Anyone been to Jamaica??

[kamgen]

Has anyone here been to Jamaica....specifically stayed at an all-inclusive like Sandals or Superclubs??????/
Dh and I are looking into it for 2005 for our 5yr anniversary, so I was curious about your experiences.
Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kamy

 

[DawnCt]

P.M. Gail Hayden, she goes often.

 

[leahannpen]

Yep! Been there a few times, and going THIS saturday. We are staying at Grand Lido Braco. Can't wait! PM me if you have ANY questions!!!!

 

[TigH]

We went to Sandals in Ocho Rios (or Dunns River Falls, I can't remember now!) for our honeymoon in 1997. Had a really nice time. We stayed at the resort the whole time except for an excursion to Dunns River Falls and a trip to the other Sandals resort nearby for dinner one night.

While the resort wasn't as impressive as I had hoped (couldn't touch a Disney resort) we did enjoy the pool and the restaurants and the drinks. We snorkeled a few times, were treated very well by everyone who worked there, and left feeling like we got our money's worth.

 

[jipsy]

Yes - stayed at the Sandals Resort in Montego Bay and had an absolute blast. Then the hurricane destroyed it and they rebuilt it so I don't know what it is like now but I'm sure it's improved!

I will be in Jamaica next week and I can't wait! No problem mon!

 

[kamgen]

Would love to hear about it when you all return!!!!!
Any one else?

Kamy

 

[Big Dude]

This is currently my favorite place to travel. I have made a lot of friends in Jamaica and have the opportunity to wander into the places that visitors don't normally get to go. I stay at an All Inclusive in Montego Bay called Sunset Beach Resort and Spa. It is not as luxurious as the "Super Clubs" but this resort will give you the biggest bang for the buck. The key to Jamaica is to find a local that will act as a tour guide. I have a couple that I can share with you. Here is a link to my most recent trip report. It has tons of pictures and the message board it appears on is the best Jamaican travel board there is. I will be going back with my entire family in July. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me. I love to talk about Jamaica.

Adam aka Big Dude

 

[GeorgeG]

One of our cruise stops a few years ago was Montego Bay and we swore we'd never go back.

I hear some of the exclusive resorts are okay as long as you don't venture outside into the general population. The water was beautiful and we spent about half the day at a private beach club (Doctor's Cave), but once back on the street I would have been more comfortable heavily armed, and I'm not easily intimidated.

I recommend doing your homework on this one, which it seems you're doing.

 

[Big Dude]

Oh George. Your experience is one that many aboard cruise ships experience. The Montego Bay Freeport (where the ships dock) is one of the most bustling areas around. Why? The local leeches know this is where the tourists will spend most of their time and the prey on them right there. Your trip from the cruise ship to Doctors Cave took you down the "Hip Strip" of Montego Bay. This is where you can do all of your duty free shopping and visit Margaritaville. Again, a big tourist trap. This is the 1st (and most unfortunately) only sights that most cruise ship people see.

I also had heard of many "bad" things that go on in Jamaica. Just like any other city or country, you will have your bad apples but on the other side of the coin, there are many more good apples. If you look at my trip report that I posted above, you can see that there is much more to Jamaica than the Montego Bay Freeport/Hip Strip area. I have never felt intimidated on any of my visits to Jamaica which is why I love to go back. The people, culture, food and hospitality are second to none. You just have to get away from the traps.

Adam aka Big Dude

 

[Muffin]

My husband and I stayed at Sandals Negril in 2001. We loved it so much we're going back again this year.

PM me with any specific questions.

 

[kamgen]

Thanks everyone! I knew the DIS board had to have some Jamaica travelers!!!

Kamy