Jamaica is synonymous with its beaches, reggae and rum – a heady combination for a relaxing holiday where you can let your hair down and forget all the cares of the world. The high season on the island is from mid-December to mid-April and the demand for Jamaica rentals is at the peak so if you are planning your visit during this period, it would be wise to book your accommodation well in time. Jamaica enjoys warm, tropical climate through out the year and you can avail of attractive discounts on properties, shops and restaurants during the rest of the year.
Most festivals are marked by big parades, costumed merrymakers, grand parties and sumptuous feasts. A case point is the Christmas holiday, the Junkanoo festival.
New Year Celebrations: Jamaica ushers in the New Year with much pomp and splendour. The festivities include fireworks, parties and shows held in all parts of the island. Since this is during the high season, the festivities see the participation of both the visitors and locals.
Accompong Maroon Festival: Maroons have played an important role in the history of Jamaica. They are in fact, the descendents of the escaped slaves of Jamaica who fought against the colonial rule on the island. Every January 6th, the Accompong Maroon Festival is held to honour their leader Cudjoe who led them to triumph over the British during the 1700s. The celebrations include beatings of drums and blowing of Abeng, singing, dancing, ceremonies and feasts.
Carnival Months
February is the carnival month in the Caribbean and there are festivities and parade in Jamaica also. However, the main celebrations are held during the month of April, starting from Easters Day. The streets in major resort towns come alive with parades, costumed merrymakers, parties and feasts. Various events such as calypso competitions, all-night dancing and numerous fashion shows are held.
Emancipation Day and Independence Day: The island celebrates Emancipation Day every first day of August and Independence Day is observed during the 6th day of August. The celebrations which continue through out the week include competitions in the culinary arts, cultural displays and beach parties with calypso, reggae and soca music.
Christmas Day
Christmas is the most anticipated holiday on the island. Shops, restaurants and even public places are bright with Christmas decorations. The atmosphere is soaked in the spirit of Christmas and there are extensive parties, reunions, parades, cultural shows, Junkanoo and street dancing and other merrymaking activities.
The festivals in Jamaica are an attraction in their own right and some like the Jazz and Blue festival held in the month of February see international performers also. Visitors can enjoy the festivities in all major resort towns such as Kingston, Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios. Since accommodation in these places can get a bit expensive, people generally prefer to book Jamaica villas and cottages on the north coast of the island. These rental properties are away from the crowds and within easy driving distance of the resort towns.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Park and reserves in Jamaica
Jamaica is generally seen as a beach destination but beyond the sun, sand and surf, there is a treasure trove of natural attractions to be explored in its reserves, parks and botanical gardens. Most of these can be found in and around the famed north coast of the island. For your convenience, you can choose your accommodation in any of the Jamaican rentals to be found here.
You can start with the Swaby's Swamp Safari in Falmouth. In fact this well preserved Georgian-era town is in the limelight for the opening of a new pier that is expected to give a huge boost to the number of visitors coming here. Coming back to the park, this four-acre mangrove swamp and reserve is home to the Cashoo Ostrich Park which also doubles as a working farm. Apart from the ostriches, the crocodiles too attract a fair share of visitors. Guided tours are available and you can go hiking the beautiful trails or spend time in the fruit orchards.
The most famous park on the island is however the Blue Mountains and John Crow National Park. As is obvious from the name, the park encompasses two ranges of mountains and is also home to the highest peak on the island, the Blue Mountains peak rising to a height of 7402 feet above sea level. The park also houses the largest remaining rainforests on the island. Needless to say hiking and camping are the favorite activities here and catering to the needs of the visitors there are many tour operators offering guided tours. The most sought out tour is the tour that starts from Mavis Bank and passes through elfin woodlands to reach the summit at 7,402 feet. The park is home to 28 species of birds and there are 150 other migratory species that make their stop here.
You can also visit the Montego Bay Marine Park, which is home to several species of stingrays, moray eels, sharks, numerous other types of fish and sharks. You can also admire the coral reef formations and walk through the dense areas of mangrove trees, which serve as home to a wide variety of wildlife. The park also offers excellent scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities.
The Royal Palm reserve also deserves a mention. Set in Great Morass swamplands across 7000 acres, the park supports diverse creatures such as crocodiles and a wide range of birds, including herons and egrets, living amongst the mangroves. Also located here is the Negril Watershed Environmental Protection Area, dedicated to tropical preservation and protection.
For the bird enthusiasts, there can be no other place like the Marshall's Pen, which was a plantation in the 1800's. Today it is a bird sanctuary housing the native birds as well as also the migratory birds that make their stop here.
These are just some of the parks and reserves found on the island but they do support the fact that there is more to the island than its beaches. The High Season in Jamaica is fast approaching so choose your ideal Jamaican accommodation and get set to explore the beautiful and well-preserved natural attractions of the island.
You can start with the Swaby's Swamp Safari in Falmouth. In fact this well preserved Georgian-era town is in the limelight for the opening of a new pier that is expected to give a huge boost to the number of visitors coming here. Coming back to the park, this four-acre mangrove swamp and reserve is home to the Cashoo Ostrich Park which also doubles as a working farm. Apart from the ostriches, the crocodiles too attract a fair share of visitors. Guided tours are available and you can go hiking the beautiful trails or spend time in the fruit orchards.
The most famous park on the island is however the Blue Mountains and John Crow National Park. As is obvious from the name, the park encompasses two ranges of mountains and is also home to the highest peak on the island, the Blue Mountains peak rising to a height of 7402 feet above sea level. The park also houses the largest remaining rainforests on the island. Needless to say hiking and camping are the favorite activities here and catering to the needs of the visitors there are many tour operators offering guided tours. The most sought out tour is the tour that starts from Mavis Bank and passes through elfin woodlands to reach the summit at 7,402 feet. The park is home to 28 species of birds and there are 150 other migratory species that make their stop here.
You can also visit the Montego Bay Marine Park, which is home to several species of stingrays, moray eels, sharks, numerous other types of fish and sharks. You can also admire the coral reef formations and walk through the dense areas of mangrove trees, which serve as home to a wide variety of wildlife. The park also offers excellent scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities.
The Royal Palm reserve also deserves a mention. Set in Great Morass swamplands across 7000 acres, the park supports diverse creatures such as crocodiles and a wide range of birds, including herons and egrets, living amongst the mangroves. Also located here is the Negril Watershed Environmental Protection Area, dedicated to tropical preservation and protection.
For the bird enthusiasts, there can be no other place like the Marshall's Pen, which was a plantation in the 1800's. Today it is a bird sanctuary housing the native birds as well as also the migratory birds that make their stop here.
These are just some of the parks and reserves found on the island but they do support the fact that there is more to the island than its beaches. The High Season in Jamaica is fast approaching so choose your ideal Jamaican accommodation and get set to explore the beautiful and well-preserved natural attractions of the island.
Friday, May 20, 2011
How to rent Jamaica villas
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.
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.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Safety tips for your Jamaican trip
Jamaica is a traveler’s delight. Offering lots of sun, sand and sea, this land of reggae and jazz promises everything that you would want for a dream Caribbean vacation. There are plenty of sightseeing opportunities as also things to do both in water and land. However, to ensure that your trip is a smooth one, you must keep certain safety measures in mind.
Travel in groups
Jamaica is famous for its all-inclusive resorts where you can rent your own private Jamaican villa, condo, studio and apartment. Some of these resorts such as the Silver Sands Jamaica encompasses a private beach and also provides facilities, services and plenty of activities to do within its protected environs. However, should you wish to venture out, you should travel in groups instead of venturing out alone to ward off unwanted interest.
Avoid venturing out after dark
After dark, it is advisable to remain in crowded tourist areas and at all costs you should avoid the inner cities. Also avoid some problem areas such as Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Spanish Town.
Maintain a low profile
For your own safety, don’t flaunt valuables such as expensive watches and jewelry. Keep important documents under lock and key in your own private apartment. When traveling out, just keep the amount of money you would require rather than carrying all of it.
Carry mosquito repellants and bug sprays
Use mosquito repellants and bug sprays to protect yourself against tropical diseases and also to ward off ants from your luggage. If you forget to pack it, you can purchase it from the villa mart of Silver Sands Jamaica.
Precautionary measures on the beaches
It is advisable to watch your steps while walking along the beaches and especially in the waters to avoid being stung by the sea urchins. Similarly, when going scuba diving and snorkeling, avoid disturbing the marine life for your own and its safety.
Drink bottled water
Even though tap water is claimed to be safe for drinking, you should opt for bottled drinking water. Bottles are recycled in Jamaica, however, the part under the cap remain untouched so do remember to wipe the mouth before drinking.
Travel in groups
Jamaica is famous for its all-inclusive resorts where you can rent your own private Jamaican villa, condo, studio and apartment. Some of these resorts such as the Silver Sands Jamaica encompasses a private beach and also provides facilities, services and plenty of activities to do within its protected environs. However, should you wish to venture out, you should travel in groups instead of venturing out alone to ward off unwanted interest.
Avoid venturing out after dark
After dark, it is advisable to remain in crowded tourist areas and at all costs you should avoid the inner cities. Also avoid some problem areas such as Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Spanish Town.
Maintain a low profile
For your own safety, don’t flaunt valuables such as expensive watches and jewelry. Keep important documents under lock and key in your own private apartment. When traveling out, just keep the amount of money you would require rather than carrying all of it.
Carry mosquito repellants and bug sprays
Use mosquito repellants and bug sprays to protect yourself against tropical diseases and also to ward off ants from your luggage. If you forget to pack it, you can purchase it from the villa mart of Silver Sands Jamaica.
Precautionary measures on the beaches
It is advisable to watch your steps while walking along the beaches and especially in the waters to avoid being stung by the sea urchins. Similarly, when going scuba diving and snorkeling, avoid disturbing the marine life for your own and its safety.
Drink bottled water
Even though tap water is claimed to be safe for drinking, you should opt for bottled drinking water. Bottles are recycled in Jamaica, however, the part under the cap remain untouched so do remember to wipe the mouth before drinking.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Water parks in Jamaica
There are so many water parks in Jamaica that the island may well be the king of water parks in the Caribbean. Besides, there are Jamaica rentals communities like Silver Sands Jamaica that have their own kids pools. From wave pools to full blown amusement-style parks, you’ll find a wide range of water parks in Jamaica. Two well known ones are Kool Runnings Park in Negril and the Dolphins Cove in Negril.
Kool Runnings Water Park: There is nothing more refreshing than a visit to Kool Runnings Water Park in the island’s ‘Capital of the Casual’ a favourite destination to spend a cool, fun filled day with the entire family. There are plenty of sliding options available from the staid to the adventurous. The 40 feet high and 385 meters long Green Grotto slide is one of the very few waterslides in the world which is equipped with the latest in 3-D visual reality imaging and audio technology which allows visitors to create their own ride. On Coconut Island, kids under 48” can have fun in a shallow pool with shorter slides under the supervision of well-trained lifeguards. The park’s dry area, ‘The Anancy Village’ also offers a wide range of escapades.
Dolphins Cove: The marine park offers fun for the entire family. The cove in Ocho Rios is surrounded by 5 acres of lush tropical rain forest and is set against the backdrop of Jamaica’s picturesque North Coast.
It promises you an experience of a lifetime. Guided tours to the park are also available. The most unique attraction here is the swim with a pair of adorable bottlenose dolphins. For this, you’ll first get an orientation from the instructor after which you can wade into the water and play and swim with the mammals.
You can also go for a kayaking expedition in the Caribbean Sea and if you wish opt to captain your own mini-boat and get a glimpse of the underwater world. There is also a jungle trail in the rainforest which you can explore. You’ll be able to glimpse the rare flora and fauna and plants indigenous to the island.
Both Negril and Ocho Rios are within convenient distance of Silver Sands Jamaica.
Kool Runnings Water Park: There is nothing more refreshing than a visit to Kool Runnings Water Park in the island’s ‘Capital of the Casual’ a favourite destination to spend a cool, fun filled day with the entire family. There are plenty of sliding options available from the staid to the adventurous. The 40 feet high and 385 meters long Green Grotto slide is one of the very few waterslides in the world which is equipped with the latest in 3-D visual reality imaging and audio technology which allows visitors to create their own ride. On Coconut Island, kids under 48” can have fun in a shallow pool with shorter slides under the supervision of well-trained lifeguards. The park’s dry area, ‘The Anancy Village’ also offers a wide range of escapades.
Dolphins Cove: The marine park offers fun for the entire family. The cove in Ocho Rios is surrounded by 5 acres of lush tropical rain forest and is set against the backdrop of Jamaica’s picturesque North Coast.
It promises you an experience of a lifetime. Guided tours to the park are also available. The most unique attraction here is the swim with a pair of adorable bottlenose dolphins. For this, you’ll first get an orientation from the instructor after which you can wade into the water and play and swim with the mammals.
You can also go for a kayaking expedition in the Caribbean Sea and if you wish opt to captain your own mini-boat and get a glimpse of the underwater world. There is also a jungle trail in the rainforest which you can explore. You’ll be able to glimpse the rare flora and fauna and plants indigenous to the island.
Both Negril and Ocho Rios are within convenient distance of Silver Sands Jamaica.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Top cultural activities in Jamaica
Jamaica, the ultimate land of the sun, sand and sea in the Caribbean, also offers a myriad of cultural activities that you can enjoy on your visit. Also, to gain a first hand experience of the lifestyle of the people and their customs and traditions, you can consider staying in private Jamaica rentals comprising Jamaica villas, cottages and apartments.
Here are some of the cultural activities that you can enjoy.
Bob Marley Museum: Jamaica is synonymous with Bob Marley and if you are a fan of reggae, this is one museum that you must visit. Located in Kingston on Hope Road, the museum houses an interesting collection of memorabilia. Guided tours are available and visitors can see his office, the bicycle on which he went out to sell his records, and many other mementoes.
Bob Marley Mausoleum: The bus tour starts from Ocho Rios and takes you to the village of Nine Mile, where Bob Marley was born and is buried. The house belonged to his grandparents. The bus trip is complete with reggae music and rum punch.
Walkers Wood Jerk Country Tour: Anyone who has been to Jamaica must be familiar with Jerked meat, made all the more popular at Boston Beach in Port Antonio. However, it is Walkers Wood, a village community, which is at the heart of the jerk seasoning industry. The tour takes you around the spice garden and factory where you can watch the spices being mixed together.
Country-Style Tours: These tours are based in the hill town of Mandeville and offer you the opportunity to meet the local people and gain an insight into the Jamaican way of life. These tours can be personalized to your liking for example, food, music or the national heritage. You will be taken into some of the island’s small communities to experience at first hand your chosen tour.
Accompong Maroon Settlement: The settlement is located in the heart of the Cockpit country, famous for its rugged landscape and unique wildlife. As the name indicates, the small town is home to descendants of the first freed slaves. You can explore the cave where the treaty with the British was signed in 1738 and visit the Presbyterian church, which is the oldest building in Accompong.
Rose Hall Great House: Once a great 18th century plantation house, Rose Hall Great House has been beautifully restored and turned into a national monument. It was once owned by Annie Palmer, known as the “White Witch” who according to legend murdered three husbands and many slaves.
Tuff Gong Recording Studios: This is the studio where Marley recorded his greatest hits. It is still used as a recording studio but mainly as a tourist attraction.
You can enjoy the best of the island's cultural activities and hospitality by staying in Jamaica rentals such as Silver Sands Jamaica.
Here are some of the cultural activities that you can enjoy.
Bob Marley Museum: Jamaica is synonymous with Bob Marley and if you are a fan of reggae, this is one museum that you must visit. Located in Kingston on Hope Road, the museum houses an interesting collection of memorabilia. Guided tours are available and visitors can see his office, the bicycle on which he went out to sell his records, and many other mementoes.
Bob Marley Mausoleum: The bus tour starts from Ocho Rios and takes you to the village of Nine Mile, where Bob Marley was born and is buried. The house belonged to his grandparents. The bus trip is complete with reggae music and rum punch.
Walkers Wood Jerk Country Tour: Anyone who has been to Jamaica must be familiar with Jerked meat, made all the more popular at Boston Beach in Port Antonio. However, it is Walkers Wood, a village community, which is at the heart of the jerk seasoning industry. The tour takes you around the spice garden and factory where you can watch the spices being mixed together.
Country-Style Tours: These tours are based in the hill town of Mandeville and offer you the opportunity to meet the local people and gain an insight into the Jamaican way of life. These tours can be personalized to your liking for example, food, music or the national heritage. You will be taken into some of the island’s small communities to experience at first hand your chosen tour.
Accompong Maroon Settlement: The settlement is located in the heart of the Cockpit country, famous for its rugged landscape and unique wildlife. As the name indicates, the small town is home to descendants of the first freed slaves. You can explore the cave where the treaty with the British was signed in 1738 and visit the Presbyterian church, which is the oldest building in Accompong.
Rose Hall Great House: Once a great 18th century plantation house, Rose Hall Great House has been beautifully restored and turned into a national monument. It was once owned by Annie Palmer, known as the “White Witch” who according to legend murdered three husbands and many slaves.
Tuff Gong Recording Studios: This is the studio where Marley recorded his greatest hits. It is still used as a recording studio but mainly as a tourist attraction.
You can enjoy the best of the island's cultural activities and hospitality by staying in Jamaica rentals such as Silver Sands Jamaica.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Jamaica Eco-attractions: Royal Palm Reserve
There are many eco-attractions in Jamaica, one of them being the Royal Palm Reserve. The best way to enjoy the eco-attractions of the island is by staying in Jamaica villas o cottages on the north coast of the island. These Jamaica rentals are located near the stunning coastline and some like Silver Sands Jamaica also encompass their own private beach. In fact, Silver Sands Jamaica also arranges tours and transfers to places of interest like the Royal Palm Reserve.
The reserve is one of those places where you can appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of nature. The Reserve bills itself as one of Jamaica’s best eco-attractions and not without reason. It is spread over 300 acres and is home to over 300 species of animals, reptiles, birds and butterflies and over 114 species of flowers.
It is also a great place to visit especially if you are interested in bird watching. There is a half mile beautiful walk that leads you to a 30 foot tower from where you can enjoy some of the best views of all of Negril.
You can see the rare West Indian Whistling Ducks floating around in the stocked fish pond. These endangered species of birds are scared of people so keep quiet while observing or they will fly off.
There is a pond stocked with a type of fish called Tilapia. During the peak months when the pond is overstocked, visitors are allowed to fish in the pond. Fishing equipment is available upon request but bring a loaf of bread for bait and to feed the Whistling Ducks with.
There is also an alligator that lives within the confines of a caged pond but you’ll have to be patient to catch a glimpse of him because he seems to be a bit shy. Or may be it is the hot sun that keeps him hiding in the waters of the swampy pond.
The Reserve is also a great place to picnic. The staff is well prepared to cook and feed large groups but you have to inform them in advance. Otherwise, you can bring your own food and enjoy with your family and friends.
You can spend the day watching the wildlife, exploring the numerous nature trails ad fishing the stocked ponds. There is also a museum which offers great educational opportunity to learn about the biodiversity and local fauna and wildlife.
After the fun-filled but hectic day exploring the reserve, you will be glad to return to the warm hospitality of your Jamaica villas and cottages.
The reserve is one of those places where you can appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of nature. The Reserve bills itself as one of Jamaica’s best eco-attractions and not without reason. It is spread over 300 acres and is home to over 300 species of animals, reptiles, birds and butterflies and over 114 species of flowers.
It is also a great place to visit especially if you are interested in bird watching. There is a half mile beautiful walk that leads you to a 30 foot tower from where you can enjoy some of the best views of all of Negril.
You can see the rare West Indian Whistling Ducks floating around in the stocked fish pond. These endangered species of birds are scared of people so keep quiet while observing or they will fly off.
There is a pond stocked with a type of fish called Tilapia. During the peak months when the pond is overstocked, visitors are allowed to fish in the pond. Fishing equipment is available upon request but bring a loaf of bread for bait and to feed the Whistling Ducks with.
There is also an alligator that lives within the confines of a caged pond but you’ll have to be patient to catch a glimpse of him because he seems to be a bit shy. Or may be it is the hot sun that keeps him hiding in the waters of the swampy pond.
The Reserve is also a great place to picnic. The staff is well prepared to cook and feed large groups but you have to inform them in advance. Otherwise, you can bring your own food and enjoy with your family and friends.
You can spend the day watching the wildlife, exploring the numerous nature trails ad fishing the stocked ponds. There is also a museum which offers great educational opportunity to learn about the biodiversity and local fauna and wildlife.
After the fun-filled but hectic day exploring the reserve, you will be glad to return to the warm hospitality of your Jamaica villas and cottages.
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