I have had so many recommendations for Jamaica, it sounds beautiful there. I can't believe you've been going every year! We can probably settle for not traveling out beyond our hotel as long as there is the snorkeling and other water activities to do (mainly to keep my boyfriend occupied). I have heard a lot about Dunns River Falls so that would be a nice trip out for us one of the days. I'll have to look more into Hedonism II...I just always thought it was for spring breakers and wet t-shirt contests!

Thank you so much for your help! It is much appreciated!

Dear Whams,

The all inclusive resorts in Jamaica are all wold famous. They are the best.

Please arrange to take some trips outside the hotel compounds.

You might even have fun and see the island that you have been visiting from 1988.

I feel very sorry for any tourist who is satisfied with only staying in their hotel.

Jamaica is such a fascinating island. Full of mountains. Culture. Lively music.

Interesting people. Hand crafts. Paintings. A world of sport activities.

You have not visited Jamaica unless you have rode on a raft for three hours down the Rio Grande in Pt Antonio. Stopping to chat and have lunch with Miss Betty on the way.

Tasted chicken and pork cooked jerk style from the original setting. Boston Bay. Together with roast corn or breadfruit while sipping a Red Stripe beer .

Swam in the Blue Lagoon and later ate a freshly cooked lobster right at their restaurant.

Rode a mountain bike from Newcastle through the blue mountain range down to the north coast shoreline, stopping to have a dip under the waterfalls.

Climbed the Dunns River Falls in a group and then alone. Swam with the Dolphins.

Safari trip up the Black River to watch the crocodiles.

Watched the south coast shoreline from Lovers Leap. Eaten a fresh mackrel fish just caught and immediately cooked on a BBQ right on the beach. Watched a sunset from the west end in Negril. Had a swim after midnight with a full moon lighting your way.

I could go on forever. But none of these things will really be enjoyed without the company of the hospitable Jamaicans to make the journey more fun and relaxing.

JohnnyBgood,

My dughters are older now and we have been on most of these excusions. I tried to go Dunns River Falls last year and was turned down. Since we only stay at AI it is easy to get wrapped up in the activities and we usually only have 7/8 days and want to relax. We did do the Luminous escursion last yr. since they needed additional folks to make it happen.

No patties last year where we stayed and had a bartender bring enough for everyone the nest day.....Had humming birds and pattie pool party!

My intentions were not to tell anyone to be stuck at the hotel....it is just what WE do!

Love jamaica and keep going back!

JohnnyBgood,

You would suggest walking or driving in Jamaica? NEVER....NOT ME!

PS...Apologize for the typos in last message, I guess that is what spell check is for!

Dear Whams, Thanks for the asurance that you have seen all and done all in Jamaica.

I would hate to think that you were missing so much.

I have also done all of thoes things and much more. But I never get tired of doing them again and again. Also love to keep discovering new places and things to do in Jam.

Driving and walking in Jamaica. I hadnt notice that there was a problem.

Guess its what your used to. I felt much more nervious in Houston.

Everything was so big and looked out of control. So many unruely cowboys and cowgirls wandering around untamed. To each his own.

If you walk the walk and talk the talk then nobody will mess with you.

I could never go the all-inclusive way. I just dont agree with it in principal.

It takes the guests away from the real enjoyment of seing and experiencing Jamaica.

However, in your case I will understand... CONGRATULATIONS!

At least you keep comming back. Thats the biggest compliment that anybody could give

to Jamaica, the hotel and its people. Thank you.

I like to visit + relax in a different way..Here is another post for your reading pleasure.

THE WEXFORD HOTEL - MONTEGO BAY

This lovely hotel has a very convenient location. Close to everywhere. The beaches, downtown and the night-club action strip.

The Hotel is set back from the main road, on a slight hill.

I enjoyed the panoramic views of the Montego Bay harbour with the mountains in the background and the blue Caribbean sea in front.

This inspiring view was from my bedroom or while dinning on the patio veranda. This is even more beautiful and romantic at night time.

The staff and service are polite and relatively fast.

The hotel provided a perfect setting for me. I was constantly on the move and did not want to always be in the hotel.

I spent 12 days there and also visited many other hotels in the area.

I highly recommend this one.

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA, W.I.

I just returned from twelve exciting days of a combined business and pleasure trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica, W.I.

The Jamaicans are still very polite and always respectful and friendly at all times.

Tourism is their major income and they recognise and welcome this. They are proud people and take the time to describe everything and show you their island.

I was also able to combine business and pleasure, and also enjoy the exercise while walking in the early morning, late afternoon and even after midnight.

Someone is always trying to sell you something, but in a friendly and respectful manner.

I felt safe at all times during my stay.

Their jovial manner is always present.

Even in their way of speaking.

You learn to accomplish things at an easier more relaxed pace.

This is what life is about, to enjoy it.

Dear Whams, Here is another posting that I wrote today.

Over the last week I have read so many lovely postings. Written by people who realy love the Jamaican people and the country. They want to help.

Then I read a couple of bad postings, written by people who had never even been to JAM or didnt know its people. Trying to spread the word not to go down there.

This prompted me to write and post this letter.

What do you think?. Am I being too hard?

To all thoes who posted positive thoughts on the subject, CONGRATULATIONS!!

The webcam that is mention here is on the NEGRIL BEACH.

I hope that it will brighten your spirits.

QUOTE:- Take a look at the Coco La Palm webcam. You can see that there is a beach and the water is blue and sun is shining. I think there was some erosion but the beach is certainly not gone.

To appreciate an overseas trip destination you must first have travelled within your own country. There is no other country like the USA for getting around easily.

Flights are many times per day. Roadways + highways are all almost too perfect.

Hotels of all shapes and sizes and prices for anybody.

All this perfection takes a toll on the humans who live there. It is called stress.

When developed it spreads like cancer throughout the mind and body.

Then you have to go overseas to take a vacation because you are all "stresed out".

Before you even get to this chosen place, you have to go through another stressfull situation. Chosing the place. So you get on the internet and post requests and make stupid remarks and drive everyone crazy because you are all stressed out.

Finally you get to the chosen place and you need three days to unwind from the stress.

You actually enjoy yourself during the next three days and then its all over untill next year. Unless you can afford one more week.

So back you go to the grit and grind of doing the same thing all over again just so that you can save enough money go on holidays again next year.

Meanwhile, the local natives from the islands are looking on and studying your behavior.

Saying to themselves.....they should live down here to see what stress is all about......

To have your farm products, animals, car and home washed away in one hurricane.

And he was not even invited to visit us.....

Houston? HMMMMMMM! you're kidding right?

Yes, Just call me lazy and old but after 4 daughters...nothing left! I keep going back because of the PEOPLE and no pressure! I did consider the Dominican Republic this year and you know.....back to Jamaica.

Have you tried the private villas? when I am "done" (almost there) raising these girls I think the villa will look inviting!

Also, what is your favorite restaurant for lobster in Runaway Bay or falmouth??

When are you going back???

This is my first year for Jamaica - I am going over the first part of November for my son's wedding ------------ it will be a really new experience for me, as I love traveling to Portugal.

My friend/travel agent suggested the Coyaba Resort in Montego Bay, and I got a really well-priced all-inclusive deal with Orbitz -------- it's a 5 star, smaller hotel (only has 50 rooms), which is what I like ------- I did not want to wait in-line for restaurants, etc... at the big hotels and all the personal reviews that I've read about the Coyaba, have been excellent.

All I can suggest for you, is to do research, before you book your vacation.

Good luck & have a great time.

Lynne

Check out Ibiza off the coast of Spain. I'd avoid Hedonism. Miami can be a serious party town if you're into clubs. A suite at the Bellagio in Vegas is killer.