Archives for 2011

Jamaican Representatives Approve Casino Gaming Regulations

Jamaica moved a step closer to establishing casino gaming this week as the country’s House of Representatives approved two sets of gaming regulations concerning operating applications, casino activities and gaming procedures.  The approvals will facilitate planning for prospective operators of resort-based casino operations, said Audley Shaw, Jamaica’s minister of finance, in a Jamaica News Service […]

The Legend of Rose Hall Great House

For those of you planning to visit Secrets Wild Orchid or Secrets St. James Montego Bay over the next few weeks, there is one Jamaican attraction you won’t want to miss – the Rose Hall Great House.  In anticipation of Halloween, forget visiting a make-believe haunted house, this eerie mansion set on a beautiful plantation is […]

Crane Ridge (Ocho Rios) to Reopen as Mystic Ridge Resort

The Crane Ridge Resort, in Ocho Rios, which was closed earlier this year because of high maintenance and utility costs, has been acquired by businessman Michael Drakulich, and will reopen under his Mystic Mountain brand.  Drakulich and three international partners will take over a third of the resort, and plan to spend $1.8 million to refurbish the […]

Funjet Vacations Announces 2012 Charter Flights to Jamaica from St. Louis

Funjet Vacations will offer 2012 Charter Flight Vacations from St. Louis via Vision Airlines.  Enjoy convenient non-stop airfare and desirable flight times to Jamaica. These flights will include: Two free checked bags Complimentary light meal and drink Free in-flight movie Round trip airport transfers in Jamaica VIP treatment with their “Funjet to the Front” offer.  For just $22 […]

Sexy adults-only resort launches ‘fetish weddings’

Everything you’ve ever heard about Hedonism II is true.  It’s not a resort for the feint of heart. USA Today reports that Hedonism II, the adults-only playground in Negril, Jamaica, has a new come-on. It offers fantasy, fetish weddings, for $250 with a minimum six-night stay (room is extra, but rates include all you can eat and […]

Jamaica Updates: Casinos in Two Years

Travel Agent Magazine recently attended a conference held by Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism. Casino legislation is set to go to Parliament shortly–it is anticipated that Jamaica will see casinos in no less than a year and a half to two years. Other news: Cruise arrivals have jumped by 13.6 percent this year to date. Sandals is in the process […]

Jamaica’s Airports Launch VIP Experiences

Travelers to Jamaica’s Sangster International Airport and Norman Manley International Airport are in for the VIP treatment.  VIP Attractions has launched two VIP airport services for travelers to Jamaica: Club Kingston and Club MoBay. These airport experiences offer travelers access to VIP lounges while at the airport, similar to American Airlines’ Admiral’s Club.  The lounge has […]

Norwegian Cruise Line Returns to Ocho Rios Jamaica

Norwegian Cruise Line is sailing back to Jamaica after dropping the island from itineraries six years ago, according to Kingston’s Gleaner newspaper. The Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Sun have planned visits to Ocho Rios during the 2011-12 cruise season. Read the full article from USA Today here. Related: Falmouth Overtakes Ocho Rios as Top Jamaican Cruise Port

Sandals Grande Riviera Ocho Rios Gets $60 Million in Enhancements

After recently undergoing a $60 million enhancement, Sandals Grande Riviera now offers the most compelling and diverse resort experience anywhere in Jamaica.  From the all-new Riviera Beach Club – Jamaica’s most exclusive spot featuring chic white cabanas, a grotto pool and direct access to Ocho Rios’ most spectacular beach – to the Riviera Villas, offering […]

Jamaica to Renovate Ocho Rios

Jamaica’s government says it will spend $21 million to renovate Ocho Rios, including the addition of an artisan village where visitors can buy locally made items. Read the full article from the Seattle Times here.