Trip Report - 4/22-4/25, 2003

[pweaver]

Well, I must first say that my trip report will be boring compared to some I have red recently, especially in the Discover section!

Before I start, I must give you a little prelude to our trip. Our friend, Ant, loves Tia Maria. Can't live without it! So, she has wanted to go to Jamaica, where it is made, for the longest time. Not that she wanted to go to the factory or anything, just wanted to go to Jamaica. (Any excuse to go on vacation is good by my standards! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] ) So, my husband (Kim) and I agreed to go with her and her husband (Ed). Being the travel agent want-a-be, I got to make all the plans, which took months. I chose Point Village, since it had all-inclusive and a lot of activities included (like snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing). They have a beach area, rock cliffs, pool, a few restaurants and bars. Plus the price was right...$673 pp for 3 nights, including air from Philly for an oceanview room. Since this was our first time in Negril, I didn't know what to expect [img]/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] (I didn't find this site until after I booked). I thought this would be a good place to start, since it was only going to be a short trip, plus we were on a limited budget.
I had printed a lot of information from the board, so everyone else could read about all of the different things, and so I wouldn't forget anything. There really is a lot to do and see in Negril. After reading through everything, one place everyone else wanted to visit was Ted's Tea House [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img] , so we put that on our to-do list. I wanted to see everything!
The day before Day One: We had to drop our dogs (3 German Shepherds) off at the kennel (their favorite vacation spot!), and then we were off to pick up Ed and Ant. We were traveling to Philly today, since we live about 2 1/2 hours north. Since our flight was an early one, we didn't want to chance anything. We stayed at Ant's cousin's, which was pretty uneventful, but very much appreciated.
Day One: We got up at 3:30 am so we could be at the airport by 5:00 am. I don't think any of us got much sleep in anticipation. Ant had a few shots of Tia with her morning tea - she hates to fly. Our flight took off from Philly on schedule and actually landed a little early in MoBay. We breezed through immigration and customs. I remembered to go all the way to the left, and it worked like a charm. Then we had to wait for our bus to fill up to go to Negril. This took about an hour, which was a real drag, but what can you do. We didn't want to spend anymore money for a taxi, when our ride to the resort was already paid for. All that really mattered was that we were in Jamaica, and the sun was shining. We got to the resort around noon, and of course our rooms weren't ready yet. A resort employee asked Kim and Ed if they had any questions. The first thing out of Kim's mouth was how far was Ted's Tea House. (If that tells you anything... ) Fortunately, the employee (I won't use his name - don't want any trouble for him) was able to "hook" them up once we got our rooms. No need to go to Ted's now. In the meantime, we got our wristbands. Off to the bar we went (Ant needed her Tia fix real bad at this point), and to grab something to eat. We then checked out the resort a little. The resort allows a few vendors onto it's property each day...sort of a scaled down version of the Craft Market. The vendors snatched us right away. Everyone else bought some jewelry...I wasn't in the mood to shop just yet. After our stroll, we checked back at the front desk at 2, and our rooms were ready. The rooms were clean, but simple, and there was a nice view from our thrid floor room. (Ant's room was on the second floor, and didn't have as nice of a view, but there still was one.) Right off the bat, our toilet doesn't work right. Called the front desk, and they send someone right away. Of course they had no problem with it...must be us! (Turned out to be a 3 flusher!) Oh well, put the suits on and hit the beach. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] Spent the rest of the day on the beach until we got hungry. We had dinner at the buffet, since we weren't quite sure of the dinner options at this point. After dinner, we walked around some more, checking out the "Adult Beach" . At this time of day there weren't any people around. We did notice the water was pretty shallow here, and it was right next to the nude beach at Hedonism II. (Yes, there were people there strutting their stuff...they shouldn't have [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img] ). Headed towards the bar where there were tables set up, ocean side, which was nice for hanging out. Had a few drinks and discussed plans for tomorrow. Decided to use the kayaks first thing in the morning. This was an early night for us, since we were up so early.

[Tami]

Re: Trip Report - 4/22-4/25, 2003

Great start- I'm reading, keep it coming

[tami625]

Re: Trip Report - 4/22-4/25, 2003

Very Descriptive, I feel like am there

[pweaver]

Re: Trip Report - 4/22-4/25, 2003

Sorry I haven't written for a while. Life goes on...

Day Two: After breakfast, we got the kayaks, and paddled around for about an hour or so. Went to Booby Cay, but didn't go ashore. The water was pretty shallow in spots, but fortunately we didn't get stuck. Then we went over by the rock pools, and around the point so we could see Grand Lido and RIU. We saw alot of starfish, and some other fish. It was neat to see the resort from the water's side. We thought it would be cooler in the morning, but it was actually warm even at 9:00am. Returned the kayaks and hit the beach, stopping at the bar on the way. On our way through, we stopped at a vendor who was making and selling palm hats. Ed bought one. The vendor then showed us how they are made, and even let Ed do it for a while. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] He even introduced us to our first coconut water.
It started to cloud up, looked like it was going to pour any minute, so we decided to eat and then go into town for some shopping. We went to a few souvenir shops in the Coral Seas Plaza and the Plaza De Negril, and then to the Craft Market. We met some really interesting people. Of course, the sun was beating down on us the entire time. So, back to the resort we go. We want to get back on the beach. With such a short trip, our sunning time was limited, so we had to get all we could.
We ended up at the rock pools instead of the beach, and then it clouds up again. That's our luck! Two good things, it didn't rain, and it was still warm. On his way back to the rock pools from the bar, Ed got snagged by the vendors again. Now, this time no one was with him. (Ant was sitting with me at the rock pools.) He ended up bringing the guy over to where we're sitting with his "finds". (He didn't have any money with him.) Ant agreed to one item out of 3 - a carved monkey. I found it so amusing that of all people to be caught up in the shopping, it was one of the guys!
There was supposed to be a beach bashment that night, but with the threat of rain, it was cancelled. We decided to try the Paradise Cafe for dinner, which was an excellent decision. Everything was great, from pizza to pasta.
With our bellies full, we just hung out again by the bar for the rest of the night. The guys smoked some cigars they bought in town. What a relaxing feeling, not a care in the world! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Classy]

Re: Trip Report - 4/22-4/25, 2003

Please continue with your report [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[packerwmn]

Re: Trip Report - 4/22-4/25, 2003

Great start to your story. These trip reports almost make it bearable since I didn't get to go to Jamaica this winter. But the plans (and savings) are already started for 2004!!

[pweaver]

Re: Trip Report - 4/22-4/25, 2003

Sorry it's been so long. I had to go to Cincinnati last week for work, so things got a little piled up on my desk.
My trip report continues...
Day Three: Our last full day in paradise. Ant & Ed stayed in bed a little later this morning (I'll leave it at that ), so Kim and I went for a stroll while we waited for them to get ready. Checked out the "Pirates Cove" area, which is a small cliff area with a cave. Looked like a good place to snorkel, which is where the resort suggests going. Also checked out the "Adult Beach" again to see if the water was still low, it was. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] Had hoped to go there today to get away from some of the kids, but I need to get wet when I fry. There wasn't much to see anyway.
We do the breakfast buffet deal, and then hit the beach. The guys decide to get some snorkel gear and try that for a little while. Ant & I head for the rock pools, since there weren't any lounge chairs at the beach. No problem! There were plenty of chairs there, and sunshine with water nearby. The guys saw a lot of fish around the breaker, even a water snake. Ed bought a waterproof camera in town, so he took some pictures of the fish.
Our plan was to hang at the beach for the day, and go down to the 7 mile beach area that night to listen to some bands, etc. For some reason my husband wanted to go earlier. He claimed he didn't know we were planning on going later, after dinner. (I guess I don't speak English clearly enough!! Although it's the only language I'm fluent in. I think it was more like selective hearing on his part!) So we get to Risky Business at like 5:00, and guess what, there's no one there. Surprise, surprise!! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img] So we stroll down to Bourbon Beach, and there's no one there either! Can I say, "I told you so", yet? So we turn around and head towards Margaritaville. It was a nice stroll, made a few stops along the way for a beer. Checked out a resort called "For Real Beach Resort". The rooms were really beautiful, with mahogany furniture and marble floors, and it had a nice pool area. I haven't seen anything about this place, so I don't know if it is new, remodeled, or what. I think it was next to the Beachcomber. There was a restaurant and bar on the premises.
Anyway, we eventually get to Margaritaville, have some drinks and a snack, listen to their band, watch the sunset, and hang for a while.
Headed back to the resort around 8:00. Go to the Paradise Cafe again for dinner, since it was so good the night before. No complaints again. The resort had a band in the main dining area, so we hung out there to listen until they were finished. Decided to turn in early, since we wanted to get up early tomorrow.

[dollybaby74]

Re: Trip Report - 4/22-4/25, 2003

Enjoying your report...keep it coming!!

[pweaver]

Re: Trip Report - 4/22-4/25, 2003

Day Four: Only a few hours left in paradise. Rise and shine early, only to learn we have no water in our rooms. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] Apparently the water main broke, so there was limited water on the resort. No big deal since we were going to the beach anyway. The guys snorkled some more, so they didn't get much sunning in. The time just flew by. Went back to our rooms around 11:00 to shower and pack up. Still not much water, but we were able to rinse off. We had time to visit with Sienna at the gift shop before we had to check out. What a great person. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] I only wished we had connected sooner. (When we were in the "Duty Free" store other times her bosses and other patrons were there, so we didn't want to cause a stir.) She gave us a great insight to how life is in Jamaica.
We checked out at noon, grabbed some lunch and a few last drinks. The shuttle came to get us around 1:30. Checked in at the airport and went to Margaritaville for one last toast to Jamaica! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] I was surprised how busy the airport was. I guess Friday afternoon is a hot time for travel. Ant & Ed found the smoking lounge for one last puff before the 3 1/2 hr flight. Kim got searched before getting on the plane. He always does - he's got that look about him! Our flight took off about 1/2 hr late, but we only lost 15 minutes.
Landed in Philly around 9:45, then had to drive home. Made it to bed around 1:45.
The End!

[pweaver]

Re: Trip Report - 4/22-4/25, 2003

Just a few notes on Point Village, since this was our first time there and at an all-inclusive. First, all of the staff were very friendly and helpful. The service was great, the food was great, and the drinks were plentiful!
There are 3 places to eat at the resort: the main dining area has buffet style breakfast, lunch and dinner. A good variety for each meal. The second place was the Sundrenched Bar & Grill, mainly for lunch and early dinner. Here they served salads and sandwiches - hotdogs, hamburgers, etc. The third place was the Paradise Cafe, which opened at 3. They served pizza and pasta dishes. We ate at all 3 places, and were happy with everything.
There were also 3 bars on the resort, one at each of the dining places. Try the Dirty Banana! (Banana, Tia Maria, Rum Creme, Rum, Milk, Ice - Blend together)
One disappointment was the Adult Beach. The water was too shallow to swim in this area, and there was no bar close by, which seemed kind of stupid to me. (Adults drink don't they?! ) It is located next to the nude beach at Hedonism II. We checked it out a couple of times, but there wasn't much action. You could actually walk onto their property; I don't think anyone would stop you. Let's just say...the people that shouldn't go out naked in public are always the ones that do!
The rock pools were cool. This is also where the massage shack is located, not like it is pictured on the web site. It is actually enclosed. It is a peaceful area, but the closest bar doesn't open until 3, so you have to go a little farther to get drinks. (Work off some of that rum creme) They did have coolers at the beach and rock pools that had rum punch and water with cups. So, it wasn't all that bad!
There was a shower at the rock pools and 2 at the pool, and there were restrooms scattered around.
The pool was nice. The hot tub wasn't hot when we checked it one night, but it may have been shut off. Beach towels were available everytime we needed them.
Our room was an oceanview junior suite. It had a kitchenette, king size bed, couch, table and chairs, tv, bathroom. closet area, and a balcony. We didn't pay anything for the tv, which I had read on someone else's trip report. There is a no tipping policy at the resort, but we did tip our maids.
All in all, we were very happy with the resort. Next time we will venture out, only to be closer to the action. For what we paid, I think we got a lot. Of course no vacation is ever long enough. We definitely could have used a few more days. If only we could win the lottery!! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]