10 Years, 12 Nights, 6 Hotels, ONE LOVE - April 2012 Trip Report

[Clarity]

Everyone has been posting all these great trip report updates lately and we've been lagging here! It's time to step up and get this TR ball rolling again.

This will not be my best update. I am currently sick with the flu at the moment and a little woozy from my cough & cold medication. So I apologize in advance for all the typos and run on sentences.

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Day 3

I woke up early to the sound of the wind blowing through the open windows of our Villa. It took me a second to register where I was... I was still a little hung over from Boogers 4/20 bash and our private romantic after party at Villa Sur Mer.

There is nothing that compares to the feeling of waking up in Jamaica. This feeling of happiness washed over me, mixed with anticipation for the events that we had ahead of us.

Today was the day we'd be moving over from Villa Sur Mer to Seastar Inn

We had fallen in love with Villa Sur Mer, so the realization that we would be leaving was a bittersweet one. This was only the first of the six hotels we would be staying at during this trip. We still had 10 full days in front of us. There was still a lot to look forward to.

Instead of packing, I chose to walk around the resort. It's so private, that you can stroll around barefoot in your nightgown without worrying about bumping into another person. The weather was warm with a sweet floral breeze...



When I returned, Markus was already awake and making coffee... We decided to have breakfast in the bar area. Radcliff ordered food from LTU Pub and had it delivered to us. We enjoyed a private breakfast near the lagoon pool.


I had the shrimp salad (delicious!)


Markus had an omellete w/callaloo

[Clarity]

After breakfast we swam in the lagoon pool. I just floated peacefully on my raft listening to the rushing waterfall...I'm in love with this pool...





Kimi extended our check out time so we didn't have to leave until 2 PM. We decided to go back to the main villa for some more snorkeling off the cliffs.



Markus wanted to snorkel further then my comfort zone allows, so I told him to go ahead while I dried off.

“You sure you'll be okay all alone?”, he asked

I glanced around the private villa, not a single soul in sight. “Yeah, I think I'll manage” I laughed

Markus went off to explore a cave to the left of LTU pub underneath Citronella while I watched him from a distance.


(markus waving his arms around inside the cave)

That's when I heard someone shout “Hey beautiful!!”

I looked around in confusion. Huh??

“Over here!!”

I turned to the sound of the voice and saw 3 muscular cliff divers waving at me from Ricks Cafe. I laughed and walked a little closer to greet them.

“Hey!” I waved.

“Do you want company?”, they yelled

“No!”, I shouted back. But then I laughed and politely followed it with a “But thank you though for the kind offer!” I didn't want to seem rude...

“It's no problem, We'll come over to you!!”, One of the divers hollered

Suddenly they started scaling the wall between Villa Sur Mer and Ricks Cafe..balancing on the edge of the precarious wall and heading towards me all smiles. A daring move, one wrong step and they would plummet down onto the ragged rocks below. I was shocked!

“No no no!!” I said gesturing wildly with my hands for them to turn back “I'm here with my husband! No!” It was so bizarre, that couldn't stop laughing, What in the world?? I couldn't believe how agile these men were, but of COURSE they were... they jump off high cliffs and out of trees.

I could just imagine Markus's response to this. He would flip out. How would I possibly explain the presence of 3 ripped shirtless men lounging around me in our private villa?!

“Well, Where is your husband then??”, One of the guys asked

“He's in that cave!” I said pointing to my right. Then I added “We're celebrating our ten year wedding anniversary!”

The leader of the threesome laughed and gave me a thumbs up sign. “Okay! Gotcha! Back up guys..back it up” They all jumped off the ledge back onto Ricks Cafe, cracking up and hitting eachother playfully.

I breathed a sigh of relief, waved goodbye to them and returned to watching Markus.

I wonder what it must be like for a single girl in Negril?.. Really flattering but wow! A little crazy..

Markus returned 10 minutes later. He was excited to report that the cave was FILLED with bats, hanging out all over the walls.

“Come! You've got to check it out! It's amazing!”, he said grabbing my arm.

I pulled away and just stared at him wordlessly with a horrified expression.

“Oh that's right, you're not a fan of bats”, Markus said laughing

No. I'm not. But for those of you that ARE... feel free to check out that cave. You can reach it from LTU Pub, Villa Sur Mer, Citronella or swim over from Ricks Cafe. (Markus was probably waving his arms around in the cave to fight off the dive bombing bats)

We realized that it was getting late. It was time to pack up our belongings and bid farewell to the beautiful and amazing Villa Sur Mer..

[Clarity]

we said goodbye to Shakes and his homemade broom...


We said goodbye to Radcliff our awesome bartender...


We said a tearful goodbye to warm hearted Kimi. Before we left, we took a tour of the more affordable room that we WOULD have stayed at if we hadn't been upgraded for our anniversary. If anyone is thinking about staying at Villa Sur Mer, I'll send you the pics. They're really nice, like little houses with full kitchens and livingrooms.

I know I've said this a million times already, but our stay at Villa Sur Mer was truly a dream come true for us.

We were prepared to just walk to Seastar with our luggage, but Kimi wouldn't let us. She insisted that we accept a complimentary drive on behalf of the hotel. Wow!

We were driven to the gates of Seastar and said our final goodbyes..

[Clarity]

When the gates opened and we stepped inside Seastar Inn with our luggage, a familiar feeling washed over me.. It felt like coming home. It made me think of Webcasts, good times, and friends. Last time I was here was in November. I gazed over at the table that we had sat at with Rob, Lisa, Bella Bea and Jamar. I remembered our late night party closing down the bar and the laughter... Meinvancouver and his beautiful wife, Dolly, Blandy1 with her pretty blue eyes.. All the boardies dancing around...Luciano on stage... all wonderful memories! I just felt so happy to be back!!

Check in was a breeze, just like last time.

We explained that we had 2 nights booked but that there was a change of plans. Now we would be staying in Mandeville tomorrow night to visit my family instead. Would it be possible for us to have friends stay in the room that night on our behalf?

“No problem!”

Now we just had to find the right friend that would appreciate a complimentary night at Seastar Inn. We knew exactly who to offer this to and we just hoped that they would accept it.

We were led to our room. Room 12. It is one of the older rooms located in the back, second floor. I really liked how it was so quiet and removed from everything..

The room was spacious with large arched wooden ceilings, a fridge and big bed..




The balcony was my favorite part of Room 12. It is huge, with a view of the lush backyard...




(view of the garden from our balcony)

I lay down on the bed and immediately fell asleep while Markus sat on the balcony bird watching.. I don't know what it is about the beds in Seastar, I can't lay on them without passing out. They're just too comfortable.

I woke up with a start two hours later...

“Oh no! What time is it? Did we miss the concert??” I sat up anxiously.

Markus reassured me that it was still early and we were fine.

“So who is going to be at the Luciano Concert?”, Markus asked after we both showered and changed “Will My Boys be there tonight?”

My Boys = Ninja & Guirigay. (The two boardies Markus has been in contact with leading up to this trip. He was really excited about meeting them.)

“Yep, Your Boys will be there” I laughed “and My Girls will be there too”

All of the rest of the turtles were landing in Jamaica today and meeting for the first time at Seastar Inn.

I looked forward to seeing Patty Sather, Becky, and Beachgirl66 again..

I also couldn't wait to meet Marley, Ninja, Guirigay, Sweetiepie, Booger, Sandie, Tizzy, Spottycatz, Indybob, RastaStan, Gerryg123!... the list went on and on! AMAZING!

“Ready to go?”, Markus asked swinging open the door to our room.

I took a deep breath and smiled “Ready.”

To be Continued...
Markus is up next

[Angel]

Nice once again Clarity, sorry to hear you are sick. Hope you get better soon. Looking forward to more of your trip report from both of you. The weekend is coming so maybe a time to rest :-)

[marley9808]

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love these reports and woo hoo, I am about to make my entrance LOL

I was reading this and actually found myself sad that you were leaving Villa Sur Mer......that place is amazing....like something in my dreams. I am so glad you both got the chance to stay there. I am not sure I could think of a better 10 year anniversary than what you just described! Awesome!

[garysteph1018]

[bjritz]

Great new addition to your awesome report, Clarity! Six hotels, now that is some rambling, girl. That cave swim would be right up my alley. Good on ya, Marcus.

I love the Seastar pics, since I was mesmerised while there, and taking no pictures other than in the event area, thanks for sharing these awesome vews. Seastar just looks so, good for a stay. May have to do that.

Guys climbing cliffs after ya! They must have seen the other eye.

[JaJodi]

Clarity and Hubbyman - Thank you!

I'm lurking around and planning a trip for next year and I have completely changed what we are going to do. Villas Sur Mer really should give you some free nights, I was going to do all 7 nights on the beach for our 20th anniversary and now I have to stay there. Your pictures make it look magical, and both of your great writing styles may have a little something to do with it.

[marley9808]