Island Guides 2018

The World’s

���

�

�

ONLY 5 STAR L U X U R Y I N C L U D E D® R E S O R T S

VOTED WORLD’S BEST

22

Y E A R S I N A R O W AT T H E W O R L D T R AV E L AWA R D S

MASTERS OF EXCELLENCE IN THE CULINARY TM ARTS

UP TO 16 GOURMET RESTAURANTS PER RESORT ild Gu

THE MOST EXCLUSIVE SUITES

LUXURY INCLUDED ®

of Profession al

English Butlers

5-STAR SERVICE

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED MORE QUALITY LAND & WATER SPORTS

SANDALS.COM • 1-888-SANDALS OR CALL YOUR TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL

More Quality Inclusions Than Any Other Resorts On The Planet JAMAICA • ANTIGUA • SAINT LUCIA • BAHAMAS • GRENADA • BARBADOS

Sandals® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacation, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Vacations Corp., the worldwide representatives of Sandals Resorts.

DS

AL

net

OS

7.

OUT OF MANY ONE ISLAND

Jamaica’s dynamic diversity defines its people, its culture and its heritage. A diversity that keeps visitors coming back for more..

10.

FALMOUTH

Once a bustling port, this Georgian town has lots to offer for visitors in search of history, culture and adventure. .

2

CONT E 14.

MONTEGO BAY

Whether it’s shopping, dining, spa-ing, golfing, or sightseeing, we can help you do it all.

Island Guides is a publication by M&M Media Ltd. Endorsed by Port Authority of Jamaica (Cruise Jamaica) Design: Passion Fruit Jamaica Contributing Writer, Photographers and Illustrators: Leisha Wong, RedBunker, Ashley Campbell Advertising Sales: Kith Ann Excell, Christine Messado, Copyright © Island Guides 2018 by M&M Media Limited.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction by permission only. messadomedia@gmail.com / 876 381-0229

ity ture ity g

19.

CULTURE Take our advice and share in

bits and pieces of Jamaica’s culture, its foods (Pg 20) and crafts (Pg 22) that can be found all around you.

T ENTS 24.

CHECKLIST

16.

What you need to know to navigate this island like a local.

OCHO RIOS

Although Ochi is one of Jamaica’s busiest tourist towns it still holds many hidden adventures, join us and experience its hidden side.

3

JAMAICA BLUE MOUNTAIN® COFFEE Jamaica’s finest coffee Available in stores throughout Jamaica | www.coffeeroastersofjamaica.com

MM17-010 Mystic

MM17-010 Mystic Mtn_St Peter & Paul_FP.indd 1

2/15/17 4:24 PM

6

OU T OF MANY MA NY OUT ... .....

ON AN D ONEE ISL ISLAND

J

amaica. An island of white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and picture-perfect sunsets. But it is also an island of dense rainforests, majestic mountain ranges and expansive plains. An island where black sand beaches and sprawling urban centres collide with remote hillside communities and lush hidden waterfalls. And this is what makes Jamaica so unique. A dynamic diversity that defines its people, its culture and its heritage. A diversity that keeps visitors coming back for more.

The third largest island in the Caribbean (after Cuba and Hispaniola), Jamaica— originally called “Xaymaca” by the island’s earliest settlers, the Arawaks, in honour of this “land of wood and water”—has grown out of a commonwealth history defined by traditions and customs. But as the first island to gain independence from the British West Indies— in August 1962— Jamaica has established its more recent history by the flamboyant beats of the dancehall and reggae culture that energizes the streets; our world-famous athletes; and the richness of our exports, from coffee and 7

rum to reggae and Red Stripe.

And while Jamaica is very much what you see on the postcards, it is so much more.

“Out of Many, One People” is much more than the national motto, but speaks to the multitude of attractions that draw the millions of 8

different visitors to the island each year. Solo travellers, history and cultural buffs, reggae fanatics, boaters and fishermen, surfers and yogis…the list is endless.

And Jamaica has something for all…let’s explore and adventure!

9

H T U OUT O FALM M L FA

History

Situated on Jamaica’s North coast, Falmouth is one of the Caribbean’s best preserved Georgian towns, with original architecture dating back to 1790. A bustling port—one of the busiest on the island during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries— Falmouth was a commercial centre heavily invested in the sugar and slave trade. Now, the rejuvenated cruise port has transformed Falmouth into a major destination for visitors in search of history, culture and adventure.

Super Safari

Get up close and personal with some of Jamaica’s indigenous wildlife. Agouti, tayra, mongoose and the collared peccary are just some of the exotic species you will find at Swamp Safari Village.

Also catch a rare glimpse of the endangered Jamaican boa constrictor, and the almost11

extinct Jamaican coney, or hutia, a rodent similar to a guinea pig.

You might not want to get too close to the habitat’s other residents…the crocodiles.

Leave that to the experience crocodile trainers! James Bond fans…location alert! This is where the famous crocodilejumping scene from Live and Let Die was filmed!

12

Glistening Waters

Where the Martha Brae River and the Caribbean Sea meet, Jamaica’s natural wonder, Luminous Lagoon, is home to millions of microscopic bioluminescent organisms and is one of the country’s natural wonders.

Where is the RUM?

Just 30 minutes from Falmouth Pier is one of the oldest sugar estates in Jamaica, producing one of the finest rums in the region.

Hampden Estate, is the only distillery in Jamaica that specializes exclusively in the making of heavy pot still rums. Join the tour and see first-hand how they make their award-winning Rum Fire and Hampden Gold rums—part science, part art; it is a timehonoured process is one that has been passed down through the generations.

Dive into the water and physically experience only one of a few bioluminescent lagoons in the world. As you move, watch the tiny harmless creatures light up bluegreen around your body. An unforgettable experience.

Starting Point

Teeming with history Falmouth’s Greenwood Great House, built over 200 years ago and formerly owned by the family of Elizabeth Barrett-Browning (the famous English poet) is one of the best preserved Great Houses on the island.

13

MONTEGO MONTEGO BAY B AY HISTORY

Whether it’s shopping, dining, spa-ing, golfing, or sightseeing, the “Second City” exudes laidback style, and much more. Originally named Golfo de Buen Tiempo ("Fair Weather Gulf"), by Christopher Columbus on his first visit in 1494, Montego Bay has a vast history, and is the locale for some of the island’s most 14

monumental historical events.

It is also one of the island’s busiest ports, and with attractions to suit all tastes in close proximity, you may find it hard to decide what to do… we can help!

Culture Club Head Downtown to Sam Sharpe Square, where you'll find a bit of Jamaican history

Thrill Seeking

GO GO at the feet of the statue of two of our national heroes, Sam Sharpe and Paul Bogle. The square is also home to the Civic Centre, which contains the Museum of St James, with Arawak relics and exhibits.

For a ghost tale, jump in a taxi and head to Rose Hall, Jamaica’s most famous great house, said to be haunted by Annie Palmer, who legend says, killed her husbands.

The newest addition to the Chukka family is Chukka’s Good Hope Adventure Park & Falls. An ATV safari; zipline canopy tour; tubing on the Martha Brae River; and an adventure falls featuring a 50ft cascading waterfall, six wading pools and a 300ft waterslide. This is all set on the majestic Good Hope estate, so step back in time and also tour the 1700’s Great House. For a little more serene adventure, cool off in the crystal clear waters of Doctor’s Cave Beach, and lounge back with a cocktail. Or, to get a closer look at the wonders under the sea, head to the Montego Bay Marine Park, Jamaica’s first national park and a protected area offering marine life educational tours as well as amazing snorkelling and scuba diving.

15

IOS HO RIO C O HISTORY This former fishing town, translated as “Eight Rivers”, is now one of Jamaica’s busiest tourist towns. It’s diverse landscape—from lush green rainforests to stunning white sand beaches—offers an extensive and diverse itinerary for all visitors.

While it may be the island’s go-to destination (after Montego Bay), plenty awaits the visitor who wants to go off the beaten “beach”, and explore the hidden side of 16

“Ochi”—as it is known by it’s friends.

Hidden Adventures

Secluded and relatively untouched, Blue Hole is one of Ochi’s hidden treasures.

Cliff jumping, cavern exploring, rope swinging and lagoon lounging all combine to deliver a captivating experience at Blue Hole.

From the cooling depths of

S

Blue Hole, to the lush green heights of Mystic Mountain, visitors to the treetop destination will experience Ochi from new heights. Take the chairlift, and climb 700 feet up (just don’t look down!) to Mystic Dining, an awardwinning food experience with breathtaking views. Head down the mountain in the unique bobsled tour, at speeds that will take your breath away!

It is the town called “Eight Rivers”, so immersing yourself in the cool river water, is another quintessential Ochi experience. Whether it’s at Dunn’s River Falls, Roaring River, or White River, a refreshing, cooling and invigorating dip will leave you feeling energized! For a fun river adventure, head to Chukka’s White River Valley, and experience the meandering river tubingroute, while learning about the island’s history.

Hidden Flavours

Head just a little out of town for one of the areas most unforgettable food experiences. Stush in the Bush delivers one of the most down-to-earth, “glam”, farm-to-table experiences, serving up some of the most creative and fresh food on the island—and it’s vegan! Hosted by the effervescent husbandand-wife team, Lisa and Chris Binns welcome you into their home to embrace food that is wholesome and delicious, and showcases the richness of the island’s natural bounty.

For a more traditional take on Jamaican food, Miss T’s Kitchen serves up authentic cooking, with a gourmet twist.

Hidden, yet located just off the main road in Ochi, bold and deep flavours can be found in each dish, from their wellknown oxtail, or curry goat.

17

C T

CU L CUL U RE TCHECK TURE T

here’s no better way to navigate a new place than with a local by your side. So let us be your local! From some essential Jamaican flavours you can only experience on the island, to where you can score some stunning local art pieces, let us show you!

19

ISLAND

FAVS

It’s not that our food is spicy… its just simply delicious. Each bite of an island favourite is an experience you’ll never forget. Truss’ mi… buy from the local vendors and you will soon start to move like a Jamaican.

20

Ice Cream Bulla Pepper Shrimp

(Devon House)

Fry Dumpling

Scotch Bonnet

Patty Cane Coconut Water

Pepper Peanut

(spice it up with a dash of rum)

Pan Chicken Grater Cake 21

ISLAND

FAVS

Craft markets are easily the best way to see or buy most art & craft items, but some beautiful and original pieces by local artisans can only be found at more established shopping centers. Souvenirs are an easy way to take home a piece of Jamaica’s culture and style.

22

Intuitive Art

Leather Slippers Straw Bags Wooden Sculptures Ceramic items by

Touch by VLS

Jewellery by

STORY & MYTH Mugs by

DAVID PINTO Bags by

VISIONARRI Creations Bracelets by

GALAVANT Salt & Pepper Shakers by

Baughaus Design Studio

23

C H EC K L I ST

You are in Jamaica…now what? What do you need to know to navigate this island like a local?

24

A Fe w e r s : o i nt P Safety Our main cities are just like the main cities in any country—and there are some places not recommended for visitors. Always be aware of your surroundings, your personal belongings; and stay with your group where possible.

Money

The Jamaican Dollar is the official currency, but US Dollars and all major credit cards are also accepted at most places. ATMs are conveniently located at various locations.

Tipping

Tipping is accepted and appreciated by most service members, so you are welcome to show your gratitude.

Emergencies

Dial 119 for the police or 110 for an ambulance.

Lost?

Got Questions?

Need Information?

There are information booths at the Cruise Ship Piers, and they can also be reached at:

Come Back Soon!

Felt like you needed more time in your destination?

For your next vacation, make it Jamaica again! Go to www.visitjamaica.com and start planning your next Jamaica holiday today!

EXCLUSIVELY, EXCLUSIVELY, AUTHENTICALLY AUTHENTICALLY ROLEX. EXCLUSIVELY, ROLEX. EXCLUSIVELY, Only official Rolex retailers can AUTHENTICALLY AUTHENTICALLY offer the authentic Rolex experience.can Only official Rolex retailers EXCLUSIVELY, Nooff one else can provide most ROLEX. er the authentic Rolexthe experience.

ROLEX. diverse selection Rolex watches No one else of can provide theand most AUTHENTICALLY Only official Rolex retailers can guarantee authenticity.

Furthermore, diverse selection ofoffRolex watches and experience.

Only official retailers can er theRolex authentic Rolex only an offi cial retailer has the skill ROLEX. guarantee authenticity.

Furthermore, No one else can provide the most offer the authentic Rolex experience. diverse selection of Rolex watches and andonly equipment service aprovide Rolex, an No offione cialtoretailer has the skill else can the most

guarantee authenticity. Furthermore,

ensuring Rolex’s standard of quality and official equipment to service a Rolex, Only retailers can diverseRolex selection of watches and only an offiRolex cial retailer has the skill as er well aguarantee lifetimeand of appreciation. ensuring Rolex’s standard of quality authenticity.

Furthermore, equipment to service a Rolex, off theasauthentic Rolex experience. ensuring Rolex’s standard of quality as well as a lifetime of appreciation. onlycan an offi cial retailer has the skill No one else provide the most as well as a lifetime of appreciation. and equipment to service diverse selection of Rolex watches anda Rolex, ensuring Rolex’s standard of quality guarantee authenticity. Furthermore, as well as a lifetime of appreciation. only an official retailer has the skill and equipment to service a Rolex, ensuring Rolex’s standard of quality as well as a lifetime of appreciation.

OYSTER PERPETUAL DAY-DATE 40 OYSTER PERPETUAL DAY-DATE 40

OYSTER PERPETUAL DAY-DATE 40

OYSTER PERPETUAL DAY-DATE 40

OYSTER PERPETUAL DAY-DATE 40

Bijoux_AuthoDealer_158.75x234.95_0317.indd 1

Bijoux_AuthoDealer_158.75x234.95_0317.indd 1 Bijoux_AuthoDealer_158.75x234.95_0317.indd 1

21.03.17 16:30

21.03.17 16:30 21.03.17 16:30