My golfer husband and I (non-golfer) are going to Jamaica for 5 days at the end of July for an anniversary trip.He really wants to play one round of golf at Tryall and I really want a relaxing beach resort vacation. Our plan is to spend a split it up between MoBay and Ocho Rios(Jamaica Inn). Where should we stay in Mobay - Ritz or Tryall(not the villas but a suite)? Since we're getting the beach part at Jamaia Inn, and it sounds like the beach at the Ritz is not that great, should we get the full Tryall experience? Or is the ride from Mobay to Ocho Rios so bad that We should skip O.R. and stay at the Ritz the whole time? Also, if we are there during the reggae intl. music festival, will it be crazy and chaotic or fun? Our favorite resorts are Sea Island and the Greenbriar.<BR>To sum it up, vote for one:<BR>a)2 days at Tryall,3 days at Jamaica Inn<BR>b)2 days at Ritz, 3 days at J.I.<BR>c)5 days at Ritz <BR>

I would vote for B -<BR><BR>I just returned from a weeks stay at the RC Rose Hall and it was fabulous. We passed Tryall and I would not say it is in Montego Bay - it seemed kind of far out (west end of Jamaica). I hear that the Jamaica Inn is beautiful as well and it would be a much different experience than the Ritz (which has 400 rooms). We did not golf however - but we did see the course at the White Witch and it is spectacular.<BR><BR>Once again my vote is for B.

<BR>Trudy,<BR><BR>For the MoBay end, when you say 'suite' at Tryall, I'm guessing you mean one of the Great House Villas, as Tryall is no longer a hotel, as such. I've stayed at Tryall and Jamaica Inn multiple times each.<BR>Regardless, if you stay at Tryall, the cost of golf will be a lot less than at the Ritz and the course is great -- he'll love it.<BR>I'll be at RC in November and can't comment on the White Witch course yet. All reports here are that it is spectacular. <BR>Tryall has an OK beach and the pool at the Great House affords a beautiful view over the trees to the ocean.<BR>Whether you do Tryall or Ritz, all posters on this board have recommended you do the All Inclusive package as the food prices are high otherwise.<BR>But there is another choice -- 5 days at Jamaica Inn. JI has a deal with Upton Country Club for reduced greens fees so your hubby could play there. It's a 12-15 minute cab ride. You make the arrangements with the front desk at JI. That way you get a GREAT beach, a wonderful resort (outstanding rooms), great food, and he gets golf.<BR>Tryall is a 30 minute drive from the airport, RC is about 15 minutes or so, and JI is about 2 hours.

Thanks to both of you for your reply. My husband is locked in on Tryall for his one round of golf, so other courses are irrelevant. I'm trying to figure out if a Tryall Great House stay would be significantly different from a stay at the Ritz, mainly as far as luxury and pampering goes. What does anybody think?<BR>

<BR>Trudy,<BR><BR>Sorry, didn't understand the golf was a done deal.<BR>We're going to be in a Great House villa in 2 weeks. Past stays at Tryall have been in the larger villas spread around the property. When we've been in the other villas, the pampering is at a very high level as we had staff of 4 in each case -- cook, maid, laundress, and gardener.<BR>Know that each Great House villa comes with a housekeeper who, upon arrangement, will also cook breakfast for you in your villa.<BR>But I still can't give you a comarison to the RC, 'cause we won't be there til November.<BR>Sorry I couldn't be more help on this one.

Why not option d) 5 days at Tryall. Tryall's a great spot for a beach holiday and the Great House villas are pure luxury. We took over a beach villa for a week in June (www.randolins.com) and loved it. Prefer the look and feel of a private resort like Tryall or Round Hill to a hotel environment. Good luck and enjoy Jamaica.