The finest bathing beach in the world?

ON THIS week's business page of www.go-montegobay.com;

"The finest bathing beach in the entire world." That's how Emile Martin describes Doctor's Cave Beach. It could well be that, as chairman, his view is a biased one. Be that as it may, Doctor's Cave Beach is in fact one of the most popular attractions and recreational spots in Montego Bay.

The beach took its name from Dr. Alexander McCatty, who owned it and turned it into a bathing club in 1906. A small cave located on the property (which is no longer accessible) also contributed to the name.

The name seems even more appropriate since Sir Herbert Baker (a British osteopath) claimed in the 1920s that the waters could cure a variety of ailments. In fact, the waters around Doctor's Cave Beach contain a great deal of spring water as numerous underwater springs meet the sea here. The start of the tourist industry in Montego Bay is accredited to Doctor's Cave Beach and hotel, as visitors would come for its alleged therapeutic properties.

Doctor's Cave Beach not only boasts its therapeutic waters, but also the smiles of staff and fine dining. The 410 paid-up members enjoy certain exclusive privileges, such as separate changing rooms and earlier morning hours.

The magic of the resort's enchantment, the current operators, lies in an atmosphere that beguiles and rejuvenates. Serenely secluded and yet strategically located, the hotel is a short hop from the airport, and moments from tennis, golf, horseback riding and Jamaica's colourful markets and duty-free shopping.

The rates are as follows:

Members

Single membership

for first timers $2,875

Family (husband, wife,

children under 18 yrs.) $4,025

Temporary membership for visitors (3 months)

Single US$23

Family US$57.50

Singles and family members who are renewing enjoy discounted rates of $1,725 and 2,875 respectively. Otherwise, entrance fee to the beach is $135 per person or US$3.00.

Since the bathing club was donated to the community by Dr. McCatty, the facilities are managed by a group of trustees.

Chairman Emile Martin heads the group with Mrs. Dorothy Charlie as the Vice Chair. Other trustees include; Mr. Desmond Wittingham, Miss Ann Mills, Mr. Keith Armstrong and Mr. Tony Hart. In addition to these, there are six additional board members making up a total of 12. Trustees are appointed as the need arises so that ownership is kept in the hands of the community.

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www.gomontegobay.com for more. Send your news/comments to news@go-localjamaica.com.

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