Friday, 10 February 2012

The action beach




James Bond Beach



PO BOX 38
Oracabessa

Tel: 876-726-1630
Fax: 876-975-3399
E-mail: patrick.island@cwjamaica.com
http://www.islandjamaica.com


Description


Located just 20 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Ocho Rios, James Bond Beach is spectacular, beautiful beaches surrounded by crystal clear water on three sides and an amazing backdrop; the lush mountains of St Mary reaching straight down to the sea. James Bond Beach is well known for the fabulous fresh fish and seafood served at the two-storey Moonraker "Jamaican" Bar & Grill. The fish is so fresh we let you pick which one you want to eat! If you are looking for a little excitement James Bond Beach also offers the ultimate guided waverunner tours. The tours riders pass the famous Golden Eye, where Ian Fleming wrote the James Bond novels then pass on to UB40's home and some of the most breathtaking views that can only be seen on a personal watercraft. Additionally James Bond Beach is the home to many large international and local concerts, such as the Bob Marley Tribute, Sashi, and coming this summer a big show presented by Island/DefJam. Give us a call to see what special events we may be hosting.


Hours of Operation



Sunday

9:30 am-6:00pm


Tuesday

9:30 am-6:00pm


Wednesday

9:30 am-6:00pm


Thursday

9:30 am-6:00pm


Friday

9:30 am-6:00pm


Saturday

9:30 am-6:00pm

Nestled in the earth


Green Grotto Caves


Home > Destinations > St. Ann > Green Grotto Caves











Green Grotto Caves



Green Grotto Caves - between Runaway Bay and Discovery Bay
Green Grotto Cave and Runaway Cave


The "Green Grotto Caves" are filled with stalagmites, stalactites, light holes and ceiling pockets. There is also a natural wishing well and hollow rocks which act as natural drums. The caves sport many formations which resemble familiar objects, your guide will point these out to you on your tour.


The main feature of Green Grotto Caves is the "Grotto" with an underground lake which can be found at a depth of 36 meters below the surface. The lake is crystal clear and incredibly still, on first viewing the lake you may not even notice it it there as it provides a perfect reflection of the cave roof above. The lake is connected to the sea through a series of underground channels, as a result the lake rises and falls with the sea level.
The Wild Caves


There are sections of the Green Grotto Caves where very little exploratory work has taken place. These are known as the "Wild Caves" and are off-limits to tourists.
Watch out for the bats!


The modern day inhabitants of Green Grotto Caves are bats! Many bats have made their homes in the dark crevices found in the caves. Bat excretions (know as guano) are rich in nitrogen and make a good fertiliser. In the days of the buccaneers, the guano was collected from the caves and used as an ingredient in the manufacturing of gunpowder. Because of the explosive nature of the guano, it was dangerous to carry naked flames in to the caves so early explorations were made in the dark.


Guano build-up can still be found in the caves - this is one of the reasons that visitors are issued with protective headwear (the guides also advise visitors to close their mouths when looking up at the bats)!
History of the caves


Your guide will explain the rich history of the caves, telling the story of the people who have used the caves for various purposes over the years. The discovery of cave paintings, tools and fragments of pottery indicate that the original inhabitants of the caves were the Taino Indians who would have used the caves for shelter. The next know inhabitants were the Spanish who, at the time of the British invasion of Jamaica (in 1655), hid in the caves to avoid capture. There is an underground tunnel which links the caves to the sand at Runaway bay. It is believed that the Spanish used the tunnel in their attempt escape the Island and flee to Cuba. Runaway slaves have also used the caves to hide from their former masters. During World War 2, Rum barrels were stored here for safe keeping by the Jamaican Government.


Because of its varied uses over the years, Green Grotto Caves have been known by many names, including Cave Hall Caves, Rum Caves, Dairy Caves, Runaway Bay Caves, Discovery Bay Caves, Dry Harbour Caves and Hopewell Caves.


In recent years the main chamber of Green Grotto Cave was used as a disco! Parties were frequently held here. However, the cave is no longer used for these purposes as it was feared that the heavy vibrations of the sound systems were causing damage to the structure of the cave.


In 1999 the caves were purchased by the Urban Development Corporation, UDC (a Governmental organisation) to develop as an eco-tourism attraction. The UDC have invested heavily in the site to make it a world class tourist attraction.
Green Globe Certification


In February 2003, Green Grotto Caves became the first caves in the world to be granted a Green Globe certification. Green Globe is a global environmental organisation which runs a benchmarking and certification program for sustainable tourism. The caves were also the first attraction in the Caribbean to be granted the certification.
The rules of the caves

The following rules must be observed within the cave
Plan your caving attire, so that you will be safe and comfortable (this should include sensible shoes, and sunscreen as some of the tour takes you outside)
Touring the cave without the protective headgear provided will be at your own risk - you will be required to sign a waiver if you do not wish to wear the headgear
Do not litter the caves
Do not break off or disfigure the delicate cave formations
Do not smoke in the caves
Persons touring the caves must be accompanied by a tour guide.

Naturally, it is advisable to take a camera or some form of image capturing device to preserve some of the memories of your trip and share them with others!
Trivia - James Bond


The Green Grotto Caves feature in the James Bond Film - Live and Let Die. The caves were the setting for Doctor Kananga's subterranean base on the island of San Monique. The scene where Bond's submarine emerges from the underground lake was filmed in Green Grotto Cave.

Piece of Paradise

RICK'S CAFE JAMAICA
Rick's Cafe, Negril, Jamaica
 Rick's Cafe was the first public bar and restaurant of its type on the West End Cliffs, offering an alternative to Negril's majestic seven mile beach.
 From the beginning, Rick's Cafe boasted an unrivaled view of the sunset from its naturally formed cliffs.
 Rick's Cafe is fortunate to have one of the most incredible coves along the West End Cliffs. F These areas offer easy access to waters good for snorkeling and diving, with jumping points reaching more than 40 feet (12 m) high. Rick's Cafe is the place to watch the cliff jumpers, Rick's is considered one of the 1,000 places to go before you die.

Thursday, 9 February 2012

Beauty in disguise

Blue Lagoon Villas Jamaica Vacation rentals




Jamaica's Blue Lagoon


It is the most famous place in Portland. They say that the lagoon is bottomless and that a sort of dragon is hidden there.
In the reality Blue Lagoon is an enchanting spot with blue deep water, a spring of fresh water and a well known restaurant where you can dine eating food served on banana leaves.
Chicken, fish, lobster, spicy and grilled with a special taste and flavour. You must try the Blue Lagoon cocktail and you won't forget it!! In the day it is possible to take a dip from its platform or snorkle and get a boat ride. There is an entrance fee. Live music on Sunday night.

WELCOME: Kanopi House, Blue Lagoon, Jamaica


A tropical jungle of vine-drenched, 100-foot Banyan trees; soaring chartreuse bamboo and flowering magenta ginger lily descending into a secluded, white sand cove.

Where an elegant, earth conscious oasis of chic-ly appointed, ‘tree houses’ is linked by a winding pathway sliced through a sun dappled rainforest overlooking the Caribbean Sea. 

A private shoreline that wraps around a blue lagoon, ringed by an untouched corral reef; purple manta rays gliding through clouds of colorful fish in a warm turquoise sea, glazed in a layer of cool from the mountain stream that flows into, and over, it. 

Welcome to Kanopi House.

WHERE: Coast of the Cognoscenti
Set in Portland, one of Jamaica’s most luscious parishes; this private, six-acre retreat is found just outside charming Port Antonio, the seaside town that anchors the ‘Jamaican Riviera’. A tropical paradise of crystal waters, postcard beaches, lagoons and verdant greenery. Jamaica’s North East coast has, for decades, been home to the island’s beau monde while drawing the more sophisticated, international traveler. Long admired among the cognoscenti; Noel Coward, Ian Flemming, and Errol Flynn are among the many stylish expats who have kept homes along this dazzling shoreline. One that’s legendary beauty and untouched interior terrain has seen it selected as the backdrop for numerous films including Cocktail and Club Paradise.

CONCEPT & DESIGN: Low Impact Luxury
Eco-friendly, low impact, organic, green and NEPA approved: Kanopi House treads gently upon the earth. The property’s limited ‘footprint’ rendered in a ‘grey water’ system, processed along a lined reed bed, and the use of sustainable, regionally sourced hardwoods.

Furnishings, designed and handcrafted by area artisans, are produced from renewable Jamaican materials: windows cased in cedar shutters, floors laid in Spanish Elm and Sweet Wood, stone quarried locally.

Caring for the environment as well as the community, Kanopi House artwork and décor accents are designed and sourced locally. From laundry hampers and wastebaskets woven from Jamaican banana leaf, to tableware, linens, planters and lampshades - each piece is handcrafted by the island’s skilled tradesmen and produced in the traditional island manner.

No trees were felled in the layout of Kanopi House; buildings were adjusted to accommodate the natural landscape; in some cases, trees simply go through the roof. A Guango tree a neighbor had chopped down and was poised to burn, refashioned as a series of organic, rough-hewn dining and coffee tables.

ABOUT US
Kanopi House was conceived and designed by the Hew Family, current proprietors of Kamalame Cay, a private island resort in the Bahamas. Born and raised in Jamaica where the families go back six generations, the Hews were married in the late 70s, and have two grown children, David and Kimberly, who are also involved in the hospitality business.  

As native Jamaicans, the family’s inherent feel for tropical design and lifestyle makes for unique and luxurious havens. Bringing their signature approach to island living—a blend of native charm and gracious design combined with a laid-back atmosphere and gourmet cuisine—to their second secluded retreat, the Hews thoughtfully designed Kanopi House as an environmentally friendly hideaway.

Food that refreshes the stomach




Little Ochie Seafood Festival in Jamaica





 


Little Ochie which resides on Jamaica’s south coast is a famous little Caribbean beauty that hosts the popular Little Ochie Seafood Festival. This event is where you will taste and enjoy the some of the superlative Jamaican seafood done in a variety of culinary styles. Take a visit to the small community of Alligator Pond on the outskirts of the parish of Manchester where it meets nature-filled St. Elizabeth to discover Little Ochi.
Little Ochi is one of the coolest spots to relax, dance and eat, when you want to get away from the bustling resort areas. Dress casually and head to this amazing beachfront festival as you sink your toes in the warm sands. Little Ochi Seafood Festival takes place at a magnificent restaurant that overlooks the black sandy shoreline of Jamaica’s south coast. Be prepared to bask in the laid-back surroundings while the savory aroma of lobster, shrimp, crab and fish served with steaming bammies, roasted breadfruit and festivals lures you to a delicious meal.
Little Ochi Seafood Festival is an annual festival that caters solely for seafood lovers. The seafood festival normally takes place on July 8th, with amazing festival celebrations. There is always fun activities of partying and games as the festival gets bigger and better with each passing year. Little Ochi Seafood Festival brings together a fun-filled day of dancing, swimming, eating, drinking as you let your hair down in the relaxing ambiance. This event is a whole-day affair which lasts well into the night when the greatest part of the festivities begins. Showcasing popular entertainers you might see and enjoy your favorite Jamaican artistes perform.
The tasty seafood is available in various types, as long as it is in season. Ranging from fried, steamed or roasted seafood, you can topple your choice meal with pickled onions, carrots and pepper in a vinaigrette sauce.  Cool drinks and beers are available to quench your thirst after eating a plate of mouthwatering seafood. Nevertheless, the occasion is well worth your time as the surrounding is rather exciting.
For elegant Jamaican seafood, visit Little Ochi Seafood Festival to digest amazing cuisines of the island. And if you are not able to enjoy the festival, you can visit this wonderful seaside restaurant any time of the year to relax in the beautiful, quiet character of Jamaica’s south coast.

Healthy food for the appetite


Little Ochie Seafood Festival in Jamaica







Little Ochi which resides on Jamaica’s south coast is a illustrious little Caribbean gem that hosts the popular Little Ochie Seafood Festival. This event is where you will taste and enjoy the some of the superlative Jamaican seafood done in a variety of culinary styles. Take a visit to the small community of Alligator Pond on the outskirts of the parish of Manchester where it meets nature-filled St. Elizabeth to discover Little Ochi.
Little Ochi is one of the coolest spots to relax, dance and eat, when you want to get away from the bustling resort areas. Dress casually and head to this amazing beachfront festival as you sink your toes in the warm sands. Little Ochi Seafood Festival takes place at a fabulous restaurant that overlooks the black sandy shoreline of Jamaica’s south coast. Be prepared to bask in the laid-back surroundings while the savory aroma of lobster, shrimp, crab and fish served with steaming bammies, roasted breadfruit and festivals lures you to a delicious meal.
Little Ochi Seafood Festival is an annual festival that caters solely for seafood lovers. The seafood festival normally takes place on July 8th, with amazing festival celebrations. There is always fun activities of partying and games as the festival gets bigger and better with each passing year. Little Ochi Seafood Festival brings together a fun-filled day of dancing, swimming, eating, drinking as you let your hair down in the relaxing ambiance. This event is a whole-day affair which lasts well into the night when the greatest part of the festivities begins. Showcasing popular entertainers you might see and enjoy your favorite Jamaican artistes perform.
The tasty seafood is available in various types, as long as it is in season. Ranging from fried, steamed or roasted seafood, you can topple your choice meal with pickled onions, carrots and pepper in a vinaigrette sauce.  Cool drinks and beers are available to quench your thirst after eating a plate of mouthwatering seafood. Nevertheless, the occasion is well worth your time as the surrounding is rather exciting.
For great Jamaican seafood, visit Little Ochi Seafood Festival to sample amazing cuisines of the island. And if you are not able to enjoy the festival, you can visit this wonderful seaside restaurant any time of the year to relax in the beautiful, quiet character of Jamaica’s south coast.

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

Illuminating Sunset in Negril

Negril Slideshow Photo 12 of 147


Flight stats for Negril, Jamaica - did you know?

  • Negril is 30 miles from Sangster Intl Airport (Montego Bay, Jamaica).
  • Sangster Intl Airport (Montego Bay, Jamaica)
    • Right now, 30 airlines operate out of Sangster Intl Airport.
    • Sangster Intl Airport offers nonstop flights to 43 cities.
    • Every week, at least 140 domestic flights and 504 international flights depart from Sangster Intl Airport.



Price: $6 - $40
Good for: Romance, Bar scene, Local cuisine, Special occasions, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Reservations, Delivery, Late Night, Dessert

Good for: Families with children, Local cuisine, Special occasions, Entertaining clients, Dining on a budget
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night. We cater for the family with in the family- the love must be shared equally, our well trained personnels exerts a stupendous clients care- taker relationship.