CAN WE TURN JAMAICA INTO A MEMORABLE VACATION?

Q – We’re really into traveltruth but we feel you seriously shortchange the Caribbean. There isn’t much objective information about the islands online – they all use the term “paradise” interchangeably.  In three months, we’re off to Jamaica on a corporate reward trip including accommodations at Rose Hall. But we keep hearing negatives about the island. How we  spin this trip so it is awesome?

A – You could go out to Bob Marley’s house and just inhale for a half hour. But better to play one of Jamaica’s excellent golf courses, go horseback riding on the beach, get set up for a few hours with a picnic lunch on a deserted beach, and definitely go for a ride on the “Country Bus” to meet the real Jamaica. Stay away from anything touristic and make contact with a great travel specialist or the Head Concierge at Rose Hall. Watch yourself at night if going “off-campus” but do dine-around. Here are some recommendations for dinner:

  • Sugar Mill Restaurant (Montego Bay; tel. 876/953-2314):
  • Norma’s on the Beach at Sea Splash (Negril; tel. 876/957-4041):
  • Rockhouse Restaurant (Negril; tel. 876/957-4373
  • Bloomfield Great House (Mandeville; tel. 876/962-7130):