Caribbean – 2 Travel Is 2 Live

Dominica

Posted on January 25, 2023January 26, 2023 by Debs and Mike

Dominica is a Caribbean Island which is only 290 sq miles in area.

Travel to Dominica

We arrived in Dominica on the 2nd January 2023 on our cruise ship. Please check out for our full itinerary of the cruise. When we got off of the ship and wondered ashore we were greeted with a man playing drums, lots of market stalls and people selling excursions.

After doing a bit of research on what we wanted to do on the island as time was limited we decided we wanted to snorkel at Champagne Reef and see the island. As we had booked our cruise with Tui we checked their excursions and this was not on the list, Therefore we checked other tour operators including Viator. Viator had an excursion that picked up at the cruise port at 9am which did not leave enough time to disembark the ship and have breakfast. We emailed Viator who responded promptly advising we could have a private tour for £45 each which was a good price compared to Tui excursions.

Champagne Reef and Waterfalls Tour

On the morning of the tour we were advised to walk to a hotel called Fort Young where our guide would meet us at 10am. The hotel was just a short walk from the cruise port. There were several other tour operators at this point offering island tours for £25 but this did not include the snorkelling at Champagne Reef and this is something that we wanted to do.

Our personal tour guide

The tour guide Michael arrived a few minutes before 10am and introduced himself. Michael was very knowledgeable regarding the island. From the moment we set off he provided us with information about where we were driving and about the island. Although the island is small it did take some time to get to the places of interest.

Hot Springs

Our first stop was the natural hot springs. You could see the water bubbling and the steam coming from the springs. Entrepreneurs of the island have used this to their advantage and built leisure retreats using the hot springs in hot tubs. Michael advised that this is a lucrative business. During Covid it was hard on the island but things are improving.

Waterfalls

Our next stop was the waterfalls. This was a beautiful setting in the rain forest. The falls are not very big or very high but lovely all the same and worth a visit. Due to the island having a lot of rain the vegetation around the falls is very green and lush. Michael provided us with information about the falls and then gave us time to walk around on our own.

We went in to the waterfalls which was quite warm. As we were continuing on our tour we only went in the falls up to knee high.

Next we were on to Champagne Reef. On our way to the reef there were several people at pipes coming out of the edge of the hills. These people were collecting natural spring water.

Champagne Reef

Michael took us to Champagne Reef where we were met by a guide from Donny’s Water Sports. We were advised to get changed in to our swimwear and put on a life jacket. Donny’s Water Sports provided all the snorkelling equipment necessary. Although we had brought our full face snorkelling equipment as we felt these were easier to use.

Snorkelling

We snorkelled to the Champagne reef from the shore. The guide had a ringbuoy should we need any help. The guide often pointed to marine life along the way to the reef. He constantly watched over us to ensure we did not get in to any difficulties. Fortunately we are both good swimmers and the sea was very calm.

When we arrived at the Reef you could feel a difference in the temperature of the sea. It was amazing seeing and feeling the bubbles from beneath the sea bed. The bubbles are due to the island being volcanic. The guide went to the bottom of the sea and caught some of the water in his breathing tube he then poured it on our hands. The water at the bottom of the sea was far warmer than what we were experiencing even though the difference in temperature from away from the reef to the reef was quite apparent.

At the reef we saw many different colourful fish, eels and even an octopus. Unfortunately we had previously purchased a underwater cover for one of our phones which did not work when underwater which we were extremely disappointed about as we would have had some amazing photo’s.

The guide was amazing and looked after us so well. Not many people on the island earn a great amount of money therefore we did tip our guide.

Michael then drove us back to the cruise port. Unfortunately for what ever reason they would not let him through the gates. Michael works for himself doing the tours. He was very informative throughout our tour and would recommend him to anyone visiting Dominica. Obviously we tipped Michael as well.

Hydroelectric Energy

Michael informed that the island has more rain than some of the Caribbean Islands due to its mountainous landscape. He advised that the clouds get trapped between the mountains and then release moisture. Dominica use the rain to their advantage. 90% of Dominica’s electricity is provided by Hydroelectric energy.

Summary

Dominica is a beautiful island and definitely somewhere we would recommend. We are already thinking about another Caribbean cruise so we can re visit the island and see more of it. There wasn’t enough time in one day to appreciate the island. We only had a little taste of what it offers.

Images

Sign near cruise port
Sign near cruise port
Hot Springs
Hot springs
Sign to waterfalls
Waterfalls
Waterfalls
Photo with Michael our tour guide
Mike full face mask
Donny’s Water Sports

Things to do

Visit Champagne Reef
Visit Hot Springs
Visit Waterfalls
Visit Red Rocks
Visit Toucari Bay
Visit Fort Shirley
Visit Roseau Cathedral and Market
Visit the Emerald Pool

Top Tips

If wanting an island tour which visits some of the above go with one of the local operators as they only charge £20 – £25.
If wanting more specific experiences try other tour operators who are cheaper than TUI.
Check out reviews if booking with another tour operator.
If on the cruise book specific excursions before you go on the cruise.
Where trainers or closed toed walking shoes for going to waterfalls, hot springs etc as the terrain is quite difficult to walk on in flip flops (Mike stubbed his toe.
Take water shoes for Champagne Reef.
We found the full face masks easier to use.
Be aware of the difference of East Caribbean dollars to US dollars.
If you are wanting to take underwater photo’s we recommend buying and trying it before you go on holiday a reliable underwater camera such as a Go-Pro

Weather

Temp – Celsius Rain – mm	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High Temp	30	30	30	31	32	32	32	32	32	32	31	30
Low Temp	21	21	21	22	23	24	24	24	23	23	23	22
Rainfall	125	75	75	60	95	200	275	260	225	200	225	160
Number of days	16	9	13	10	11	15	22	22	16	16	18	16

Average daily temperatures and rainfall

Mexico

Posted on August 25, 2022December 15, 2022 by Debs and Mike

Chichen Itza is one of the 7 wonders of the world. Chichen Itza is the most visited archaeological site in Mexico.

Travelling to Mexico

We flew to Cancun in Mexico from Los Angeles. As we had not booked a package holiday we arrange a private transfer to our hotel which was in Playa Del Carmen which took about 40-50 minutes.

Accommodation

We were staying in the Iberostar Grand Paraiso which is a 5 star adults only hotel. Surprisingly check in was very quick and easy as we were the only people checking in at this time. Later we were taken to our room by one of the porters. He explained where everything was and numbers to call if we needed anything. Eventually we started to unpack our cases before venturing out for an explore of the hotel. There was a knock on the door which was our butler for the duration of our stay who was introducing himself. We had a separate number which went directly to him if we needed anything. He called each evening to ask if there was anything we needed. All the rooms were a lot larger than a lot of hotels we had stayed in.

The bathroom was the biggest bathroom we had been in in an hotel apart from the one at Ceasars Palace in Las Vegas. The Jacuzzi bath was huge. The rooms appeared to be modern but also traditional. There was a mini bar of wines, chocolates, biscuits, crisps, peanuts and spirits which were all included in the price of the all inclusive. . This was replenished every day without fail. Additionally the hotel also provided a turn down service which was a nice touch.

Accomodation – Location

The hotel isnt near anything so you need to get a taxi or go on an excursion if you want to see or do anything. Playa Del Carmen is approximately 13 miles from the hotel. Although it isn’t near anything it is on a lovely white sand beach.

Accomodation – Food and Drink

The hotel is 24 hour all inclusive and there is entertainment throughout the day and evening. There are 6 restaurants and 7 bars in this hotel. The food here was absolutely amazing in every one of the restaurants we hate in. The Hiku Japanese restaurant was fun watching the chef with his show cooking. At the beach bar you can order from a menu or go in to the buffet restaurant. We have never been to a beach bar in an hotel that is of the same standard as this beach bar. The range of food and quality was fantastic. The chef would even prepare fresh lobster for you if you wanted.

The waiters/waitresses were all in waist coats and bow ties. You may expect this in the Al A Carte but I have never seen this at a beach bar. There is a dress code for all the Al A Carte restaurants (Men must wear long trousers). There is also 24 hour room service so you can order food at anytime to your room. We often came back to our room after a few drinks and felt peckish therefore would order pizza, nacho’s, chips etc. The room looked like a bomb had hit it the following day lol.

The cocktail bar was very quiet on an evening but we liked to go in there and try some of the different cocktails that we had not heard of before. The lobby bar did get quiet busy so we always ended up in there. All the drinks were branded drinks and all included in the all inclusive. Even in the lobby bar the cocktails were great. Our favourite was a Mud Slide which consisted of chocolate sauce, Coffee liqueur, Bailey’s, Vodka and cream.

Accommodation – Pool Scene

Altogether there are 3 swimming pools and a swim up pool bar which was lovely to sit at and where we met a lot of nice people. There are sun lounges built in to the swimming pool to so it was always easy to cool down. There was entertainment around the pool each day including bingo with a fun twist which was a good laugh. On one day they put a large inflatable in the water and you had to try and run across it whilst the entertainment team were shaking it. This was great fun but we didn’t manage to run the full length of it.

Wildlife

The grounds of the hotel are immaculate with some wild life which was lovely to watch. We saw coati’s, agouti’s and Iguana’s. One of the Coati’s practically came in our room it was so tame. The Coati’s we saw in Brazil were vicious not like the Mexican Coati. Mexico does have a lot of high standard hotels. We have been to a couple of other hotels in Mexico in the past but this is on another level but the price does reflect this. A true saying “you get what you pay for”.

Excursions

In Playa Del Carmen there is the famous Coco Bongo’s show/night club. This is an amazing show and a must see if you are in Playa Del Carmen. This show has you captivated at all times. The atmosphere is amazing too. It is party time well in to the early hours. The price of a ticket starts at about £60 depending on where you are sat and the amount of drinks that are included. The drinks are very strong and are all branded drinks.

There are lots of tour operators in Playa del Carmen that offer excursions to Chichen Itza for around £40. It is a very long day of around 12 hours which includes a buffet lunch. The journey via coach from this hotel is around 3 hours. It is a lot quicker via car but a lot more expensive.

Summary

We have been to a couple of other hotels in Mexico in the past but this is on another level but the price does reflect this. A true saying “you get what you pay for”. We would definitely go back to this hotel which we don’t usually do as we like to try different places but this is hotel has luxury written all over it.

Images

Chichen Itza
Pool Scene
Cocktail Bar
Cocktail menu
Coati
Agouti
Iguana
Coco Bongo
Pool bar
Mixology Cocktail Bar
Evening Show
Buffet over looking pool
Beach
Beach

Things to do

Visit Tulum
Visit Chichen Itza
Go to Coco Bongo’s
Visit Cozumel by ferry
Visit Xel-Ha Park

Top Tips

Pre book the Al A Carte restaurants we did this via our butler
If booking excursions read reviews of the tour operator before booking
If you like a good show and nightlife book Coco Bongo’s
This hotel is a lot more expensive than other hotels in Mexico so do your research.
Check out safety and security when visiting Mexico on the Government website https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mexico
Check out other destinations in the Carribean that we have visited. Please click on the following links Cuba , Jamaica
Check out the weather in Mexico below for best time to visit. Remember hurricane season is from June – November.

Weather

Temp – Celsius Rain – mm	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High Temp	28	29	30	31	32	32	32	32	32	31	30	28
Low Temp	19	20	21	23	25	25	24	24	24	22	21	19
Rainfall	17	15	6	14	16	173	156	164	173	114	29	21
Number of days	3	2	1	1	1	2	3	3	3	3	3	2

Average daily temperatures and rainfall

Cuba

Posted on August 16, 2022June 5, 2023 by Debs and Mike

Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean. Havana is the capital of Cuba and renowned for its old American cars.

Travelling to Cuba

On the 10th January 2022 with flew to Varadero from Manchester Airport. Not sure how it happened but Escape Executive Lounge had over booked therefore we had to eat and drink elsewhere. Fortunately we managed to get a table at San Carlo Restaurant. The breakfast there was lovely, it was well presented which was much better than the Executive Lounge. The service was also very good with a nice Italian waiter who was very attentive. Additionally they served a nice Italian Cider (Angioletti) which was very nice.

Accommodation

Our accommodation was the Royalton Hicacos all inclusive for 11 nights. . Due to having several cancellations during Covid we had a Tui voucher to spend on another holiday. As we had booked last minute the cost of the hotel had been reduced a lot therefore we decided to upgrade to the Diamond Club at a cost of £200 each which brought the holiday up to £980.

Not sure if the rooms in the Diamond Club were any different to the other rooms. The rooms did have a Cuban feel with her large double bed and a seating area. The bathroom was a decent size with a large jacuzzi bath. Each day the rooms were cleaned thoroughly and fresh towels provided. Not wanting to encourage leaving valuables on display but we did on more than one occasions and nothing was ever taken.

They also arranged for the large Jacuzzi bath in the room to be run just before we went back to change with petals in the shape of a love heart, petals on the bed and a bottle of fizz which was a lovely touch for Debbie’s Birthday.

All the staff work tirelessly to provide everyone with a wonderful holiday experience. Wages are low in Cuba therefore it is worth tipping the staff.

Diamond Club

The Bali beds in the Diamond Club area were lovely. They were made up with clean sheets, cushions and towels as soon as you got there. You also had sun lounges and chairs put up outside your bali bed if you wanted to be in the sunshine. The beach was beautiful white soft sand. The sea was a nice temperature too.

There was also a cocktail evening for Diamond Club guests only. There was canapes, champagne (may be prosecco lol), cocktails and a live band. When you arrived at the cocktail evening you were given a raffle ticket for entry to prize draw. There were a lot of prizes of rum and chocolate. In fact most people won a prize. We won the star prize of a massage for two. Not sure if this was because it was Debbie’s birthday.

Food and Drink

There are 4 al la carte restaurants (Italian, Mexican, Cuban and Sea Food) which can be booked by anyone on an evening but during the day only the Diamond Club can use them. The Italian had the most amazing steak which I had a few times at lunch.

The buffet restaurant has a lot to choose from and was always of a good standard. The Diamond Club has its own section of the buffet restaurant to sit in. The staff are very attentive and never waited more than a few seconds before someone came to ask what we wanted to drink. There is also a Beach Grill Restaurant for all guests. There are BBQ lunches on the beach but these are for Diamond Club Guests only. The food was of an higher standard than we expected considering we were in Cuba.

All though we thought the Diamond Club was worth it I am sure that if we hadn’t booked it we would have still had a great time and lovely food. There was always enough sun beds around the pool for everyone.

Entertainment

The swim up pool bar served freshly made cocktails which were very nice. Although we didn’t watch a lot of the show’s on an evening the ones we did were very good. Also in the lobby bar they often had live music on in the evening. During the day in the lobby bar some people played bingo,

They had a Cuban day which had various stalls we Cuban food and a Cuban live band during the day. It was excellent day with great weather, food, music and atmosphere.

Location

There is isnt much around the hotel but there is a hop on hop off bus that stops outside the hotel which you can get on to go to Varadero center with lots of shops, restaurants and bars. Taxi’s are also in expensive should you want to go to Varadero in the evening.

Dolphin Experience

We went on a trip to swim with dolphin’s which was included in our Diamond Club (cost was usually £70 each). When we did this several years ago the Dolphin’s were semi-captive which is why we did it. The Dolphin’s were free to leave but chose to stay as they were treat well and there was plenty of food. Some of the Dolphin’s did leave so they trained other’s. Although we are not sure if this was the case with these Dolphin’s. We would do more research before doing this excursion again.

On the morning of the excursion we were picked up at our hotel by coach and taken to where the Dolphin’s are. The Dolphin’s put on a bit of a show and even sang happy birthday. Additionally we were then able to go in to the water with the Dolphin’s. The last time we did this we had a lot more time with the dolphin’s. We swam with them and they put their noses under our feet and pushed us up out of the water as though we were standing on water. They are amazing creatures and deserve to be in their natural habitat.

Catamaran

Finally we were then taken on a Catamaran to a small island. Unfortunately we were supposed to be able to go snorkeling on our way to the island but they advised that the sea was too rough ( It did not seem it to us). We arrived at the island where there was a large bar and restaurant. The drinks were all inclusive and very strong. They served a buffet style lunch (chicken, rice, salad, pasta, bread etc). On the island there were large Iguana’s roaming free.

Crab Race

We were then asked if we would like to do a crab race which seemed a bit strange. Everyone stood in a circle and then they put a bucket of Hermit Crabs in the middle. The person who one of the Hermit Crabs crawled to first was the winner (not sure what the prize was). Then we were then given time to relax on the island. It was a beautiful island with white sand and turquoise sea. After a couple of hours we were back on the Catamaran heading back to the coach to our hotel.

Havana

We booked a trip to Havana through the hotel. We had a private car and tour guide. Our guide Caesar came in an old American car which was lovely. Ceasar was very informative on our journey to Havana (approximately 2 hours journey). He spoke about different areas as we passed through them. He also knew a lot about the history of Cuba.

When we arrived in Havana he took us to the centre where we parked up and he walked with us speaking about various buildings, statue’s etc. We now understand why people spend more than one day in Havana as there is so much to see which can not be done in a day trip. The list of tourist attractions is endless. There were a lot of ladies dressed in traditional Cuba clothing asking for money to have your photo took with them (Usually £1-£2). One of them was asking for more money when we had given her £2. Ceasar told her she wasn’t getting any more money.

Lunch in Havana

When we had seen a lot of the sites in the Centre of Havan Ceasar took us to lunch. It was strange arriving at what looked like somebodies house but when we went through the side gate was a large dinning area. There was a live band playing traditional Cuban music. It also had the strangest chickens wandering around. They looked like balls of fur not feathers. Ceaser had asked us what we like to eat and we informed that we like a lot of spicy food. He advised that Cuban food is not spicy. We had chicken, rice and fries and a couple of glasses of wine.

The food was reasonably priced £25 for two for the meal including drinks. The Waitress also brought us tabasco sauce as Ceaser had advised her to. We invited Ceasar to dine with us but he stated that he gets his free and he will see us when we had finished our lunch. We were then taken to Revolution Square which is a must in Havana.

Return from Havana stop

On our way back to the hotel we stopped at what looked like a motorway station but has the most amazing Pina Colada’s we have ever tasted. On a previous visit to Cuba we also stopped here therefore we knew how good they were.

We like to buy art work from countries we visit therefore we asked Ceasar to drop us off in the centre of Varadero so we could have a look around. After looking for a while we got a lovely painting of an old car. The artist personalised it for us too. He changed the colour of the car to mustard in order for it to coordinate with the decor of the bedroom. Finally he put a personal number plate on it “DM 2022” (Debbie and Mike 2022). After an amazing day we gave Ceasar a tip of approximately £15 as he was so good and did not get paid that much.

Club Tropicana

There is so much to see and do in Havana which you do not have enough time for in one day. The last time we came we were picked up very early in the morning to go to Havana we saw the sites and had lunch. In the evening we were taken to hotel to get changed and have Dinner (they advise you to bring toiletries and a change clothes) . We were then taken to Club Tropicana which is the most amazing show we have ever seen. Bottles of Rum was placed on each table which was included in the price. We were then taken back to Varadero in the early hours of the morning. It was the most amazing time. Unfortunately due to Covid this excursion was not available.

Summary

We have now been to Cuba twice both times staying in Varadero. If we were to go again we would try somewhere different. Other area’s in Cuba you often have to fly to Havana. We would definitely recommend this hotel if staying in Varadero for adults.

The only downside to the hotel was that the pump for the water around the hotel had broken and they were waiting for a new one to arrive. They had been waiting for several months for this pump. When it rained the stagnant water attracted a lot of mosquitos. We were both bit a lot even though we had put repellent on.

Images

Cuban Day
Pool Scene
Diamond Club Cocktail evening
Cocktail’s in the lobby bar
Italian Restaurant
One of the shows
Dolphin Show
Dolphin kissing Mike
Cathedral Square
Photo in Cathedral Square with traditionally dressed lady
Revolution Square
Plaza Vieja (Old Square)
Revolution Square
View over Havana
Cristo de La Habana (Christ of Havana)
Photo overlooking Havana
Pente de Bacunayagua Bridge
personalised Painting

Things to do

Visit Havana (If you have time spend more than one day. )
Take a trip in a classic car
Visit Varadero Centre
Swim with the semi captive dolphins (not the ones in captivity).
Try the Havana Rum
Go to Club Tropicana

Top Tips

Take GBP
Change your money outside of the hotel as you get a better rate. We changed in the hotel and got 38 Cuban Peso’s to the pound. Outside of the hotel we were being offered 98.
If wanting the Dolphin experience check out the ones where they are semi captive.
Do not expect the standard of other Caribbean destinations as they do not have the same import facilities.
If wanting to go to Cuba go soon as things are likely to change in the near future and it will not be as unique as it is now.
Obtain a Cuban visa (Costs around £20)
Take lots of mosquito repellent.
Check the Government website for information when visiting Cuba https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cuba
Check out other destinations we have visited in the Caribbean. Please click on the following links Jamaica , Mexico , Dominica , St Lucia , Martinique , Grenada, St Maarten , Barbados , Antigua
Check the weather below for best time to visit Cuba. The temperature and rainfall are averages therefore could be higher or lower. This is also for Varadero, other area’s of Cuba may vary.

Weather

Temp – Celsius Rain – mm	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High Temp	27	27	28	29	30	31	31	31	31	29	28	22
Low Temp	17	18	17	20	20	21	21	22	23	22	19	17
Rainfall	20	20	10	10	20	30	30	20	30	40	10	20
Number of days	5	5	5	5	7	14	11	11	13	12	7	7

Average daily temperatures and rainfall

Jamaica

Posted on March 22, 2021June 5, 2023 by Debs and Mike

Jamaica is famed for the birthplace of reggae music

The country came under the spanish rule in 1494 until 1655 when England conquered the island. Jamaica achieved independence August 1962.

Travelling to Jamaica

We flew to Jamaica on the 8th September for a 10 night all-inclusive holiday in Runaway Bay. Staying at Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica. As we used British Airways staff travel we booked the flights separate to the hotel. The hotel cost £650 each for the 10 days which we thought was good value. Because BA didn’t fly to Montego Bay direct we flew from Gatwick into Kingston Airport. Fortunately we managed to get nice business class seats on the plane which was a lovely treat, Especially having a glass of champagne before the plane even takes off. Also we booked a private transfer to our hotel which cost around £100 return. The journey is approximately 1½ hours long from the airport to Runaway Bay.

Hurrican Irma

Unfortunately Hurricane Irma, which at the time was the second costliest hurricane and the most powerful hurricane on record in the open Atlantic region, had hit the Caribbean just 2 days before. Undoubtedly the hurricane caused catastrophic damage to many of the Caribbean islands and also tragically resulted in many deaths. Consequently when we were landing the winds were very strong. Hence we spoke to the cabin crew who informed us that the pilot at one stage had been refused permission to land, but due to some skillful negotiation from the pilots we were finally allowed to land. After our flight had managed to land all of the other flights landing or taking off that day were cancelled or diverted.

Although we had booked a private transfer on meeting the driver we were informed that we would have to wait for two more couples before we could head off. However we had to wait for a long time for another couple who did not show up – we assumed that they were on another flight that had been cancelled. Finally we set-off on the journey to the hotel which did not take too long despite it being a fair distance away.

Accommodation

.
We stayed at the Bahia Principe Luxury Runaway Bay in the adults only area of the hotel. It is very big complex with many bars and restaurants. This is classed as a 4 star hotel but we felt it deserved an higher star rating. The rooms have traditionally styled furniture. We were in a junior suit which also had a jacuzzi bath which was relaxing. According to our booking we had booked a garden view room but unfortunately there was no garden to look upon just staff entrance. Also we were on the top floor under the lightning conductor. On one occasion lightning struck and the room lit up like a ball of fire. Consequently we were scared everytime it started lightning and considered asking to be changed rooms.

Food and Drink

There are 4 a la Carte restaurants Steakhouse, Italian, Gourmet and Japanese (You have to book these in advance). Additionally you are able to eat at 3 of the a la Carte’s per week which is good compared to some all inclusive. Shortly after we had arrived we were advised to book the a la Carte Restaurants which we did. Despite some of the negative views we found the food excellent. Especially the jerk chicken which was our favourite dish. We did notice a group of people every lunch time the whole of the group were on their phones constant in the beach restaurant whilst having a meal. We found this quite amusing and did not understand why they had come on holiday to not even talk to one another.

24 hours a day you can find somewhere that will serve food. Occasionally when we had returned from the late bar we would order room service. Although The room service menu isn’t extensive (pizza, sandwiches, nacho’s etc) it is enough.

Throughout the day there are several places around the hotel to serving a variety of food. Unquestionably you will never go hungry at this hotel lol.

Also there are lots of different pools to choose from with several swim up pool bars. Throughout our stay we spent most of the pool time at the adults only pool where it was a party scene everyday. Undeniably this was the place to be to meet people and have some fun during the day.

When you needed to get to one part of the complex to another and it is a distance there are golf buggies to take you around the complex if you need them. Especially if you have any mobility issues this is a good facility to have on a large complex.

Beaches

Because of Hurrican Irma for the first few days of our stay the beaches were out of bounds due to high water levels and some strong winds from the tail-end of the passing hurricane, however these died down and we were able to walk on the lovely white sands and paddle in the little coves where there were many fish.

Though the hurricane had caused a lot of damage it was not evident at this hotel. Surprisingly the beach and the grounds of the hotel were immaculate.

Entertainment

During the evenings there was a wide variety of entertainment ranging from live Jamaican bands to Karoke and a nightclub. There is a large Amphitheatre that hosts shows each night. The cocktails in the piano bar were made from fresh ingredients and they really did taste delightful.

Whenever we went out of an evening we seemed to not come home until the nightclub had finished lol. Therefore we had to get the golf buggy back to our rooms as I think we would have got lost if we hadn’t have.

There are plenty of activities and entertainment during the day and at night to keep everyone happy including a children’s club.

Dunn’s River Falls

The only excursion we went on was to Dunn’s River Falls which is the world famous landmark of Jamaica. The Falls are 180ft high and 600ft long and you can walk up to the top starting on the beach. Obviously it is a tourist hotspot so they recommend you get there early when it is not too busy. Certainly you will need water shoes If you do have any do take them with you, or you can buy them when you are there – you will need them to be able to climb the Falls.

The white sands of the Caribbean Sea are the first thing you see before climbing up the waterfall. You pay to enter the Falls area and this includes the guided tour navigating the Falls. The guides help you climb/walk up to the top by getting everyone in the group to form a human chain. Because it is very slippy in parts so you do need to be careful, although you will have no problem with your water shoes on.

Although is high the walk up it is not too steep therefore it isn’t too difficult to climb . There are little pools along the way where the water is lovely and cool to have a quick bathe in. The walk takes about 1½ hours. There are gift shops and a café / bar at the top of the waterfall and somewhere to get changed and dried off. It is a great experience and we would really recommend that you give it a try if you are visiting Jamaica.

Summary

Having experienced the island we would strongly recommend visiting Jamaica. The people are friendly, the beaches and hotel were beautiful and the hotel provided a truly fantastic experience. We met lots of people of various nationalities and created some very fond memories of Jamaica. We will definitely be going back to Jamaica at some point as we loved it and there a lot of things we didn’t manage to see or do. Also one of our phones got wet and we lost some of our photo’s therefore it would be nice to go back and get some more photo memories.

Images

Dunn’s River falls
Beach Bar
Beach at Ocho Rios
Dunn’s River falls
Dunn’s River Falls
Dunn’s River Falls
Pool Scene
Pool Scene

Things to do

Climb Dunn’s River Falls.
Visit Rick’s Cafe and Dive off cliff if you dare. Many tourists and locals do.
Try the local cuisine especially the Jerk Chicken it is amazing.Grenada
Take a boat trip and snorkel
Do river rafting
Do river tubing

Top Tips

Buy water shoes before going to Dunn’s River Falls as they are cheaper elsewhere.
Book an hotel where you can have a good time without leaving the complex much as some areas are deemed unsafe for tourists.
Book excursions with hotel or rep if possible.
Some people went to local bars with a recommended driver. We didn’t do this as we did not find out the was safe until end of our holiday but would have if we had known earlier.
Check Government website before travelling to Jamaica https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/jamaica .
Be aware of hurricane season when booking which runs from June to November.
Check temperature and rainfall on chart below for best time to visit Jamaica.
Check out other destinations in the Caribbean we have visited. Please click on the following links Cuba , Mexico , Dominica , Antigua , Grenada , St Lucia , St Maarten, Barbados , Martinique

Weather

Temp – Celsius Rain – mm	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High Temp	28	28	29	29	30	31	33	33	31	30	29	29
Low Temp	21	21	22	22	23	24	24	24	24	24	23	22
Rainfall	70	30	30	60	80	80	60	80	110	130	120	100
Number of days	12	8	9	9	13	11	10	12	14	15	14	12

Average daily temperatures and rainfall