My luxury trip to Jamaica was a huge success. I would have been disappointed if it wasn’t. This is because I’ve just gone through a lot; a messy divorce with a fight over custody of the kids and division of assets. I managed to get custody of the kids and keep the house in New York. I had been married for 18 years, and every thing over in a couple of months. I was devastated.
Everyone around me suggested that I need a break, and some of my friends who were already planning a luxury trip cajoled me to go along. Things fell in place when my mom agreed to come and stay over. My kids thought that I needed to get away from everything for a while and insisted that I go on a luxury vacation.
My friends had planned a trip to Jamaica. Anne’s boyfriend was working as a manager at one of the hotels in Jamaica. He gave us a fabulous discount on an all-inclusive package and took good care of us. On arrival we were quite pleased when we were told that our room was upgraded to a suite. This meant that we had a more spacious rooms and our private Jacuzzi. When we got to our suite on the first day we found that there was a bottle of wine and fruit basket left there for us. The rest of the days were spent exploring Jamaica. We went on a couple of tours such as the plantation and heritage tour and we also saw the Ipswich caves and a rum distillery. We had loads of fun trying out a number of water sports as well. We went shopping on one evening and I managed to purchase loads of gifts to take back home.
Our last day on the island was less hectic. We went to the spa and had the staff pamper us with some rejuvenating treatments. I went in for a facial and a body massage. Both were excellent. The body massage re-hydrated my skin and the facial made me look a lot younger.
I came back from my vacation totally relaxed and ready to face the world. I enjoyed my self thoroughly and have promised to take my kids on a luxury trip next year.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
A Jamaican Vacation
I’ve never enjoyed myself so much in a long time. The Caribbean trip I went on was a huge success. It was a luxury trip and a much needed luxury trip. Things have not been too good on the personal front and I desperately needed a break. I’ve just got a divorce from my husband and that too after 18 years of marriage. It was a bit rough and there were a couple of issues such as who would get the kids, which made things more difficult. I finally got custody of the kids and also the house in New York.
When my friends invited me on this trip I was not too keen to go. However it was my kids who convinced me that I should go. When my mother agreed to keep the kids at her place for a few days, things fell in place and I was ready for my luxury trip.
After a lot of deliberation we decided to go to Jamaica. My friend Anne managed to get us a discounted package at one of the hotels in Jamaica. She had a very good friend who was a manager at one of the hotels and thanks to him we got a royal treatment at the hotel. Our room was upgraded and we moved to a suite that had a private garden and pool. In the suite we had a bottle of complimentary bottle of wine and a fruit basket kept for us. For all the days we were at the hotel we had a lot of fun. We went on a couple of tours organized for us by Anne’s friend. Tours such as a heritage tour and one of the Ipswich caves and a distillery were really interesting. We also had a blast trying our hand at a number of water sports.
We also spent some time in the spa and pampered ourselves with some fabulous luxury treatments. Well-experienced staff administered treatments that helped us get rid of toxins from the body. I also opted for a facial that helped me look younger. At around four we headed for the shops where I purchased some great gifts for my mum and kids.
Jamaica is a fabulous place and I have promised to take my mom and kids to Jamaica this summer.
When my friends invited me on this trip I was not too keen to go. However it was my kids who convinced me that I should go. When my mother agreed to keep the kids at her place for a few days, things fell in place and I was ready for my luxury trip.
After a lot of deliberation we decided to go to Jamaica. My friend Anne managed to get us a discounted package at one of the hotels in Jamaica. She had a very good friend who was a manager at one of the hotels and thanks to him we got a royal treatment at the hotel. Our room was upgraded and we moved to a suite that had a private garden and pool. In the suite we had a bottle of complimentary bottle of wine and a fruit basket kept for us. For all the days we were at the hotel we had a lot of fun. We went on a couple of tours organized for us by Anne’s friend. Tours such as a heritage tour and one of the Ipswich caves and a distillery were really interesting. We also had a blast trying our hand at a number of water sports.
We also spent some time in the spa and pampered ourselves with some fabulous luxury treatments. Well-experienced staff administered treatments that helped us get rid of toxins from the body. I also opted for a facial that helped me look younger. At around four we headed for the shops where I purchased some great gifts for my mum and kids.
Jamaica is a fabulous place and I have promised to take my mom and kids to Jamaica this summer.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Old San Juan on foot
Architects love to walk around ancient cities, observing the structure of heritage buildings, explaining nuances of the particular style of architecture and pointing out the best architecture in the city they are in. My father is no exception and he was in his element when we went to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Old San Juan, according to him, and our guidebook, has the best architecture from Puerto Rico’s colonial period. He insisted that we spend at least two days walking around the town to see the marvels of Spanish colonial architecture. Protests and groans from the rest of the family led to a compromise and we settled on a one-day walking tour..
In spite of the fact that we had a knowledgeable guide assigned to accompany us, dad insisted on buying guide books and picking up colorful brochures at the visitors center. I browsed around the craft market nearby while he was busy collecting him maps and books. Armed with these and bottled water, we joined the group to see the best architecture that Old San Juan had to offer.
Castillo de San Cristobal, also called Saint Christopher Castle, is a fort which was completed in 1785. It is, apparently one of the largest forts in Puerto Rico. I clicked pictures of the city and the sea from there. But my favorite spot of the day was El Morro.. I had seen posters of Puerto Rico with the images of those sentry posts on the periphery of the fort. With those huge lawns and winding passages and dungeons, it represented, for me, the best architecture of the colonial period. For once, my father agreed, though he changed his mind once he saw Cuartel de Ballaja or the Ballaja Barracks. These barracks had a central courtyard that was built over a reservoir and large balconies with arches. The complex included warehouses, prison cells as well as kitchens and dining rooms for the officers who stayed there..
La Casa Blanca has each room decorated with period furniture that is in tune with the history of the house. This home has been continuously occupied for the last two centuries by Ponce de Leon and his descendants. Another candidate for the best architecture label, the house is a fascinating reminder of the city’s heritage.
In spite of the fact that we had a knowledgeable guide assigned to accompany us, dad insisted on buying guide books and picking up colorful brochures at the visitors center. I browsed around the craft market nearby while he was busy collecting him maps and books. Armed with these and bottled water, we joined the group to see the best architecture that Old San Juan had to offer.
Castillo de San Cristobal, also called Saint Christopher Castle, is a fort which was completed in 1785. It is, apparently one of the largest forts in Puerto Rico. I clicked pictures of the city and the sea from there. But my favorite spot of the day was El Morro.. I had seen posters of Puerto Rico with the images of those sentry posts on the periphery of the fort. With those huge lawns and winding passages and dungeons, it represented, for me, the best architecture of the colonial period. For once, my father agreed, though he changed his mind once he saw Cuartel de Ballaja or the Ballaja Barracks. These barracks had a central courtyard that was built over a reservoir and large balconies with arches. The complex included warehouses, prison cells as well as kitchens and dining rooms for the officers who stayed there..
La Casa Blanca has each room decorated with period furniture that is in tune with the history of the house. This home has been continuously occupied for the last two centuries by Ponce de Leon and his descendants. Another candidate for the best architecture label, the house is a fascinating reminder of the city’s heritage.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
In search of Conch
We got out first view of the underwater world when we tried diving during our holiday in the Turks and Caicos. Friends who are divers and snorkelers encouraged us to try snorkeling, snuba and scuba diving when told them that we were going to Provo for our vacation. Divers and snorkelers formed a majority of the guests our beach resort. The hotel tour desk recommended a local tour operator who had plenty of experience dealing with divers and snorkelers who were novices.
We had our first scuba lesson in the resort’s swimming pool. Once we gained enough confidence our guide took to us diving sites close to the beach, where the visibility was very good. For the dive spots a little farther, we were picked up from our hotel by water taxi. We tried several sites around Grace Bay, Pine Cay, Salt Cay, North West Point and South West Reef in the Turks and Caicos Islands. We saw several typers of sponges, coral, and all kinds of marine life, from rays to dolphins and turtles.
When we were in Turks and Caicos we had conch with almost every meal, and we loved it. We heard about Da Conch Shack and went there to gorge on cracked conch, a dish of deep fried conch pieces.. The next day, we told other divers and snorkelers in the group about it. After our snorkeling trip, our guide took us to dive for conch amidst the sea grass and plankton. We took the conch back with us to have the chef toss a fresh conch salad for us.
Talking about this special Caribbean delicacy, we heard of the Conch Festival in Blue Hills in the Turks and Caicos. The festival has a competition for the conch chefs and anyone who loves conch should make it a point to attend this festival. There is love music, dancing, conch blowing and a conch hunt in the sea. The atmosphere is family friendly, and the mojito that flows in the bars keeps the spirits high. and the competition keen. The festival concludes with a party on the beach.
We had our first scuba lesson in the resort’s swimming pool. Once we gained enough confidence our guide took to us diving sites close to the beach, where the visibility was very good. For the dive spots a little farther, we were picked up from our hotel by water taxi. We tried several sites around Grace Bay, Pine Cay, Salt Cay, North West Point and South West Reef in the Turks and Caicos Islands. We saw several typers of sponges, coral, and all kinds of marine life, from rays to dolphins and turtles.
When we were in Turks and Caicos we had conch with almost every meal, and we loved it. We heard about Da Conch Shack and went there to gorge on cracked conch, a dish of deep fried conch pieces.. The next day, we told other divers and snorkelers in the group about it. After our snorkeling trip, our guide took us to dive for conch amidst the sea grass and plankton. We took the conch back with us to have the chef toss a fresh conch salad for us.
Talking about this special Caribbean delicacy, we heard of the Conch Festival in Blue Hills in the Turks and Caicos. The festival has a competition for the conch chefs and anyone who loves conch should make it a point to attend this festival. There is love music, dancing, conch blowing and a conch hunt in the sea. The atmosphere is family friendly, and the mojito that flows in the bars keeps the spirits high. and the competition keen. The festival concludes with a party on the beach.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Planning a wedding in the Caribbean
Among the various islands in the Caribbean that offer spectacular wedding venues, the Dominican Republic stands a class apart. Weddings on the beaches of Punta Cana or Playa Bavaro have the advantage of the services of experienced wedding coordinators of famous resorts to help the couple organize an unforgettable event. Dreams Palm Beach in Punta Cana offers three different wedding packages to couples. Couples can marry on the beach, in a gazebo or on a terrace overlooking the sea.
Sun Village Resort and Spa, on Cofresi Beach near Peurto Plata offers the couple the option to customize their celebrations with unique touches like fireworks, horse drawn carriages or helicopter rides. Indoor and outdoor venues, a spa to pamper the bride and the groom, personalized décor at the venue chosen and a choice of gourmet food for the wedding banquet are other amenities at the hotel’
Getting married at Casa de Campo gives couples the option of renting luxury villas for families and friends. The Altos de Chavon, a replica of a 16th century European village here has a St. Stanislaus Cathlic church for the ceremony with breathtaking views of the Chavon river valley from the hill top. Each wedding at the Casa de Campo is customized to suit the couples requests, there are no cookie cutter packages here.
Finding a place to get married in the Caribbean is as simple as logging on to a travel website and checking out the videos on the site. Once you have decided on the venue, call up and talking to the resort’s wedding coordinator to find out about legal requirements and paperwork that needs to be done.
Sun Village Resort and Spa, on Cofresi Beach near Peurto Plata offers the couple the option to customize their celebrations with unique touches like fireworks, horse drawn carriages or helicopter rides. Indoor and outdoor venues, a spa to pamper the bride and the groom, personalized décor at the venue chosen and a choice of gourmet food for the wedding banquet are other amenities at the hotel’
Getting married at Casa de Campo gives couples the option of renting luxury villas for families and friends. The Altos de Chavon, a replica of a 16th century European village here has a St. Stanislaus Cathlic church for the ceremony with breathtaking views of the Chavon river valley from the hill top. Each wedding at the Casa de Campo is customized to suit the couples requests, there are no cookie cutter packages here.
Finding a place to get married in the Caribbean is as simple as logging on to a travel website and checking out the videos on the site. Once you have decided on the venue, call up and talking to the resort’s wedding coordinator to find out about legal requirements and paperwork that needs to be done.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Luxury trip to St. Lucia
Visiting exotic places is what my friends and I have wanted to do for a while. St. Lucia, a small avocado-shaped island in the Caribbean, held our interest as we had heard quite a lot about it. My friend, Bessy, has this habit of checking out a particular luxury travel website before going on any vacation. In fact we have been discussing this trip for a long time and it was finally coming true. It was a tough task coordinating schedules and ensuring that everyone was free at the same time to enjoy the luxury vacation.
The big day has finally dawned. All four of us adults, women to top it , and firm about leaving back our cares and having a great time in the lap of luxury. Just a glance at the Vacation Club that overlooks Marigot Bay gave us a feel that we had selected the right place. Warm rooms in this two-story villa were warm and airy spelt comfort and luxury. The patio was just fantastic. I could imagine myself sitting there and sipping hot coffee while reading a book.
The first day went off just discovering local areas. All that walking made us hungry enough to eat a horse. We tucked in Creole food by the waterfront and watched the locals carry on their daily chores. The sailing trip to view the Pitons was fantastic, and the aquamarine waters looked really cool and inviting. Tina, who just loves birds decided to go on a bird-watching trip the next day while we decided to visit the spa to soothe our tired muscles. We sure were not disappointed with the Lapli Spa at The Discovery at Marigot Bay. Our sojourn at the spa left us truly rejuvenated.
I don’t know when the next two days whizzed by. We just lounged by the sea and tried out the local fare. Gosh! The break was most deserving. We tried the restaurants in town, made some great purchases and visited the local attractions.
A vacation that we a going to remember for a long while. We are definitely going to go back next year. Even though we have just loved this resort, we will stay at some different luxury resort
The big day has finally dawned. All four of us adults, women to top it , and firm about leaving back our cares and having a great time in the lap of luxury. Just a glance at the Vacation Club that overlooks Marigot Bay gave us a feel that we had selected the right place. Warm rooms in this two-story villa were warm and airy spelt comfort and luxury. The patio was just fantastic. I could imagine myself sitting there and sipping hot coffee while reading a book.
The first day went off just discovering local areas. All that walking made us hungry enough to eat a horse. We tucked in Creole food by the waterfront and watched the locals carry on their daily chores. The sailing trip to view the Pitons was fantastic, and the aquamarine waters looked really cool and inviting. Tina, who just loves birds decided to go on a bird-watching trip the next day while we decided to visit the spa to soothe our tired muscles. We sure were not disappointed with the Lapli Spa at The Discovery at Marigot Bay. Our sojourn at the spa left us truly rejuvenated.
I don’t know when the next two days whizzed by. We just lounged by the sea and tried out the local fare. Gosh! The break was most deserving. We tried the restaurants in town, made some great purchases and visited the local attractions.
A vacation that we a going to remember for a long while. We are definitely going to go back next year. Even though we have just loved this resort, we will stay at some different luxury resort
Friday, July 24, 2009
Vacation in Jamaica
Jamaica is your dream Caribbean island. It is a pleasure to travel in Jamaica as it has such a variety of options to suit all kinds of travelers. It has a vibrant music scene with a nightlife to match to cater to fun seekers, pristine sandy beaches bordered by coconut palms that families and couples enjoy, and a wealth of water and adventure sports options for thrill seekers. What adds to the charm is the warmth and friendliness of Jamaicans whose hospitality is impeccable. They make sure that every visitor who travels to Jamaica has a memorable stay and leaves with promises to return for another visit.
An immensely popular Caribbean holiday destination, Jamaica receives thousands of visitors, mainly from North America and Europe. In winter, vacationers in search of a pleasant climate and sunny beaches flock to this island with their friends and families. Diving, snorkeling, and wind surfing enthusiasts will find numerous tour operators who will take them to the best sites around the island. Sunset cruises and deep sea fishing trips are also popuilar. Scenic golf courses like Sandals Gold and Country Club in Ochos Rios invite golfers to indulge in their favorite sport while on vacation. Kingston, Montego Bay and Negril also offer some challenging courses, making this island ideal for a golfing vacation.
With several architectural reminders of its colonial history, Kingston, Jamaica’s capital attracts tourists to visit heritage sites like Fort Charles, Rose Hall Great House and Rio Nuevo site monument. Music lovers would enjoy the visit to The Bob Marley Museum.
When the sun goes down, all of Jamaica seems to get into party mode. Rhythms that make your feet tap and tempt you to swing to the beats pour out of bars and nightclubs or on the beaches, where more resorts have beach parties.
The one thing that you should not miss in Jamaica is jerk chicken, an aromatic barbecued dish that most restaurants and beach side stalls offer. Apart with the local cuisine, rum and fresh seafood dishes, diners can opt for a variety of cuisines from Creole to Pacific Rim or Spanish cuisine besides, of course, American fast food.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Oranjestad for Fishing
Oranjestad is the capital of
The town is known for its fishing opportunities and the south coast is where most of the action is. The fishing activity for local fishermen begins with the first rays of the sun when they set sail on their expedition and return back with their catch of fresh fish. Home to many large fish species such as the marlin, the fishermen usually prefer the simple hand-line and bait as they are effective against strong winds and currents. Some fishermen also venture into the rough choppy sea on the north coast of the island with their boats. Since, the rough sea tends to pool the fish together near the limestone rocks. This makes it easier for the fishermen to bait and catch the fish.
For fishing enthusiasts Oranjestad is a favorite holiday destination because the warm here teem with game fish throughout the year. Visitors can bait for a variety of fishes like the sailfish, shark, wahoo, blue and white marlin, tuna and the likes. The best season for fishing is between October and February when one can rent local fishing boats for half a day or a full day, these expeditions can be booked through the hotel tour desks too. Some restaurants even offer to cook the fish for you if you are interested in tasting your prized catch. Another popular activity here is fly fishing.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Visit the Dominican Republic
Things have been pretty rough after my split with Eric and when my friends suggested a trip to the Dominicans, I jumped at the chance to travel. My wisest decision I would say. I had read a couple of reviews on the Dominican Republic and was a little apprehensive about what I read. Most reviews said that the place was not safe for women. Well once we traveled, we were in for a surprise. The streets were pretty dirt free and those selling their wares on the street did not really trouble us.
The package we opted for was flexible, and gave us the option of finding more about the city without being rushed. We booked our vacation on a travel website online. The package included stay at the Iberostar Costa Dorada which was a lovely hotel on the beach which meant we had easy access to the sand and water. The food at the hotel was excellent and the dining options were many. Shopping at the mall in the hotel saved us the bother of findings shops outside. There was a casino in the hotel where luck didn’t favor my friend, Sandra.
The icing on the cake was our trip to the city of Santo Domingo. I was mesmerized by the charm that exuded from the Zona Colonial. In fact for those traveling to the area, if time permits, it is a great idea to travel and check-out the shops which have some of the most beautiful amber jewelry. As I have the adventurous streak in me I opted to take a trip on the Dominican Outback Safari and the Scubadoo Underwater adventure, both which I thoroughly enjoyed. When I had a little time after all the travel, I headed for the beach and managed to get tanned.
The nightlife in the Dominican Republic is rocking. I learnt here that the Meringue started off in the Dominican Republic, but it didn’t really matter as I was too busy enjoying myself and dancing till I was ready to drop dead. We found the underground La Guacara Taina disco a great place to hang-out at. The music and the guys out there were both worth the travel I would say. I sure am going to remember my travel to the Dominican Republic for a long time.
The package we opted for was flexible, and gave us the option of finding more about the city without being rushed. We booked our vacation on a travel website online. The package included stay at the Iberostar Costa Dorada which was a lovely hotel on the beach which meant we had easy access to the sand and water. The food at the hotel was excellent and the dining options were many. Shopping at the mall in the hotel saved us the bother of findings shops outside. There was a casino in the hotel where luck didn’t favor my friend, Sandra.
The icing on the cake was our trip to the city of Santo Domingo. I was mesmerized by the charm that exuded from the Zona Colonial. In fact for those traveling to the area, if time permits, it is a great idea to travel and check-out the shops which have some of the most beautiful amber jewelry. As I have the adventurous streak in me I opted to take a trip on the Dominican Outback Safari and the Scubadoo Underwater adventure, both which I thoroughly enjoyed. When I had a little time after all the travel, I headed for the beach and managed to get tanned.
The nightlife in the Dominican Republic is rocking. I learnt here that the Meringue started off in the Dominican Republic, but it didn’t really matter as I was too busy enjoying myself and dancing till I was ready to drop dead. We found the underground La Guacara Taina disco a great place to hang-out at. The music and the guys out there were both worth the travel I would say. I sure am going to remember my travel to the Dominican Republic for a long time.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Aquaventure Water Park
In the Bahamas, near Nassau there is a popular Caribbean water park which is a part of the Atlantis Resort, called AquaVenture Water Park. Filled with scores of water rides and slides, the park offers a thrilling experience to adults and children alike. Pleasure travelers, couples and particularly, families with children enjoy the unique facilities at Atlantis such as the AquaVenture Water Park, Dolphin Cay, Marine Habitat and a host of other entertainment options. A Caribbean vacation that is sure to be a lot of fun for children and for adults, a stay at Atlantis is quite different from the usual beachfront hotel holiday. .
Atlantis is a full fledged holiday destination that has good restaurants, hair-raising adventure, great shopping, a casino, a night club and other entertainment options. Shops selling hand made Caribbean crafts, boutiques selling international brands and duty free merchandise attract shoppers to browse and buy..
Aquaventure Water Park is a fun place with winding tunnels, water slides, fountains, pools, waterfalls, caves, whirlpools, water escalators, and rapids that run through tropical forests. Within this Caribbean water park participants never have to leave the water to get on to other slides, they are transported to various rides in their tubes through waterways. The Lazy River is a favorite with both children and adults.
The resort has several pools, including exclusive pools for children and a Theater where they can watch interesting shows, while munching on fresh popcorn. Everyone enjoys interacting with the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and swimming with them in the shallow waters at Dolphin Cay. The Marine Habitat with its tunnels and pathways gives visitors a tour of the underwater world. It is awe-inspiring, the variety of marine life that one gets to see here. Such a variety can only been seen in the Caribbean if you go scuba diving in a dozen different islands.
Atlantis is a full fledged holiday destination that has good restaurants, hair-raising adventure, great shopping, a casino, a night club and other entertainment options. Shops selling hand made Caribbean crafts, boutiques selling international brands and duty free merchandise attract shoppers to browse and buy..
Aquaventure Water Park is a fun place with winding tunnels, water slides, fountains, pools, waterfalls, caves, whirlpools, water escalators, and rapids that run through tropical forests. Within this Caribbean water park participants never have to leave the water to get on to other slides, they are transported to various rides in their tubes through waterways. The Lazy River is a favorite with both children and adults.
The resort has several pools, including exclusive pools for children and a Theater where they can watch interesting shows, while munching on fresh popcorn. Everyone enjoys interacting with the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and swimming with them in the shallow waters at Dolphin Cay. The Marine Habitat with its tunnels and pathways gives visitors a tour of the underwater world. It is awe-inspiring, the variety of marine life that one gets to see here. Such a variety can only been seen in the Caribbean if you go scuba diving in a dozen different islands.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Why Jamaica?
Ever wondered why Jamaica is the most visited tourist destination in the Caribbean? I think it is because it has something for everyone. There are lovely beaches with top class resorts and hotels vying with each other to provide the best amenities to leisure travelers. Most hotels have an activities desk which will help you arrange for scuba diving or snorkeling trips or charter a boat for a deep sea fishing trip. Nature lovers enjoy cycling and trekking tours and adventure sports enthusiasts can choose from a wide range of activities ranging from white water rafting to windsurfing and water skiing. Shopping is a pleasure, whether you are in Kingston or in Montego Bay , one of Jamaica;s most visited tourist destinations, or in any other resort town.
For water sports enthusiasts to the most visited tourist destination of the Caribbean, there are diving and snorkeling sites around Jamaica. Whether you to go Negril, Montego Bay or Ochos Rios, you can go diving and snorkeling from the beaches. Strikingly beautiful coral, colorful sponges, gentle sea turtles and fishes in a myriad of colors, shapes and sizes await you in the aquamarine waters of the Caribbean
Divers flock to Negril where a number of underwater caverns make diving a visual treat. A good spot for beginners in Negril is Fish Pond. Colorful elelphant-ear, rope, basket and tube sponges abound in the underwater caverns like Throne Room. Rock Cliff Reef and Shark Reef are the places where you can see eels and sharks, in addition to a large number of fish,
Artificial reefs around wrecks to create marine habitats like the Wreck of the Kathryn in Ochos Rios and Tug Boat in Negril offer a peek marine fauna such as wrasse, eagle ray and barracuda .
The Montego Bay Marine Park is the most-visited tourist destination in the city, thanks to the excellent water sports and diving sites here. Widowmaker’s Cave is a diving site worth visiting here..
Runaway Bay, Spanish Anchor, Shipwreck Reef, and Canyon are other popular diving sites in Jamaica.
For water sports enthusiasts to the most visited tourist destination of the Caribbean, there are diving and snorkeling sites around Jamaica. Whether you to go Negril, Montego Bay or Ochos Rios, you can go diving and snorkeling from the beaches. Strikingly beautiful coral, colorful sponges, gentle sea turtles and fishes in a myriad of colors, shapes and sizes await you in the aquamarine waters of the Caribbean
Divers flock to Negril where a number of underwater caverns make diving a visual treat. A good spot for beginners in Negril is Fish Pond. Colorful elelphant-ear, rope, basket and tube sponges abound in the underwater caverns like Throne Room. Rock Cliff Reef and Shark Reef are the places where you can see eels and sharks, in addition to a large number of fish,
Artificial reefs around wrecks to create marine habitats like the Wreck of the Kathryn in Ochos Rios and Tug Boat in Negril offer a peek marine fauna such as wrasse, eagle ray and barracuda .
The Montego Bay Marine Park is the most-visited tourist destination in the city, thanks to the excellent water sports and diving sites here. Widowmaker’s Cave is a diving site worth visiting here..
Runaway Bay, Spanish Anchor, Shipwreck Reef, and Canyon are other popular diving sites in Jamaica.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Banana boats in Jamaica
My grand mom is from England, but has spent the best part of her life on the family’s plantation in Jamaica. The interesting things she would tell us about her trip to the family manor in Southampton kept us engaged. She used to have a great time with cousins and uncles while on vacation.
She had some interesting times which she talked about. The journeys she took on “banana boats” along with other plantation owners and their family members sounded like real fun. The banana boats were actually meant to carry cargos of bananas from Jamaica, but cabins on the boats were used for passengers to stay. In addition, they used to play bingo or watch films in the lounge area. You should hear about the chocolate chip-marshmallow banana boats dessert my grand mom used to talk about. It would really make your mouths water.
Our honeymoon was spent in a luxury resort in Montego Bay. It was my husband’s idea. The resort at which we stayed had a website with information about activities such as “rides in banana boats”. It made me happy that we were finally going to experience what she talked about. I was in for a shock when I saw what the “banana boats” of today looked like. They were nothing like what my grandma described. Long inflatable yellow colored tubes were attached to a motor boat and pulled across the water at great speed. 8 to 10 people sat astride the boat and enjoyed the thrilling ride on the sea. I was a bit scared when we started and held on to my husband for dear life. Some guys actually fell into the water when the boat swerved and turned. But it was nothing to worry about as we had life jackets on. It was really an exciting ride and I enjoyed it so much that I tried it again when we went to Aquasol Theme Park in Montego Bay.
I must mention that the banana boats that we were served for dessert were really lovely and delicious.
She had some interesting times which she talked about. The journeys she took on “banana boats” along with other plantation owners and their family members sounded like real fun. The banana boats were actually meant to carry cargos of bananas from Jamaica, but cabins on the boats were used for passengers to stay. In addition, they used to play bingo or watch films in the lounge area. You should hear about the chocolate chip-marshmallow banana boats dessert my grand mom used to talk about. It would really make your mouths water.
Our honeymoon was spent in a luxury resort in Montego Bay. It was my husband’s idea. The resort at which we stayed had a website with information about activities such as “rides in banana boats”. It made me happy that we were finally going to experience what she talked about. I was in for a shock when I saw what the “banana boats” of today looked like. They were nothing like what my grandma described. Long inflatable yellow colored tubes were attached to a motor boat and pulled across the water at great speed. 8 to 10 people sat astride the boat and enjoyed the thrilling ride on the sea. I was a bit scared when we started and held on to my husband for dear life. Some guys actually fell into the water when the boat swerved and turned. But it was nothing to worry about as we had life jackets on. It was really an exciting ride and I enjoyed it so much that I tried it again when we went to Aquasol Theme Park in Montego Bay.
I must mention that the banana boats that we were served for dessert were really lovely and delicious.
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