1. WHAT IS THE TRUTH ON CRIME IN
JAMAICA?
About 90% of the crime in Jamaica is related to Kingston or to drugs. The solution is stay away from Kingston and stay away from drugs. Kingston is a very large city and like any major city has its element of crime. Many American come to Jamaica for drugs and go into places that, like in the US are dangerous. These places are very easy to avoid.Much of the "Bad Rap" that Jamaica gets on crime is from the all inclusive who want you to spend all the money on their compound, and travel agents who make large commissions by sending you to the expensive resorts.
I have found over the years that most people who talk about how unsafe Jamaica is, either have never been there or stayed in an all inclusive. Our Development is a 1st Class, gated, high security complex, however we encourage our guest to see the real Jamaica, it is there that you will fall in love with our Island and its wonderful people.
2. IS IT CHEAPER TO STAY AT AN ALL INCLUSIVE?
Almost never!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Many of the so called All inclusives do not include the more expensive activities, such as horse back riding, Golf, Jet Skis and the scuba Class, some require you to pass a swim test that weeds out about 75% of the guest because small groups they actually have time to train.If you take tours you will also end up paying for many meals you don't get to eat. We have stayed at all the better All inclusive. They are a great way to play it safe if you do not mind spending the extra money, you do not know where to stay, and you do not want to see the real Jamaica. Many of our return guest are Jamaica regulars who stayed at the all inclusive resorts before discovering us. You will find it far cheaper and a better service in a Pvt. Villa.
3. WHAT ABOUT TRANSPORTATION?
Always Fly into Montego Bay.
The Options: from least expensive to most preferred
(a) local Bus very cheap not recommended after a long day of travel
(b) Tour Bus Service. This is the same bus that most of the hotels use. The cost is about $20 US per person. The disadvantage is it stops at Hotels along the way. This may mean a longer travel day.
(c) Private limo. We can arrange this for you. Pickup at airport and bring you directly to the Villa. The cost $60 each way for up to 4 adults. For Local transport in Ocho Rios we have drivers who are honest and do a fantastic job of showing you around.
(d) Rental Car. This has become our recommend way of travel due feedback from our guest. The Company picks you up at the airport and carry you about half way to the Villa, from there it is a straight shot to Ochi. Having your own car gives you a lot of freedom to see all of the great attractions in the area. We have a special deal of $300/wk for what is considered a nice car with AC. If you plan to do a lot of touring you total cost of airport + local taxi will probably be close to this amount. Driving takes a little getting use to, but it is well worth it. This also allows you full use of Golf and our private Beach Club in Runaway Bay in addition to the beach in Ochi.
Note: How do local Jamaican overcome the high cost of transportation?
What use to be called Robot Taxi are now called route taxi's and mini bus. These are shared rides. look for Cars or minibuses with PP on the license plate. They are very cheap. To go from Ocho Rios to our beach in Runaway Bay would cost $20 to $25 by taxi only cost about $2 US by route taxi. The draw back is it may take 2 minutes or 20 minutes to get a ride, you never know. I use to love to ride the large TATA Buses, they were a lot of fun and a good way to meet local people, there are fewer of them around these days.
4. HOW MUCH WILL IT COST FOR FOOD?
Keep in mind that you are staying in a fully equipped Villa with full size refrigerator and microwave. See our suggested list of what to bring, Always bring lots of snack items. The cost of average 7 days stay for 2 adults and 2 kids is around $150 to 200/week. This compares to about $400 to $700 you would pay at most hotels, and you will find your personally prepared food and service far superior. Food - averages US$10-15 per day for each person for three meals, including fresh fish, meat and beverages.
5. HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP THE COOK/HOUSEKEEPER ?
This is a very personal matter. You will find our staff to be among of the best in the world. To Insure Service your tip is part of their compensation. Show your appreciation by tipping. This is not required but a normal tip would be from $75 to $150 US depending upon the number of people and the services rendered.
6. WHAT FACILITIES ARE LOCATED IN THE COMPLEX ?
(a) Very large semi private pool
(b) Tennis Courts
(c) Great Food Commissary and Gift shop
(d) Gated development with 24 high hr security
(e) On site Management office
7. IS BABY SITTING AND CHILD CARE AVAILABLE?
Yes, Highly responsible and loving care is available at very reasonable rates.
8. WHAT ARE THE VERY BEST ATTRACTIONS IN JAMAICA?
(a) "Denny's ultimate trip to the Falls. This is a personal friend who carry you to the falls by boat and gives a wonderful day of water activities you will remember for a lifetime for about 1/2 the normal rate of many operators.
(b) Cocka Cove
(c) Prospect Plantation Tour
(d) Cranbrook Farms
(d) Wassi Arts
(e) Wilderness Resorts
About 90% of the crime in Jamaica is related to Kingston or to drugs. The solution is stay away from Kingston and stay away from drugs. Kingston is a very large city and like any major city has its element of crime. Many American come to Jamaica for drugs and go into places that, like in the US are dangerous. These places are very easy to avoid.Much of the "Bad Rap" that Jamaica gets on crime is from the all inclusive who want you to spend all the money on their compound, and travel agents who make large commissions by sending you to the expensive resorts.
I have found over the years that most people who talk about how unsafe Jamaica is, either have never been there or stayed in an all inclusive. Our Development is a 1st Class, gated, high security complex, however we encourage our guest to see the real Jamaica, it is there that you will fall in love with our Island and its wonderful people.
2. IS IT CHEAPER TO STAY AT AN ALL INCLUSIVE?
Almost never!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Many of the so called All inclusives do not include the more expensive activities, such as horse back riding, Golf, Jet Skis and the scuba Class, some require you to pass a swim test that weeds out about 75% of the guest because small groups they actually have time to train.If you take tours you will also end up paying for many meals you don't get to eat. We have stayed at all the better All inclusive. They are a great way to play it safe if you do not mind spending the extra money, you do not know where to stay, and you do not want to see the real Jamaica. Many of our return guest are Jamaica regulars who stayed at the all inclusive resorts before discovering us. You will find it far cheaper and a better service in a Pvt. Villa.
3. WHAT ABOUT TRANSPORTATION?
Always Fly into Montego Bay.
The Options: from least expensive to most preferred
(a) local Bus very cheap not recommended after a long day of travel
(b) Tour Bus Service. This is the same bus that most of the hotels use. The cost is about $20 US per person. The disadvantage is it stops at Hotels along the way. This may mean a longer travel day.
(c) Private limo. We can arrange this for you. Pickup at airport and bring you directly to the Villa. The cost $60 each way for up to 4 adults. For Local transport in Ocho Rios we have drivers who are honest and do a fantastic job of showing you around.
(d) Rental Car. This has become our recommend way of travel due feedback from our guest. The Company picks you up at the airport and carry you about half way to the Villa, from there it is a straight shot to Ochi. Having your own car gives you a lot of freedom to see all of the great attractions in the area. We have a special deal of $300/wk for what is considered a nice car with AC. If you plan to do a lot of touring you total cost of airport + local taxi will probably be close to this amount. Driving takes a little getting use to, but it is well worth it. This also allows you full use of Golf and our private Beach Club in Runaway Bay in addition to the beach in Ochi.
Note: How do local Jamaican overcome the high cost of transportation?
What use to be called Robot Taxi are now called route taxi's and mini bus. These are shared rides. look for Cars or minibuses with PP on the license plate. They are very cheap. To go from Ocho Rios to our beach in Runaway Bay would cost $20 to $25 by taxi only cost about $2 US by route taxi. The draw back is it may take 2 minutes or 20 minutes to get a ride, you never know. I use to love to ride the large TATA Buses, they were a lot of fun and a good way to meet local people, there are fewer of them around these days.
4. HOW MUCH WILL IT COST FOR FOOD?
Keep in mind that you are staying in a fully equipped Villa with full size refrigerator and microwave. See our suggested list of what to bring, Always bring lots of snack items. The cost of average 7 days stay for 2 adults and 2 kids is around $150 to 200/week. This compares to about $400 to $700 you would pay at most hotels, and you will find your personally prepared food and service far superior. Food - averages US$10-15 per day for each person for three meals, including fresh fish, meat and beverages.
5. HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP THE COOK/HOUSEKEEPER ?
This is a very personal matter. You will find our staff to be among of the best in the world. To Insure Service your tip is part of their compensation. Show your appreciation by tipping. This is not required but a normal tip would be from $75 to $150 US depending upon the number of people and the services rendered.
6. WHAT FACILITIES ARE LOCATED IN THE COMPLEX ?
(a) Very large semi private pool
(b) Tennis Courts
(c) Great Food Commissary and Gift shop
(d) Gated development with 24 high hr security
(e) On site Management office
7. IS BABY SITTING AND CHILD CARE AVAILABLE?
Yes, Highly responsible and loving care is available at very reasonable rates.
8. WHAT ARE THE VERY BEST ATTRACTIONS IN JAMAICA?
(a) "Denny's ultimate trip to the Falls. This is a personal friend who carry you to the falls by boat and gives a wonderful day of water activities you will remember for a lifetime for about 1/2 the normal rate of many operators.
(b) Cocka Cove
(c) Prospect Plantation Tour
(d) Cranbrook Farms
(d) Wassi Arts
(e) Wilderness Resorts