Pulled the trigger for this trip. I don't know what to expect after Beryl but want to support these resilient people.
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Pulled the trigger for this trip. I don't know what to expect after Beryl but want to support these resilient people.
You Should Be OK by January but I heard they got hit really hard. I understood that power was still not back on yet. Have you been in touch with your accommodations as far as the conditions of the property?
I have been in touch, I've stayed at the property before and trust the owner that all is well. I'm guessing by January it will be good. Crossing my fingers. Either way should be an adventure lol.
Yes would hope by January everything is back up and running. The owner for sure will guide you in the right direction. As I assume you have seen the damage to St Elizabeth and Treasure Beach in particular you know how hard hit they were. The Lover's Leap attraction comes to mind. What a shame as they had worked very hard to establish that as a tourist destination and from my understanding it was wiped out. Additionally of concern is the impact the hurricane had on the agriculture in SE Parish. Jamaicans are resilient and hurricanes are nothing new so it appears that they will recover quickly!!
I can't believe the pictures from Lover's Leap. We went there shortly after the new facility opened and it was an amazing set up. All I need is electricity, clean water, a running fridge, and Red Stripe. Everything else will just be a bonus. I want to support that awesome community during a tough time.
Yes you will be able to achieve your goals. It's anyone's guess when they will be back to "Normal"
Hey johng, any recommendations for the area? I've only stayed in that area 3 times. Any "must do's/have's"?
I went up to Lover's Leap many years ago before the bar/restaurant was built. Despite the damages up there the view remains fantastic so if you haven't been up you might want to check it out. I like Deep Sea Fishing and they have some really good captains who always catch fish. There is one in particular named Captain Talla Moxum. You can find him through the Beyond Sunset Resort and Villas. He frequently catches Mahi Mahi ( Dolphin the fish not mammal), Kingfish, Wahoo, Tuna, and the occasional billfish. Unlike Fishing trips in Florida where it is on a fancy big boat and very expensive the fishing in Treasure Beach is done on 40 foot fiberglass boats with outboard engines typical to the Jamaican waters. Talla always catches fish so if that is something you would be interested in check it out. Black River is a pretty cool town close to TB. If you have a rental car you can go all over the place. The South Coast is pretty nice!! Again a lot depends on how well that area gets cleaned up...
I have heard a lot in TB is pretty much back up and running :) We are heading back in February.
Rumghoul,
Please do a trip report after your trip. Stop by Sunset Resort and Villa's and say Hi to Kory South from me. He had indicated that he got hit very hard by the storm!!
Thanks,
johng
I sure will, down to 18 days. I'll stop by and say hi to Kory South for you, always love to meet new folks down there. I'll let you know how the resort looks.Quote:
Originally Posted by johng
My apologies, didn't see that post was to Rumghoul lol. I guess I'm a little anxious.Quote:
Originally Posted by bigbamboo
No worries! Kory is a good guy and is glad to see anybody for a visit. His digs overlook the bay, and his restaurant and Bar are great, too. Check out his place and have a drink at sunset!!
Hi John- hopefully we will get there - i think Kory used to have a superbowl party. If he still does we may try to go this year - especially if detroit is in it.
Rumghoul,
Happy New Year's!! I'm not sure how things are at Kory's as he got hit really hard by the hurricane but if anybody will be showing the Super Bowl I would guess it's him. As far as Detroit being there????
Have fun and please do a TR as I am curious to know how things have come together!!
Will let you know. From what I have heard many things are back - not necessarily normal, but maybe a new normal for there. At the least we will try to stop by and check out kory's place.
Thanks and have a big glass of Rum for me!!
Hey big bamboo - sorry I kind of horned in on your thread. Have a great time- let us know how TB is doing. We have been many times - last year was our first-time back since the pandemic. It was great and we caught up with lots of old friends. If you have not been to the lobster pot on great bay it is a cool place with good fish (we have gone for lunch). If karaoke is still going on at frenchmens reef it is a good time. Enjoy and report back when you can.
Regardless of the current conditions in Treasure Beach, I believe it is the best destination in Jamaica!! It has a price range for everyone from a Private Villa to a small room in someone's home. But the key to the Cool Vibes in TB are the local residents and their understanding of how to treat and take care of guests to their community. Unlike Negril that has grown too big too fast TB still has the small town charm that is the real attraction to Jamaica. I just saw crime statistics for St Elizabeth Parish and they are down like 25% year to year and the total number pales in comparison to Westmoreland and Hanover. A visitor can walk around TB for a week without being hustled at all. The Treasure Beach community understands that if they kill the "Golden Goose" everybody loses!!
No worries Rumghoul! We've stayed at TB once before and fell in love. I've stayed in Mo Bay, Port Antonio, Negril and Ocho and none have the same vibe as TB. I can't tell you how excited I am to go back. Our driver is arranged, my scooter rental is lined up, and my Bubba Mugs are already packed. I'll hit up the lobster pot, we missed it last trip but definitely want to see it this reach. I'll post a trip when we get back. 72 hours until wheels up!
Safe travels and save some rum for me ��
bamboo,
You flying JetBlue out of Boston to Montego Bay or Kingston??
Thanks! I may even do the Appleton tour again, it's like a step back in time.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rumghoul
Hey Johng,Quote:
Originally Posted by johng
I'm actually flying Delta out of Boston to Mobay. 9:30 am dep. arrive at 2 pm. Then the long ride to TB. I love the drive, the wife, not so much. I have a Delta miles credit card I use all year and use the miles for my annual trip to the island. Free checked bag and early boarding are a big plus.
Great way to use miles!! I am not a huge fan of the ride either. We did the Appleton tour several years ago - I hear it is very different now. I don't think you end up in the final room with unlimited rum any more (which is probably a good thing)
Bamboo,
Try flying into Kingston sometime. The airport is much easier to navigate and get through and the ride to TB is on the highway until Mandeville so I find it much superior to Sangster. And I like Kingston as a place to visit as well.
Rumghoul,
As far as the Appleton Tour goes I do not know what the current program is but several years ago I was doing some journalism and I met with Joy Spence and one other journalist for an interview at the Estate. She took us for the "Royal Tour" but we got to do the Rum mixing routine which was pretty entertaining. Ultimately either Joy or Appleton decided to offer the "Rum Mixing" as a paid attraction. I have no idea the cost or whether it is still offered or not but Joy is recognized as one of the premier "Master Blender" and likely the first woman at Appleton to have that distinction