Jamaica, North America

[romualda]

[memccourt]

We recently took our luxury link vacation to the Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios. This was our fourth trip to the island but the first at RP. This property exceeded all of our expectations and left us wanting more, I just hope this package resurfaces on luxury link soon we are eagerly awaiting!

[lizlathan]

I highly recommend Goldeneye in Oracabessa, Jamaica, just outside of Ocho Rios. It's an amazing little jewel that was once Ian Fleming's house - where he wrote the James Bond novels. We went there for our honeymoon and then again for our 5th anniversary. The last time we were there, they were just about to break ground on a new housing development for the fabulously wealthy, so I'm not sure if that has spoiled the serenity of the resort or not. Nevertheless, we were served the most amazing traditional Jamaican cuisine and pampered lavishly for 7 glorious days. If you can find this gem on Luxury Link, don't hesitate to purchase immediately!

[lhbrown]

Years ago, we spent a fabulous week at the Half Moon Inn at Montego Bay. It was an exclusive, gated resort. The accommodations were wonderful, right on the beach, the food was excellent and the staff outstanding, it offered many activities, golf, tennis, sailing and the snorkeling was terrific. We wish Luxury Link would put this marvelous property on their roster. We would love to return there.

[lhbrown]

Very good information. Our Jamaica experience is similar and so the advice here is reliable. If you like the view and being on the water Jamaica is the place for you. Jamaica has a number of relaxing and energizing Island destinations. Good Review!

[memccourt]

I've heard some negative things about Jamaica lately from co-workers and friends but I have to tell you our last experience in Jamaica was incredible. We had our local driver take us out for the day to see real Jamaica. We went to Wassi Art to where most of the pottery on the island and neighboring islands are made. We got to watch and even help spin a few. Then he took us to see a town called Moneague which was completely underwater you could only see the light posts and cables and the roofs of the houses, the town was flooded last winter by a natural spring from the mountains where they were mining. After that we went to a local farmers property and he walked us through his land and we picked mangos and papaya and he even showed us how to make cocoa powder for hot chocolate. I also learned how to cook a local dish ackee and saltfish. Everyone was so excepting to us and open and really made us feel welcome. The following day my husband and I went on a horseback ride with our guide along the white river, he told us all about the different plants and trees and we even sampled some of the things we could eat. This trip was not only educational but relaxing and fun.

[mary-j]

another unique resort which is owned by the same people who own Goldeneye is The Caves. If you are looking for sonewhere romantic and unusual then this may be what you are looking for. We have been to Jamaica 3 times and have always stayed at one of the Sandals Resorts which I would recommend, although they are large resorts so they are not for everyone. What I like about Jamaica is that they are always on "jamaica time". Such a great feeling not having to rush around like we do back home. you have no option but to "chill out". Ya Mon!!

[shygirl724]

You have probably seen the recent reports of unrest in Jamaica. The good news is that it does not appear to be disrupting the cruise industry's stops there, as the ports they visit are not involved. Here is a copy of a report on cruisecritic.com regarding the issue:



"May 24, 2010 Update: Jamaica Unrest -- Impact on Cruise Travel? Update, 4:44 p.m. EDT:



Carnival, Princess and Royal Caribbean report back that it's business as usual for the lines in Jamaica. (11:06 a.m. EDT) -- Jamaican authorities have declared a state of emergency in Kingston, the capital city of Jamaica, after attacks on police stations by gang members, according to CNN. The violence was spurred by the United States' attempted extradition of a suspected drug kingpin. We are currently looking into what, if any, impact the unrest will have on cruise calls. At this point, itinerary changes are unlikely. Ocho Rios is about 84 kilometers, or 52 miles, from Kingston. Montego Bay is even farther away -- 180 kilometers, or about 112 miles. And we have not yet heard of any changes or cancellations to shore excursions (few, if any, go to or near Kingston). Carnival Destiny is in Ocho Rios today and Emerald Princess and Liberty of the Seas are due there Wednesday. Pacific Dream calls in Montego Bay today, meanwhile, with Carnival Conquest due in Wednesday."



Shy ~
Message Edited by shygirl724 on 05-26-2010 08:04 AM