Happy 50 year anniversary to Jamaica!

Today marks 50 years since Jamaica lowered the Union Jack flag and replaced it with it's own...

Congrats to the people of Jamaica!

Breezes Runaway sold to Sagicor Insurance

Breezes Runaway, a 226 room hotel in Runaway Bay Beach, has just been sold from Superclubs to insurance group Sagicor.  Sagicor used to own Breezes Runaway till they sold it to Superclubs back in 2003.  The sales price is unknown at this point.

In a joint statement issued yesterday, SuperClubs and Sagicor said they will be working together to ensure a smooth transition of ownership with no interruption to service. The employees of the hotel will all receive redundancy packages from Breezes and be available for rehire by the new operators.

SuperClubs now operates 10 properties in four countries including Breezes Bahamas, Breezes Bœzios Resort & Spa in Brazil, Breezes Varadero, Breezes Bella Costa, Breezes Jibacoa in Cuba.  Also two resorts that I've been to: Hedonism II in Negril and Breezes Grand Resort & Spa Negril. 

Appleton 21 year old Rum

Rum that's 21 years old...let's do the math.  It's 2012, 21 years ago would put you in 1991.  President Bush Sr was president and the Gulf War was in full swing.  Also, Appleton, in Jamaica, was creating this rum. 

You can buy it for 129 Euro over at www.thewhiskyexchange.com.  At the time of this post, 129 Euro is around $172 in American cash.  Yikes!  This might make it a "save it for a very special occasion" bottle of rum in our house.

A way cool 1910 poster from Jamaica

Here's a way cool collectors print of a 1910 advertisement trying to beckon tourists to Jamaica.  This poster print shows a woman standing before a body of water carrying a fruit basket on her head.  In the background, mountains and a village.

Snag it over at Amazon for $29.99 and put it in your home to be reminded of the good times on your favorite island of Jamaica.  Oh, the print is about 2 feet tall by 18 inches wide.

Mayfield Falls in Jamaica - a personal review

Ok, so this will be a dated review, but it's authentic none-the-less.  In 2003 (or was it 2002) I was enjoying time in Negril, Jamaica.  But after being at the resort all week 4 of us decided to escape into the "real" Jamaica.  The front desk suggested we go to Mayfield Falls.  The front desk brochure read, "Overall Mayfield Falls is truly a nature lover's paradise with it's two beautiful waterfalls, 21 natural pools, 52 varieties of ferns, an abundance of exotic tropical flowers and plant species, and several types of birds, butterflies, and indigenous wildlife."  Sounded good to us!  After we plopped down $70 bucks per person we were on our way around 10am on a perfect October Jamaican morning.

(yours truly, errr...NM, and a couple we met in Jamaica)

The trip itself was on a resort provided van/bus and it took maybe 45 mins to get to the falls from where we were staying in Negril.   Once there we took a hike in some woods and over a bridge to get to the river where we'd spend the next 2 hours playing in the cool river.  The scenic view in the mountains was really beautiful and made getting out of the resort worth it in-itself.  In the river we hiked on cool stones and splashed around in the cool clear waters.  At one point we came upon several waterfalls and had the chance to swim under them. You get plenty of shade and coolness that you're just not used to in Jamaica.

(Mayfield Falls are located in the Dolphin Head Mountains)

After we had our fun in the river it was a hike back to base came where the staff of Mayfield Falls had a lunch prepared for us.  I had the chicken, rice and peas,(beans), and pasta salad of some sort.  No, it's not 5 star food but it sure tasted good after climbing around in the hills.  At this point we also took the time to take our photos before jumping back on the bus and making it back to Hedonism II around 3pm.

Would I recommend a visit to Mayfield Falls?  Yes!  The staff at Mayfield made the trip fun, safe and they were sure to point out facts about nature alone the way, most of which I forgot.  We had the chance to walk about 3/4 quarters of a mile in some of the most beautiful back-country you can imagine.  I'd only recommend that you bring with you sunscreen, water-shoes so you don't slip and a sense of appreciation for Jamaica.  After all, if I can remember this tour nearly 10 years later it must be worth the price and time it took.

I want to include a Google Maps aerial of Mayfield but I'm having a hard time coming up with one.  As near as I can tell it's closest to Glenbrook, Jamaica but I can't pull it up.  I'll keep working on it as your hard working Jamaica loving blogger.  :-)

Bonus Video:  Jamaica - Mayfield River Walk.

Take a cruise in 1912 from NYC for $135

I found this cool ad in the Boston Evening Transcript in the January 26th, 1912 edition.  Located on page 15 is this ad that's pitching a cruise from New York to the Carribean and back for the low low price of either $135 for a 22 day cruise or $140 for a 24 day cruise.  How much is $135 in 1912 dollars?  Around $3,057 according to www.futureboy.us.

* click the photo to enlarge it

Still seems like a pretty good deal. 

Sangster International has a new VIP lounge in MoBay

This is a story that I missed for a few months.  Sangster International in Montego Bay, Jamaica has a new VIP lounge called "Club MoBay."  What is it?  It's a 10,000 square foot area within Sangster where you can kick back & have drinks, snacks and check your e-mail.  It offers other benefits such as...

• Fast-track through check-in

• Unlimited free Wi-Fi
• Space to enjoy a premium bar featuring of course, Red Stripe Beer and complimentary snacks
• Business facilities such as high-speed internet access and meeting areas
• Spa treatments
• Shower facilities
• A fully equipped business center

(an attendant will notify you it's time to board)

 Passengers will also be able to pay for one time access at $30 USD for adults and $15 USD for children 12 and under, while children 2 years and under will be admitted free of cost. Located in the departure terminal between gate 9 and the RedStripe Café, the lounge will be open from 7 AM to 11 PM daily.

 So is $60 bucks worth it to slide through customs a little quicker?   And what's up with the showers?  I've never gotten to the airport and needed a shower, but hey, I guess it's a nice option just in case the ride in from Negril is too hot.   Also, if you buy entry at your hotel or in the airport, you get fast-track passage through security and immigration, which from experience, I know can be a hellish long wait at Sangster.

Word also has it that you can buy the $30 passes from Hedonism II before leaving.

Olivia in Jamaica for Smooth Girl Magazine

Yet another clip from Jamaica, this time with 21 year old hottie Olivia.  She's a 36D-24-44 inch model out of New York who was in 2010's issue.  I just love how Smooth Girl Magazine blends these hot ladies with Hedonism II, one of my favorite resorts.


Olivia - Smooth Girl Jamaica by Vacation Barefoot Blog

You can check out the stills from this shoot here, Smooth Girl had Olivia in Jamaica last year.

A peak behind the scenes with Yaris Sanchez

Here's a nice 5 min long clip of Dominican hottie Yaris Sanchez from 2010's Smooth Girl Magazine's "Live from Jamaica" issue. She's a 23 year old babe who was featured on another post of ours where she played on the beach, Yaris Sanchez plays on the beach. If you're afraid of seeing her topless, then DON'T click play on the video, if not...disfruta! (enjoy in Spanish) Oh, skip to 2:28 in the video if you want to "fast forward" to 1 of the topless scenes.

.

FYI - if you're curious, her measurements are a healthy 34D-26-44. Mamacita!

Jamaican babes

How about 3 sexy Jamaican models to kick start your weekend? I have no clue who they are, but with an island full of beautiful women it's no surprise to me that the models are found.

So nice...

Weather around the Caribbean

I love this time of year, it's getting cooler and the leaves are changing.  But it's also the time of year we usually make our annual track to Jamaica where it's an endless summer.  Today it's going to be in the mid 60's here in Los Angeles but around the Caribbean we have a different story...

and

If you're up in New York you're facing weather that's in the lower 60's and Denver you're seeing snow and the lower 30's as a high!   Yikes!

Random photos from the hills of Jamaica

Away from the beaches, away from the resorts...

Just a few photos showing you other parts of the island.

Take a cruise to Jamaica - in 1912

So I've been on a bit of a history kick lately in terms of travel, but it's so cool, so how can I not like it?   Do you all like this stuff?   Plus it's great when I run low on current travel topics to blog about.  I just hop in my virtual time machine called Google News Archives and travel back in time.  There's a ton of travel news that's interesting from years past.

So when I started cruising the archives for something to blog about I found this advertisement in the Boston Evening Transcript from May 28th, 1912.  It's an ad featuring a few cruise choices from the New York area into the warm waters of the Caribbean.  

(cool Caribbean clothes there family)

For the amazing low low price of just $140 you could have sailed from New York to the Caribbean and back on this 24 night steam ship cruise.   How much is $140 in 2011 money?  I found a site that has retro pricing, according to it, $3,243.  How much is a comparable 24 night cruise these days?   Around $7,613 for a 18 night Silver Sea cruise.  So it looks like deal of yesteryear was pretty good!  Pretty groovy huh?

BONUS LINK:   Hotel Myrtlebank Photos.

A cool print of Jamaica from 1888

Back in September of 2010 I blogged about a way cool 1886 print of a ship in Jamaica.   If you read the post you can see it's an old print out of a local newspaper from the year 1886.  I was so intrigued by it, that I bought it.   These days I have it framed and hanging in my home.  A bit of Jamaican history, both the good and bad.

Here's another piece from the same company via Amazon.com.  This time we have a print from 1888 that was used in The Illustrated London News.   This print was featured on page 1 of that issue and shows ladies in Jamaica moving baskets down near the docks.

(Size is approx 15 X 11 inches)

According to the company, "All Are Genuine Antique Victorian Prints And Not Modern Copies."  To place an order click the link below.  Will I end up buying this one as well?  Probably, and they only have 4 left so I better get on it!
 

A Casa Montego ad from 1961

I found this way cool ad from The Financial Post that was put out November 11th, 1961.  The ad was pitching the recently built Casa Montego Motel.  It's interesting to see that in order to book a room, you need to call your local travel agent.  Jez, times have changed.

(click to enlarge)

From what I can find this 100 room hotel has been around since 1957 and was pretty popular in the 60's, 70's and even the 80's.  One person claims it's still open but in pretty bad shape.  Others reports have the hotel vacant for a number of years.  I think the building is still there, but perhaps empty.

(The 8 story Casa Montego in 1965)

There's a lot of history in Montego Bay, but for this hotel, 50 years seems like all she had.  If anyone has more info, please comment.  I love researching the "old" Jamaica when tourism just started to boom.  As a side note, you could have booked a room at Casa Montego in 1980 for $25 a night.

The Haunted Caribbean - story 3

Continuing in this 3 part series we go back to Jamaica, to Manchester Parish...

 The legend of Skull Point Church - Google Map

You almost have to wonder if it was not inevitable that a church in a place with a creepy name like skull point would end up haunted.  Skull Point, located in Manchester Parish, Jamaica is a small community where an ancient courthouse is a national monument.  But ghost hunters will find little of interest at that historic spot and will instead be drawn to the abandoned church and cemetery.

 

 Local legend has it that a slave name James Knight became a Christian and began preaching to the other slaves in the area.  Upset by his brazenness, the slave owner had Knight killed.  The killers then displayed his head stuck on a pole to deter any other slaves from following in Knight's footsteps.  It is believed that because of the violence of his death and his denial of a proper burial, James Knight's spirit still roams the land.

  

Disabled peeps can now dive at Sandals & Beaches in Jamaica

One of the really cool things about the all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica is the fact that at most, you can dive for "free" since it's part of the package price you paid.  But in the past, not all could accommodate persons with disabilities.   But now things have changed for the better and such folks can learn to dive at Sandals and Beaches Resorts in Jamaica!

Scuba instructors that work these resorts in Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Negril have recently become certified at seminars conducted by the Handicap Scuba Association (HSA) from the United States of America.   

Could this now result in an increase in visitors to the island?  With Jamaica now tapping a previously untapped market for tourism as a large number of disabled persons were interested in diving, but weren't able to do so till now.   I think it's a great thing, everyone should get the chance to dive the warm waters of Jamaica.

Norwegian Cruises return to Jamacia

Six years ago Norwegian Cruise Line sailed away from Jamaica, and now, they're back!   Two of Norwegian's ships, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Sun, have plans in 2011 and 2012 to visit Ocho Rios.   If all goes well, they might just make Jamaica a permanent port once again.

I hope the port visits go well, it'd be nice to more cruise guests getting the opportunity to check out my favorite island, Jamaica.  Cruise visits to Ocho Rios have dipped about 25% over the last 5-6 years so Norwegian revisiting is a great sign.  It may be time for Ocho Rios to update their port and pier to lure even more visitors over.  Some reports have the port at Ocho Rios being "shabby."  And now there's Port Falmouth around the corner to compete for cruise ship traffic.

Let's see how this all pans out!

New bus routes to Hedo II from Kingston

When you book a trip at Hedonism II in Negril, Jamaica most people fly into Montego Bay aka, "MoBay."  From there SuperClubs offer FREE shuttle rides from the airport to the resort and they're not bad.  It's a nice way to see the island on the 48 mile trip.   The trip takes about an hour and a half and usually makes a pit stop at a local market where you can buy drinks/snacks and relive yourself.  :-D

(77.1KM or just under 48 miles from MoBay to Hedo II)

(242.1KM or just under 150 miles from Kingston to Hedo II)

BUT some people fly into Kingston's Airport, Norman Manley International, and now there's a new service that will take you from Kingston to Negril, in a more conformable looking bus for $2,200JA per person, one way.   $2,200JA at press time is around $25US.  It's a much longer trip at 150 miles and can take nearly 4 hours to arrive.   SuperClubs, as near as I can tell, doesn't offer any shuttle service from Kingston to Negril, so taking these newer looking buses are the way to go.

The only other option is to take a "puddle hopper" plane from Kinston (like you can at MoBay) and this will save uber amounts of time but the flight runs about $175US per person, one way.   If you wanna research the flight choices go to TimAir's webiste, www.timair.net.

(click to enlarge)

So if you're asking me to suggest anything I'd say this...fly into MoBay and take the FREE bus from there to the resort.  It's a nice trip where you get to see the countryside, ocean views and the "real" Jamaica.  The complimentary SuperClubs vans/buses aren't bad and it's a great way to meet people who are going to area resorts.  

But if you were in Kingston for some reason...these other buses seem like a nice option if you're down to take 1/2 day to see the island and save some money.   But I'd honestly rather spend more time at the resort and less time on a bus.  But hey, at least you have this choice.

RESPECT!

UPDATED:  According to Jamaica's Gleaner the bus route has "Amenities on board, in-ride entertainment, daily newspaper, bottled water, service of a hostess, choice of snack (biscuits or peanuts) and free WIFI internet service."

G-Strings "So soaking wet" Beach Party

If you're in Ocho Rios October 16th, 2011 you might want to attend this event, G-Strings "So soaking wet" Beach Party.   I wonder at these parties how many people are actual tourists or is it mostly locals?   I've posted some street party pics before from Jamaica and I'd say it's mostly local attendees.

Either way, it looks fun!   FYI - prices:  $2,500 (the most costly ticket) is $29.43 at the time of this post.  If you ever wanna check out the conversion rates between Jamaica and US dollars just Google "Jamaica dollar."

My question is this:  are the food and drinks included in the ticket price???