Monthly Archives: April 2012

  • Activities near Ocho Rios

    Enjoy Discovery Bay and Ocho Rios, Jamaica

    BEACHES & WATER SPORTS
    Day passes (until 6:00 pm) include food, drink and use of all facilities, beach and water sports. Evening passes (6:30 p.m. on) include drinks, dinner and entertainment.

    Grand Lido Sans Souci 994-1206-09 – Beach and mineral pool, glass bottom boat, sailing, sunfish, kayaks. No children under 16.
    Couples Hotel 975-4271-5 – Beautiful white sand beach, squash, gym, volleyball, water-skiing, scuba diving, sunfish, hobicats, windsurfers, kayaks. Call Mrs. Aflalo, resident manager, to arrange. No children.
    Shaw Park Hotel 974-2552 – Good beach. Day passes include use of beach and non-motorized water sports for adults: sailing, windsurfing, kayaks, shuffleboard, volleyball. Cost is $40 per adult, children under 12 $20. Cost includes 1 beverage from the bar and lunch.
    Jamaica Grande 974-2200 ext. 564 – Boat rides, cruises, parasailing, wave runners available for rent.

    BICYCLE GLIDE (DOWNHILL!) IN THE BLUE MOUNTAIN
    Or swim by 30-ft. waterfall. $85 fee includes pick-up from Portside Villas on Discovery Bay, drive to National Park, Jamaican breakfast (jonny cakes, scrambled eggs, fritters), 18-mile ride with frequent stops when guides explain local flora and fauna. Lunch stop includes a coffee demonstration. Finally a refreshing swim at Fishdune Falls. Take your swimsuit, towel and some water. Bikes and gear will be provided by Blue Mountain Tours Ltd. 974-7075 or 974-7492-3.

    BLUE MOUNTAIN TOURS, LTD.
    Eco-tourism attraction … an 18-mile (no pedaling) downhill picture-taking bicycle tour. Telephone 974-7075 or 974-7492-3.  See brochure in villa.

    CRANBROOK FLOWER FOREST
    Near Chukka Cove.  $5.50 per person.  Beautiful park w/one-mile trail along a river … all planted in orchids, anthuriums & other local flowers.  Bird watching, picnic areas, swimming in river.  Take bathing suits.

    COYABA RIVER GARDEN
    West Indian museum, beautiful gardens by river.  974-6235.  Combine with trip to Shaw Park Gardens.

    DOLPHIN COVE
    Swim with the dolphins! Wear swimsuits and take towels, no jewelry. 8:30-5:30 $50 to $195 ~ children under age 10 half price. (Near Dunn’s River Falls). Reserve in advance! 974-5335 or 795-0484

    DUNN’S RIVER FALLS
    A must-see/must-do!  20 minutes away.  Wear swimsuits and sneakers and climb the falls with guides.  Take your camera!

    DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
    Soni Plaza and the Taj Mahal in Ocho Rios.

    FERN GULLY
    A former river bed, it is now possible to walk three miles through the valley in the shadows of magnificent ferns (600 types) and hardwood trees.

    FIREFLY
    Noel Coward’s house near Port Maria.  Sit at the famous man’s desk and piano.  Walk upstairs to the original “Room with a View” … breathtaking.

    GOLF

    Breezes in Runaway Bay 973-7319 Championship course, 7-minute drive. Day passes to resort can be purchased.
    Sandals Golf & Country Club in Ocho Rios 975-0119-21 Beautiful course in the hills. 25-minute drive.
    Ritz Carlton White Witch in Rose Hall 953-2800 World-class new course~rave reviews.
    Wyndham Rose Hall Resort & Country Club 953-2650 by same designer/architect as White Witch~excellent.
    Half Moon Golf, Tennis & Beach Club in Rose Hall 953-2211 Championship course
    Tryall Club 956-5681 20 minutes west of Montego Bay. Home of Johnnie Walker tournaments~excellent.

    GOOD HOPE PLANTATION
    High in the remarkable mountains of Cockpit Country, a unique piece of history: a 1755 Great House on a 2,000-acre working farm. Tour the remarkable 250-year-old Great House (frequent location of film, fashion shoots and weddings) followed by an excellent gourmet lunch. $40 Take a camera. Visits by reservation only. Call 1-469 3443/4. Stop for a drink en route at rustic Time ‘n’ Place Beach just outside Falmouth ~ named by Conde Nast “best beach bar in the Caribbean”.

    GREENWOOD GREAT HOUSE
    Built by the Barretts of Wimpole Street in 1790 for entertaining.  The greatest Great House in Jamaica … the finest antique museum in the Caribbean, amazing view from upper verandah of curve in the earth’s surface.  Well worth trip to Falmouth.  $10. 1-953-1077

    GYM and AEROBICS
    Sans Souci Gym & Aerobic Club (Charlies’ Spa) … aerobics classes & gym 994-1206-09.  Comp membership for Emerald Seas guests enables free access to aerobics classes and gym for up to 4 guests at at time.

    HARMONY HALL
    Art Gallery and Craft Shop.  975-4222.

    HELICOPTER TOURS
    Island Hoppers Helicopter Tours Ltd office near to Reynolds Pier, Ocho Rios do three tours of the island for 4 passengers, 60 minute tour of Jamaica via Port Royal, Bog Walk gorge, Spanish Town, Blue Mountains and north coast $900; 30 minute tour of north coast to Port Maria, Galina Point, Firefly and back along the coast, $460; and a 20 minute tour of Ocho Rios, Fern Gully, surrounding rainforest and beautiful coastline, $300. tel: 874 1285 or helicopter@mail.infochan.com

    HILTON HIGH DAY TOUR
    (90-min drive) Travel inland to 100-acre Hilton Plantation for the day.  Jamaican Continental breakfast, walking tour to German village of Seafood Town, roasted suckling pig luncheon … and entertainment by plantation musicians.  952- 3343.

    HORSEBACK RIDING
    Good Hope Stables on 2,000 acre plantation in Cockpit Country.  Guided rides of trails through high sunny orchards and by the cool Martha Brae River.  If no guests are in residence, request tour of 255-year-old Great House (frequent location of film and fashion shoots).  Call ahead 1-610-5798.  Stop for lunch at rustic Time ‘n’ Place Beach just outside Falmouth (named by Conde Nast “best beach bar in the Caribbean”).

    Chukka Cove Beach Ride ~ Equestrian center, international polo matches. Rides depart Chukka Cove Polo Club at 9 and 2 daily. Wear a swimsuit under your jeans. Bring a towel and sunblock. Book in advance. Splendid 3-hour trail ride on well-tended horses ends in excellent ride in the sea. 972-2506 or 972-0814

    ISLAND VILLAGE
    New shopping and entertainment center. Margaritaville Bar & Restaurant with water slide, concerts, good food and drink. Multiplex digital movie theater, art gallery, coffee shops, more bars and restaurants; boutiques, beach and swim-up bar, etc. Modest entrance fee. Plan to spend several hours here. Worth the trip.

    JAMAICA MI CRAZY
    Disco, current music, reggae and soca.  Located in Jamaica Grande Hotel 974-2201.

    MASSAGE
    KIYARA OCEAN SPA. 974-2380. The only Tropical Spa in Jamaica … will bring all equipment and do treatments at any of our villas in Discovery Bay and Ocho Rios! www.kiyaraspa.com

    MYSTIC MOUNTAIN
    This is a wonderful new attraction with a restaurant, cable car ride, canopy (zipline) ride and also a bobsled track. It’s well done and great for people who want an adventurous day.

    PROSPECT PLANTATION TOUR
    Call Dave Campbell to arrange 994-1058.  Plantation Tour $12.  Mini- golf at Plantation Tour Center $5, children half price.  Horseback riding 1 or 2 (+) hours, $20-$55.

    PORT ANTONIO
    Day tour.  Contact Tour Wise or JTL.  Includes lunch at Blue Lagoon and rafting on the Rio Grande.  One of the most beautiful areas in Jamaica.  Lush tropical vegetation … exquisite unique bottomless Blue Lagoon.  A full day.  Long 2-hour drive each way.  Take bathing suits, sunglasses and sunblock, but no valuables.

    RESTAURANTS
    The staff will give you our list of recommended restaurants should you wish to dine out.  Good variety available … from roadside jerk pork stands to elegant candlelight Continental cuisine.

    SAFARI TOURS
    St. Ann’s Bay.  Tour regions and sights never seen before in 4-wheel-drive Landrover Safari Jeep.  Telephone and fax number 972-1958.

    SAILING CHARTERS
    Heave-Ho, P. J. Gibson.  Catamarans, fishing charters, sunset cruises.  974-5367. For more water adventures at various costs, the 52′ Suzie Q will take guests sport fishing and picnicking, a wonderful treat for adults and children alike. Your staff will have the phone number.

    SCUBA DIVING & SNORKELING
    Aqua Assistant Kathy Lancaster, licensed scuba diver, has own boat and equipment.  Will come to villa, give lessons and take guests out to the reefs.  913-4564.  Also good diving at Couples Hotel 975-4271-5 … Shaw Park 974-2552-4 … and Sans Souci Lido 994-1206-09.

    BICYCLE GLIDE (DOWNHILL!) IN THE BLUE MOUNTAIN
    Or swim by 30-ft. waterfall. $85 fee includes pick-up from Portside Villas on Discovery Bay, drive to National Park, Jamaican breakfast (jonny cakes, scrambled eggs, fritters), 18-mile ride with frequent stops when guides explain local flora and fauna. Lunch stop includes a coffee demonstration. Finally a refreshing swim at Fishdune Falls. Take your swimsuit, towel and some water. Bikes and gear will be provided by Blue Mountain Tours Ltd. 974-7075 or 974-7492-3.

    BLUE MOUNTAIN TOURS, LTD.
    Eco-tourism attraction … an 18-mile (no pedaling) downhill picture-taking bicycle tour. Telephone 974-7075 or 974-7492-3.  See brochure in villa.

    CRANBROOK FLOWER FOREST
    Near Chukka Cove.  $5.50 per person.  Beautiful park w/one-mile trail along a river … all planted in orchids, anthuriums & other local flowers.  Bird watching, picnic areas, swimming in river.  Take bathing suits.

    COYABA RIVER GARDEN
    West Indian museum, beautiful gardens by river.  974-6235.  Combine with trip to Shaw Park Gardens.

    DOLPHIN COVE
    Swim with the dolphins! Wear swimsuits and take towels, no jewelry. 8:30-5:30 $50 to $195 ~ children under age 10 half price. (Near Dunn’s River Falls). Reserve in advance! 974-5335 or 795-0484

    DUNN’S RIVER FALLS
    A must-see/must-do!  20 minutes away.  Wear swimsuits and sneakers and climb the falls with guides.  Take your camera!

    DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
    Soni Plaza and the Taj Mahal in Ocho Rios.

    FERN GULLY
    A former river bed, it is now possible to walk three miles through the valley in the shadows of magnificent ferns (600 types) and hardwood trees.

    FIREFLY
    Noel Coward’s house near Port Maria.  Sit at the famous man’s desk and piano.  Walk upstairs to the original “Room with a View” … breathtaking.

    GOLF

    Breezes in Runaway Bay 973-7319 Championship course, 7-minute drive. Day passes to resort can be purchased.
    Sandals Golf & Country Club in Ocho Rios 975-0119-21 Beautiful course in the hills. 25-minute drive.
    Ritz Carlton White Witch in Rose Hall 953-2800 World-class new course~rave reviews.
    Wyndham Rose Hall Resort & Country Club 953-2650 by same designer/architect as White Witch~excellent.
    Half Moon Golf, Tennis & Beach Club in Rose Hall 953-2211 Championship course
    Tryall Club 956-5681 20 minutes west of Montego Bay. Home of Johnnie Walker tournaments~excellent.

    GOOD HOPE PLANTATION
    High in the remarkable mountains of Cockpit Country, a unique piece of history: a 1755 Great House on a 2,000-acre working farm. Tour the remarkable 250-year-old Great House (frequent location of film, fashion shoots and weddings) followed by an excellent gourmet lunch. $40 Take a camera. Visits by reservation only. Call 1-469 3443/4. Stop for a drink en route at rustic Time ‘n’ Place Beach just outside Falmouth ~ named by Conde Nast “best beach bar in the Caribbean”.

    GREENWOOD GREAT HOUSE
    Built by the Barretts of Wimpole Street in 1790 for entertaining.  The greatest Great House in Jamaica … the finest antique museum in the Caribbean, amazing view from upper verandah of curve in the earth’s surface.  Well worth trip to Falmouth.  $10. 1-953-1077

    GYM and AEROBICS
    Sans Souci Gym & Aerobic Club (Charlies’ Spa) … aerobics classes & gym 994-1206-09.  Comp membership for Emerald Seas guests enables free access to aerobics classes and gym for up to 4 guests at at time.

    HARMONY HALL
    Art Gallery and Craft Shop.  975-4222.

    HELICOPTER TOURS
    Island Hoppers Helicopter Tours Ltd office near to Reynolds Pier, Ocho Rios do three tours of the island for 4 passengers, 60 minute tour of Jamaica via Port Royal, Bog Walk gorge, Spanish Town, Blue Mountains and north coast $900; 30 minute tour of north coast to Port Maria, Galina Point, Firefly and back along the coast, $460; and a 20 minute tour of Ocho Rios, Fern Gully, surrounding rainforest and beautiful coastline, $300. tel: 874 1285 or helicopter@mail.infochan.com

    HILTON HIGH DAY TOUR
    (90-min drive) Travel inland to 100-acre Hilton Plantation for the day.  Jamaican Continental breakfast, walking tour to German village of Seafood Town, roasted suckling pig luncheon … and entertainment by plantation musicians.  952- 3343.

    HORSEBACK RIDING
    Good Hope Stables on 2,000 acre plantation in Cockpit Country.  Guided rides of trails through high sunny orchards and by the cool Martha Brae River.  If no guests are in residence, request tour of 255-year-old Great House (frequent location of film and fashion shoots).  Call ahead 1-610-5798.  Stop for lunch at rustic Time ‘n’ Place Beach just outside Falmouth (named by Conde Nast “best beach bar in the Caribbean”).

    Chukka Cove Beach Ride ~ Equestrian center, international polo matches. Rides depart Chukka Cove Polo Club at 9 and 2 daily. Wear a swimsuit under your jeans. Bring a towel and sunblock. Book in advance. Splendid 3-hour trail ride on well-tended horses ends in excellent ride in the sea. 972-2506 or 972-0814

    ISLAND VILLAGE
    New shopping and entertainment center. Margaritaville Bar & Restaurant with water slide, concerts, good food and drink. Multiplex digital movie theater, art gallery, coffee shops, more bars and restaurants; boutiques, beach and swim-up bar, etc. Modest entrance fee. Plan to spend several hours here. Worth the trip.

    JAMAICA MI CRAZY
    Disco, current music, reggae and soca.  Located in Jamaica Grande Hotel 974-2201.

    MYSTIC MOUNTAIN
    This is a wonderful new attraction with a restaurant, cable car ride, canopy (zipline) ride and also a bobsled track. It’s well done and great for people who want an adventurous day.

    PROSPECT PLANTATION TOUR
    Call Dave Campbell to arrange 994-1058.  Plantation Tour $12.  Mini- golf at Plantation Tour Center $5, children half price.  Horseback riding 1 or 2 (+) hours, $20-$55.

    PORT ANTONIO
    Day tour.  Contact Tour Wise or JTL.  Includes lunch at Blue Lagoon and rafting on the Rio Grande.  One of the most beautiful areas in Jamaica.  Lush tropical vegetation … exquisite unique bottomless Blue Lagoon.  A full day.  Long 2-hour drive each way.  Take bathing suits, sunglasses and sunblock, but no valuables.

    RESTAURANTS
    The staff will give you our list of recommended restaurants should you wish to dine out.  Good variety available … from roadside jerk pork stands to elegant candlelight Continental cuisine.

    SAFARI TOURS
    St. Ann’s Bay.  Tour regions and sights never seen before in 4-wheel-drive Landrover Safari Jeep.  Telephone and fax number 972-1958.

    SAILING CHARTERS
    Heave-Ho, P. J. Gibson.  Catamarans, fishing charters, sunset cruises.  974-5367. For more water adventures at various costs, the 52′ Suzie Q will take guests sport fishing and picnicking, a wonderful treat for adults and children alike. Your staff will have the phone number.

    SCUBA DIVING & SNORKELING
    Aqua Assistant Kathy Lancaster, licensed scuba diver, has own boat and equipment.  Will come to villa, give lessons and take guests out to the reefs.  913-4564.  Also good diving at Couples Hotel 975-4271-5 … Shaw Park 974-2552-4 … and Sans Souci Lido 994-1206-09.