Traveling to Jamaica is always exciting but never more than when the nation was celebrating its 55th independence with a week’s worth of emancipation activities islandwide and the London 2017 IAAF World Championships taking place with hometown hero Usain Bolt ,the frontrunner competing in what inevitably became his last race.
Jamaica has many luxury resorts and fantastic tourist activities, but what sets this island nation apart from other caribbean islands is the people. The Jamaicans intelligence and pride of it’s people and heritage make it uniquely special. On a particular sunday when Usain Bolt was about to race his final race, the island practically froze to a standstill, young and old glued to their televisions and phones nervously cheering and expressing pride in their man.
The perfect trip to Jamaica should explore all the wonderful things the island has to offer and should ideally include a few cities starting with Kingston, the capital.
Devon House built in 1881 was the home of Jamaica’s first black millionaire. Lovingly restored the house offers tours to the public. Filled with antique furniture, ornate ceilings and grand staircases, this great house offers an insight into the lifestyles of the wealthy during the 1800’s. Within the Devon House Estate there is hugely popular ice cream parlor, voted third best ice cream in the world. Devon House Ice Cream offers huge servings of the freshest tastiest dessert in a multitude of flavors. Devon Stout is the house favorite, with a guinness taste, if that’s your thing. The property also houses a very modern chic recently opened Greek restaurant Opa, and The Reggae Mill Bar, playing reggae music exclusively.
The Bob Marley Museum, the former home of Bob Marley is one of the most popular attractions in Kingston, showcasing his personal and professional memorabilia and treasures. Considered to be one of the preeminent fathers of reggae, instrumental in developing the music culture of Jamaica and spreading Reggae love around the world. The outside is filled with photos and murals of the music legend.
Opened last year is the Peter Tosh museum paying tribute to another music icon. The museum holds his memorabilia including his custom built M16 guitar and the blood splattered on the book he was reading the night he was gunned down.
The majestic blue mountains surrounding Kingston produce some of the world’s best coffee. Authentic Blue Mountain coffee is grown exclusively in this region. A visit to the Craighton plantation is a must to learn how Blue Mountain coffee is grown and what makes it so special. Visitors can purchase coffee by the pound at the end of the tour.
Strawberry Hill, a luxury boutique property in the Blue Mountains owned by legendary music producer Chris Blackwell is a great weekend escape with 13 rooms, an infinity pool, spa, and a highly touted restaurant overlooking Kingston, famous for it’s Sunday brunch by visitors and locals.
Our visit to Kingston during emancipation week concluded with the World Reggae Dance Championships. Taking place in the Emancipation Village, filled with local food, drinks, and wares for sale. Reggae Dance groups from around the world travel from as far as Australia and Poland to try and win this title.
Heading towards Montego Bay by way of Ocho Rios, a popular resort destination and cruise port we stopped at Mystic Mountain. Built and run by the Rainforest Adventure Foundation, they have locations in other locals as well, these tourist parks are built with respect for nature and surroundings in mind. Start with an aerial lift 700 feet to get a panoramic view of Ocho Rios, Once on top activities offered include ziplining, the infamous bobsled through the rainforest, waterslide, an eatery offering local cuisine, and a gift shop selling souvenirs and local rums.
One of the most important aspects of organizing a trip around the island is finding a responsible and knowledgable driver and tour operator. We were driven by Mike ,owner of Burtontoursjamaica.com His group of drivers are experienced in planning an authentic Jamaican experience according to budget, length of stay, and interests. During our week long island tour Mike shared tons of insight, dining recommendations, and even the best local bar for a rum punch to watch Usain Bolt compete.
Our final destination in Jamaica was Montego Bay, actually a luxury resort located about 20 minutes to the west of Montego Bay Airport. Round Hill is the ultimate in luxury with private villas ranging from 1 bedroom to palatial 6 bedroom villas complete with full size swimming pools, massive gardens, and staff exclusive to the villas.
Round Hill was opened in 1953, and has served as a vacation destination for hordes of celebrities, business titans, and the Royal family, Prince Harry & Meghan Markle visited last year. Ralph Lauren owns two villas on property and an often be seen in-season walking up and down the white sand beach.
Round Hill is a mix of privately owned villas and hotel rooms located in the pineapple house. The resort offers a highly recommended all inclusive package which includes all meals, including a daily breakfast cooked to order in your villa, premium beverages, wines and champagnes by the glass and daily high tea.
The ocean front hotel rooms were designed by Ralph Lauren with white as a primary color along with subtle hints of color and rich wood panelling. The pineapple house offers guests a relaxing infinity pool overlooking the ocean with poolside drink and food service.
The resort offers tennis courts with tennis pros available for instruction, non- motorized water sports, a full service spa with private pool, and a yoga pavilion with ocean views.
Night time is a fun time at the resort. Dining is a special experience in the ocean front restaurant with a menu focused on seafood, with a fresh catch of the day, along with local specialties and theme nights. A weekly barbecue complete with a steel band entertain the guests late into the evening. The lively bar scene with families, couples, and singles alike make for friendships made that will outlast the vacation and will ensure a return to this magnificent resort destination.
How to get There: JetBlue.com and AA.com offer nonstop/ direct flights from the east coast with connections available nationwide.
How to Get Around: Burtontoursjamaica.com 1-876-967-0664 email contact: burtonstran@gmail.com
Where to Stay: Round Hill Resort Montego Bay Roundhill.com
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