I rarely post here but frequently read about the travels of others. A large group of us have been staying at the Yellowbird for 28 years, this being our last. We never stay there because of the accommodations or price, we stayed there because of the staff that always treated every guest like family.

Here are some of the reasons you might want to rethink your stay, at least for the next several years. Cottages have been upgraded with walls which increases privacy BUT removes most natural light and breeze. If you need cooking and eating utensils (forks, spoons, plates, pans, etc) you are really on your own. Coffee, toast and breakfast no longer offered. Rasta Mike and Pogo, Ms. Marcia, Andrea and Althea, all removed and not allowed to step into the yard. Most of the staff let go, which is understandable because of covid. However, the new owner “summons” the remaining staff by clapping his hands, never using first names. The new owner is there and walking the yard, sitting at the bar but NEVER once talked to the 16 of us while we there. Not that we expected to get chummy but at least a “hello, how is your stay going?”. There are many other reasons to reconsider giving your money to this fellow…but I will stop there.

The new owner is going to build a restaurant where Rasta Mikes shack is, bring in his own people for water sports, put at least 2 more hotel buildings on ground. So construction will be ongoing for awhile. He also owns the part of Merrills next to Risky Business, as that is where the property line is. So, many changes coming for this end of the beach.

We love Jamaica and the people and are actively looking for a new home for next January…any recommendations from others would help our search. Thanks for reading this post…