Have you been thinking about having a destination wedding?
How about a Caribbean honeymoon?
Maybe even a little romantic getaway?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, but aren't sure where to go . . .
well, I've got a great series on why Jamaica is the perfect location for you.
Today, I'm happy to welcome Jackie {my marketing manager} to the blog who will be taking over for the day with all things tropical . . .
Hi everyone! I'm sure you have already broken out your sweaters and started stocking up on pumpkin spice lattes in honor of fall, but I'm excited to share a little piece of tropical, island goodness with you to keep that summer feeling going a little longer.
I recently spent 5 days in Jamaica exploring the Montego Bay area, and I'm thrilled to share with you all of the wonderful experiences and places that will create a most memorable destination wedding or honeymoon! But, first I'd like to share a little bit about Jamaica - the island, the culture and some of the unique experiences you can enjoy during your visit.
Hi everyone! I'm sure you have already broken out your sweaters and started stocking up on pumpkin spice lattes in honor of fall, but I'm excited to share a little piece of tropical, island goodness with you to keep that summer feeling going a little longer.
I recently spent 5 days in Jamaica exploring the Montego Bay area, and I'm thrilled to share with you all of the wonderful experiences and places that will create a most memorable destination wedding or honeymoon! But, first I'd like to share a little bit about Jamaica - the island, the culture and some of the unique experiences you can enjoy during your visit.
If you live in the Tri-State area, Jamaica is very easy to get to . . . just a short three-hour flight and you're there. Jamaica is also an affordable destination with each part of the island offering something a little different from the other, so you can even have your wedding in one part of the island and your honeymoon in another. Montego Bay is a particularly great destination because most hotels and resorts are only a 15-20 minute drive from the airport. That means you can be on the beach with your umbrella drink in hand in no time! Not only is Montego Bay convenient to the airport, but there's a large variety of accommodations available for everyone! From all-inclusives, like RIU Montego Bay, to private villas to small boutique-style hotels, Montego Bay has it all. Especially if your destination wedding will include families with younger children, Montego Bay offers lots of family-friendly places to stay and things to do.
Montego Bay has stretches of beautiful white sand beaches and is about as picturesque as you can get for the Caribbean. Located on the north coast of the island, the bay is sheltered from the sea so the water is clear and calm - perfect for floating the afternoon away or splashing with the kids in the gentle, rolling waves. You can also do all sorts of fun water sports like kayaking, paddleboating, windsurfing and snorkeling - many of which are included with your hotel or resort stay! The temperatures stay in the low- to mid-80s year round, and though it can get humid during the rainy season (August - early November), it's an ideal climate for soaking up some sun on the beach or lounging by the pool. Ahhh.....
If you are looking for some special activities to add to your Montego Bay memories, there are so many to choose from! Here are just a few that I experienced, which made the trip so wonderful:
Montego Bay has stretches of beautiful white sand beaches and is about as picturesque as you can get for the Caribbean. Located on the north coast of the island, the bay is sheltered from the sea so the water is clear and calm - perfect for floating the afternoon away or splashing with the kids in the gentle, rolling waves. You can also do all sorts of fun water sports like kayaking, paddleboating, windsurfing and snorkeling - many of which are included with your hotel or resort stay! The temperatures stay in the low- to mid-80s year round, and though it can get humid during the rainy season (August - early November), it's an ideal climate for soaking up some sun on the beach or lounging by the pool. Ahhh.....
If you are looking for some special activities to add to your Montego Bay memories, there are so many to choose from! Here are just a few that I experienced, which made the trip so wonderful:
[Number 1:] Just a 30 minute drive east of Montego Bay, you can enjoy a relaxing bamboo raft ride for two down the Martha Brae River. The rafts are all made by hand, and piloted by friendly guides who will tell you anything you'd like to know about Jamaica and Montego Bay. Jamaica is one of the few islands in the Caribbean to boast a river, so this is truly a unique experience! {see Martha Brae Rafting here}
[Number 2:] About an hour's drive from Montego Bay, you'll find two fun activities, both of which were the highlight of my trip! First, just over an hour to the east, you can visit Dolphin Cove Negril where you can learn about and even swim with dolphins! These gentle, playful animals will kiss you and take you along for a little ride. It is a truly memorable and fun experience for kids big and small!
[Number 2:] About an hour's drive from Montego Bay, you'll find two fun activities, both of which were the highlight of my trip! First, just over an hour to the east, you can visit Dolphin Cove Negril where you can learn about and even swim with dolphins! These gentle, playful animals will kiss you and take you along for a little ride. It is a truly memorable and fun experience for kids big and small!
[Number 3:] About an hour's drive west, you can visit Rhodes Hall Plantation where you can make another kind of animal friend. Here, you can spend a few hours horseback riding through a gently rolling trail that takes you through mangrove forests and even a dip in the water. A really unique way to experience all the beautiful scenery Jamaica has to offer.
[Number 4:] And for a truly romantic evening with your special someone (the perfect addition to your honeymoon itinerary or pre-wedding activities), spend an evening taking in a Montego Bay sunset on a Champagne Sunset Dreamer Catamaran Cruise. Drinks and a buffet of tasty snacks are included, not to mention the spectacular view! Oh, did I mention the soundtrack for your evening is provided by a talented jazz musician? I can't think of a more perfect way to end a day.
[Number 5:] If you're looking to hang where some of the locals do, I found a few spots in Montego Bay you're sure to enjoy! Jamaica is full of good food and great meals - Scotchies in Montego Bay is a local favorite for authentic Jamaican food: pimento wood grilled jerk chicken and pork, tasty sides and of course, ginger beer! And, if you're looking to spend an afternoon or evening sipping a Red Stripe with some locals, check out Beth's Summer Breeze Beach Bar {photo from this location is the very first one shown in this post}. The atmosphere can't be beat, and Beth is just a wonderful host.
So, are you ready to book your destination wedding or honeymoon?
Stay tuned for the next post where I'll share some of the amazing resorts in Montego Bay that are waiting for you! ~ Jackie