Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival becomes alive January 23 – 29, 2013 and it will be a great way to spend your Jamaica vacation. The event is still being held at the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium. Its a great location with ample paking located not too far from the beautiful Rose Hallresort town in Montego Bay (about 47km away).
Expected to headline the show is three (3) times Grammy award winner Continue reading
Dubbed the “Art Of Music” the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival will kick off the third week of January just outside Montego Bay. It will take place as usual in the beautiful luxury resort town of Rose Hall Jamaica . Here is what you need to know.In 2012 the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival will honor 50 years of independence for the Jamaican people. For this special occassion you will be delited to hear that the line up will include some of the world’s most beautiful and talented singers namely: Continue reading
Find out why Sandals Jamaica resorts win the best travel rewards almost every year. Sandals Jamaica vacation resorts are by far the best all inclusive vacation resorts in Jamaica. Built on pillars of excellence in service and quality, many people flock to Jamaica each year to stay at a Sandals Resort for their Jamaica vacation. Sandals Jamaica has managed to do what many other vacation resorts said could not be done and that is to Continue reading
The Spanish Court Hotel recently opened its doors for those seeking a Kingston Jamaica vacation. This brings the number of higher end Kingston hotels to 5. The others are Hilton, Courtleigh, Pegasus and Knutsford Court. We do have a lot of tourists in Kingston however we also have a large contingent of business travellers.
With no beaches or coconut trees in the heart of Kingston, these hotels are mainly geared towards the business traveller rather than Jamaica vacation visitors. For some time now we have had a shortage of hotel rooms in the area and so this fresh new approach to the hotel industry is more than welcome. The Spanish Court Hotel will strike you as Continue reading
Budget airline Jet Blue now flies into Montego Bay Jamaica from JFK. Services started on May 21, 2009. The flights leave JFK at 7:55am to arrive in Montego Bay by 10:51AM. They then leave Montego Bay by Continue reading
This was our first stay at a RIU hotel resort, but the chain had been recommended by others and we had an expectation that standards would be high. It had been a long journey, not helped by flight delays on the way out, and we were tired when we arrived. The resort entrance was very welcoming and all the resort staff were quick and very helpful in getting us to our rooms at such a late hour. We were excited about Continue reading
Can you see it?? Something is out there…..way out in the Ocean off the coast of Treasure Beach Jamaica. We heard the rumors but had to check it out ourselves on our Jamaica vacation. We took the long treck to Treasure Beach through winding roads in St. Elizabeth Jamaica and got lost a couple times. The key is to follow the signs that say Jack Sprat and be careful who you ask questions….not that you are in any danger but most people we asked didn’t have a clue and sent us driving all over. 
Do you see it now? Seems like a hut in the middle of the sea. There are no buses, trains, yachts or barges going where we are heading on this Jamaica vacation. We had to hire a small fishing boat (more like a canoe). Make sure you ask for Tahla or his brother; great guys and yes Tahla is taller. Or better yet ask your hotel to setup a trip for you if you are staying in treasure beach. We stayed at Jake’s vacation spot but there are quite a number of other villas there for a great Jamaica vacation. 
Now do you see it?? Yes it is a Continue reading
Fancy walking on air? Well then Ricks Cafe in Negril Jamaica is the place to be on your Jamaica vacation. Ricks Cafe is famous for its magnificent sunsets and crazy cliff jumping crowd. The cliff is about 33 feet high and patrons line up to go sky walking. Every now and then someone pays a local to climb up to the highest point (atop a tree close by) to perform crazy acrobatic jumping down into the deep blue below. It is a daunting jump but I even see kids doing it and felt “hey I can do that”.
Cliff jumping aside Ricks Cafe has a great Continue reading
As the picture above shows, Sunset Resort and Villas Jamaica was indeed a piece of heaven. Coming from a big city it was mind bending to wake up to lush green vegetation and the big blue ocean at your door step. This was no ordinary ocean front view but one of those magnificent views straight from a postcard. It was one beautiful Jamaica vacation.
It was just amazing with the almost clear blue sky and brilliantly bright sun hovering over. At dusk you can imagine the sun romancing the sea as they kiss good night…aahhhhh. I could go on and on about the view as that alone would be good enough for me even if we were to sleep in a tent. However it didn’t stop there. The service at Sunset Resort and Villas was Continue reading
Beautiful isnt it! Well that could be be you laying there by the pool at this Jamaica resort enjoying a vacation. Yes Sandals Jamaica is offering discounts up to 45% plus air fare deals for Jamaica vacations. But wait….there’s more. Breezes Jamaica is offering rooms for Continue reading
Jamaica Christmas vacation! I bet a bunch of you are wondering what its like. Well like most other cultures we have a special drink, special food and special activities. The Jamaica Christmas drink is Sorrel (seen top left). Its a plant whose blossom is used to make a very different tasting drink. It’s hard to describe but can be so delicious when spiced just right. We also love fruit cake. Now our fruit is very special and there are family traditions that go back years with special recipes etc. Our fruitcakes usually have lots of raisons and other fruit spices. To get that special flavor just right many will Continue reading
Strawberry Hill Jamaica is regarded as a heavenly Jamaica vacation spot to most vistors. Nestled amongst the Jamaica Blue Mountains, Strawberry Hill is located a few minutes drive outside the main Kingston area. Coming from the Kingston Airport (best entry point) the drive would be about 1 hour. But beleive me it’s worth all that time and much much more. The drive alone up to Strawberry Hill through narrow roads, steep cliff sides and lush green vegetation is enough to get you in the mood for a lovely mountain side paradise Jamaica vacation.
Strawberry Hill is quiet, secluded and not your average beach front Jamaica vacation. As the name suggests be prepared to go up and down steps and slopes as you traverse the property (not the best for mobility challenged individuals). Soon after arriving you will appreciate the Continue reading
The Palmyra Resort & Spa was named ‘One of the Top 10 Most Exciting Home Developments in the World’ by prestigious Travel + Leisure Magazine (March 2007), and announced a 5-star award winner at the 2007 CNBC International Property Award. It is also the perfect location for a Jamaica vacation.
Capturing the magical essence of Jamaican real estate, The Palmyra Resort & Spa offers second home buyers, and those seeking a Jamaica vacation home, unparalleled indulgence in a tropical island setting. A Leading Hotel of the World, this elegant sanctuary is the island’s first to offer its guests the added luxury of Continue reading
One of the items in our little black book of “Must Dos” in Jamaica is to try Jamaican Jerk Chicken. Jamaican jerk chicken is roasted over open flames sometimes with special wood to catch the right flavour. The fire wood is one key ingredient in addition to the many peppers and spices used to season the Jamaican jerk chicken before cooking and while being jerked. Often times you can grab the Jamaican jerk chicken right off the grill and enjoy some explosive flavour. However it doesnt stop there. Another great addition to the flavour is Continue reading
Jake’s Hotel located in Treasure Beach Jamaica is one of the Caribbean’s most romantic hideaways. Its an earthy, rustic and sensual luxury boutique hotel nestled on a romantic cliff side setting. This Jamaica hotel was named after the family’s pet parrot and designed with inspiration from Moroccan, Indian and Adobe influences as well as the work of Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi. Continue reading
Rose Hall Jamaica located just a few minutes outside of Montego Bay is the perfect setting for a tropical paradise wedding. Though many Jamaica resorts offer wedding packages the beautiful backdrops available at the Rose Hall Resort and Spa will leave you in awe. They even have a package for golf lovers…yes a golf themed wedding. Here luxury meets, tropical, meets raw natural beauty cultivated by mother nature and old world colonial pioneers.
Be sure to check out their Continue reading
Do any of these pictures look interesting to you? How about a walk with the lengendary Bob Marley or the buzz of a humming bird’s wings while it eats out the palm of your hand. Yes we have lovely sun, sand and sea but so much more outside those hotel walls. So buckle up and enjoy these great Jamaica tours…..
Dunns River Falls or Rafting on the Rio Grande are historical favourites but the Zip Line Jamaica tour has carved out a special place in the hearts of thrill seekers. Here you traverse or slide along cables hanging among the tree tops. They boast the largest in the Caribbean. Visitors say its a must do even if you are afraid of heights. They said they felt extremely safe with the abundance of staff and professionalism (see also Chukka Canopy Tours). ATV Tours are also very exciting. They come in various flavors depending on location. For example those in Ocho Rios love the Wilderness ATV Tours and marvel at the level of controlled freedom they have to do fun stuff.
For those reggae music lovers the Nine Miles Jamaica Tour is an excellent way to get closer to the legendary Bob Marley. Here lies the remains of Bob Marley in a mausoleum made entirely of Ethiopian marble. This little village was his birth place and where he wrote many songs. Visitors say they felt a spiritual connection and the amazing mountain side scenery was so in sync with the lengends reggae music….sooothing and powerful. Great tour to learn not just about Bob but the rastafarian culture and its place in Jamaican history.
To cool things down get on a falls tour or go rafting. Some favourites for vistors are Reach Falls in Port Antonio, YS Falls in St. Elizabeth and of course Dunns River Falls in Ocho Rios. You can go rafting on the Martha Brae in St. Ann or Rio Grande in Port Antonio. Click our find it link above and do proper research for the best value and read the reviews.
Another off the wall adventure tour is the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary in Montego Bay (18769522009). Vistors are in awe with the beatiful sanctury where among others, you get to hand feed humming birds (the Jamaica national bird). They said the experience was great for kids but watch out for the price (about $15 per person). I dont thinks thats so expensive though….your miles away from stress in a forest sorrounded by humming birds…in Jamaica paradise…..so cough up the dough 
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There are many more great tours to feature so check out the recommended tour links on our Blog Role in the side panel to your right or click on our find it link above and have fun…Irie!!
One of the most beautiful and luxurious resort towns in Jamaica is Rose Hall. Located to the north and just a few minutes from the Montego Bay Airport, Rose Hall brims with scenic beauty along the coast. Rose Hall Jamaica is home for some of Jamaica’s top resort hotels like the Ritz Carlton, Rose Hall Resort and Half Moon Resort.
An iconic landmark in Rose Hall is the Rose Hall Great House previously owned by Annie Palmer, aka the 
White Witch of Rose Hall. Folk tales tell of her black magic powers and they way she murdered her many husbands and lovers. To this day many still swear they see her ghost wandering the halls of the great house. That aside its a charming place to visit tucked away on a beautiful plantation and ideal for that special Jamaica vacation. For those not into haunted houses there are Continue reading
Reggae is usually the first thing people think of when you mention Jamaica music. Though reggae is the dominant theme behind our music it is good for us to also appreciate its growth, development and evolution. Slavery has no doubt had an impact on our Jamaican culture and music to include reggae as it draws on our African roots. These roots are responsible for the rythmic beats and tunes now popular worldwide.
Most will agree that it all started with Jamaica Mento Music from as early as the 1920s then migrated to Jamaica Ska in the 50s then evolved to reggae. There is an incredibly rich history behind the music. These sounds represented various movements and cultures and morphed or eveolved with the times, moods and lives of real Jamaican people. In trying to explain the reggae movement it is probably best to compare it to rap, grunge or punk rock music. In essense when they were born they were the underdog reserved for the underground. Reggae was to Jamaica as hardcore rap is to the USA. It was the poor and underprevileged in Jamaica who encouraged the growth of reggae. Ironically after reggae hit the international scene it did not belong to the poor anymore. From the ghetto we needed a new underdog….a new rebellion and Dance Hall Reggae was born (more on that later).
Though we will be reporting our own views on the subject there are still a number of sites providing a plethory of information on reggae. These are our favourites so have a look and check back with us later. Irie. Reggae, Reggae Movement, Bob Marley, Dance Hall Reggae.
Hey man what a gwaan! If your heading to Port Antonio Jamaica (same as Portland Jamaica), then here are four great activities. First go visit Reach Falls. Visitors rave about its beauty and consider it a must see. It is a guided tour so there is a small cover charge but the place is complete with changing area and life gaurd.
Another must is to take a dip in the Blue Lagoon. Visitors consider it one of the most beautiful spots in Jamaica with the color of the water changing throughout the day with the mood of the sun. It is indeed a magnificent pool (52m deep) fed with fresh water springs before emptying into the sea through a narrow funnel.
Another favourite is to take a ride via bamboo raft down the Rio Grande river. This scenic tour is relaxing and can be very romantic for couples looking for that spark island style.
Another great suggestion from visitors is to take the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Plantation Tour which takes you up into the hills of the Blue Mountains. You will be in awe at the wonderful scenery and will feel rejuvenated by the fresh island air. Check with your local guide or hotel for the best options on this tour.
Ah yes…..Negril Jamaica. Prestine white sands, water so calm it feels like a pool, free spirited inhabitants lots of bars and great Jamaican food. That sums up Negril Jamaica. No doubt the biggest attraction in Negril is its seven mile white sand beach. Second would be its vibe which is not only suitable for the wild party bunch but also for those looking for some quiet relaxation time. One only needs to plan their trip properly to land in the fab town of Negril at the right time. If you are into Continue reading
Port Antonio Jamaica is a quite unspoilt natural beauty. Its hotels and villas are a true reflection of the destinations simplistic but exotic vibe. One of the many Hotels and Villas travellers love in Port Antonio is the Goblin Hill Villas shown above. Visitors rave about the view of San San beach and the Port Antonio Bay. As you can see the view through the bedroom window is breath taking. Port Antonio Hotels are Continue reading
Usain Bolt and his larger than life personality returned home today and was greeted with much fan fair. Virgin Atlantic coordinated his travel by air and he was picked up in his brand new BMW and chauffeured through the city before arriving at his welcome press conference. There were dignitaries like the Prime Minister and other proud Jamaicans, some who travelled miles just to see the star arrive.
Usain Bolt made history in Beijing when he not only won three gold medals but achieved world records in all three as well. He was successful in the 100m, 200m and 4X100m. Go Usain Bolt go!!!! Irie .
Here at Jamaica Writings we bring you the most up to date Jamaica Vacation Deals. September is the beginning of what we call the shoulder season in Jamaica. This represents the down period in the travel season just before Christmas. It usually runs from September to November (official Jamaica tourist winter season starts December 15). During this off season many Jamaica resorts will promote cheaper vacation packages to keep the hotel occupancy up.
Our research so far has found the following interesting packages: Continue reading
Fishing fans!!!!!!!!! Get ready!!!!!!!!! The 45th Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament gets under way at the Errol Flynn Marina in Port Antonio Jamaica from October 04 to 11. The great thing about it is you dont even have to fish to enjoy it. That’s because the Port Antonio event goes beyond just Marlin fishing with parties and food/drinks a plenty from many local and international sponsors. Continue reading
All Inclusive Jamaica Hotels and Resorts can be found in every major tourist town on the island. This includes Negril, Montego Bay, Trelawny, Ocho Rios and the South Coast. They are usually relatively large and exotic like Sandals Jamaica shown above. The Jamaica hotel industry prides itself on being a pioneer in the area of all inclusive hotels worldwide. In particular the Super Clubs group to include Jamaica hotels like Breezes, Grand Lido, Hedonism and Star Fish.
All inclusive usually means Continue reading
Is marijuana illegal in Jamaica? Yes it is illegal to smoke marijuana in Jamaica. You would be surprized how often I have to say these words. In my travels I always run into people curious about Jamaica and they often always ask obout ganja smoking. Ganja is the word we use for Jamaica Marijuana or some will say “spliff”, “weed”, or “sensi”. Though illegal you only need to Continue reading
It is this very question that encourages hundreds of curious visitors to flock to Hedonism III Jamaica every year. They want to know if it really is as bad (or good) as their friends and family say. Is it as wild and crazy as they think? Though they may cringe in public most of them drool at the opportunity for freedom.
Now maybe after all that excitement you have muscled up the courage to liberalize your inner fetish and join the rest of the crew outside. The choice is yours really. You can go all the way or just half way. Depending on your room the best place to start is outside your room window.
The Jamaican goverment wants to legalize casino gambling. Indeed this is a hot topic for us Jamaicans. You see we beleive we are a country built on religion and as the saying goes there is a church on every corner in Jamaica. That said there are many who believe casino gambling is the wrong way forward. Continue reading
