Jamaica villa specialists
Representing Jamaican villas in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Discovery
Bay, Runaway Bay, Negril and the South Coast since 1995.
Call Toll Free, 888-625-6007
Here are some tips and suggestions submitted by some of our returning guests. We felt these are worthwhile and wanted to share them with you. We haven't tried to separate them into any order but have them in the order received and the date. Feel free to print this out and take it with you on your trip.
-You can purchase one day passes from Beaches Ocho Rios (Beaches Grande Sport, formally Ciboney). All inclusive Resort for about $70 an adult, $40 per child (16 and up only) - this allows for a full day of activities for the kids, full food and drink privileges, and access to scuba diving (must be there by 8:40 am) and golfing. There is no additional charge for scuba or golfing but you do need to tip your caddie. Still a heck of a bargain and a nice way to spend a day or two. (Note: On the phone they say the pass is only good from 10 - 6 but we were there before 9 and could have stayed way past six. There is nothing that designates you as a one day pass person.
-Beaches Boscobel Resort & Golf Club is the only one that allows kids from 2yrs up. Rate is US$70 per adult and US$45 per child for day pass(10:00am-6:00pm) as well as evening pass(6:00pm-2:00am).
Dunn's River Falls - This is a must - I also suggest you get a guide just for your group - We had one for the four of us and he took us up the falls twice - and on the second time allowed me to go up "non-standard" paths that were much more challenging and exhilarating. We tipped him $20 for his efforts and it was worth it.
-Murphy Hill is not worth the time or trouble getting to. It has a pretty nice view of Ocho Rios, but the road is horrible and I am sure there are much better spots. (Editors Note: Some people love the trip)
If you are taking home Jamaican spices/sauces, buy them from the grocery store. Same products but at about 1/3 the price of the tourist shops.
-If someone in your party is having their hair braided - the cost is $1 per braid and if you don't pay attention they can put 100+ braids in the hair pretty quick. 40-50 should be plenty.
-Going to the farmers market with your cook is quite an experience. You will undoubtedly get a real flavor of Jamaica, and you will surely be offered various drugs from some of the local folks.
-Everything is negotiable in Jamaica - the longer you wait and the more times you say no, the cheaper the price becomes. (Editors Note: not always true especially when your cook is buying in the market or you are in a store with fixed prices)
-Para Sailing is quite an experience and we enjoyed it. The price is listed as $60, we paid $55 per person, but it is only for 8-10 minutes per person, not 12 -15 minutes that the "sellers" promise. Still allot of fun and a fantastic view, but it is over pretty quickly. My 10 & 12 year olds loved it as well. Take your camera with you when you para sail so you can take some shots from the air.
-One of the kids favorite things were the jet ski's - We paid $50 per half an hour per machine - but the kids were able to drive them and they loved it!
