talking shop ON LOCATION JAMAICA The Caribbean Tourism
Organisation- sponsored fam trip,
Courses in the Caribbean, is for agents who want to learn more about this diverse region. This year’s trip, in May took in two
very different destinations – Jamaica and the Cayman Islands’ Grand Cayman. Selling Long Haul’s Laura Gelder joined the group to document the trip. This is the first of her two reports.
We touch down in a sunny Jamaica and have a 90-minute transfer to Ocho Rios, drinking in the scenery: jauntily painted roadside stalls selling jerk chicken, lush greenery with hot pink and burnt-orange flowers and flashes of white sand in-between. We arrive at adults-only The Jewel at Dunn's River as the sun sets and the bubbling hot tub is lit up for evening drinks – just in time for a buffet dinner that includes rum fish and curried goat. The Jewel was formerly a Sandals- branded resort. Still all-inclusive, it has retained its traditional décor with mountain, garden and ocean-view rooms, plus tennis courts, a spa
and restaurants including an 'interactive teppanyaki'.
Quirky features like an outdoor cinema where you watch from the pool sets it apart from other resorts.
BEST FOR: Groups, friends, couples – and those who want relaxation and fun. Jeff Paulett from Westgate Travel Worldchoice summed it up:
“A lot more upmarket than I expected, and the concierge service bringing drinks to you at the pool was great!”
The first day takes us up Mystic Mountain for spectacular views and a much- anticipated bobsled run. After a quick look at a museum telling the true story that inspired the film Cool Runnings, we are whizzing along a track which swoops and curves through the jungle. “Mystic Mountain has three activities in one: the chairlift to the top is an attraction in itself, plus the bob sleigh and zip-lining," said Carol Smith from Co-operative Travel.
JAMAICA Top Selling Tips..
• Head to Montego Bay’s Hip Street, which comes alive at night with restaurants, clubs and bars
• Try the local food. It's good to step outside the all-inclusive bubble once or twice! We went to Native café in Montego Bay and had Ackee (a local vegetable) and salted cod fish for breakfast!
• Jamaica doesn't have to mean a beach wedding. Other venues include gardens or historic plantation houses
Next up is Dolphin Cove, where visitors can swim with dolphins and stingrays, watch sharks and do a jungle walk to see parrots and reptiles. Everyone gets a lift from the dolphins,
Clockwise from top left: Bob-sledding down Mystic Mountain; Local rum; Horse riding at Chukka Cove; Pirates of the Caribbean.
or at least a kiss. “Dolphin Cove was a fantastic, unique experience – there’s not many places you can interact with animals like that,” said Jeff Paulett. Refreshed, we take a tour of the pastel-purple Riu Ocho Rios resort, revealing 856 all-inclusive rooms, a huge pool area, and many restaurants, from formal dining to Japanese or pizza, and a small but luxurious spa. BEST FOR: Families of all ages – there’s entertainment and activities on offer for kids and parents “I’d recommend Riu Ocho Rios to families. I’ve used Rius before, they are clean and good fun.” Jayne Nuttall, Travel Counsellors Dinner is at Couples San Souci, one
Courses in the Caribbean
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