Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Adventure activities in Jamaica

If you are travelling to Jamaica, there is lots that you can do, see, explore and discover on its beaches, mountains, coastline, rainforests and more. Also you can make your trip to the island all the more special by staying in Jamaica rentals such as Silver Sands Villas Jamaica that especially cater to families or groups of friends who wish for some privacy and space to spend quality time together amidst the island’s beautiful surroundings.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, here are some activities that you can consider.

Biking

There are agencies like the Blue Mountain Bicycle Tours Ltd, which offer guided tours to the Blue Mountains, the Caribbean's highest mountain range. These tours give you the perfect opportunities to enjoy the panoramic surroundings and admire the rare flora and fauna. The tranquillity of the surroundings is just what you would look for to detox your mind, body and spirits. Some tours are all-inclusive and also include brunch and a swim in a refreshing waterfall as part of the package.

Hiking

You can hike up the Blue Mountains and enjoy the views from the peak. The other favourite trails are the ones that lead through the Rio Grande Valley. One of the highlights is the 7-hour White River Falls hike along the banks of the White River. For those who would prefer an easier walk, there is the Scatter Waterfalls that is worth a try.

Horseback riding

Horse back riding is a great way to explore the island’s dramatic and varied landscape. The island’s most well-known equestrian centre is Chukka Caribbean Adventures. The company offers an exciting horseback ride and swim tour that takes you on a guided ride along some scenic routes then finally along a beach where you can ride bareback into the sea.

Scuba diving

Jamaica is also a great destination for those who want to try out water activities. Scuba diving is a great way to explore the underwater world of coral reefs, etched with canyons and grottos with sheer vertical walls. The temperature averages 78-85 degrees with visibility upto 100 feet. The best diving sites on the island can be found in Falmouth, and the marine parks in Montego Bay, Port Antonio and Negril.

Golf

Jamaica is a haven for the golf enthusiasts and offers some of the best golf courses in the Caribbean, five of which are to be found in Montego Bay. Montego Bay is at a convenient distance from Silver Sands Villas in Jamaica and so if golf is high on your agenda, you can consider setting base here. These are some of the golf courses you might like to check out: The Cinnamon Hill Ocean Course at Rose Hall Resort & Country Club is ranked among the top-five golf courses in the world. You can also check the North Shore SuperClubs' Runaway Golf Club at Runaway Bay and Sandals Golf & Country Club at Ocho Rios.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Spring break in Jamaica

After a gruelling college session filled with classes, assignments and tests, it is time now for the well-deserved spring break and to plan a relaxing holiday to a destination that is beautiful and affordable. There are hundreds of destinations that fill this category but there is one that is near the US and that is Jamaica.

If you are planning a trip to Jamaica, you couldn’t ask for a better holiday destination. Here are some reasons why.

First, the weather. Jamaica is located in the Caribbean, a region that is known for its beautiful tropical weather. On an average the temperatures range between s0 to 80 degrees. The country does have a rainy season but after a few hours of rain, the sun comes out and you can gear up to go out again.

Next are the beautiful beaches. Jamaica boasts some of the best beaches in the world where you can indulge in numerous activities such as swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, wind surfing and water skiing. If you don’t want to jump into the water you can laze away the hours soaking up the sun. From the crowded ones to those promising plenty of privacy, you’ll find a beach to suit your taste. One of the best beaches in Jamaica is the Seven Miles Beach in Negril. The beaches are lined with vendors selling delicious local delights as also souvenirs.

Most importantly, Jamaica promises some great holiday homes which you can book and stay in during your visit. These Jamaica rentals such as Silver Sands Villas Jamaica comprise private villas, cottages and apartments that are conveniently located near the main tourist attractions of the island and provide you all the privacy and space you could ever want to connect with your family and friends.

The Jamaica villas and cottages are affordable and in fact prove to be much cheaper especially if you are here for a week stay or more and are traveling with families or friends. These rentals have their own kitchen where you can prepare your own meals and eat what you like, when you like. You don’t have to do the cooking yourself. The services of a housekeeping staff and cook are included in the package so all you have to do is relax, be pampered and explore the island at your own leisure and pace.

You can even ask the staff of the Silver Sands Villas Jamaica to arrange for airport transfers and tours to the places of interest. In fact the staff of these villas is all locals and they can provide you insider’s tips on what to see and explore apart from the usual attractions.

Jamaica is a haven for the outdoor enthusiasts. Aside from the beaches, you can trek up the misty Blue Mountains famous for their breathtaking views as also for the blue mountain coffee that is grown here. Then there are numerous reserves and botanical gardens where you can observe the rich biodiversity of the islands. And if you are traveling with kids, there are plenty of opportunities to keep them busy, satisfied and happy. For example, there is the Dolphins cove in Ocho Rios where you can swim with the dolphins and the Kool Runnings Park, a water park with slides meant for the kids to those that are meant for the adventurous.

And then ofcourse there are some things that are synonymous with Jamaica, Bob Marley, reggae, rum, sun, sand and the sea. With so much on offer, it is little wonder then Jamaica is a much sought out destination for those looking for a blissful tropical escape in the Caribbean.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Jamaica tourism guide

Ocho Rios or Las Chorreras (the waterfalls in Spanish) is a pretty resort town whose main attraction is, as the name itself suggests, are stunning waterfalls. Then there are the beautiful beaches and interesting colonial-period buildings that are well worth a visit. Ocho Rios boasts of one of Jamaica's most famous tourist attractions, the Dunn's River Falls.

The popularity of Ocho Rios as a major tourist destination in Jamaica can also be attributed to the fact that it 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. Given the large number of tourists who flock here there is a wide array of accommodations available, the most notable being the exclusive Ocho Rios apartments perfect for all tastes and budgets.

The Jamaican apartments are situated amidst breathtakingly beautiful surroundings and provide convenient access to some of Jamaica’s most sought after attractions, some of which are:

• Dunn's River Falls: The Dunn's River cascades over the rock terraces over to the sea and a beautiful beach. You can climb up the stepping stones leading to the water fall and stand under a stimulating 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 without doubt one of the premier attractions in Jamaica.

• Fishing and boating: The beach at Island Village is relatively undeveloped and is perfect for soaking in the sun and lazing away the hours. If you are looking for something more adventurous, the beach also offers a full range of activities.

• Prospect Plantation: Go horseback riding to discover the scenic trail or simply enjoy the tour of this working plantation.

• 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.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Jamaica villas and cottages for rent

If you are planning a trip to Jamaica, you can stay in Jamaica villas for a more personalized and unique experience. These Jamaica villas are your home away from home and offer a more intimate experience than a hotel. Depending on your budget and whether you are travelling single, as a couple, with family or friends, you can find a villa, cottage, studio or apartment that is perfect for your needs. A little bit of thought in this direction will help you find the right villa at the right rate. So how to rent a Jamaica villa?

First, decide on when you are planning your vacation. The high-season in Jamaica is between mid-December to mid-April, which means that if you are planning your visit during this period, make sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment. Also, you are more likely to get a better deal if you book well in time. During the off-season, you can avail of special discounts and packages. The added advantage is that there is less of a holiday crowd, which means you get to explore the beaches, outdoors, mountains and waterfalls in peace. If your dates are flexible, you are more likely to get a better deal.

Enter the term Jamaica villas in the search bar and you will be inundated with choices. As a rule, you must compare rates, that is nightly, weekly and extended stay rates. There are some Jamaica villas that have minimum number of nights stay as pre-condition. Also, if you are travelling with your family including kids and grandparents, ensure the Jamaica villas have facilities to keep them occupied and well taken care of. This means your rental should provide babysitting services etc so that you can venture out if you wish to.

Generate a list of questions you would ask the property manager, marketing agents or the owners themselves. For example, you can ask for more photos of the property in question and whether it provided access to tourist attractions, makes arrangements for tours and transfers etc. If you are planning to take your pet along, you must ensure that the vacation rental is pet-friendly. Feel comfortable with your choice before sending money. Ask whether you can pay by credit card so that if you experience any problems, you can dispute the charge. Avoid paying by cash because that can leave you more vulnerable.

Book a rental only when you are sure it works for you in terms of location, price and rental terms so you have an enjoyable, stress-free vacation. One such rental community that you can safely consider is Silver Sands villas in Jamaica that offer the best services at the best price.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Jamaica rentals versus all-inclusive resorts

If you are planning a trip to Jamaica, then know that where you stay can make all the difference to not only your experience but also to the pocket. You can choose to stay in all-inclusive resorts or Jamaica rentals such as Silver Sands Villas Jamaica.

Jamaica has pioneered the concept of all-inclusive resorts. What this means is that you get to stay in a resort with other people who have also booked it. Food, transport, drinks and entertainment is included in the package. All-inclusive resorts can be a good option for singles or couples but not for families or a large group of friends travelling together.
First, the cost is very high. Second, all-inclusive resorts don’t make much sense for families because they don’t offer activities to cater to all age groups. Most importantly, part of the fun of the holiday is the challenge of discovering a place on your own and this is what you will definitely miss out because everything is planned for you. So opt for an all-inclusive resort only if you can afford the costs and wish to follow a chartered course.

Jamaica accommodation rentals comprise private villas, cottages, apartments, studios and condos that you can book for the duration of your stay. These are all private homes, mostly second homes owned by people living across the globe. The owners may stay on the island for some time and then rent it out to vacationers when they are empty. This is a win-win situation for both as the owners get to make some extra money and the vacationers can get to stay in their ‘home away from home’ on the island.

So what are the points that go in favour of accommodation rentals? First, these homes range from one bedroom to several and with amenities ranging from the comfortable to the ultra-luxurious complete with private pool, Jacuzzi to name just two, which means you can book one depending on the number of people in the group and your budget. Second, the rentals are easy on the pocket than hotels and all-inclusives in that they have their own well equipped kitchens and often a BBQ, which means you save money by eating in.

Next is privacy and space. In a time challenged world, professional commitments can take their toll on personal relationships and so today vacations are more about getting away from it all and spending quality time together with family and friends in a new place and in a new surrounding. To strengthen the bonds, you definitely would want to be away from the crowds in your own space and this is what these rentals provide. Apart from the kitchen and bedrooms, these homes also have living areas, gardens, terraces and verandas where you can laze away the hours, enjoy the beautiful surroundings, play indoor games in the late evenings or enjoy a picnic on the private stretch of a beach. Besides, there may be times when you wish to go out with your partner or spouse. The staff of the villas will arrange for childcare facilities so you can go and enjoy yourself safe in the knowledge that the kids are being well taken care off. In fact there are rentals like the Silver Sands villas Jamaica with their own stretch of private beach, that also have special play areas for children.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Best cultural activities in Jamaica

Jamaica has much more to offer than just the sun, sand and sea. The island has a lively cultural scene and no matter what time of the year you visit, you can enjoy numerous cultural activities. You can also make your visit all the more memorable by staying in Jamaica rentals such as Silver Sands Villas Jamaica that offer you a unique perspective of the local way of life.

While on the island, these are some of the cultural activities that you can enjoy.

If you are in Kingston, you can visit the Bob Marley Museum on Hope Road. The reggae icon’s house has been converted into a museum and guided tours are available. You can see several interactive displays and see an interesting collection of mementoes and memorabilia.

Then there is a bus tour from Ocho Rios that takes you to the village of Nine Miles where Bob Marley was born and where he is buried. The house belonged to his grandparents. En route the journey, you can enjoy reggae and rum.

There are several country style tours you can take that take you through the hill town of Mandeville and provide you the perfect opportunity to meet the locals and explore the beautiful countryside. These tours can be customized to your liking so depending on your tastes you can enjoy music, culture, or food related tours.

The Maroons are an integral part of the history of the island and you can learn more about them in the Accompong Maroon settlement tours that take you to the cave where the treaty with the British was signed in 1738 and also to the Presbyterian church, which is the oldest building in Accompong.

As said above, you can get a taste of the real Jamaica by staying in private Jamaica rentals such as the Silver Sands Villas in Jamaica which also organize tours and transfers to the places of interest.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Activities and things to do in Jamaica

Lounging on a beach with a fruity drink in your hand may be your idea of a holiday in Jamaica but there is much you can do both on land and water. Also if you are planning a family vacation to the island, you can consider staying in Jamaica villas and cottages for apart from providing you great services, they also allow you to plan a more flexible itinerary in the sense if you want to indulge in activities meant for adults you can avail of the childcare facilities offered by some of these rentals. Outside your rental, here are some activities you can consider.

Land activities

There are many ways to experience the invigorating beauty of Jamaica and the beach is just the beginning. However, to start with the beaches, there are some rentals like Silver Sands villas that encompass a pristine private beach so you can relax in peace and quiet or build sand castles with the kids as also meet up with other guests, should you wish to socialize. Beyond the walls of the rentals there are other beaches you can visit. Negril, home to the world-famous Seven Miles Beach, is close by the villas. Then there are the beaches at Port Antonio, Montego Bay, Discovery and Runaway Bay that you can visit. Most of the beaches are teeming with people, vendors selling knick-knacks, hair braiders, and cooks preparing and selling jerked meat, which is Jamaica’s speciality.

Then you can also go hiking, biking, horse back riding to explore the island’s terrain. Vacationers can also climb Dunn’s River Falls, spend the day on a jeep safari or zip through the jungle canopy. However, if you are seeking something less adventuress, you can consider tours that take you to explore the island’s culture, history and music. You can visit plantation houses, Bob Marley’s Museum as also botanical gardens and parks like the Royal Palm Reserve and Hope Botanical Gardens. For the golf enthusiasts, Jamaica offers the largest number of championship courses in the whole of Caribbean.

Water activities

Jamaica provides plenty of opportunities for snorkelling and diving. Some of the best sites are to be found in Negril, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, all again at a very convenient distance from Silver Sands villas. Other notable sites include Runaway Bay, Spanish Anchor and Widowmaker's Cave. You can also go jet skiing, kayaking, sailing and deep sea fishing.

Food

If you are staying in Jamaica accommodation rentals such as Silver Sands Villas Jamaica you can prepare your own meals in the kitchen. Otherwise, the cook, whose services are included in the package, will prepare delicious meals for you. So staying in rentals can also help you saving costs by eating in. Should you wish to venture out, you can ask the staff of the Jamaica villas and they will be able to guide you about local restaurants and roadside stands where you can sample authentic Jamaican foods. The food is heavily influenced by British, French, Spanish and Chinese cuisine. Pastries and breads are particularly good and, of course, you should not miss the famous Blue Mountain coffee and rum-based foods and drink.

Best annual events in Jamaica

No matter what time of the year you plan your trip to Jamaica, you’ll find an event or festival to capture your attention and make your stay on the tropical Caribbean island of the sun, sand and sea a memorable one. The high season is from mid-December to mid-April; however, Jamaica is a year-round destination since it enjoys tropical climate through out the year, and so you can get great discounts and packages on tours, restaurants and Jamaica accommodation rentals such as Silver Sands Villas in Jamaica.

These are some of the events that take place from January to July.

Accompong Maroon Festival: The event takes place in the month of January. As is obvious from the name, the event is celebrated by the Maroons, the descendents of the slaves who were brought to the island to work on the sugar plantations during the colonial era. The unusual event has the Maroon community cook black, male pigs in large pots. The belief is that eating a mouthful of the pork would bring good luck.

Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival: The festival enjoys great popularity both with the visitors and locals. For the past ten years, the event has been sponsored by the national airlines. It takes place in Montego Bay and apart from reggae, people can enjoy jazz and other types of music also.

Bob Marley Week: Jamaica is synonymous with Bob Marley and if you are reggae fan, and are in Jamaica during the month of February, you are in for a treat. The Bob Marley Week takes place during this month and the festivities include parties, exhibitions, film shows and concerts, which take place at the Marley Museum in Kingston.

Jamaica Carnival: The carnival was introduced in Jamaica in 1990 and ever since then, it has grown from strength to strength. Today, it is an important musical and cultural extravaganza. Initially it took place in Kingston in April but given its popularity with the locals and tourists, the festivities also take place in the popular resort towns of Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.

Calabash Literary Festival: This is a must-attend for the literary buffs. Held in May, this is the only one of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean. The three-day celebration sees participation of writers and musicians from Jamaica and other parts of the world.

Reggae Sumfest: The Reggae Sumfest is held in July. It is Jamaica's major reggae and dancehall event. The week-long festival attracts big name performers, and crowds from all over the island who come to enjoy the music, food, sun and sea.

Most of the events take place in towns in or around the north coast of the island. To enjoy the best of nature and festivities, you can consider setting base in Jamaica villas and cottages located here.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Enjoy a lifetime experience in Silver Sands Jamaica

Jamaica is by far the most popular island of the Caribbean. With warm, tropical climate and beautiful Jamaica accommodation rentals located in the famed north coast, it promises to be the perfect destination for a relaxing family vacations.

Jamaica boasts beautiful white sand beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife, all providing the perfect playground for a wide assortment of land and water activities. Kingston, the capital is home to old-colonial houses that lie against the backdrop of gorgeous mountains. Rentals such as Silver Sands villas arrange for transport to Kingston so that you can enjoy a day trip there and be back to round of the day in the comfort of your home away from home.

Two other hotspots for tourists are Negril and Montego Bay. Negril boasts a seven mile beach, which is one of the longest in the country. Here you can enjoy a full of water sports and activities to keep you busy. This famous beach stretches from Bloody Bay in Hanover to the Negril Point Lighthouse in Westmoreland. Some of the activities you can enjoy here include kayaking, snorkelling and diving. On land you can enjoy horseback riding, hiking and bicycling on the many bluffs.

Montego Bay, located on the northwest shoreline of Jamaica, overlooks the gorgeous deep blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. There is so much to do in Montego Bay that the only problem you would face is to decide which ones to do and which ones to leave.

You can try out kayaking, snorkeling, and even horseback riding in the shallow sea. Inland you can enjoy golf, clubs, restaurants, and tours.

Then there is Ocho Rios home to the world-famous Dunn’s River Falls. You can actually climb up these falls and enjoy the beautiful views from the top. Besides you can also visit the Dolphins Cove where apart from swimming with the dolphins you can actually pet, feed and swim with trained nurse sharks.

These are just some of the activities that you can do in Jamaica. To find out what more the island has to offer, you can check out Silver Sands villas Jamaica guide to Jamaica where you’ll find the latest happenings and events as also the places to visit and what to see and do there.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Negril: The perfect honeymoon and wedding destination in Jamaica

With its stunning beaches, unrivalled sunsets, rocky cliffs, caves, caverns and corals, Negril in Jamaica provides the perfect background for a honeymoon or a memorable wedding. In fact the entire north coast of the island boast beautiful locales for romance and tying the knot and so it is little wonder that it is dotted with Jamaican rental communities offering a host of Jamaica accommodation option to suit all tastes, group sizes and pockets.

The most popular spot with the honeymooners is the Norman Manley Boulevard strip offering numerous activities for couples including water sports, sunset cruises and relaxing spas. Beyond the popular venues, you can explore off the beaten path locations notably the Roaring River and Blue Hole in Westmoreland.

Located about 45 minutes away from Negril in the beautiful village of Shrewsbury, there is the Roaring River and Blue Hole that is a perfect spot for a romantic escape.

The river runs for miles underground and then makes a miraculous appearance on the ground. Just beyond the point where it emerges, there is the Roaring River cave with limestone caverns housing spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.

Outside the cave, you will find a deep freshwater sinkable hole, which is believed to be bottomless. Further up the road, there is another blue hole set in immaculately landscaped gardens called the Blue Hole Gardens.

If you are planning a wedding or a honeymoon in Jamaica, you can check out the
Silver Sands Villas in Jamaica, a secure community of Jamaica villas and cottages for all tastes, group sizes and budgets.