Negril and ?
 

Hello,

Sure been awhile since I have been on here! :)

I've booked a trip for November for Jamaica - flying into Mo Bay - for 10 nights.

Last time we went to Jamaica, we stayed for 5 nights in Negril at Idle Awhile and 5 nights in Ochi at Jamaica Inn. We had a great time, but getting over to Ochi was an all day affair, and we did not care much for Ochi itself.

I do not yet have the hotel booked. It looks like Idle Awhile is full, so I had decided on Coco la Palm. I WAS going to do beach for five and cliffs for five, but all of the cliff hotels I had an interest in are booked.

I was considering Mo Bay, but have not heard much positive about it. (Really have not heard much about it period.)

So, what should we do? I'm not sure I want to stay in Negril for all 10 days. We did do a day trip to Blue Mountains that was great while we were in Ochi, but I'd love to see more of the island this time.

For the second five nights, anywhere that we can get to from Negril and still get back to Mo Bay from would be ideal.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Hi, Diana! Long time no see. Glad to have your name on these boards once again!

I'd suggest looking into staying at Mar Blue in Treasure Beach, which would be a nice little drive through the country from Negril. It's been a long while since you been posting here, so you may not know that tivertonhouse died earlier this year. He's still missed around here, but he was also a big proponent of Mar Blue. I think the site is www.marblue.com, but you can also find it on Sasha's site, www.jamaicaescapes.com My husband and I loved our stay there back when the verandah side of the property first opened. It was actually so new that screens hadn't been installed in the windows, but we never missed them and the food was really top notch. It's within walking distance of famous Jake's and a couple of other eateries.

Hope you, your family, the dogs, and the horses are all doing well.

Hi Emily!
My dad died last year (you may remember he was ill), and we have been buildng a house that we just finally moved into, so we have not been doing much traveling. I do have a horse that is showing well, so we have been focusing on that this year too. Thank you for asking, and I hope all is well with you and DH.

I guess great minds think alike, because after posting this, I did some more research and decided on... Treasure Beach and Mar Blue! How funny is that? We always did like the same places. ;)

I was SO shocked and saddened to read about Tiv. I ran across the thread from earlier this year when I was researching. He was such a big help last time we went to JA, and I loved reading his posts because he knew all of the neat places to go, and offered such a wonderful perspective on the island and the people. I did go to his website and will be sure to return for more info. Very sad.

So, which would you recommend first - Negril or TB? I was thinking TB first, as it would be easier to get back to the airport from Negril? Is that correct?

Thanks!

That's pretty funny! I've never been to Negril, but I do remember the long car ride to get to the airport from Mar Blue, so I think your instinct to go there first is spot-on. For some reason, my first time in Jamaica and my eager anticipation of seeing the countryside at the beginning of the trip made the trip TO Mar Blue seem less arduous.

I think you would love a trip to the Pelican Bar, which is just offshore from the mouth of the Black River.

So sorry to hear about your father. I do recall that you had a close family member who wasn't doing well, but I couldn't remember which one.

Oh yes, the Pelican Bar is on the must-see list.

Scary that when I think of all of our Caribbean travels that I could write a book about all of the best places to get a drink. ((D))

We both LOVE the overland long trips through the country and are getting into Mo Bay pretty early. On our last trip to JA, we stopped at a Tastee's on the way to Ochi and had patties. We were THE only non-locals in there, and the place was packed. It was one of our favorite memories of the trip.

Thanks for the kind words on my dad. I'm an orphan now. ((u))

Thank you darngooddigs. I will check out your site. Sounds like fun. We went to the Blue Mountains last trip, so we can focus on the western end this time.

Diana - how lovely to see you back here. I am so sorry to hear about your father.

I also looked into Treasure Beach and Mar Blue and thought it could be wonderful place to visit.

As you know we copied your trip and stayed at Idle Awhile and Jamaica Inn - we loved the resorts but would have swapped them around and stayed at JI first to relax and chill and then Negril to use as a base for exploring.

That's my only advice I'm afraid - we bought an old house last year and we are putting our time and energy into renovating her. Thankfully we don't have to live in her \:D/

Hi there alya! Thank you for the kind words.

Having just moved from a 150 year old home, I understand exactly what you are saying. It is much work, but there is nothing like the feeling and character of an old homeplace with all of the history swirling about. Good luck with your project.

I do agree with your reasoning. I think we will head to TB first for some R&R.

Loved Negril - not a fan of Ochi or M'Bay. We also loved Isla Mujeres (island off of Cancun) - old world MX with the beauty of beaches. Not yet spoiled by touristos!!!

Diana... if you find any new amazing digs on your trip to Jamaica - or you know of any other places you've stayed in the past that are independently owned, and less than $150, please nominate them at our site - we'd be thrilled!

Have a wonderful time! I'm jealous.

Hi there Wisconsin_gal.

Funny, IM is one of our favorite places too! I am glad to hear it is still non-touristy. We are overdue for a trip back there. Dontcha just love that feeling of excitement on the ferry as Isla comes into view?

We also did not care for Ochi other than the Jerk Centre and Jamaica Inn. One very cool thing about our trip there was sitting in the Jerk Centre with all of the locals and watching Veronica Campbell from JA win a gold medal at the '04 Olympics. Fun!

dgd, I will be sure to do that. Last time, we stayed at Idle Awhile and really enjoyed it. Jamaica Inn did not come in anywhere close to your $150 level, but it was worth the splurge!

Happy travels. :)