Tag: Santa Maria Island

Jamaica accommodations

Jamaica accommodations welcome you to a destination nicknamed “Rock” and “Jamrock”. Known for its beaches, coral reefs, diving, snorkeling, mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, mineral springs, British-colonial architecture, jerk food (dry-rubbed / wet-marinated with hot spices), Caribbean restaurants, bars, rum, Red Stripe beer and Blue Mountain coffee, Jamaica is found atop teal Caribbean Sea, and relatively close to Haiti, Cuba and Cayman Islands. A Caribbean island nation, Jamaica is home to tourist towns such as Negril (western coast), Montego Bay (northwestern coast) and Ocho Rios (northern coast), while its capital city, Kingston, is located on the island’s southeastern coast. The word “Jamaica” derives from an indigenous Caribbean word meaning either “land of wood or water” or “land of springs”.

Jamaica main attractions: Rick’s Cafe (Negril Caribbean restaurant), Dunn’s River Falls, Mystic Mountain, Emancipation Park (Kingston state park), Bob Marley Museum (Kingston Museum), YS Falls (tourist attraction), Bamboo Beach Club (Falmouth beach club), Appleton Estate Rum Tour (tourist attraction), Doctor’s Cave Beach (Montego Bay beach), Green Grotto Caves (Discovery Bay tourist attraction), Jamaican Bobsled Rollercoaster (Ocho Rios tourist attraction), Reach Falls (Manchionea ecological park – waterfall, swimming area, wildlife), Old Spanish Bridge (tourist attraction), Island Gully Falls (tourist attraction – waterfalls, pools, jumping, rope swinging), Rocklands Bird Sanctuary (Montego Bay bird watching area), White River Calypso Rafting & Tubing (tourist attraction), Benta River (Pennycooke park), Mayfield Falls & Mineral Springs (Pennycooke tourist attraction), Blue Mountain Peak (mountain peak), Sun Valley Plantation Hummingbird Garden

Jamaica main airport: Sangster International Airport (just north of Montego Bay)

Airport car rental agencies: Epic Car Rental, MoBay Car Rental

Rideshare service: Uber (operates in Kingston only)

Cruise ports: Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Falmouth, Kingston , Port Antonio

Jamaica top events: Ocho Rios Jazz Festival, Reggae Sumfest, Bob Marley Week, Trelawny Yam Festival, Jamaica Carnival, Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament

Jamaica’s official language is English, though most islanders speak a dialect known as Patois. Patois examples are Weh Yuh Ah Seh (what are you saying?), Small up yuhself (make room), Mi Deh Yah (everything is okay), Mi Soon Come (I’ll be right there), Inna di morrows (I’ll see you tomorrow) and Wah Gwaan (what’s up?). When visiting Jamaica, be sure to take extra precautions in Kingston, and be mindful of your surroundings even in Montego Bay, while not flaunting jewelry or smartphones. When traveling outside of tourist areas, it’s best to use a tour agency. In Jamaica, Cars travel on the left-hand side, the drinking age is 18 years old and currency is the Jamaican Dollar. Jamaica accommodations are some of the Caribbean’s best. Before we get to Jamaica accommodations, let’s take a look at some more background information on the area to help you along the way.

Archaeological evidence suggests that the first human presence in Jamaica dates to around 600 AD. At that time, it is believed that the “Redware people” arrived, followed by the South American Taíno people circa 800. The Taino, possibly numbering 60,000 at one point, farmed and fished in south Jamaica near Old Harbour. When England took control of the island in 1655, some of the remaining Taino fled into interior regions and merged with African Maroon communities. Prior to England, however, Spain was the first European country to spot Jamaica. Christopher Columbus, in 1494 on his second voyage to the Americas, claimed the island for Spain. Columbus’ first sighting was of St. Ann’s Bay, which he named “Saint Gloria”. Columbus returned to Jamaica in 1503 and became shipwrecked, causing him and his crew to live on the island for a year while awaiting rescue. Juan de Esquivel established the island’s first Spanish settlement, Sevilla, circa 1509 just west of St. Ann’s Bay. Deemed unhealthy, Sevilla was abandoned in 1524, and Spanish Town became the new capital around 1534. The Taino perished in large numbers due to introduced diseases and enslavement by the Spanish. Consequently, Spain began importing African slaves, many of which escaped enslavement to the mountainous interior and became known as Maroons. Jamaica’s population dwindled to no more than 3,000 by the early17th century. Beginning with the 1655 invasion of Jamaica, England took control of the island from Spain by way of the 1657 Battle of Ocho Rios and the 1658 Battle of Rio Nuevo, with support from the Maroon community. Spain made several attempts to recapture Jamaica. In turn, Britain supported pirates’ attacks on Spanish ships in the Caribbean. Port Royal, at the mouth of Kingston Harbour, became a notorious pirate center. With the 1670 Treaty of Madrid, Spain gave up their ambitions to recapture Jamaica. Jamaica’s population numbered about 4,500 white and 1,500 in 1660. A decade later, African slaves working on English sugar cane plantations made up a majority of the population. Becoming indentured laborers as a consequence of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, Irish made up about two-thirds of the island’s white population around 1655. Sugar, coffee, cotton and indigo accounted for a strong economy in Jamaica during the 1700s. During the 18th century, slaves ran away to join the Maroons, which resulted in a number of wars such as the Maroon and Tacky’s Wars. In 1807, the British abolished the slave trade, but not the institution itself, which led to the 1831 Baptist War. Also known as the Sam Sharp Rebellion, the Baptist War between the Colony of Jamaica and slave rebels resulted in a suppressed rebellion. In 1872, Jamaica’s capital transferred from Spanish Town to Kingston. Jamaica gained independence on August 6, 1962, albeit with a membership in the Commonwealth of Nations.

The Caribbean’s third-largest island at 4,240 square miles, Jamaica is home to around 2.8 million Jamaicans. Roughly 77% of the population is made up of Afro-Jamaicans. Around 70% of Jamaica’s population identifies as Christian, almost entirely practicing Protestantism. Jamaica’s government is a unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy, meaning that a hereditary monarch (Great Britain) is the sovereign and head of state. Heavily dependent on tourism, Jamaica welcomes around 4.3 tourists annually. Top sports are cricket and football, while the island also is known for its world-class track-and-field sprinters. Jamaica’s climate is tropical,  with hot, humid weather throughout the year along the coastline. Inland regions tend to be more temperate, and hurricanes are entirely possible. Jamaica’s national bird is the red-billed streamertail, which is a type of hummingbird. Other animals include Jamaican boas, Jamaican hutias (endangered rat-like mammal), fig-eating bats, wild boars, mongoose, American crocodiles, black-billed parrots, Jamaican blackbirds, Greater flamingos, treefrogs, Jamaican sliders (freshwater turtle), Jamaican parrotfish, dolphins and manatees. Additional points of interest include Doctor’s Cave Beach Club and St. Ann Parish. Located in Montego Bay, Luminous Lagoon is a bioluminescent bay that glows at night when disturbed due to dinoflagellate plankton. Local foods include jerk chicken, pork & fish, pea soup, oxtail, fried breadfruit and goat curry, while Jamaica’s national dish is ackee and saltfish. Popular drinks are beer (Red Stripe), rum, tea, ginger beer, rum punch and the “dirty banana” (rum, coffee liqueur, banana liqueur, a fresh banana, half and half cream). With some background information on the island, we’re ready for Jamaica accommodations that will help make for an exciting adventure.

 

 

 

S Hotel Montego Bay

7 Jimmy Cliff Boulevard, Montego Bay

Doctor’s Cave Beach

Hotel amenities: restaurants, bars, buffet breakfast, swimming pools, sky pools, spa, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, desks, 24-hour front desk

Nearby: The Palm Terrace (wedding venue)

Within feet:

• • • Doctor’s Cave Beach
    • One Man Beach

Within 1.1 miles:

• • • Closed Harbor Beach

Within 1.5 miles:

• • • Catherine Hall Beach

Within 3.6 miles:

• • • Palms Entertainment Park

Within 10 miles:

• • • Blue Hole Nature Park

S Hotel Montego Bay is within feet of Sangster International Airport.

Approximate cost per night (Sky -Club Ocean-View Spa Suite): $964

Cost per person (three people): $321

 

 

 

Catcha Falling Star

West End Road, Negril

Rick’s Cafe

Resort amenities: private cove, restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, sea views, hot tub, massage services, flat-screen TVs, kitchenettes

Nearby: The Lodge Restaurant at Tensing Pen Hotel (Caribbean restaurant), Kool Vybes (Jamaican restaurant), Sunset Walk (Jamaican restaurant), Shark (restaurant), Just Natural (restaurant), Murphy’s West End (restaurant), Ivan’s (restaurant & bar), Sir D’s (bar), Whoopees Park (bar), Wake N Bake Café

Within feet:

• • • Rick’s Cafe

Within 3.3 miles:

• • • Seven Mile Beach

Within 3.5 miles:

• • • Mayfield Falls & Mineral Springs

Within 7 miles:

• • • Nigril
    • Royal Palm Reserve

Catcha Falling Star is 51 miles from Sangster International Airport.

Approximate cost per night : $307

Cost per person (four people): $76

 

 

 

Ocean Cliff Hotel

West End Road Negril

Sangster International Airport

Hotel amenities: private beach area, restaurant, bar, outdoor swimming pool, terrace, balconies, garden, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, free private parking, airport transportation

Nearby restaurants / bars: Blue Mahoe (restaurant & bar), Chicken Lavish Restaurant (restaurant), Pirates Dock (bar & grill), Connie’s Country & Western Bar, Canoe Beach Bar

Nearby misc.: Patsy’s Coffeeshop, Moya Spa (massage therapist)

Within feet:

• • • Sangster International Airport

Within 1.6 miles:

• • • Seven Mile Beach

Within 1.8 miles:

• • • Mayfield Falls & Mineral Springs

Within 5 miles:

• • • Bloody Bay Beach
    • Hedonism II Beach

Approximate cost per night (Deluxe Double Room): $481

 

 

 

Polkerris Bed & Breakfast

13 Corniche Road, N/A Montego Bay

One Man Beach

B&B amenities: lounge, free breakfast, terrace with a swimming pool, sea views, garden, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi , flat-screen TVs, safes

Nearby restaurants / bars: Marguerites (fine dining restaurant), Margaritaville Montego Bay, Hunger’s Point (restaurant), The Pelican Grill (family restaurant), Sunset Bar & Restaurant, Brewery Sunset Restaurant & Lounge

Nearby misc.: Coral Cliff (casino), De’Beauti Studio & Spa, Trav Sun Tours Jamaica, Solomone Adventure Tours (tour operator)

Within feet:

• • • One Man Beach
    • Catherine Hall Beach

Within 1.1 miles:

• • • Jarrett Park
    • The Catherine Hall Entertainment Center

Within 1.3 miles:

• • • The Howard Cooke Park

Polkerris Bed & Breakfast is 1.9 miles from Sangster International Airport.

Approximate cost per night: $314

 

 

 

Orchid Cottage

12 Norbrook Drive, Kingston

Constant Spring Golf Course | Manor Park Plaza

Guesthouse amenities: pool with a view, sun terrace, garden, garden views, barbecue facilities, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, fully-equipped kitchens (select rooms), safety deposit boxes, walk-in showers, hairdryers, 24-hour front desk, billiards, picnic area, free private parking

Within feet:

• • • Constant Spring Golf Course
    • Manor Park Plaza

Within 1.6 miles:

• • • K. S. A. C. Maloney Park

Within 5 miles:

• • • Tinson Pen Airdrome
    • Park of World Heroes
    • The Eric Bell Tennis Centre
    • Hope Botanical Garden
    • Temple Hall Estates

Within 6 miles:

• • • Old Railway Station

Within 17 miles:

• • • Norman Manley International Airport

Approximate cost per night: $108

 

 

 

Blue Paloma Bed & Breakfast

East Avenue, Lucea Hanover

Grand Palladium Beach

B&B amenities: bar, outdoor swimming pool, sun terrace, patio, garden views, fitness center, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, à la carte breakfast, free private parking

Nearby: Reggae Paradise (restaurant)

Within 1.5 miles:

• • • Grand Palladium Beach

Within 3.2 miles:

• • • Blenheim Heritage Site

Within 10 miles:

• • • Crocodile Reserve & Bird Sanctuary

Within 12 miles:

• • • Discovery Falls Park

Blue Paloma Bed & Breakfast is 18 miles from Sangster International Airport.

Approximate cost per night (King Room): $147

 

 

 

 

 

Half Moon

Half Moon, Montego Bay

Mystic Mountain

Resort amenities: multiple restaurants & bars, lounge, private beach, swimming pool, swim-up pool bar, spa, fitness center, golf course, basketball / volleyball courts, 4 squash courts, 11 tennis courts, Equestrian center, 24-hour medical center

Nearby restaurants / bars: Il Giardino Restaurant, Island Juices (restaurant), The Jerk Hut, Splendid Jam Cafe & Grill, Renus Sports Bar & Gaming Lounge

Nearby misc.: Montego Bay Convention Center, Escape To Exhale Day Spa. Fern Tree Spa, Rose Hall Great House, White Witch Golf Course, Cinnamon Hill Golf Course, Cinnamon Hill Great House (Home of Johnny Cash)

Within feet:

• • • Mystic Mountain (mountaintop adventure park)
    • Dunnes River Falls

Within 1.2 miles:

• • • Progressive Supermarket

Within 14.1 miles:

• • • Luminous Lagoon

Within 10 miles:

• • • Blue Hole Mineral Springs

Half Moon is 5.3 miles from Sangster International Airport.

Approximate cost per night (Great House Ocean Suite): $2,270

 

 

 

The Cliff Hotel

West End Road, Negril

Barney’s Flower & Hummingbird Garden

Hotel amenities: restaurant, outdoor pool, sun terrace, balconies with hammocks, spa, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, 24-hour front desk, concierge service, car rentals, water sports facilities, billiards, darts, free parking

Also in the area: Catcha Falling Star

Within feet:

• • • Barney’s Flower & Hummingbird Garden
    • Whoopie’s Hammock Park

Within 2.6 miles:

• • • Seven Mile Beach

Within 2.7 miles:

• • • Negril Public Park

Within 10 miles:

• • • Blue Hole Mineral Springs

The Cliff Hotel is 33.7 miles from Sangster International Airport.

Approximate cost per night (Five-Bedroom Villa): $3,129

Cost per person (ten people): $312

 

 

 

 

 

Geejam

San San , Port Antonio

Frenchman’s Cove Beach

Hotel amenities: restaurant, patios, spa, fitness center, hardwood floors, modern décor, mini-bars, digital surround systems, mobile phone upon arrival, 500 thread-count cotton sheets, on-site recording studio

Nearby: Woody’s Low Bridge Place (Jamaican restaurant), Pellew Island (Monkey Island), Blue Lagoon (swimming lake)

Within feet:

• • • Frenchman’s Cove Beach

Within 2.4 miles:

• • • Rotary Park

Within 3.1 miles:

• • • Bikini Beach

Within 30 miles:

• • • Norman Manley International Airport
    • Tinson Pen Airdrome

Approximate cost per night (Three-Bedroom Villa): $1,770

Cost per person (six people): $295

 

 

 

GoldenEye

Oracabessa

Santa Maria Island

Villa amenities: fine dining restaurant, beachfront bistro, 3 outdoor pools, private beaches, hidden coves, saltwater lagoon, lush gardens, full spa, villas, beach huts, cottages, kitchen facilities

Nearby: Bizot Bar, Button Beach, James Bond Beach

Within feet:

• • • Santa Maria Island
    • Chris’s Cafe

Within 1 mile:

• • • Oracabessa Fish Market

Within 5.6 miles:

• • • Firefly Mountain

Within 8.8 miles:

• • • Toscanini Restaurant

GoldenEye is 29.7 miles from Tinson Pen Airport.

Approximate cost per night (Two-Bedroom Lagoon Villa and/or Two-Bedroom Beach Villa): $2,510

Cost per person (five people): $502

 

 

 

 

 

The Caves

Light House , Negril

Mayfield Falls & Mineral Springs

Hotel bells and whistles: on-site dining, private cave dining for an extra cost (reserved upon check-in), rum bar, bar made from two limestone grottos, 24-hour self-service bar, private terraces, cliff-side guest suites, cottages with ocean views, cliffside hot tub, coffee-making facilities, mini-bars, in-room dining options, free bike rentals, snorkeling tours, local transfer service

Nearby: Jamaican Roots Tropical Farm

Within feet:

• • • Mayfield Falls & Mineral Springs

Within 1 mile:

• • • Seven Mile Beach

Within 5 miles:

• • • Nigril

The Caves is 52 miles from Sangster International Airport.

Approximate cost per night (Two-Bedroom Ocean Front Cottage): $1,292

Cost per person (four people): $323

 

 

 

 

 

Round Hill Hotel

John Pringle Drive, Montego Bay

Montego Bay

Hotel amenities: dining options, golden sand beach, pool with bay views, spa, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, iPod docking stations, Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee

Nearby: Tryall Golf Club, Orchard Beach (Old Steamer Beach)

Within feet:

• • • Montego Bay

Within 3.5 miles:

• • • Reading Beach

Within 5 miles:

• • • One Man Beach
    • Doctor’s Cave Beach

Within 12 miles:

• • • Roaring River Park
    • Roaring River Cave Park

Round Hill Hotel & Villas is 7 miles from Sangster International Airport.

Approximate cost per night (4 Bedroom Signature Villa): $4,243

Cost per person (eight people): $530

 

 

 

Whispering Seas Penthouse

A1 Whispering Seas, Tower Isle St. Mary, Ocho Rios

Sapphire Island

Penthouse amenities: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, outdoor swimming pool, sun terrace, patio with pool views, balcony, garden, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, fully-equipped kitchen, free private parking

Nearby: Delly’s Brick Oven Pizza Restaurant, Heaven’s Wynter Lodge Sports Bar & Restaurant, Twist Ice Cream & Cheesecake Parlor

Within feet:

• • • Sapphire Island Jamaica
    • Bambu Beach

Within 4.5 miles:

• • • Ocho Rios Market

Within 5 miles:

• • • Dunn’s River Falls

Within 33 miles:

• • • Tinson Pen Airdrome

Approximate cost per night: $378

Cost per person (four people): $94

 

 

 

 

 

Penthouse On The Ridge

Main Street, Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios Bay Beach

Penthouse amenities: panoramic harbor / town views, private gazebos, free Wi-Fi, private parking

Nearby: Konoko Falls, Turtle River Falls And Garden, Little Dunn’s River Beach, Mystic Mountain Rainforest Adventures

Within feet:

• • • Ocho Rios Bay Beach

Within 1 mile:

• • • Jerk Center Restaurant
    • Oceans 11 Restaurant
    • General Foods Supermarket

Within  2 miles:

• • • Farmers Market

Within 3 miles:

• • • Dunns River Falls

Penthouse on the Ridge is 53 miles from Sangster International Airport.

Approximate cost per night (4 Bedroom Signature Villa): $324

Cost per person (five people): $64

 

 

 

Caymanas Country Club House

Lot F70 Caymanas Country Club Estates, Ellis Caymanas

Caymanas Golf Club

House amenities: 2 bedrooms, outdoor swimming pool, terrace, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, fully-equipped kitchen, washing machine, indoor play area, outdoor play equipment, private entrance, full-day security, free private parking

Within feet:

• • • Caymanas Golf Club

Within 5 miles:

• • • West Cumberland Park
    • Worlian Park

Within 7 miles:

• • • Portmore Mall Entertainment Complex
    • Portmore Park

Within 23 miles:

• • • Norman Manley International Airport

Approximate cost per night: $109

Cost per person (four people): $27

 

 

 

So there they are, Jamaica accommodations that will help make for an outstanding trip. We hope you have found this information valuable and most importantly, that you enjoy your time in the Caribbean!