Monday, February 28, 2011

Water activities in Jamaica

Jamaica is a treasure trove for the people who are interested in water activities. There are various Jamaican rentals such as Silver Sands Villas Jamaica that encompass their own stretch of pristine white sandy beach where the guests can swim and snorkel in privacy. Other than that there are many activities they can enjoy on the island.

There are many tour operators that offer guided tours and two very famous ones include:

Dolphins Cove: This is Jamaica’s premier water park where you can enjoy a host of activities including a swim with the dolphins. For this, the instructor would give you a brief orientation, after which you can go into the water and frolic and swim with the friendly mammals.

Guided tours are available for Dolphins Cove which include apart from swim with the dolphins exploring jungle trails in the rainforests. This activity allows you to watch up and close some exciting birds, tropical fish, and reptiles.

There is also a tour for swimming with trained nurse sharks. You’ll be accompanied by trained shark encounter specialists into the water where you can swim and feed the sharks. However, if this is a bit too adventurous for you, you can enjoy a shark show from land.

River tubing safari: Most of Jamaica’s rivers are navigable which means you can enjoy a number of activities including kayaking, tubing, white water rafting, canoeing and bamboo rafting to name a few. One tour in great demand is the river tubing adventure on the Great River. For this, the instructors will give you an orientation complete with safety tips after which you can enter the tube and float down the river. The guide will provide you an interesting and informative commentary along the way. You can sit back and enjoy the scenery as it unfolds and even glimpse the indigenous Jamaican animals on the banks of the river.

These tours give you an insight into the type of water activities you can enjoy on the island. Silver Sands villas Jamaica books exciting tours with the Chukka Caribbean Adventures, an award-winning tour company that operates exciting tours both on land and water.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Falmouth Tour in Jamaica

The opening of the new pier in Falmouth and the exciting response of the visitors on arrival Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas has shifted focus on this historic town which has much to offer its guests

There are many places of interest in Jamaica and one of them is Falmouth on the scenic north coast of the island. In fact most resort towns are on the north coast or within easy distance of day trips from it so if you are planning a visit to the island, you can consider setting base in any of the several Jamaica villas and cottages located here.

Here are some places of interest in and around Falmouth which you can visit.

The old courthouse: Erected in 1815, this is a beautiful building with Georgian design. You can appreciate the well proportioned vertical and horizontal grads crossing the building as also fanlights, shingled walls and jalousies. The courthouse was razed by fire in 1926 but was later rebuilt. It numbered among the first official buildings in the town.

Old town: You can also visit the historic Town of Falmouth and see the 18th century architecture. The old town is really lively and you can talk to the locals here to know more about its background and the culture.

Falmouth parish church: Built in 1795, the Falmouth Parish Church is the oldest public building in the town. Constructed in brick and stone, the Church is a good example of vernacular architecture derived from classical forms. It is today one of the largest Anglican churches in the island. The highlights of the church architecture are the four massive and monumental timber columns that support the roof. The monuments on the interior walls of the Church date from the early nineteenth century.

Good Hope Plantation: Jamaica is famous for its plantations and one of them is the Good Hope Plantation. This coconut and cattle plantation is best explored on horseback. This beautifully restored plantation traces its history from the 18th century. The main attraction here is the 18th century Great House named Good Hope. Located on 2,000 acres 600' above sea level, the house is set against the dramatic blue–gray mountains and is renowned for its exquisite gardens and country trails. The road up from Falmouth winds its way by 200–year–old stone fences past fields and orchards, cattle and horses, a living testimony to an era of grace and gentility.

Luminous Lagoon: The Luminous Lagoon is home to one of the world's largest concentrations of bio–luminescent micro–organisms that give the water its ethereal quality. This lagoon is surrounded by mangroves. It is best to plan your trip at dusk and then enjoy a boat ride on the lagoon. The microscopic organisms emit a phosphorescent light when the water is agitated. If you wish, you can swim in the luminous waters as well.

Those who wish to disembark from the cruise ships can consider staying in Jamaica rental communities such as Silver Sands Villas that offer a wonderful combination of great services, affordable rates and all modern amenities required for a comfortable stay.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Jamaica: A favourite holiday destination in the Caribbean

Jamaica enjoys the reputation of being a fascinating holiday destination worldwide. It boasts a rich natural treasure of beautiful beaches, magnificent mountains and lush tropical countryside. It is little wonder then that Jamaica is one of the most sought after hot spots for a holiday.

The wide array of activities can be conveniently enjoyed from the comforts of your Jamaican vacation rental. Silver Sands Villas is one such community of beautiful Jamaican villas and apartments. Overlooking gorgeous sea views, the rentals offer a host of services and facilities including tastefully decorated rooms, entertainment options, fully equipped kitchen, Internet connection and car parking among others..

These amazing Silver Sands villas combined with a suite of interesting activities are guaranteed to make your holiday an unforgettable experience. From diving and snorkeling to trekking and mountain biking – Jamaica has it all.

Water sport enthusiasts can enjoy a unique underwater experience at the various diving spots. The famous beach of Negril and its surrounding areas have quite a few interesting diving venues. One such spot is the Throne Room, which is a 40-foot wide cavern situated 65 feet below sea level and contains yellow sponges. If you are looking for a more daring adventure, you can always head to Rock Cliff Reef and Sharks Reef. While Rock Cliff Reef gives you the opportunity to see eels in their natural environment, the Sharks Reef, as the name suggests, is about spotting nursing sharks.

Montego Bay offers a number of opportunities for snorkeling that include Coyoba, Seaworld and Royal Reef’s. Each of these reefs is home to a number of wildlife creatures such as blue and brown chromis, spotlight parrotfish, yellow-headed wrasses and barjacks. For a truly daring adventure, there can’t be a more fitting snorkeling venue.

For those who prefer land to water can gladly explore the magnificent Blue Mountains. There are immense possibilities for enjoying treks and biking through the intriguing and challenging terrain of the mountains. If you really want to follow an offbeat path there is always the Cockpit Country, which is a completely wild region in the central-northwestern part of the island. It is a pretty remote area and so it is better you take a guard along. Experienced trekkers will surely find this an unbelievable experience.

However, to experience these amazing adventures you would need to spend a couple of days on the island. In such a scenario the best choice of accommodation is undoubtedly the Jamaican rentals. Silver Sands Jamaica is an ideal abode that offers you a combination of excellent services, facilities and complete privacy.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Eco-tourism and adventure activities in Jamaica

If you are into active adventure sports, then you must take a trip to Jamaica. One holiday trip in Jamaica and you are guaranteed to return time and again. This beautiful island, boasting a number of natural attractions, offers the ultimate in thrill and excitement. From challenging biking tour on the mountains to diving into the depths of the sea, Jamaica offers a plethora of interesting activities and experiences.

An ideal adventure itinerary would include a visit to the various beaches followed by some diving and snorkeling tours and finally winding it up with a trek or a cycle tour through the countryside.

The fresh and invigorating air coupled with beautiful vistas and scenery form a perfect backdrop for some great adventurous activities. You can either start your adventure expedition with a bike ride through the challenging terrain of the majestic Blue Mountains. There are a number of professional cycle tour operators that offer full day mountain bike excursions. These companies take you on a joy ride through the lush tropical woodlands and usually at the end of the tour, you can take a dip in a waterfall. These tours promise you fun, frolic and excitement.

The region of Ocho Rios is also home to the famous Dunn’s River Falls. This magnificent 600ft waterfall cascades downwards and then bounces over the stony steps to finally join the waters of the blue sea. Here you can climb up the little stony steps to enjoy the gushing cascades or even swim in the little whirlpools.

Diving enthusiasts have much to look forward to since there are a couple of popular diving sites around Jamaica. The region of Ocho Rios has three important sites including Wreck of the Katryn, Top of the Mountain and Jack’s Hall. Dive 60-foot under at the Top of the Mountain diving site to view a variety of corals and gorgonians while a 140-foot former minesweeper can be viewed at the Wreck of the Katryn. If you would like to explore one of the sunken ships, you can visit the diving site of Park Royal, situated conveniently near the airport.

You can roundup your adventurous journey with a bamboo-rafting trip on the Rio Grande River in the Port Antonio Area. You can make your visit all the more memorable by staying at the upscale and luxurious vacation rental community of Silver Sands. Silver Sands offers a range of accommodation in Jamaica that are designed to suit travelers of all kinds. So if you are on an adventure sojourn in Jamaica, add that extra bit of excitement by staying in Silver Sands Villas Jamaica that is very like your home in terms of comfort and yet very different in that it allows you to experience a new way of life altogether.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Jamaica Attractions: Ocho Rios

Situated in the heart of Jamaica and characterized by gushing waterfalls and fern-clad cliffs, Ocho Rios was once described the explorer as ‘the fairest island ever eyes beheld.’ Today it is known as one of the hottest spots in Jamaica and offers a combination of tranquil beauty and stunning attractions. A holiday in this part of Jamaica promises to offer a fun-filled and joyous experience, which will motivate you to come back to this paradise time and again.

However, if you really want to make your holiday a memorable event, you should consider staying at Silver Sands Jamaica. It is worthwhile to stay in a vacation rental home in Jamaica because they not only give you the choice to stay among beautiful surroundings, but also experience a luxurious lifestyle. Once you have comfortably settled down in at your Ocho Rios condo, you can relax and chalk out a well thought out plan of visiting the important sights and attractions.

There are many interesting attractions that will keep you occupied all day long, however, if you were to start at one place, the ideal spot would be Dunn’s River Falls. It is a magnificent series of falls that cascade from a height of 600feet and trickle down slippery steps to finally join the vast expanse of the blue sea. You can even climb up the steps and reach the top of the waterfalls, and then from there, proceed to the vibrant and a colorful local market.

If you are traveling with your kids, you must take them to Dolphin’s Cove. Here your kids and you can enjoy watching the adorable antics of the dolphins and even swim with them.

However, this is just the beginning of your exciting adventure in Ocho Rios since there is much more that this beautiful paradise offers. A visit to the Coyaba River Garden and Museum will give you the opportunity to enjoy a colorful display of a species of different flowers and plants. Among the many beautiful varieties, one, which is worth marveling at, is the multi-colored New Guinea impatiens, also known as Busy Lizzie.

Ocho Rios is also famed worldwide because it is known to be the home of the legendary writer Ian Fleming, who made this place his base for penning down the famous James Bond novels. You can visit his hilltop home Goldeneye and also enjoy live music performances in the evening at the popular James Bond Beach.

You can round up your day of fun and activities by heading to the warm comforts of your villa in Jamaica. Here you will be well taken care of and looked after by courteous maids and housekeeping staff. Various entertainment options such as CD/DVD player, TV, Internet access will make you feel completely at home. These Jamaica villas are well surrounded by scenic vistas and amazing beach views, therefore not allowing you to face even one dull moment. So, get set to plan a holiday in this magical wonderland called Ocho Rios in Jamaica.

Holiday in Jamaica

Jamaica is a relatively small island so easy to navigate in a day. However, most attractions are located in the north coast or at a convenient distance for day trips to the resort towns so if you are planning a trip to the island, you can consider setting base in Jamaica rentals comprising private villas and cottages located here. These rentals face the Caribbean Sea and some even encompass their own private stretch of beach and so are perfect for beach holidays.

One of the most well known resort towns in Jamaica is Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios is also the cruise capital of the island although this is an honour which it will soon have to share with Falmouth, where cruise ships will also dock. It is home to the island’s signature attractions, the Dunns River Falls. More than the just the sight of water cascading down from a height of 600 feet what attracts the tourists more is the fun of climbing the limestone rocks over which the water falls on its way to meet the Caribbean. The climb is safe and if you wish you can take a guide along. Reach the falls and you will see people forming a human chain by joining hands and trying to make their way to the top. If you plan to join this fun activity, do remember to take a waterproof camera along for the views from each of the rocks and from the top are simply stunning.

Then there in Negril that is on the list of all those who come to the island for a beach holiday. As already stated above, there are some Jamaica rentals that encompass their own private beach where you can swim, snorkel, enjoy a picnic and make acquaintances with other guests staying in the secure community. However, outside the rentals, the beaches are well worth exploring and one of them is the Seven Miles Beach in Negril. The beach has consistently been voted as amongst the best in the world and not without reason. Aside from the sugary white sand, it offers a great social scene and you can also enjoy a number of water sports here.

Montego Bay is the second largest town in Jamaica after Kingston the capital. Known fondly as MoBay by the locals it provides the best of natural and man-made attractions. The town boasts four world class golf championship courses and is also home to the ‘Hip Strip’ with several restaurants, clubs, bars and duty free shops.

Kingston is the capital as also the cultural and commercial hub of the island. It was recently in the news for the violence that erupted for the arrest of a drug lord. However, the dust soon settled and Kingston is thriving like never before more so after it recently hosted the Jamaica tourism convention which attracted much appreciation from participants.

Finally, there is Port Antonio, which is considered to be Jamaica’s best kept secrets. This nature’s paradise attracts the rich and famous from across the world with many who own property here. Port Antonio is home to the misty Blue Mountains and the Rio Grande Valley whose stunning trails are worth exploring.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

The best beaches in Jamaica

Jamaica was recently conferred the honour of being the best beach destination in the world at the annual World Travel Event held at London. The award specifically went to Montego Bay, the second largest town on the island. However, beaches in Jamaica are as plentiful as they are beautiful and are found all over the island.

If you are on a beach holiday with your family and friends, you can have the beach right on your door step if you choose to stay in some of the Jamaica rental communities such as Silver Sands Villas Jamaica that encompass their own stretch of beach. These rentals in Jamaica are perfect if you want to spend some quality time relaxing and soaking up the sun in the company of your loved ones, away from the prying eyes of the crowd. This is not to say that these private beaches are secluded but just that there is ample space to share with guests staying in other villas and cottages of the rental community. On the positive side, you can make friends with people belonging to different nationalities and cultures, which in itself can prove to be an interesting learning experience.

As already stated, you will find a wide range of beaches, secluded and buzzing with activity. Here are some of the more popular ones.

Seven Miles Beach: Located in the laidback town of Negril, this pristine, white sandy beach needs no introduction. It has consistently been voted as amongst the best beaches in the world and every year attracts thousands of visitors. The beach is perfect for water sports and the crystal clear water on most days is so calm that you can actually wade into it for half a mile. Some stretches are secluded while others bustle with activity. Some stretches are also clothing optional.

Doctor’s Cove Beach: The beach in Montego Bay is so named because it was found in 1906 by a group of waters. Mineral springs feed the waters here and so they are known for their curative powers. The sheltered location makes it ideal for diffident swimmers to practice their skills. The beach is perfect for spending intimate time with your family.

Boston Bay Beach: The beach is located just outside Port Antonio, one of Jamaica’s best kept secrets. The small beach is perfect for spending some intimate moments with the family. It is a great favourite with the locals and the visitors who come here to soak up the sun and enjoy jerked meat, Jamaica’s world-famous speciality. In fact it is here from the beach that jerked meat gained its well deserved popularity.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Tips for a family holiday in Jamaica

If you are planning a trip to Jamaica, you couldn’t have chosen a better destination in the Caribbean.

Jamaica has usually been seen as a romantic destination perfect for weddings and honeymoon and while this reputation has a solid foundation, people are now waking up to the fact that it is very much a family destination and has something to offer to suit all tastes and age-groups. If you are planning a family vacation to Jamaica, the following tips can help you make the most of your stay.

Jamaica accommodation

Jamaica offers a complete spectrum of accommodation options from hotels to all-inclusive resorts to private Jamaica rentals comprising holiday villas, cottages and apartments. However, if budget and flexibility are high on the agenda, the perfect options would be holiday homes or private Jamaica rentals. If you stay in hotel, it is highly unlikely you’ll get rooms next to each other. Second, all your interactions would be restricted to outdoors as there is not enough space in a single room for spending quality time together. Third, take the cost of all the rooms and add to that what you would spend on eating out and you will find staying in Jamaican villas, cottages and apartments would prove to be less costly. Fourth, some Jamaican rentals also provide childcare facilities so if you wish to go out and spend some private moments together with your partner, you can indulge yourself safe in the knowledge that the kids are being well-taken care of.

Activities

Jamaica has a spectacular shoreline and its beaches need no introduction. However, there is much more on offer including majestic mountains, navigable rivers, reserves, parks, botanical gardens, caves (both on and underground), colorful marine life, lagoons, plantations, museums, art galleries and man-made amusement parks such as Dolphins Cove and Kool Runnings Park. Also worth a special mention is the Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica’s signature tourist attraction. It is not just the sight of the water cascading from a height of 600 feet that is captivating. More exciting is the fact that you can actually climb up the limestone rocks over which the water cascades to reach the top of the falls. Then there are the scenic trails around the Rio Grande Valley which you can explore on foot, on a jeep or on horseback.

Finally, if you just want to relax, let go, and bask in the company of your loved ones, simply choose a Jamaican villa facing the Caribbean, away from the crowds amidst the majestic settings of this beautiful Caribbean nation.

Monday, February 14, 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.

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, with their own stretch of private beach, that also have special play areas for children.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Silver Sands Villas Jamaica: Blue Vista Villa

Jamaica offers a host of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets. However, the most popular is the private Jamaica rentals, given their advantage in terms of price, amenities, privacy and space.

Some of the best Jamaica rentals are to be found in the north coast of the island such as Silver Sands Villas Jamaica. Silver Sands Villas is a secure community of villas and cottages perfect for families and large groups of people travelling together. The villas and cottages encompass the pristine white sand Silver Sands beach.

Some of the Silver Sands villas are marketed exclusively by Mysilversands Limited, , a British company, engaged primarily in the marketing of accommodation at Silver Sands and Ocho Rios. The company also provides free baby high chairs and free strollers or push chairs on its exclusive villas.

One such exclusive villa in Blue Vista Villa located within a short walk from the beach. There is a private road leading to the beach but guests can take a shorter route by walking on the footpath. The designer-decorated 3 bedroom Blue Vista Villa has everything you could ask for in a dream holiday home. The villa offers great ambiance, comfy facilities and enchanting environs. If you don’t want to go out, there are enough amenities to keep you occupied within. You can spend your time sunning on the deck, swimming in the pool, dining outdoors and enjoying the poolside barbecue. The master bedroom has huge glass doors which provide great views out to the pool and the sea.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

How to find vacation rental accommodations in Jamaica

By staying in Jamaica villas or Jamaica accommodation rentals, as they are also known, you can make your stay unforgettable. You wont have the attention of poolside waiters or hotel servers but you’ll be able to relax in peace in your own space and experience the real Jamaica.

So how to find a Jamaica villa that best meets your requirements?

You can read about different areas in Jamaica on the internet or in travel books. Research thoroughly and you will find Jamaica accommodation rentals in Montego Bay Ocho Rios, Negril, Discovery Bay, and other resort towns. If you want to be away from the crowds but near the attractions, you can consider Silver Sands villas, conveniently located between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. These Jamaica villas are perfect for couples, families and large group of friends.

Browse through the listings on various Jamaica villas sites and compare the nightly or weekly rates for properties located in many different areas. You can also read client testimonials and even ask for references so that when you book your villa you are sure that you won't be the victim of a scam.

Determine how much you intend to spend on your vacation villa. You'll find both inexpensive and luxury accommodations in Jamaica, making vacation home rentals affordable for any traveler. You might want to factor in plane fare, expenses while you're gone (such as pet-sitting or child care services), car rental costs and fees for any activities you're planning.

Contact the owners or the marketing agents of the Jamaica villas and see if the property is available or has already been booked. You can also ask to see more photos of the property and whether you can speak with past customers. Ask questions such as whether you need a deposit, what amenities the house has and how you obtain the key.


Rent the vacation villa, cottage, studio or apartment that appeals to you and fits your budget. Make the booking with a credit card rather than with cash or check in case of any problems down the road. If you find the property was misrepresented, you can leave and dispute the charge.


If you are not still not sure which property to book, you can check out Silver Sands Villas, a secure community of villas and cottages on the north coast of the island. Silver Sands villas enjoy great feedbacks on TripAdvisor with many repeat visits from satisfied guests.