I have just returned from vacation, I was Chasing Joy in Montego Bay, Jamaica. I stayed at a wonderful resort that was for adults only. I went with my friend and former college roommate. I had a really good time and would rate my vacation an B+.
We did everything through a travel agent. This was the most hands off I have been with planning a trip. We just told her where we wanted to go and when and she did the rest – Resort, flights, and transportation from and to the Airport in Jamaica. Now that I think about it this vacation was several firsts for me. This was my first time Flying to an island. In the past I have visited islands while on cruises. This was my first time staying at an all-inclusive. It was fabulous. I don’t know if I can go back to a non-all inclusive again. This was also my first time taking a prescription anti-anxiety medication to help me stay calm during the flight. The medicine did help some but I still think people belong on the ground not in huge, cramped, metal capsules that weigh tons.
So here are all the great experiences that gave me Joy:
– Flights both directions had minimal turbulence
– Resort was beautiful and clean
– Swim up bar!!!
– Robes in our room for lounging
– Pool within 30 second walk to our patio
– Beautiful views
– Happy Friendly Resort Staff
– Buffet style breakfast with all the bacon you can eat
– Really comfy beds with nice sheets
– Tropical drinks
– Club that played videos that matched with the DJ was playing
– A mini casino
– Pretty good shows including circus, newlywed game, and talent show
– Awesome shower with handheld showerhead and overhead rain shower showerhead
– Good French food, Good Japanese Hibachi food, and good surf and turf seafood
– Discounted Spa treatments
– We were there for Emancipation day (day slavery ended in Jamaica). I wish we had emancipation day as a national holiday in the US.
– Jerk Chicken and Jerk Burgers at the pool or on the beach
– Cute souvenir T shirt for my dog and souvenir bag for me (although the cat has claimed it)
– No matter what you say everyone says “Yeah Mon, No Problem!”
– I felt good in my bathing suit
– When I returned home I still had 3 full days before returning to work
– We got to dress up for dinner
Here are the Joy Thieving experiences that caused this vacation to only scored a B+:
– It rained for a few hours every afternoon the first 3 days
– $30 for pepto to calm an unruly tummy (more details to come in a future post)
– My manicure and pedicure did not last the first full day so all pics show me with chipped nails
– Roommate was into activities while I was into lounging so that meant lots of lounging solo
– Most of the people there were part of a couple – I am single and looking
– Not many girls getaway groups like us and definitely no groups of single guys
– Italian food was mediocre
– The desserts were also not the best
– The beach could have been a little bigger with less rocks
– Mosquitos – my fault though for not having a bug repellant
– Didn’t get to Dunns River Falls – but maybe this is a good thing because it gives me a legit reason to go back
Here are some pics!!!
Overall the good far outweighed the bad. And really, the bad wasn’t so bad, except for $30 for pepto. Also some of the things that detracted from the trip could have been avoided if I planned better. I will be going back to Jamaica again but next time I hope to take either a man or a bigger group of girlfriends.
What was your last vacation like? How would you rate it? What was most Joyful about it?
Ummmmm, Joy we were in Jamaica the same time last year. I went there to visit family and spent my last 3-days in MoBay. Was the $30 the USD or JMD price? If not, Geeezz!!! I don't like to fly either, I am very anxious at takeoff and landing. During the flight I am, usually ok unless we are flying through a storm (which has happened) etc. You didn't miss anything with Dunns River Falls. I remember when it was pure and unspoilt, now they have built all kinds of contraptions to make it easier for tourists to climb which has taken away the beauty of it. Also, the last time I went, I followed my super adventurous sister who wanted to climb down the falls and lost my grip and slid a hell of a way down the rocks. To this day I am just so grateful that it was water that was waiting for me down there and not more rocks. I still have some scars on my but from the ordeal.
The Lady Blogger Tea Party brought me here. What a find! I just keep reading…
You're not the only one who thinks twice about airplanes. I have no problem being in the air but take off and landing really bother me. I become a mess as soon as we start rolling down the strip however my desire to see the world always outweighs the fear and I get on those planes- but not without popping a Tylenol PM(I have to do what I have to do).
You know what else Chasing Joy, I'm wondering if I'll ever be on vacation with my women friends and run into a group of men who are on vacation too…
Montego Bay is beautiful and like you I await my next visit.
All inclusive is definitely the way to go, you save so much money but still feel like you're in the lap of luxury. Looks like your vacation was amazing!!
All inclusive is definitely the way to go, you save so much money but still feel like you're in the lap of luxury. Looks like your vacation was amazing!!
love bob marley 🙂 i actually got to see his son open for The B-52s or was it REM. my memory fails me! oy. totally love that song you posted the video of.
i actually enjoy flying… well not so much the take off or landing. love that most planes have the videos with built in audio that you can hook your headphones in to. totally helps if there's a screaming kid on the plane!
Jamaica sounds beautiful! i would love to go!
I'm flying phobic too! As in, I do not fly, period. So this limits my travel options quite a bit! Luckily I have post like this to travel vicariously from. Sounds like it was awesome- swim up bar? Sweet! I can only guess what the pepto situation was… did you drink the water? 😛 Welcome back!
Sarah @ made in usa challenge
I always think "If God had wanted us to fly, then he would have given us wings!" I get nervous on flights too, but i also decided that i wouldn't let that hold me back – and i guess statistics-wise, it is more likely to die in a car crash!
I actually suggested this resort to the writer, so i have a few comments myself:
I laughed when I read your comment about 'all the bacon you can eat' – i literally felt the same way! LOVE bacon – haha! I thought the food was good too overall. And LOVED the discounted spa treatment I received!
LOVE LOVE LOVE all inclusives – i know some people say that it means the quality of everything goes down a bit, but i really don't care – so awesome to be able to walk around WITHOUT a wallet!
Overall, i feel the same way as you, how can you complain about being in a paradise-like place! Glad you had a relaxing time. ~bam~