamaica accommodation rentals comprising private villas, cottages and apartments that you can book for the duration of your stay.

These rentals are ideal for a family vacation because they give you all the privacy and space you need to spend quality time together. First, consider if you choose to stay in a hotel, its highly unlikely you’ll get rooms next to each other. Jamaica villas and cottages on the other hand, give you living areas, dining area and also a well equipped kitchen meaning you don’t have to eat out all the time. A cook will prepare the meals and the housekeeping staff will take care of the household chores.

There are family-friendly rentals like the Silver Sands villas, a secure community of villas and cottages located on the north coast of the island. These villas encompass a private beach that is perfect for swimming and snorkelling as also picnicking. There is also a separate play areas for kids. If you want to stay in and relax, you can watch a movie on TV or DVD or browse through the internet or play board games. Alternatively, you may simply laze away the hours in the porch reading a book and taking in the views of the Caribbean Sea.

Venture out of the villas and you can head to the nearby Dolphin Cove in Ocho Rios where you can swim with the dolphins and explore a rainforest trail after which you can enjoy a family picnic on the grounds.

Another option is the Kool Runnings Park, a man-made water park with slides perfect for kids and also for those seeking an adrenalin rush with everything else in between.

Silver Sands villas in Jamaica are located on the island’s north coast which is also famous for housing some of the island’s greatest towns such as Ocho Rios, Negril, Montego Bay and Port Antonio.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Jamaica accommodation rentals versus all-inclusive resorts

If you are planning a trip to Jamaica, you can choose to stay in all-inclusive resorts and Jamaica accommodation rentals. So what are the pros and cons of each? First, it is important to understand what each means.

Jamaica has pioneered the concept of all-inclusive resorts. All you need to do is to make one complete payment that will include your accommodation, transfers, food, drinks and entertainment. Needless to say, all-inclusive packages are expensive. However, they are perfect for those who want to be free from the cares of planning their own trip.

Jamaica accommodation rentals comprise private villas, cottages and apartments that you can book for the duration of your stay. These private properties are the second homes of people from across the world who let them out to vacationers when they are not staying here on the island. This is a win-win situation for both as the owners get to make some extra money and vacationers get their own ‘home away from home’ on the island.

Going by their description, these homes provide you all the privacy and space you need to spend quality time with your friends and families. Today, vacations are not just about discovering new places, they are as much about strengthening the bonds that have weakened over a period of time due to the pressures of the modern day life. So if you want to let go, be away from the crowds, relax, rejuvenate, reconnect and indulge, these rentals provide you the perfect opportunity to do so. The rentals are well staffed so you don’t have to worry about everyday housekeeping and cooking. Also they allow you to save money which you would have to spend eating out.

Depending on your budget and requirements, you can book Jamaica villas and cottages with one to many bedrooms and amenities varying from the comfortable to the luxurious. This means these rentals fit all budgets and requirements.

So which one to book will depend on what you require from your holiday. If you are not worried about the budget and don’t want to bother with the planning of the holiday, opt for an all-inclusive resort. However, if you value your freedom, want privacy and space, wish to immerse yourself in the local culture and finally want the best of services and amenities at the most affordable rates, opt for Jamaica accommodation rentals.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Places to visit in Jamaica: Negril

If you are planning a visit to Jamaica, you can include a visit to Negril in your itinerary, more so if you wish to spend some time soaking up the sun on the island’s most popular beaches. There are numerous Jamaica villas, cottages and apartments for the duration of your stay and to set base to explore Negril and the rest of the island.

Bloody Bay

The bay traces its name to the time when the whalers would butcher their catch here. It was a popular pirates’ hideout during the 1700s. It is also believed that it was here at Bloody Bay that Calico Jack Rackham and his two female consorts were captured.

Contrary to its colourful past, the bay today is relatively calm with a laid back atmosphere. In fact, a large part of the bay is undeveloped and there is a jungle that stretches right up to the sand. The bay is perfect for swimming and soaking up the sun. If you are hot and thirsty, you don’t have to venture out as you’ll be approached by numerous vendors selling food and drinks. Otherwise, you can head to the Office of Nature, a famous beachfront open air eatery where you can enjoy fresh lobster, caught offshore during lobster season and cooked over an open fire as you wait. When lobsters aren’t in season, fresh fish is prepared.

Seven Miles Beach

The name is a bit of misnomer for the beach actually stretches to four miles but the fact remains that it has been consistently voted amongst the best in the world. The beach starts at Point Village between Bloody Bay and Long Way and makes its way right to where the cliffs begin.

The water is calm and warm and is perfect for swimming. You can also enjoy both motorized and non-motorized activities as also parasailing. The beach is brimming with people and activity including vendors who’ll try to sell you everything from food and drinks to knick-knacks and hair braiding services. Then there are the enterprising ones that will offer you drugs but remember that possessing drugs in the country is illegal.

The beach has also a fair share of popular restaurants and bars. The road parallel to it is lined with the island’s own beer, Red Stripe.

Negril is a great place to relax, rejuvenate and spend quality time with your family and friends. To make your stay all the more comfortable, there are numerous Jamaican accommodation rentals comprising private villas and cottages that you can stay in for the duration of your visit.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Tourist destinations in Jamaica: Ocho Rios

If you are planning a trip to Jamaica and it is your first visit to the island, you may want to know about the places to visit. There are many places you can explore, namely, Kingston for the history of the island, Negril for beaches and sunsets, and Ocho Rios that has a lot on its platter. However, no matter which place you visit, know that you can make your visit really special by staying in private rentals homes, commonly known as Jamaican accommodation rentals. These homes are perfect for those who want to savour the various flavours of the island and immerse in its culture at their own leisure and pace.

Coming back to Ocho Rios, it is by far the most famous site on the island boasting numerous attractions such as the Dunn’s River Falls. These falls are in unique in that the water cascades from a height of 600 feet over a series of protruding rocks before making its way into the Caribbean Sea. These rocks form a natural staircase connecting the bottom to the top of the falls. Accompanied by a guide, you can join people who form a human chain to climb up the top. You can take along a waterproof camera to capture the moments, fun and ofcourse the amazing views.

Then there is the Green Grotto caves nearby that are well worth a visit. History has it that they provided shelter to the original inhabitants of the island when they were attacked by the Spaniards. Over the years, they played host to numerous smugglers and runaway slaves. Given their colourful history, it is little wonder there are so many legends and tales associated with them.

And if it is a day of family fun that you are looking for, you can head to the nearby Dolphins Cove, where aside from the various water activities, you can swim with a family of bottlenose dolphins.

To be near all the action and yet have your own privacy and space, you can choose to stay in Ocho Rios apartments that are located in secured tower complexes overlooking the Ocho Rios bay.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Jamaica travel advice

Jamaica is a popular holiday destination inviting a million tourists every year, according to the Jamaican Tourist Board. The island’s largest airport is at Montego Bay. Then there are many cruise ships that call at Ocho Rios. To cater to the visitors, there are many Jamaica villas and cottages located nearby that form an ideal base to explore the islands.

Important destinations

The most famous destination on the island is without doubt, Ocho Rios, home to the magnificent Dunn’s River Falls. The most interesting aspect about these falls is that the water falls over a series of protruding rocks that form a natural staircase connecting the base to the top of the falls. Visit the falls and you will see a human chain weaving its way to the top. There is also a marine park by the name of Dolphins Cove nearby. The main attractions of the park are the dolphins and if you are looking for some fun and adventure you can wade into the water and actually swim with them. You can also visit Negril, known for its spectacular sunsets and equally stunning beaches, especially the Seven Miles Beach. Then there is Kingston, a must visit for those interested in music and the history of the island.

Accommodations

From five star resorts to hotels for all budgets, you can take your pick. However, most vacationers prefer to rent their own private space in the form of Jamaica villas and cottages that are more affordable than the other two options and also allow them to plan their own entertainment, prepare their own meals and immerse themselves in the culture and lifestyle of the locals.

Food and drinks

Jamaican cuisine is greatly defined by the local produce comprising pork, chicken and fish. The most popular dish is jerked meat-jerked chicken and jerked pork, or meat seasoned with peppers and spices and grilled over a hot fire made of pimiento wood and mixed in fiery jerk sauce. For drinks, you’ll find a vast variety of rums and also Blue Mountain coffee that is grown only on this island and is prized for its smooth richness.

Shopping

The local currency is Jamaican dollar. However, the US dollar is commonly accepted in the country. You can shop for rum, coffee, jerked meat seasonings as also local paintings and wood carvings.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Swimming with the dolphins in Jamaica

If you are planning a trip to Jamaica during your summer holidays, there is one activity that you must check out and that is swimming with the dolphins. The marine park, Dolphins Cove is located in Ocho Rios, which is also the island’s most well-known tourist site. To make sure you are near all the action, you can choose to stay in Ocho Rios apartments, set in a beautiful apartment complex in a gated compound in Ocho Rios bay.

The dolphins have always been portrayed as lovable creatures and they definitely are but you cannot discount the facts that they weigh around 300 pounds or more and even though they can smile, they also have teeth. So a swim with them can be both an adventurous and intimidating experience. And just to assure you, these mammals respond to every little signal of their trainers so there is nothing you need to fear.

As a first step, the animal trainers will brief you about the dolphins and what you can expect so that you go into the water prepared. The park has 16 dolphins but you’ll swim with two of them. Once you jump into the water, the dolphins will start swimming with you and will also clap, dance, and even kiss your cheek. When you begin to float on your belly, they’ll propel you forward by pushing their snouts on your feet. Higher and higher they’ll propel you and before you know it, you’ll be relaxing and enjoying the fun. Then all of a sudden, the trainer will blow the whistle and instantly the dolphins will turn back leaving you to fend for yourself, with your feet a bit soar but the spirits mighty high.

Then there is a trail through the rainforest that you can follow within the park. Jamaica is also famed for its wildlife and on route, you may just get the opportunity to cuddle an iguana or wrap a yellow boa constrictor around your neck. Also, if you didn’t find the swim adventurous enough, you can head to the shark enclosure and sit holding a trained nurse shark on your lap.

There are many other attractions that you can explore in and around Ocho Rios, notably the Dunn’s River Falls and the Green Grotto caves that are believed to have sheltered the original inhabitants of the island as also smugglers and run away slaves over the centuries.

There are many accommodation options that you’ll find near Ocho Rios. Aside from the Ocho Rios apartments, there are the Silver Sands villas that have villas and cottages to suit all tastes and requirements.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Why rent private villas in Jamaica

Why rent a hotel room when you can book a whole home for more or less the same rates and get more in terms of value for money, services and facilities. Jamaica accommodation rentals offer this much and more and at costs that are much more competitive than hotels and all-inclusive resorts.

So what exactly are Jamaica accommodation rentals? Many people in the USA and other parts of the world own second homes on the island. They come here once in a while for a stay and at other times, rent it out to other vacationers. Basically, this arrangement is a win-win situation for both parties for owners get to make some extra bucks while the vacationers get more, and surprisingly much more value for their money.

Many people may feel that renting a whole house may prove to be expensive. However, this is not the case. Do a comparative study of the rates of hotels and you’ll find these rentals are more affordable especially when you also consider the fact that they provide full kitchens and often barbecue grills and so you can save big money which you have to spend otherwise on eating out.

Booking your own private space is a great idea for those who wish to relax, hang out and spend some quality time with their friends and family and not just pack your day with all touristy things that the island has to offer. The rentals offer you the perfect opportunity to relax and let go amidst pristine surroundings. They offer more amenities than a hotel. For example, a hotel room would provide you with a television but a rental will include stereo, DVD player, game rooms, pool tables and other family-friendly diversions. This is especially important if you family has members belonging to different age groups from parents to kids to grandchildren. In case if you wish to venture out for some adult activity, the staff of the vacation rentals will arrange childcare facilities. Take the case of Silver Sands villas, located on the scenic coast of Jamaica far away from the crowds but near the attractions in Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. The staff of the villas is local and will be able to provide you useful tips on what to see and do aside from the usual tourist traps.

Staying in vacation homes allows you to gain a first hand perspective of the local way of life. Besides, you can also explore the island at your own leisure and pace. With so much on offer, it is little wonder then that these Jamaica villas and cottages are so popular with the vacationers who value privacy and space and want to relax, rejuvenate, indulge and reconnect in the serenity of nature.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Planning your visit to Jamaica

If you are planning a Caribbean holiday, you could consider Jamaica as an ideal destination. Aside from the spectacular coastline, sun, sand and the sea, there are plenty of natural wonders you can admire and activities that you can do. To make your planning easier, here are some tips you can consider.

Where you stay in Jamaica can make all the difference to your vacation. The island offers a fair share of hotels, all-inclusive resorts and private villas, cottages and apartments, commonly known as Jamaica accommodation rentals. Hotels provide the services you would find anywhere else in the world. However, if you wish to spend quality time with your loved ones, they may not be the right choice considering that you’ll be surrounded by strangers all the time and it is highly unlikely all of you would get rooms next to each other.

The other option is all-inclusive resorts. These simplify planning a trip on your own and save you all the hassles of making your own travel arrangements but they greatly limit your chance to explore the island on your own. Besides, they may not have activities that are suitable for all members of the family. They can also be a bit on the expensive side.

Now for the Jamaica accommodation rentals. Simply put, these are based on the concept of providing visitors a home away from home. They are very similar your home in terms of privacy, space and the ability to live as you like; however, they are also different in the sense they allow you to live like the natives and gain a first hand experience of their way of life. In a nutshell, they are same yet different. These rentals also provide the services you would normally associate with a hotel so you have the services of housekeeping staff and cook included in the package and so you don’t have to worry about the chores. Of course, the cook would pamper you with the sumptuous of local delights. You also have the perfect opportunity to explore the island at your own leisure and pace. Search the net and you’ll come across various listings of rentals and if all these leave you confused, you can consider Silver Sands villas, a secure community of villas and cottages in Jamaica’s north coast and at a convenient distance from some of the island’s greatest attractions in Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. The villas encompass a stretch of private beach and have amenities for people of all ages. The staff is local and can provide you insider’s tips on what to see and do.

Jamaica enjoys a tropical climate so pack some shorts, capris, tank tops, t-shirts and most definitely a swim suit. Be sure to bring along a sunhat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen. There are two rainy seasons, from May until June and September to November. However, rain is pretty limited and you get plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

There is plenty to see and do from trekking up the misty Blue Mountains to marine activities such as swimming, snorkelling, windsurfing and water skiing. You can explore reserves, rainforests and botanical parks and even climb the Dunn’s River Falls. For the children there is the Dolphins Cove and Kool Runnings Park. For the golf enthusiasts, there are plenty of challenging golf courses located in breathtakingly beautiful surroundings. Search the net and you’ll find a listing of activities that you can do. Based on your interest, you can plan what to see and do.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Spring holiday in Jamaica

With the college term coming to a close, it is time now to put the grueling classes, tests and homework behind and gear up for some refreshing holiday. If Caribbean is where you are planning to head, you can consider Jamaica as a destination which promises endless fun in the sun for families and friends.

First the weather in Jamaica is simply great with temperature ranging from 70 to 80 degrees. There is a rainy season but the best part is that it rains for only a few hours after which the sun comes out and so you can go out once again.

In a time challenged world, travel is not just about relaxing and discovering new places but it is also about spending quality time with your family and friends and to make sure that you get plenty of time, privacy and space, Jamaica has on offer numerous private homes which you can book for the duration of your stay. Known as Jamaica accommodation rentals, they comprise private villas, cottages and apartments to suit all group size and budgets. These Jamaica villas and cottages are part hotel and part home in that they combine the services of a hotel with the privacy and space that only a home can provide and that too at rates that are definitely less expensive than hotels. The services of a housekeeping staff and cook are included in the package and so you don’t have to deal with the household chores. All you have to do is bask in the attention, be pampered and explore the island at your own leisure and pace.

Jamaica lives up to its reputation as one of Caribbean’s most sought out beach destinations. The entire shoreline is dotted with beaches, some of which provide you all the privacy you could hope for while the others are a hotbed of activity. You can laze away the hours soaking up the sun, watching people or jump right into the water and go swimming, snorkeling, wind surfing, water skiing or other water sports.
The adventurous can trek up the Blue Mountains while the nature enthusiasts can spend hours in the reserves, parks and botanical gardens. If you are traveling with kids, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to keep them busy and entertained. There is the Dolphins cove where you can swim with the dolphins and the Kool Runnings Park where there are slides for the kids as well as adults.

Of course these are just some of the things you can do in Jamaica. And if you want to know more, you can explore the island on your own. As a closing note, don’t forget to book your Jamaica villas on time to avoid disappointment and get the best deals.

Friday, May 14, 2010

The Shaw Park Botanical Gardens in Jamaica

If you are a nature enthusiast, Jamaica will give you great solace. This beautiful Caribbean country is home to some of nature’s greatest attractions with one of them being the Shaw Botanical Garden. To make your visit all the more memorable, you can choose to stay in any of the Jamaica villas and cottages that dot the island. These rentals serve as your home away from home and give you all the privacy, space and comfort you need to reconnect with your loved ones and explore the best of what Jamaica has to offer.

One of Jamaica’s most celebrated attractions is the Shaw Park Botanical Garden. Needless to say the garden is a treasure trove for the nature enthusiasts encompassing in its 25 acres hundreds of unique flowers, plants and trees. Here you can admire the Bougainvillea, Oleander, and Shower of Gold and Flame of the Forest The garden is rich in biodiversity and offers great views of the scenic surroundings from a height of 500 feet above sea level. Located in Kingston, Jamaica's most celebrated botanical garden is located on a hilltop and is a great place to enjoy the sweeping views of the town and the Caribbean Sea. It is the only park in Jamaica that encompasses a scintillating waterfall. The water pool nearby is perfect for family picnics and sharing some great time with family and friends. Keep your cameras ready for there will be plenty of opportunities to capture the memories and landscapes.

There is also a gift shop and a bar within the precincts. The roads leading to the garden promise amazing sceneries and you will definitely be tempted to stop and take in the views. The scenery awaiting you in the park is even more spectacular. As already mentioned, this garden is located in Kingston and if you are looking for some great accommodation nearby, you can consider the Silver Sands villas that are ideally located on Jamaica’s famous north coast and at a convenient distance from Kingston and some of Jamaica’s greatest attractions. These villas are beautiful and set amidst some great garden settings and encompass a private beach.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Summer travel tips for Jamaica vacation

Summers are around the corner and with them comes the holiday season. You may be planning a trip to Jamaica and if indeed this is the case, here are some points that you can keep in mind to ensure that everything goes smoothly and that you enjoy every moment of your stay on this breathtakingly beautiful Caribbean Island.
First is to plan your accommodation carefully for where you stay can make all the difference to your stay especially if it is a family vacation that you are planning. There are basically three options that you choose from and these include hotels, all-inclusive resorts and Jamaica villas, cottages and apartments commonly known as Jamaica accommodation rentals. Hotels are no doubt good but it is highly unlikely you’ll find rooms next to each other so if spending some quality time together is what you want, hotels may not be an ideal option. In case of all-inclusive resorts, they may prove to be expensive and may not have activities to cater to all age groups.
A better option can be Jamaica accommodation rentals that cater to all tastes and age groups. Take the case of Silver Sands villas, a secure community of villas and cottages that specially cater to families. These villas are located in beautiful garden setting facing a private beach. There is a separate play area for kids and if the adults don’t wish to venture out, they can enjoy their favourite movies on the DVD or simply lounge in the verandah and enjoy the views of the Caribbean. Also if you want to go out for activities that are meant for adults, the villa staff will arrange for childcare facilities so you don’t have to worry about them. Jamaica accommodation rentals also prove to be more cost-effective for families because you can book one according to your budget and each unit has a kitchen/kitchenette so you can dine in instead of eating out all the time. This would naturally help you cut costs.
Another thing to keep in mind is that to enter Jamaica your passport should show validity of atleast six months so make sure the passports are updated. Even if you plan to stay for less time than this, your passport should have six months validity.
Finally, the children of your relatives may be traveling with you. If this is the case, make sure you carry along an authorization letter duly attested by a justice of the peace or a notary public. This is to prevent child exploitation cases including human trafficking. You will be asked to show the letter to the immigration authorities who will return it to you after examining it. Make sure to keep the letter with you at all times because you may be required to show it to the officials at any time during your travel.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Jamaica local tips

A trip to Jamaica promises plenty of fun and opportunities to explore some of the world’s greatest natural attractions. There is much that you can see and do and to help you make the most of your trip, here are some tips that you can keep in mind.

Accommodation: Although there are plenty of hotels and all-inclusive resorts, you can really make your trip memorable by staying in Jamaica accommodation rentals comprising villas, cottages, condos and studios. Perfect for families and groups, these Jamaica accommodation rentals provide you all the facilities of a hotel and add to them privacy and space that only a home can provide. The icing on the cake is that these rentals are definitely much cheaper than hotels and all-inclusive resorts.

Getting around: Jamaica is a relatively small island and the best way to get around is by hiring a taxi. You can hire a JUTA (Jamaica Union of Travelers Association) taxi that bears a red Public Passenger Vehicle (PPV) license plate. The drivers will be licensed and the taxis will be air-conditioned. If you have an international driving license, you can drive around on your own but be advised the roads are rough and if the vehicle breaks down, help is difficult to find. However, should you wish to drive, the speed limit is 31 mph and Jamaica follows a left hand drive.

Hire a guide: There is much to see and do in Jamaica and to explore the best of them, you can hire the services of a guide. This is all the more important if you are trekking up the Blue Mountains or want to go off the beaten track. You can talk to the staff of your Jamaica accommodation rentals and they would be able to arrange an experienced driver and vehicle for you.

Money matters: The local currency is Jamaican dollar (JA$) although the US dollar is commonly accepted. However, if you are going to shop in the markets, do carry some local currency with you.

What to buy: You simply must buy some Blue Mountain coffee, rum, and fiery scotch bonnet pepper sauce. Then there are other souvenirs you can consider such as wood carvings crafted by roadside artistes, and jewellery made from coconut shells.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Insiders tips to Jamaica

If you are a planning a trip to the Caribbean and don’t know which island to go to, you can consider Jamaica. The island is considered the fourth best affordable Caribbean destination. Besides, there are other ranks to its credits. It has been ranked fifth best islands for Caribbean family vacations and eighth best spring break destinations.

The island, which is synonymous with sun, sand, sea, Bob Marley and reggae has much to offer its visitors. Ask the people about their impressions about the island and they will all have something different to say so the best way to know about Jamaica is visit the island and discover it for yourself. Here are some tips to help you plan your trip.

Accommodation: You can choose to stay in hotels, all-inclusive resorts or Jamaica accommodation rentals which comprise villas, cottages, studios, condos and apartments. Though hotels are comfortable they offer no novelty factor. All-inclusive resorts spare you the trouble of planning your itinerary and making your own bookings but then you would be missing out on the fun for there is nothing more exciting than planning your own trip. Jamaica accommodation rentals, on the other hand, offer the best of both the worlds and also combine it with privacy and space that only a home can provide and that too at more affordable rates. These rentals also give you the opportunity to explore the island at your own leisure and pace.

What to do in Jamaica: There are three distinct tourist pockets in Jamaica. One is Ocho Rios which caters to the adventurous. The second is Port Antonio that offers top-notch surfing at Boston Bay beach, hiking the Blue Mountains, and river rafting along Rio Grande. The third is Negril which is popular for its beaches such as the Seven Miles Beach.

Best time to visit: The high season is from December to April. Needless to say the rates of Jamaican accommodation rentals, restaurants and stores are the highest during this time. If your dates are flexible you can still get a good deal. During late spring and fall, you can take advantage of special discounts and packages.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Things to do on a family holiday in Jamaica

If you are planning a family holiday, Jamaica is one option that you can consider. This beautiful Caribbean country is synonymous with Bob Marley, reggae, rum and ofcourse the beaches but go beyond the obvious and there is much you can discover. Here are some tips to help you plan a perfect family holiday in Jamaica.

Stay in Jamaica accommodation rentals: Jamaica accommodation rentals comprise villas, cottages, studios and apartments liberally sprinkled through out the island. The island is pretty small so no matter where you set base, you’ll be near all the action. So why choose a rental over a hotel? For one, you will get all the privacy and space you need to reconnect with your family and this can be really important because professional commitments can take their toll on personal relationships and so if you want to get away from it all, these private villas are for you. They offer all the privacy and space that you could ever hope for. Besides, you can stay amidst the natives like the natives and gain a first hand perspective of the island, which you can also explore at your own leisure and pace. The rentals are well staffed to pamper you with all possible services and attention and to top it all, they are more affordable than hotels and all-inclusive resorts in terms of facilities they provide.

Take advantage of the amenities offered by the family-friendly rentals: Some accommodation rentals are extremely family-friendly and cater to all age groups. Take the case of Silver Sands villas located on Jamaica's North Coast, about 30 miles from the airport, midway between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. The villas and cottages encompass a private beach which is perfect for swimming and snorkelling. There is also a play area for kids with plenty of activities to keep them busy. The rentals have their own TV, CD/DVD players, internet etc for entertainment and to stay connected with the rest of the world. If you don’t want to go out, you can lounge in the porch, read your favourite book, listen to the music or simply relax and appreciate the views of the Caribbean Sea. If you want to indulge in activities that are meant for adults, you can inform the staff and they will arrange for childcare facilities also.

Dolphin cove: This is a marine park situated in Ocho Rios within walking distance of one of Jamaica’s greatest attractions, the Dunn’s River Falls. The park is surrounded by four acres of rainforest where you can view different types of marine species. The highlight of the park is that you can swim with a family of bottlenose dolphins.

Kool Runnings Park: This state-of-the-art park is located in Negril. On entering the park, you will encounter a water world with slides and rivers etc. There are slides of every kind, the simple ones for the kids to the ones that can test your adventurous spirits.

Luminous Lagoon: The lagoon gets its name from a rare phosphorescent microbe known as dinoflagellate that is present in the water. The movement of the water causes the microbes to glow and emit a neon green light which gives the lagoon its luminosity. You can enjoy a boat ride on the lagoon to witness the phenomenon.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Suggested itineraries for Jamaica

If you are planning a trip to Jamaica planning an itinerary would seem difficult given the fact that there is so much to see and do. To make your task simpler, here are some suggestions that you can consider to savour the unique flavours of the island.

Jamaica is a relatively small island which you can drive around in a day. However, some of the island’s most sought out attractions are concentrated in Ocho Rios, a town in St Ann parish. To avoid the crowds, you can choose to stay in Jamaica accommodation rentals that are located some distance away. This way you’ll be near the attractions but away from the crowds.

There are many beautiful gardens in and around Ocho Rios brimming with flowers, vines, ferns and trees and adorning them are the exotic butterflies fluttering away in the breeze. The rivers or streams winding their way through complete the picture and it is little wonder that these gardens are in great demand as befitting locales for a dream outdoor wedding.

Ocho Rios is also home to one of Jamaica’s most sought out attraction and that is the Dunn’s River Falls. They would be like any other waterfall but for the fact that you can actually climb up these falls. The water here cascades down a series of protruding rocks that form a natural staircase leading right to the top. Accompanied by a guide, you can join a human chain stumbling and balancing its way to reach the top. You can carry a waterproof camera and stop at the stairs to capture the surroundings and the climb. On reaching the top, you’ll be rewarded by some stunning views and also vendors selling you everything from snacks and drinks to souvenirs.

If you are travelling with kids, you can check out the nearby Dolphins cove a marine park promising fun for both children and adults. Among other activities, you can swim with a family of bottleneck dolphins.

For the nature enthusiasts, there is the Royal Palm Reserve Park that is waiting to be explored. Spread across over 300 acres, the park is home to about 300 species of animals, reptiles, birds and butterflies and over 114 species of flowers.

No visit to Jamaica can be complete without a visit to its beaches. While there are many communities of Jamaica villas and cottages with their own stretch of private beaches, you can check out others promising great water activities and a chance to see and mingle with people. One such beach is the Seven Miles beach in Negril which is counted amongst the best beaches in the world.

While in Jamaica, go Jamaican. Try out the various varieties of rum and jerked meat, get your hair braided into dreadlocks and learn the nuances of Jamaican patois, the island's unofficial language.

And of course you simply have to go shopping, not that you have to venture far to do that. Drive through the scenic routes and you’ll find stores dotting the roadsides. On the beaches, you’ll find vendors vying for your attention and in the tourist hot spots you’ll find stores and markets where you can pick up a painting or a woodcraft item.

Finally, this time make all the difference to you trip by staying in Jamaica villas and cottages that are geared to pamper your every whim, provide you all possible comforts and services and that too at costs that are less than that of hotels and all-inclusive resorts.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Gardens in Jamaica

If you are planning an eco-trip to Jamaica, you couldn’t ask for a better holiday destination. Whether you are planning a wedding, going for honeymoon or a family getaway, you’ll find great outdoors to suit your tastes and purpose. Though people usually associate Jamaica with beaches, there is more to the island than simply the sun, sand and sea. For example, Jamaica has some really beautiful gardens that form the perfect settings for weddings, honeymoons and picnics.

St Ann is known as Jamaica’s garden parish and not without reason. It boasts one of the island’s greatest attractions and that is Ocho Rios. There are many beautiful gardens here that are worth checking out. Just to deviate from the topic, it is worth mentioning that you can make your visit to the island all the more special by staying in Jamaica villas, cottages and apartments that are perfect for all groups sizes and budgets. Apart from providing you all the facilities and services of a hotel they also provide you all the privacy, comfort and space you need to reconnect with your loved ones and explore the island at your own leisure and pace. Coming back to the gardens, here are some that are located in and around Ocho Rios.

Coyaba River Garden: Coyaba is an Arawak word which means heaven Stroll through the garden and you will realize why. The grounds are a colourful riot of flowers, ferns, vines and trees. The delicate butterflies fluttering around do their bit to add to the beauty. There is also a river winding its way through the grounds. The garden also has a gift shop where you can enjoy a cup of Blue Mountain coffee. Besides there is also a museum housing a number of interesting artefacts and maps dating back to the Arawak times.

Cranbrook Flower Forest: The garden is spread across an impressive 130-acres and boasts four lawns with barbeque areas and swings perfect for wedding, parties and family picnics. The river winding its way through the property is one of the main attractions here. Go to the riverhead and you’ll see water gushing out of an underground source and falling straight into a natural swimming pool. There are also fishing ponds stocked with tilapia and a river winding its way through the property.

Shaw Park Gardens: The Shaw Parks Gardens are located on the hills overlooking Ocho Rios and form an ideal backdrop for a wedding. The gardens were initially a part of the Shaw Park Estate which became the site for one of the earliest hotels in Jamaica’s north coast.