Is there any better way to get to know Jamaica or any place for that matter than to explore it? Definitely not. Of course, if you are looking for luxury and all inclusive resorts, there are plenty of those to choose from. In fact, my trip started off at the Sunset JamaicaGrande Resort and Spa in Ocho Rios.
There is not enough to be said about enjoying unlimited food, drinks and access to the beach including water sports. The views from every room on the property yields a feeling of relaxation and calm, though I prefer the perfect home and away from home in the Cabanas providing direct access to the nearest pool, a stones throw to the beach and a couple of the finest restaurants on property, all right at your patio door.
If you want something more exclusive, try Hermosa Cove Villa Resorts and Suites. I had the pleasure of enjoying a culinary experience there after learning that the head chef at the on property restaurant, Christopher’s was a native of the island but also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New York. Having worked at Nobu in Manhattan, a personal favorite, Conroy Arnold’s culinary delights did not disappoint.
Feeling as adventurous as we did? Rent a car and take a drive around the island. I recommend doing this during the daylight hours as street signs, or directional signs of any capacity are scarce once you leave the more metropolitan areas.
Driving from Ocho Rios to Kingston requires quite a bit of dedication. For starters, the locals drive on the left side of the street, not the right, the driver’s side of the car is on the right, not the left and many of the streets considered to be highways are not much wider than a one way street in the U.S. But, if you’re ready for the challenge, dive in. And by the way, Maps on the iPhone comes in quite handy as well.
Once in Kingston, spend a night or two at the City View Hotel. Completely different from any other hotel in the city of Kingston, City View offers exactly that, a spectacular, panoramic view of the entire city as far as the eye can see.
However breathtaking it may be during the day, it is amplified at night. With twinkling lights spreading as far east as west, this is a bed and breakfast type property with only five rooms, a welcoming staff and is situated in one of the most amazing locations high up in the hills. It is truly an authentic Jamaican experience.
So again I ask, is there any better way to get to know Jamaica than actually exploring the island? The answer is no. Whatever you decide to do on your visit, it is imperative that you get out and explore. It’s the only way to find the spirit of Jamaica and experience the island motto, “Out of Many, One People.”
