As we bring the curtains down on yet another fabulous year of exploring Jamaica, we take a look back at some of the memorable moments of 2023.
STAY
We kicked off the year with assurance, from the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, that despite a bumper crop of visitors flocking our shores, locals are still welcome. You just have to do a bit more digging to find the deals. The options range from the luxury of Sandals Dunn’s River to the rustic retreat that is Windmill Cottages in Malvern, St Elizabeth, and everything in-between.
For locals who can afford to have the best of both worlds and live like they’re tourists Bessa, an exclusive boutique community in Oracabessa, St Mary, came on the market. And according to Sagicor Property Services, the resort real estate market is booming!
However, there were some anxious moments for the lucrative short-stay segment of the market when word emerged that the Government is mulling over regulations that some fear will eat into their profit margins.
PLAY
This year has been one of the hottest, ever and so we spent a lot of time trying to stay cool by getting in the water!
At Sandals Montego Bay, we learned how to ski like a pro and enjoyed the wide range of water sports on property. We continued the trend with high-tech water sports at Carib-Blue Water Toys Centre which operates from the easily-accessible Pier One in the western city.
There was also water involved when we went hiking with hooligans, a trek to the river and back alongside the dogs at Montego Bay Animal Haven’s location in Hanover. We also let you in on Harmony Park, MoBay’s best-kept secret where it’s very easy to spend an entire day relaxing by the seaside.
There was the adrenaline rush of Camp Irie, a 600-acre adventure in south St Elizabeth that offers laser tag, ATV rides, rock climbing, and more. We also hit the road with Spice Joy Ride Motorcycle Rentals & Tours in St Ann.
And we cannot forget a relaxing afternoon spent downtown at Kingston Creative’s ArtWalk Festival, full of music and craft. Meanwhile, patrons who turned out for the Jamaica International Kite Festival in St Ann said it had everything: amazing kites soaring high above the clouds, entertainment and great food.
TASTE
Speaking of food, we had some amazing meals this year. We got things going with a trip to St Elizabeth where the great food at Grego’s Seafood Bar & Grill was only rivalled by the service. Other mouth-watering excursions took us to Spiritz of Montego Bay in Ironshore, St James; Cannonball Café in New Kingston; and we told you to keep an eye on the long-awaited Bob Marley’s One Love Restaurant at Sangster International Airport.
Co-owner of Grego’s Seafood Bar and Grill, Halcyol Greg (white glasses) surrounded by her team. Calypso lobster served with Caribbean rice from Spiritz of Montego Bay.
The hands-down favourite spot for healthy eats this year was DLE Café in Fairview, Montego Bay. And Sabores opened its doors on the border of St James and Trelawny to provide Italian-Jamaica fusion.
If you didn’t get a chance to do, go, see, eat at any of the above, there’s always next year!
