Montego Bay, Jamaica
Montego Bay is the second largest city in the island of Jamaica. We stayed at the Hyatt Ziva & Zilara Resort. The staff, the restaurants, the amenities and all in general was everything you will think a luxury all inclusive resort will offer and more. We loved it there. However you cannot tame an explorer and we made an effort to engage in as many adventures as we were able to in 3 short days in Jamaica!
Horseback Ride & Swim
The bus ride took 30 minutes to arrive to a former Sugar Cane plantation site who has been a training horse range for Polo horses and horseback riding and swimming tours now. They took us through a trail on our own, which I thought was pretty cool since the guides were really helpful and organized! We had to follow a trail but we had to ride the horses on our own! For first timers it was pretty sweet! Specially my husband. It was a first time for me rising a Polo horse!
After the trail ride, we returned to the main house to change into our bathing suits to swim on the horses backs.
Dunns River Falls
I loved visiting this national park! This place has a park with ecotourism and adventures within the falls. It is just beautiful and fun, you will feel the adrenaline all over.
The falls are 600 meters! That end directly into the beach! (Mind-blown). You might think you don't need water shoes for this, as you will see local men hope and climb the falls in their bare feet. However, you are not local and you will slip, so please get the water shoes. You will still need them for almost all activities involving nature in Jamaica.
Nine Mile (Bob Marley Birth place & Mausoleum)
After visiting the falls. We got back in our bus and went to Scotchies for lunch. Scotchies has become a famous food franchise for Jerk cooking. Although, if you visit Jamaica & stay at one of the resorts. Almost all of them will have a Jerk hut serving chicken all day long!
After lunch we started our ride towards Nine Mile. The drive was about 1 hour & 30 minutes. We drove through the countryside and learn many facts about life in Jamaica from our guide Marcia. The landscape is mountainous and very green and rustic.
As soon as we got into town, we arrived at our first stop.
Ganya shopping!
As soon as we got off the bus! Our guide knew that the best way to introduce us to the Rastafari culture was to engage in local organic marihuana shopping. AS the visit to this place is a smoking tour. I truly enjoyed meeting the locals and buying pot directly from them! They had two varieties which we pick the one Bob Marley used to enjoy everyday. They also had brownies, tea, buds, hash & lion pride rolling paper. 💨💨💨
Once we got our supplies. We entered the house museum. The place is truly beautiful. The house’s architecture is autochthonous to the Island. Getting to know more about the genius Bob Marley was one of the highlights of this trip. We learned about his birth, family and background. I live for these things! As it put his rise to legend in context. A very special human indeed! Yaaman!
Jerkz Chicken
The main dish all of Jamaica is known worldwide for is the jerkz chicken. The way this smoked grilled chicken is executed is very special. One of the main ingredients and what provides its unique flavor is found here in Jamaica, since it is indigenous to the Caribbean Islands, the Pimento Tree. Locals told me the crushed leaves of this plant provide the flavor of four different ingredients pepper, cloves, nutmeg & cinnamon. Click here for preparation.
Interesting Facts about “Mobay” & Jamaica from our trip
It is always best to do your research to find the safest and best prices to get around the island. This is a country whose main source of income is tourism. If you don’t want to be treated as an ATM, I highly recommend you either visit the country with a local or do your homework ahead of time.
I prefer to take expeditions for the convenience. It can be expensive, especially in the case of Jamaica but it just takes a lot of logistics out of the equation and it becomes an opportunity to enjoy!
I personally do not enjoy taking a tour with more than 16 people in it. It is very hard to control more people than that and you might end up finding yourself waiting for others most of the time.
You will see Kentucky Fried Chicken Everywhere!
For trips and expeditions www.islandroutes.com www.chukka.com
I cannot stress this enough. The up-charges for tourists is crazy! In case you forget you will find everything there. However if you want to go prepared. Make sure you take:
Water Shoes
Go Pro - This and the Galapagos islands are the places in which you will be sorry for not owning a go pro.
Waterproof cell phone protector.
Mosquito Repellent-
Natural
Strong (pesticide kind, the one my husband prefers)
Sunscreen- I got tan under the shade
Suntanning lotion- All you need is coconut oil really.
Aloe Vera- for sunburns
Riding pants
Let me know your thoughts, comments and questions about this trip and about Jamaica in general! Have you visited Jamaica already? Will love to read the suggestions you will like to share with us!
