Call or email for assistance planning your trip: +1 (212) 203-0064 | reservations@moonjamaica.com
5:00 a.m. Awake at Moon Hill to a still-starry night for a quick breakfast and to review my gear: Tent, check; sub-zero sleeping bag, check; water bottles, check. food provisions, check; wool socks, check; smartwool long underwear, check; down parka, check; hiking companion, check; boots, doh! sneakers will have to do (big mistake).
As Jamaica's primary gateway, Montego Bay is likely to be a part of any Jamaican itinerary, even if it's just in passing. For those stepping off a cruise ship for a matter of hours, on the other hand, it may be the only part of Jamaica that fits in the itinerary. Here are some suggestions for how to spend one day in Jamaica's second city, as it's often referred to locally:
Jammin’ Jerk
Scotchies Tree in Kingston
Jo Jo’s Jerk Pit and More in Half Way Tree, Kingston
Original Scotchie’s in Montego Bay
Aunt Gloria’s in Falmouth, Montego Bay
Father Bull Bar, Jerk Centre and Restaurant in Montego Bay
All Seasons Restaurant Bar and Jerk Centre in Spur Tree Hill, South Coast
These are the must-see historical sites and must-do events for those travelers wishing to delve into the pulsating cultural milieu that shapes and defines Jamaican society. Keep tabs on the weekly events calendars in Kingston and Negril to plan your time in these areas.
Capleton, a native of St. Mary, and one of Dancehall's prodigal sons, invites his friends to perform for one of the best shows on the annual reggae calendar. Expect to dance well past sunrise when the headliners, including our beloved host, emerge undaunted by a sleepless night amidst clouds of ganja smoke and thumping bass lines.
RSVP by 3 p.m. Wednesday with the name of each guest confirmed to attend: events@moonhilljamaica.com
On the menu this week:
Tapas: tuna/chicken/ham croquetas, empanadillas de atun, stamp-'n'-go, steak quesadillas, garden salad, insalata caprese
Accommodation is offered at Half Moon Beach in a number of cabins (cash only). Coconut Cabin (US$65) is a one-bedroom with a bathroom, ceiling fan, and mini fridge. Blue Moon Cabin (US$75) has two bedrooms that share a bathroom, sleeping up to four, plus ceiling fans and mini fridge.
Held on the first Sunday in July (admission US$10), the festival features much more than just great food, with local arts, crafts, and concerts complementing every kind of jerk food imaginable. The venue was once in Boston but was relocated to Folly Oval in 2007.
A top notch B&B (US$140-220 double occupancy) in a serene, green setting minutes from the heart of Ocho Rios. Five comfortable, air conditioned bedrooms can sleep a maximum of 15 persons. The pool is just large enough, and surrounded by lounge chairs and lush vegetation.
Colin Smikle offers a tour he dubs "Blue Mountain in a Hurry" (US$150 for one or two persons with their own vehicle, US$200 for two in his ride), where he’ll guide hikers up and down in a day.
