Wednesday, March 5, 2014

TIPS FOR SHOPPING FOR SOUVENIRS IN MONTEGO BAY JAMAICA

I was prompted to write this article after reading an article about Montego bay, Jamaica by a well known site that offers information about destinations around the world.In my opinion the site misrepresented our market vendors in Jamaica. This is what was written about Montego Bay, "Be prepared to be pursued by aggressive vendors. Vendors selling a craft item may mean the difference between having a meal or going hungry, and that situation often leads to a feverish attempt to peddle goods to potential customers, all of whom are viewed as rich. Warning: Occasionally this harassment turns ugly or even violent, so watch your back if you decide to turn it on an angry vendor."

I wish to dismiss this over exaggerated frivolous report and defend our market vendors in Montego Bay, Jamaica who I know to be decent people trying to make a living and certainly not resorting to any violent behavior. As a traveled person, I visited Hong Kong in the 90's and there at Stanley Market in Kowloon if you touch a Higgler's product you have to buy it, and if you don't buy it, you get cursed in Chinese. (not stereotyping this was just drawing inference from my personal experience to make a point.)

Now with that out of the way, let me give you some tips about shopping in Mobay. If you have time for only one shopping complex, make it Old Fort Craft Park, as the vendors handicrafts here are more varied in that you have the option of purchasing both souvenirs and more serious gift items. This shopping complex with over 200 market vendors are all licensed by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), and is located along the Howard Cooke Boulevard. Here you are able to purchase wall hanging pictures, hand-woven straw items, and wood sculptures. There are also skilled vendors who can braid ladies hair.

Another option is the the Crafts Market located near Harbour Street in downtown Mobay, you can find a good selection of hand-made souvenirs from Jamaica, these includes straw hats,bags, wooden platters, straw baskets, musical instruments, beads, carved objects, and wooden carved Rastafarians.

Visit our website at http://paradisepalmsjamaicavilla.com To read more articles about Jamaica please visit our blog at http://pp-jamaica-tours-transportation.blogspot.co.uk/

CROYDON PLANTATION RECOMMENDED ORGANISED MONTEGO BAY CRUISE SHORE EXCURSIONS OR DAY TRIPS

The beautiful island of Jamaica is renowned for its large plantations, which are a part of the country's rich history and legacy. This tour will enable you to explore the prize-winning Croydon Plantation, a working coffee and pineapple plantation located at the base of the Catadupa Mountains. On the tour you will have the opportunity to sample the delicious tropical fruits and enjoy a delicious Jamaican buffet surrounded by lush green mountains. This is one tour you won't want to miss during your vacation in Jamaica and one that we believe that you will truly enjoy. A must for nature lovers.

For further information on this tour and others we invite you to visit PPJTours website at http://www.paradisepalmsjamaicavilla.com #jamaica #jamaicatours #cruiseexcursions #montegobayexcursions #montegobay #montegobaydaytrip

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

JAMAICA - THE TALE OF TWO LOVERS WHO LEPT TO THEIR DEATH AT LOVERS LEAP IN ST ELIZABETH

Since I was a little boy growing up in Jamaica I heard the story about the two slaves who fell in love on a sugar plantation in St. Elizabeth in the village of Big Yard / Yardley which is located along the South Coast of Jamaica. I am told the story goes that their plantation owner fell in love with the beautiful girl and planned to sell her so that he could have her to himself. Slaves were not free to love one another and so love was forbidden on the plantation.

The enslaved couple refusing to be separated fled the plantation however the the guards on their horses found out and a chase was ensued. They were both chased down to the edge of a steep cliff in the Santa Cruz Mountains regions. Having no possible means of escaping, sadly the lovers lept to their unplanned deaths.

Article written by Lloyd Campbell

Tours can be book by Paradise Palms Jamaica to this beautiful and serene location. visit http://www.paradisepalmsjamaicavilla.com #saintelizabeths #jamaican #jamaicaculture #jamaicatours #excursiontours #jamaicaheritage

Monday, March 3, 2014

TREASURE BEACH IN ST.ELIZABETH THE BREAD BASKET OF JAMAICA - A HERITAGE OF THE TAINOS INDIANS

Today we will look at a treasured location in Jamaica known as Treasure Beach which is located within the parish of St. Elizabeth. Treasure Beach is regarded in Jamaica as having some of the most friendliest, hardest working people on the island. My research on the area reveal that the locals in this area may have inherited their work ethics from the generations of fishermen and farmers who lived in this region long before them. The locals tells me that this sense of pride in their work and heritage allows living in the vicinity of Treasure Beach to welcome travelers to this region.

Let me give you a little backdrop on the history of the area. There is much documented historical evidence that the first residents of Treasure Beach were the Tainos Indians who came to the island of Jamaica approximately in 700 AD. These Tainos believed in the community living in a society in which women's tasks were to gather foodstuff and men has the easier tasks as fishermen, farmers and hunters. Sadly, the Tainos’ existence ended when they were captured and enslaved by the Spanish who came to Jamaica. Most Tainos died whilst been enslaved, some were able to escape in boats and made it to parts of the Americas where you can still find remnants of Tainos communities.

I am also told by a close friend of mine who is a Jamaican historian that during the 1600s a Scottish ship sank offshore of the island and the survivors, made their home on the island. It came to pass in those days that these people fraternized with the natives resulting with offspring with lighter skin, blue and green eyes, and red and blond hair. This is why some St Elizabeth people are brown skin and men leave from all over Jamaica to "look" St. Bets girls.

Fishing is the major industry in Treasure Beach. Longtime residents will be able to tell you stories of several generations of fishermen dating back 200 years. A good number of the local fishermen make their living on the Cays, Farming is the region's next biggest industry. The parish of St. Elizabeth is dubbed “The Bread Basket of Jamaica” this is because they source Jamaica with a steady supply of grains.

Written by Lloyd Campbell. Please make comments or share this article with your friends. #treasurebeach #jamaicatourism #jamaicaheritage #jamaicaculture #visitjamaica #beach #tourexcursions http://www.paradisepalmsjamaicavilla.com

Sunday, March 2, 2014

WELCOME TO JAMAICA THE ISLAND IN THE SUN

Lounge
Paradise Palms Jamaica Villa has two large, spacious and airy lounge with two three piece suites (seats ten) where you can sit and relax with your friends and family. We provide Satellite TV, Internet access with Free Wi Fi, DVD player, a music station and a library with assorted books and CD's. The lounge opens up to the large veranda, and there are two double doors to enter and exist. A telephone is provided for your convenience, incoming calls only.

Kitchen
Paradise Palms Jamaica Villa has a large large fitted and equipped kitchen available with a large fridge/freezer, microwave, large cooker with grill and oven, a toaster, kettle, blender, cutlery, glassware, an assortment of cooking utensils. You have the option to do your own cooking or to request the housekeeper Karen to cook breakfast, lunch or dinner for you, your friends and family.

Dining Room

There is large dining room to sit and eat or you can sit and enjoy your meals on the large veranda. Alternatively, if you prefer you can eat at the rear of the villa by the Bar-B-Que area. The dining room seats 6 persons comfortably and is located just across from the kitchen. As you can see from the picture the dining area is quite spacious and airy and you will still be able to have conversations with other guests who are in the lounge area.

Bedrooms
There are four bedrooms available at Paradise Palms Jamaica Villa.
Master Bedroom 1 sleeps 3 persons and is equipped with A/C and ceiling fan.
Bedroom 2 sleeps 2 persons and is equipped with aircon and ceiling fan.
Bedroom 3 sleeps 3 persons and is equipped with aircon and ceiling fan.
Bedroom 4 sleeps 1 person and has no A/C, however has ceiling fan.

Master Bedroom 1 and 2 has its own en-suite bathrooms. Bedrooms 1, 2 and 3 are equipped with Air con, ceiling fans and free standing fans for your comfort. All bedrooms consist of bedside tables with lamps and clock radios and closets and chest of draws which are ideal for storing clothing and other personal items. There is also a deposit safe to secure your valuables.

Bathrooms
There are three bathrooms, two of which are quite spacious. All bathrooms, both baths and showers) supply hot and cold water. A hair dryer is provided for your convenience. We provide assorted towels with the exception of face flannels. All bathrooms are tastefully decorated and the decor complements the bedrooms. Each bathroom has cupboard storage space where you can store your toiletries.

Laundry Room

There is a laundry room at the rear of bedroom number four which contains a washing machine. We provide a hanging line outside in the back garden and there are pegs provided. We also provide an iron and ironing board.

Outdoor facilities
One of the most beautiful features Paradise Palms Jamaica has is the architectural design of the building. It boasts high beam ceilings and a long veranda that runs the length of the property. It overlooks the community as well as the beautiful the Caribbean sea and pictureque sceneries. The verandah is where our guests say they relax and enjoy the serenity of the peaceful and pleasant surroundings.

There is ample off street parking for three cars and open space for children to play. There are various seasonal fruit trees and a display of colourful exotic plants and flowers. There is also an outdoors Bar-b-que should you wish to have some jerk pork, chicken or fish or have a few pints of beer with your friends and family. The property is gated and fitted with security cameras. Past guests say the feel very safe and secure during their stay here at the villa.

Environmentally Eco Friendly

We have invested in the use of Solar Renewable Energy and 100% of our hot water is heated with Solar and about 90% of our appliances and lights are powered by Solar energy.

Our Staff

Paradise Palms Jamaica Villa is British owned by Mr & Ms Lloyd and Marcia Campbell. The operations are managed by our property manager Mr Murdock. He is responsible for ensuring that your stay runs smoothly.

Our housekeeper is Ms Karen and she is responsible for your induction to the property. She is also available for preparing breakfast, lunch or dinner as well as any cleaning for a fee agreed with her for her services.

There is also our friendly gardener Junior who attends the property twice weekly does the landscaping of the property.

Transportation

We are able to provide you with transportation from Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay on the day of your arrival, as well as on the day of your departure.

We are also able to provide you with our JUTA licensed taxis, and mini-buses, which you can book and pay for throughout the duration of your stay.

Airport Transfer Rates

For two persons there is a standard charge of US $30 / £20 and for any additional persons there is an extra charge of US$5 / £2.50

You can book your airport transfer on our Online Shop by just clicking on the link above.

Online Guests Hospitality Essential Guidebook

Click the above link for your online Guest Essential Guidebook information which helps to explain details regarding your stay at the villa.

Rental Agreement Contract

Click on the above link to read our rental agreement contract which all guests who stay with us must honor.

FAQ

Click on the above link to read about the common questions that people ask about our villa.

Map & Directions

If you are renting your own car and require directions, you can click on the above link to where we are located in Montego Bay as well as you can map your directions to the villa.

Booking & Cancellation Policy

The link above outlines our booking and cancellation policy.

Reviews From Tripadvisor

Click on the link above to be taken to the Tripadvisor website where you will find over 58 reviews of our past guests' experience of their time at our vacation rental accommodation.

Reviews From HomeAway

Click on the link above to be taken to the Homeaway website where you will find reviews of our past guests experience at our vacation rental accommodation.

Online Blog

On our online blog, we try to capture the essence of Jamaica's cuisine, culture and people, as well as explaining why we believe this island is so unique.

Photos Gallery

On our photo gallery we try give you snapshots for you to be able to see what we have to offer at our vacation rental villa.

Online Shopping

On our online shop you have the option to choose your accommodation by rooms as well as how many guests will be staying.

You can also book your airport transfers here as well as tours and excursions around the island of Jamaica.

Rental Rates

Our normal rate for 2 persons is £50 /US $80 per night. For any additional person there is an extra charge at the rate of £10 / US$15

Saturday, March 1, 2014

PORTLAND - PORT ANTONIO

PORTLAND - PORT ANTONIO

I had a conversation recently with someone who lives in #Portantonio and he was moaning that the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) does not invest in #Portland when the parish has so much to offer. Does anyone want to comment on this?#jamaicatouristboard # portlandtourism ##tourisminportland visit us at http://www.paradisepalmsjamaica.com

JAMAICA SMALL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN THE RECREATION AND TOURISM SECTOR

Recently I noticed there are a number of people who are interested in starting a business in Jamaica who were making inquiries of what Jamaican sector they possibly "do a thing". I did some research and found that Jamaican Tourism has overtaken a number of other industries which props up the national economy, and as you guess tourism is Jamaica's single largest export industry. Another thing that I have noticed, over the last decade the profile of the travelers coming to Jamaica has changed. Previously, the travelers were predominantly from the top end of the market, however, the trend is now a flow of budget tourists who are looking for other aspects of Jamaica's unique lifestyle and our culture.

Saying all that to say that, most tourist facilities are run as a small business and, now more than ever presents unique opportunities for new innovative recreation services and tourism facilities, These opportunities I identify as:- Nature Based Tours and Eco-Tourism, Cultural Diversity and Heritage Tours & Excursions, Farmers diversifying their business base to include farm visits and explaining Jamaica Agriculture, the organisation of Special Events like Reggae Concerts/Cruise, Sporting Events Cooking Tours/Cruise.

From all these business opportunities I referred to would generate services opportunities such as Souvenirs and Tourism Products, Promotion and Marketing, Staff Training and Business Advice services. So to conclude, in my opinion, Jamaica does currently presents opportunities for persons interested in starting small business in the tourism and recreation sector.

What other small business opportunities do you see in Jamaica? #jamaicabusinesses #jamaicaheritage #jamaicaculture #jamaicatourism #jamaicatours #jamaicafarmers

Article written by Lloyd Campbell Visit our blog at https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9184103746059409255#editor/target=post;postID=1175762398430046524 PPJTours provides Airport Transfers and #Excursion tours to all #hotels in #jamaica visit us at http://www.paradisepalmsjamaica.com/