Jamaica's second largest city, MONTEGO BAY nestles between the gently sloping Bogue, Kempshot and Salem hills, and extends some ten miles from the haunts of the suburban rich in Reading at its western edge to the plush villa developments and resort hotels of Ironshore and Rose Hall to the east. It's made up of two distinct parts: the main tourist strip Gloucester Avenue (rechristened by the marketing men as the "Hip Strip"), and the city proper, universally referred to as "downtown" – a split so sharp that most tourists never venture further than the dividing roundabout. The "Hip Strip" wouldn't exist were it not for Montego Bay's prize asset: a dazzling bay with miles of coral reef (now designated a marine park) and some beautiful beaches. Much of the coastline has been snapped up by the hotels, but there are three main public beaches along the length of Gloucester Avenue, all with showers, changing rooms, snack outlets and watersports concessions and a minimal entrance fee. If you fancy a quieter day by the sea, you can head east of town to Ironshore, where the Caribbean Beach Park (Tues–Thurs 9am–6pm, Fri–Sun 9am–8pm; J$100) has a pretty swathe of white sand that's usually more or less deserted. There are changing facilities and showers, and a restaurant and bar; the huge grassy space out front is often used for stageshows. |
Reviews: “Had a blast at Royal Carribean” Sandals Royal CaribbeanMy husband and I spent our 25th weddng anniversary at Sandals Royal Carribean. We had a great time. The food was great and there was a good variety. The breakfast bar had but was not limited to fruit, vegs., pastries, yogurt, ham, bacon sausage, eggs and to order omlets. For lunch you could go to the Chricketeers, beach bar or the lunch buffet. Again, there was a good variety. We had our choice of several resturaunts for dinner, all serving different foods. You can go to Sandals Montego Bay and enjoy the resturaunts there. Transportation is provided. Each night their was some type of entertainment. Some better than others. During the day we spent time swimming at the pool or at the beach, wind surfing, sailing, canoeing, glass bottom boat ride etc...... I recommend the Dunns River Falls trip. What a blast!!! Take the shuttle into Montego Bay and experience the city. The people are friendly. Some try really hard to get you into their shops to buy stuff but a nice no thankyou and that is that. At the resort we meet people from England, Canada, and all over the US. Everyone was so friendly and the staf was fantastic. The only complaint I have is there was construction going on, really loud one day, and we lost water to our building for several hours on one day. Other than that we had a blast and will do it again!!! |
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