Trip Date: April 2015
When the Easter holiday presented a 5 day break at my job, I thought, what better way to spend it than in Jamaica?!
Sooo… I bought a last minute ticket! Last minute ticket deals can sometimes be amazing, but unfortunately not for me on this particular trip, the upside to that is I mysteriously got bumped to first class so I guess it all worked out! I took my hot towel, ate my first class meal, ordered a screwdriver and enjoyed the ride!
The Chill Out Hut
Usually my first stop is straight to my grandmother’s house where she normally has all of my favorite foods and homemade juice waiting for me (yes, she spoils all of her grand-kids and we love and appreciate her dearly). However, on this trip she was actually in America where she spends half of the year.
Instead I went straight to the Chill Out Hut, a nice restaurant located in Montego Bay along the North Coast Highway, it sits right on the coast of the water. This restaurant is about a 25 minute drive from Sangster’s International Airport. It has great vibes, friendly staff, tasty food and good music. It’s nice to eat while you hear the waves crashing against the rocks and watch the fisherman fishing. One of my favorite items on the menu is the barbecue fried chicken and rice and peas yum! yum! yum!
If you feel like having a hangover, then order the long island iced tea, hunnnnty I was not ready!
Road Trip to Kingston
Next, we (my fiance and I) hit the highway to Kingston, the capital of Jamaica. At one point in time you may have heard many negative things about Kingston; However, it is a great historical city with plenty to see and do. I always like to think of it as the New York of Jamaica, it’s like the city that never sleeps, with parties lasting until the wee hours of the morning.
We checked in to the Pegasus Hotel. The Pegasus is located in the business and financial district of the city. It is a highly rated landmark hotel that sits 17 stories high, making it the tallest building in the city.
Keep in mind, this is not a resort style hotel surrounded by a beach and sand like you might see in Montego Bay, rather a place that offers a more city-like atmosphere and relaxation within your room or suite. If visiting for a business trip, or looking for somewhere classy to stay while you have activities planned in the area I would highly recommend the Pegasus. The hotel has a restaurant and bars on the property, and it also offers a continental breakfast.
(fun fact- I checked out 2 days before President Barack Obama checked in. Call it bad timing, but I wouldn’t have been able to see him anyway. I hear they cleared the place out before his arrival!)
Emancipation Park
The night I arrived in Kingston I thought I was going to a party, but exhausted from jet lag, before I knew it I was in the bed snoring! I woke up around 3am and still thought I could salvage the night, so I got dressed and ended up just taking a stroll and self-guided tour through Emancipation Park. This historical landmark park is located right across the street from the hotel. Even though it was nearing 4am the park was well lit, there were security guards on duty and even local people and tourists going for walks and jogs. It was very powerful to be able to visit this park, especially because of what it stands for and the history attached to it.
It opened on July 31, 2002 and it’s a commemoration to the end of slavery. It is full of fountains and beautiful art. One piece of art that stood out was the Redemption Song sculpture. This 11 foot high sculpture was made by Laura Facey-Cooper and represents the triumphant rise from all of the devastating years of slavery.
Waterhouse Kingston
The next day we headed to my fiance’s hometown, Waterhouse Kingston. Because it was Easter weekend everyone was getting their meals ready for Sunday dinner and the aroma literally made my mouth water. I finally got my first bite of Easter bun and cheese for the season! Delicious to say the least. Easter bun and cheese is like a Jamaican delicacy, it is a traditional treat that is eaten around Easter. Depending on where you live in America, it can be hard to come by, which explains why I received many requests to bring some back for various family members and friends. If you ever travel to Jamaica during the Easter holiday I recommend trying it out so that you can understand it’s popularity.
Hellshire Beach
What is a trip to Kingston without going to Hellshire Beach? Hellshire Beach is located near Portmore, and it is known for its many beachfront restaurants that serve an array of delicious seafood, particularly fish. It’s a family beach, hangout spot, parties are thrown there, and entertainers even perform there and much more, all in one! It’s hard for me to go to Kingston and not make a stop at Hellshire beach.
Once you are about 5 minutes away from the beach you begin to smell the scent of fresh fish, as you get closer you begin to hear a mix of reggae music, new and old almost blending together as each restaurant has their sound system cranked to the maximum volume. Upon arrival you will surely be ready to pick out the fish you would like to eat, and grab a cold drink to sip while you wait for your food which is made to order. While waiting, you can go for a swim, or take in the view and good vibes.
I personally enjoy a good parrot fish, steamed or fried (sometimes both!) and the lobster is also amazing! Mmmm!
Sandz JA
The trip ended with a bang as we attended one of the hottest annual beach parties that is held every year on Easter sunday. I am definitely a day party type of girl so this party was right up my alley. It is a party that starts at 12 noon and ends around 6pm, it’s located on the beach and you can rent VIP cabanas if you so please. The location was amazing and the music was great! You know a party was good if you are still talking about it way after it took place, and that is exactly what myself and the crew I attended with always do! “So how about that Sandz party? We had the time of our lives!”
Check out the Sandz website for information on upcoming events and parties you won’t want to miss out on. They also have parties in the US. SandzJA
Glass half empty: Buying a last minute ticket for this trip over a holiday weekend was not the greatest move
Glass half full: Getting bumped to first class sure made me get my money’s worth!
So tell me, do you like to travel during the holidays? If so which holidays do you travel during and where? Leave a comment below.
