Laura Redpath and Daviot Kelly, Gleaner Writers.
Enjoy the best that nature has to offer on the Martha Brae river. - photo by Richard Morais
Year after year, as soon as the summer rolls around, we ship the children off to the States and those who are lucky, go to the country. With the increase in airline travel and the devaluation of the Jamaican dollar, now may be the prefect time for you to look to our little island for the perfect summer vacation.
We live here and almost never experience what Jamaica really has to offer. So, this summer, hop in the car and get to know the island paradise we call home. Lifestyle has traversed the length and breadth of the island and has compiled your vacation guide. This is the first of our our two-part feature, focusing on attractions across the island.
Trelawny, St James, Hanover, Westmoreland
Rose Hall Great House
If you want to take in more than one parish, then you can make a base in one parish and check out the attractions in neighbouring parishes.
Set up camp at the Doctors Cave Beach Hotel, on Montego Bay's Hip Strip, which is central enough to explore the second city on foot.
Rates vary but the average is US$106 (J$11,360) per person for double occupancy.
US$95 per person for single occupancy.
Rates include breakfast. These are local rates and Jamaican I.D. is expected in order to have access to them.
Attractions - Trelawny
Outameni
Outameni puts our rich history on show. This would be a great lessons for the little ones. There's traditional Jonkunoo on display as a tribute to our African ancestors. From the Taino Indians, to the Spanish explorers, to the middle passage of the slave trade, our history is condensed for all to enjoy and relive.
J$1,500 per person
J$750 children, 11 years and under
Prices include complimentary drink and snack at the end.
Martha Brae
Relax on a 30-ft bamboo raft and move through the trees on the Martha Brae river. Legend has it that a witch lived on the river banks. She was taken on a search for gold by the Spaniards. She led them into a cave and then disappeared. The Spaniards ran out of the cave and were taken up by the river. The trip on the river and through the myth lasts 90 minutes over a three-mile journey.
US$60 (J$4, 200) per person (couples rate). They also provide transportation. Pick-up locations on transportation provided. Pick-up locations are: Gloucester Avenue, Queens Drive and Sunset Beach hotel. Price (with transportation) US$75 (J$5,325) single rate.
US$30 (J$2,130) per child.
Only children three years and older are allowed.
St James
Rose Hall Great House
Considered the most famous great house in Jamaica, Annie Palmer, the 'white witch' of Rose Hall, lived there in the 1800s. She was given the nickname 'white witch' because of her reputation as a murderer who killed her husbands. It is also said she was educated in the ways of voodoo, by her nanny who was a voodoo priestess in Haiti.
Rose Hall Great House is supposedly haunted and is the scene for numerous horror novels.
US$15 (J$1,065) - adults; US$10 (J$ 710) - children under 12.
Doctors Cave Beach
Go for a swim or spend the entire day at Doctors Cave Beach in the supposed medicinal waters. Sir Herbert Barker, an English osteopath, visited the beach and said it is a beach with the ability to cure many ailments. The beach is also part of the Montego Bay Marine Park.
J$350 per adult
J$150 per child under 12.
Aqua Sol
Visit Montego Bay's only theme park at Walter Fletcher Beach on the hip strip. Everything your family would need; water sports, go-cart and restaurant facilities and so much more.
J$300 - 12 years and older
J$200 - three to 11 years
These are only the entry fees. Go-cart and skating fees are separate.
Greenwood Great House
If you're interested in English literature and know Elizabeth Barrett Browning, then visit this site because it used to be her cousin's home. It is also known for having antique furniture at least 200 years old.
J$980 per person - 12 yearsand older.
J$490 per child
Group Rate
(applicable for group of 10)
J$200 per adult
J$200 per child.
Negril
Kool Runnings Water Park
Take a break from the heat of the summer at Kool Runnings Water Park in Negril.
This water park features restaurants, go-karts, bungee jumping, trampoline and a carousel. As the name suggests, it has water slides (10 of them) and a play area for toddlers.
J$1,960 per person; J$1,330 per person under four ft.
Includes unlimited water slides.
Children two years and under are free.
Rick's Café
Take in the sunset and nightlife at the world popular Rick's Café. Daredevils may also enjoy diving off the cliff into the watery depths below.
Margaritaville and Cosmos
As a fishing village, seven miles of white sand beach make up most of Negril. These seven miles are split by ownership, but go to Margaritaville or Cosmos for lunch and you'll be able to experience a part of this beautiful stretch.
Westmoreland
Mayfield Falls
There are approximately 52 varieties of ferns and wildlife here, with numerous pools for swimming and diving. Take the family out and spend the whole day at the property. You have the options of visiting the falls, or having a picnic or the fare provided by the restaurant.
J$400 per adult; J$200 per child under 12; J$500 - picnic package (Bring your own food to cook there or prepared meals);
J$1,000 - lunch package per adult.
J$500 - lunch package per child.
St Elizabeth, Manchester, Clarendon
Now the south coast of good old Jamrock sometimes gives the impression that there's nothing much to do in those parts.
Nutten nuh go so! This part of the island may not have the celebrated all-inclusive resorts of its northern brethren, but there is no lack of entertaining, time-filling, and especially family-oriented activities. From getting wet and wild, to learning about the past, the south has it all.
Clarendon
Where to stay
Our pick: Hotel Versalles in May Pen provides a quiet getaway from the traffic of the parish capital. Lowest rate: $3,808 (room andtax only).
What to do
Head down to the Milk River Hotel and Spa for an invigorating time. Plus, you can wash off some of the 'saltness' (if you have any). To use the spa, $400 per 15 minutes per person; children under 12, $200.
If you're a racing enthusiast, then Vernamfield is always good to see legal drag racing on a Sunday afternoon, especially during the summer.
Manchester
Where to stay
Our pick: Hotel Villa Bella is 15 minutes from Mandeville in the cool climes of Christiana. Lowest rate: $4,000 nightly.
What to do
If you're in Manchester, you simply must head across the border to Alligator Pond's Little Ochie. Known for its seafood, you have not lived until you've tried some of the good stuff.
St Elizabeth
Where to stay
Our pick: Check out the St Bess side of heaven at Jake's Hotels and Villas in Calabash Bay for great food and views. Lowest rate US$71 (J$5, 041, plus service tax) per night.
What to do
You cannot be in St Bess and not experience the famous Black River Safari. Feed the crocodiles, why don't ya? Adults: $1,200; children under 12, $600.
If you're into history and legends and stories of old Jamaica, then Lover's Leap Great House provides another getaway. Rates range from $1,500 to $4,500.
Take the Appleton Rum Factory tour to see how the great Jamaican rum is made. US$12 (J$852) per person.
YS Falls
Take a dip in the parish's most famous watering spot; $500 per person.
The Apple Valley Park and Farm Tour is always fun and include hiking, fishing and canoeing. J$400 for adults, J$300 for children under 12 (entry and use of facilities).
Find out more about the history of Jamaica through the Maroons in Accompong. One day here will take you back in time.
If you don't mind the boat ride, the Pelican Bar, just off the coast, is fantastic. Sipping drinks while the waves lap below? Perfect!
Don't miss next week's 'Lifestyle'!
Jonkunoo dancers welcome guests at Outameni Experience in Cooper's Pen, Trelawny. - photos by Claudine Housen/Staff Photographer
