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I went. I'm back. I'm having a serious problem with 're-entry' and returning to this chaos that is my life. But, Jamaica is precious as always and after 20something visits I only crave to stay longer upon each departure. Someday, I know, I will arrive and stay for good.
As a poor writer and an even worse photographer, I will say that my 'report' will consist mainly of some thoughts and impressions of my visit. I did take a few pictures and they did not come out well, so I won't attempt to post them. I find the best pictures I take are stored in my head and heart...can never seem to capture on film the beauty that is there like so many of the wonderful photographers here can. In the future, I think I will forego the camera entirely.
I think I'll post this in a few installments as reality is calling me back and I'm in and out doing errands and whatnot.
LODGING
Royal Decameron - Salem, St. Ann
Very nice moderately priced all-inclusive. Stayed here for a few days at the beginning of the trip. Was pleasantly surprised. We received a nice suite which had a large verandah, separate bedroom, living room, and kitchenette(no stove). It was spotlessly clean and very homey. The property at this hotel is large and even though the place was full, it never had a crowded feel. There were four beach areas and plenty of shade and lounging areas. Upon a jetty, there is a newish tiki-style bar with swinging chairs and large loungers...great place to enjoy an afternoon drink and some shade.
The food was ok. Not knock-your-socks-off great, but ok for resort fare. The Asian restaurant's curry chicken was very good. At breakfast, the fritters(banana or corn) were perfectly cooked. My husband enjoyed the seafood medley as well.
I cannot comment on the entertainment or any of that, as we never made it that late. I mostly don't enjoy the resort shows so much, and after baking on the beach, swimming, having 'happy hour', and a big meal, we were quite content to enjoy some time on the verandah listening to some music.
Royal Decameron seems to be very well managed. Interestingly, we received a paper in our door the first night offering us a free upgrade to Jamaica Grande or Holiday Inn as the hotel was so booked. We declined.
Crane Ridge - Ocho Rios, St. Ann
I'd spent one night here in the winter and wanted to return. Loved it. Loved the vibe. We were given a honeymoon suite..two floors, kitchen, living room, dining room and upstairs, a loft with high cathedral ceilings, giant jacuzzi tub [img]/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img] , open bathroom, king size bed, and tv sitting area. I swear, I could live in just the upstairs and be perfectly content. Very romantic..lounging in bed at night watching the full moon through the high windows was a delicious surprise.
The hotel is located on a hillside and has a large pool as its centerpiece. The guests were mostly Jamaican and European/Jamaican families on holiday, a few Canadians, a few Americans, a few Italians. What I liked about this place is that although it is very secure, they allowed visitors. We were able to have friends over and enjoyed spending time.
The restaurant was pretty good. Again, not over the top great, but pretty good. I'm partial to homecooked meals in Jamaica...I crave it so much when I'm here that I've no tolerance for so-so veg, etc. when I'm there. I'd just as soon eat what my friends cook. Which is mostly what we did and it worked out perfectly. Either homecooking, or having a box lunch 'flown in' from Sans or the like.
Piper's Cove Resort - Salem, St. Ann
One of my favorite homes away from home. I had a couple days alone at the end of my visit as my husband and I had different flights..the joys of using frequent flyer miles
. I chose here to spend some time by myself as I know I would be quite safe and well looked after, yet able to enjoy some solitude. Ms. Daisy Chin is a wonderful hostess and person in general, as is Latoya in the office. Selfishly, I must say that I so enjoyed my time alone. To be able to do whatever I wanted to do at any given time without thought of anyone else's needs was a much appreciated luxury. I floated in the pool, gazed at sea and hills, read my book, napped extensively, and watched reruns of Sex in the City. Pure heaven! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]
What I like about Piper's Cove is that it has all the amenities of a nice hotel..little beach, nice pool and decks, gardens, lovely apartments. Yet, you feel as if you have your own villa by the sea. Friends are welcomed, Ms. Daisy's cooking is fabulous, simple check in and check out, whatever you need. Sigh.. What can I say? There are a few places in Jamaica that I adore because they have this vibe. Piper's Cove is among my favorites.
More soon come..
As a poor writer and an even worse photographer, I will say that my 'report' will consist mainly of some thoughts and impressions of my visit. I did take a few pictures and they did not come out well, so I won't attempt to post them. I find the best pictures I take are stored in my head and heart...can never seem to capture on film the beauty that is there like so many of the wonderful photographers here can. In the future, I think I will forego the camera entirely.
I think I'll post this in a few installments as reality is calling me back and I'm in and out doing errands and whatnot.
LODGING
Royal Decameron - Salem, St. Ann
Very nice moderately priced all-inclusive. Stayed here for a few days at the beginning of the trip. Was pleasantly surprised. We received a nice suite which had a large verandah, separate bedroom, living room, and kitchenette(no stove). It was spotlessly clean and very homey. The property at this hotel is large and even though the place was full, it never had a crowded feel. There were four beach areas and plenty of shade and lounging areas. Upon a jetty, there is a newish tiki-style bar with swinging chairs and large loungers...great place to enjoy an afternoon drink and some shade.
The food was ok. Not knock-your-socks-off great, but ok for resort fare. The Asian restaurant's curry chicken was very good. At breakfast, the fritters(banana or corn) were perfectly cooked. My husband enjoyed the seafood medley as well.
I cannot comment on the entertainment or any of that, as we never made it that late. I mostly don't enjoy the resort shows so much, and after baking on the beach, swimming, having 'happy hour', and a big meal, we were quite content to enjoy some time on the verandah listening to some music.
Royal Decameron seems to be very well managed. Interestingly, we received a paper in our door the first night offering us a free upgrade to Jamaica Grande or Holiday Inn as the hotel was so booked. We declined.
Crane Ridge - Ocho Rios, St. Ann
I'd spent one night here in the winter and wanted to return. Loved it. Loved the vibe. We were given a honeymoon suite..two floors, kitchen, living room, dining room and upstairs, a loft with high cathedral ceilings, giant jacuzzi tub [img]/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img] , open bathroom, king size bed, and tv sitting area. I swear, I could live in just the upstairs and be perfectly content. Very romantic..lounging in bed at night watching the full moon through the high windows was a delicious surprise.
The hotel is located on a hillside and has a large pool as its centerpiece. The guests were mostly Jamaican and European/Jamaican families on holiday, a few Canadians, a few Americans, a few Italians. What I liked about this place is that although it is very secure, they allowed visitors. We were able to have friends over and enjoyed spending time.
The restaurant was pretty good. Again, not over the top great, but pretty good. I'm partial to homecooked meals in Jamaica...I crave it so much when I'm here that I've no tolerance for so-so veg, etc. when I'm there. I'd just as soon eat what my friends cook. Which is mostly what we did and it worked out perfectly. Either homecooking, or having a box lunch 'flown in' from Sans or the like.
Piper's Cove Resort - Salem, St. Ann
One of my favorite homes away from home. I had a couple days alone at the end of my visit as my husband and I had different flights..the joys of using frequent flyer miles
. I chose here to spend some time by myself as I know I would be quite safe and well looked after, yet able to enjoy some solitude. Ms. Daisy Chin is a wonderful hostess and person in general, as is Latoya in the office. Selfishly, I must say that I so enjoyed my time alone. To be able to do whatever I wanted to do at any given time without thought of anyone else's needs was a much appreciated luxury. I floated in the pool, gazed at sea and hills, read my book, napped extensively, and watched reruns of Sex in the City. Pure heaven! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] What I like about Piper's Cove is that it has all the amenities of a nice hotel..little beach, nice pool and decks, gardens, lovely apartments. Yet, you feel as if you have your own villa by the sea. Friends are welcomed, Ms. Daisy's cooking is fabulous, simple check in and check out, whatever you need. Sigh.. What can I say? There are a few places in Jamaica that I adore because they have this vibe. Piper's Cove is among my favorites.
More soon come..
I'm glad I didn't know about that before I arrived. I'm curious, did you have one of the cottages or were you in a suite or room?
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