1st day

 After a day of travel, It is time to get into something comfortable and Partake of what is perhaps done best in Jamaica......reeeelaxing. It is down to the pool and feeling all my care just drifting into the blue skies and the blue sea. Even after all these years it is hard to believe I am Actually in sweet Jam Down, and how nice it feels. It is a short dip in the pool and then more reeeelaxing. Next it is our 1st real Jamaican meal. Before or after Dinner, is a good time to go over the menu and plan the hours you would like your helper to come in each day. I would recommend selecting meals for a few days in advance.. 

Great New's. As all of our former guest know. Columbus Height's  is one of the best locations in Jamaica. How  has just gotten even better.

 Sleep late if you can, but the sun rises early and bright. The sound of birds singing as well as the excitement of the new surroundings makes it hard to sleep in. Spend a little time relaxing and down to explore the city. This is good time to go down with the helper. She can show you around a little, while she goes to supermarket to pick up your food selections.

We would return to the villa for lunch and then more touring. This is a good time to take in Shaw Park (a beautiful botanical garden) or Coyaba Gardens, they are in the same area and equally as nice. Review the brochures to make your choice. This would be followed by the drive thru fern Gully. There are hundreds of different types of ferns and great craft vendors in this area. Remember to bargain, but take it easy, make a joke, Jamaicans love to laugh. On the way back be sure to stop by Wassi Arts. The is one of my most favorite places in all of Jamaica. It is a chance to not only see and buy some amazing art work, but meet the artist. These are without a doubt some of the most gifted people on the island. They love to talk to you and can make custom pieces for you. The kids will love this place, they are often invited to make their on creations.

3rd day

 If the cruise ships are not in this is a great day to "do the falls". 

This is one of the most well know tourist attractions in Jamaica. When the ship’s are in, it is very crowded. In that case I would trade this with the activities of another day. 

The falls are about a mile and a half. There is a path along side the road call "One love trail". If it is not too hot and you enjoy walking. This is a nice walk, taking your time and enjoying nature as you stroll along. If you do not feel like walking, have one of the drivers drop you off and pick you up at a set time.  You may also catch a  taxi at the falls for your return. Make sure you set the one way return fare of less than $10 before you get in. I would spend the greater part of a day here.  It has a beautiful white sand beach with crystal blue water. You get to climb a cascading waterfall. It's like no other feeling in the world, the cool clean mountain water massaging your body as you "climb the falls". You may take a leisurely route stopping at one of the "lover's caves" or you may "challenge the mountain" either way,  you will find it an unforgettable experience. I personally do not use the guides. You can take you own pace and follow path and the steps of other in front of you.

You may want to pack a lunch or eat from one of the vendors at the beach. The food here is good and prices typical of what you pay at attractions in the US.

If you love the water you will love Denny's Day at Sea. He is the ultimate guide to enjoying the very best of our beautiful sea. Denny has a great easy going way that depicts the best of Jamaica.  

Denny has all the connections from Para-sailing to Jet-ski. You can trust him to get you a great deal. You may want to spend the rest of the day on the beach after returning.

5th day This is a great day to do the Prospect Plantation Tour. This is perhaps one of the best values for people who love nature, learning and horseback riding. There are two options for taking the tour by Tractor Towed Tram (about $10US) which is a great, or our favorite by horseback about $20. Horseback riding alone generally cost about $25 and this gives a great tour and a great trail ride. There are Tree here planted by people such as Winston Churchill and John F Kennedy. On a clear day you can see Cuba from atop one of the hills here. After returning to the villa for Dinner you may want to check out the entertainment at the Jamaican Grande Hotel or Little Pub.

Or

If money is no object I would do Cokka Cove , it is the ultimate in horseback riding about $55.

River Rafting-How about a day of river rafting. Here again you have two options. White River is very close in Ocho Rios and I heard it is Great , but never done it. Rafting on the Martha Brea I have done and if you are renting a car this is the way to go. It is nothing less than awesome. This Tour is by a long Bamboo raft, floating lazily thru a large old plantation for about 1 and 1/2 hrs. The Raft Captain has a Huck Finn type pole and is very funny and entertaining. Cost about $40/raft which carries 2 people.

Dolphin Cove is the latest and perhaps one of the greatest Attractions in Jamaica. Here you get a chance to enter an enclosed cove, and take photos swim and with playful Dolphins. There is also a stingray enclosure and parrots and other exotic animals. This is a very well done attraction with a great beaches you may spend the greater part of day here.