Topic Wiki

Trip Reports, notes and reviews:

https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=30598.msg2691625#msg2691625

https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=130548.msg2629228#msg2629228

https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=130962.0


Airports:
Kingston                   Kingston / St. Andrew   MKJP   KIN      
Montego Bay           Saint James                   MKJS MBJ   
Ocho Rios/Boscobel   Saint Mary   MKBS           OCJ


Where to stay:  Points?
Montego Bay
Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall (All-Inclusive)
Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall (All-Inclusive) (Adults Only)
Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa, Jamaica (All-Inclusive)
Holiday Inn Montego Bay (All-Inclusive)
Half Moon
Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort and Private Island (Over Water Bungaloo)
Sandals Montego Bay
Secrets
Iberostar Grand Rose Hall


Kosher:
Chabad   http://www.jewishjamaica.com/kosher/
Chabad Kosher Hot Spot  - 1-3 Gloucester Avenue, Montego Bay  +1 876-452-3223   Open:10:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Bringing food with you requires a Permit: https://www.moatrade.gov.jm/MOA/
apply for a Veterinary License
when your adding all your items to the list you can search Kosher for a full list. Also Consignor= Store you purchased it from
Easiest way to get through to permit department is 876.281.2601 normally takes 5 business days online

Mikvah:
Gorgeous brand new Mikvah in Chabad Center

 If you have any queries or concerns please don't hesitate to reach out to Rebbetzin Mushkee Raskin through WhatsApp at  347 268 3494 or mushkee@jewishjamaica.com

Chabad:
CHABAD JAMAICA  876-630-4400 | 876-452-3223
RABBI@CHABADOFJAMAICA.COM


What to do:
Ocho Rios Blue Hole
Dunns Falls (Hike up waterfalls)
Luminous Lagoon (Glistening Waters) and Rose Hall Great House
Horseback Ride n' Swim! through the ocean
Green Grotto Caves (From James Bond Live and Let Die)
Mystic Mountain Bobsledding (From Cool Runnings)
Zip Lining
Sailing
ATV Tour
Bamboo rafting excursion down the Martha Brae River
Floyd's Pelican Bar
PLEASE UPDATE

« Last edited by moishes on August 14, 2023, 01:23:59 PM »

Author Topic: Jamaica master thread  (Read 54656 times)

Offline mena613

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Jamaica master thread
« on: July 10, 2013, 04:51:45 PM »

Traveling to Jamaica next week and curios what peoples experiences where.

What did you do about kosher food.

Are there any specific things to look out for ?

Any tips of what to do and what to be careful of ?

We are staying two and half hours away from the airport, whats the best way to get there ?

Thanks guys

Offline stbaum

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #1 on: August 06, 2014, 02:39:02 PM »
what a great thread. really good info here guys
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Offline zalman123

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #2 on: September 11, 2014, 03:38:56 PM »
I'm looking to go to the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall in Montego Bay,  Jamaica , any Tips?

Offline Marco Polo

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #3 on: September 11, 2014, 05:14:21 PM »
I'm looking to go to the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall in Montego Bay,  Jamaica , any Tips?
Are you flying SW there?
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Offline Yaalili

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #4 on: September 11, 2014, 05:17:02 PM »
There is a new chabad that just opened up in Montego Bay very recently. Check jewish Jamaica.

Offline jj1000

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #5 on: October 05, 2014, 09:05:24 AM »
what a great thread. really good info here guys
+1

TR to come :)
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Offline stbaum

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #6 on: October 05, 2014, 09:08:25 AM »
Awesome, JJ!!
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Offline bentch

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #7 on: October 05, 2014, 09:29:14 AM »
hes name is yaakov raskin. very nice chabad. hes located in montego bay. most of the tourist attractions, i.e. dunns river falls, magic mountain, dolphin swimming, is located in ochos rios (1 hr drive). due to the yomim tovim, i havent had time to write up a TR but if u want more info feel free to pm or ask away.

Offline jj1000

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #8 on: October 05, 2014, 01:05:17 PM »
hes name is yaakov raskin. very nice chabad. hes located in montego bay. most of the tourist attractions, i.e. dunns river falls, magic mountain, dolphin swimming, is located in ochos rios (1 hr drive). due to the yomim tovim, i havent had time to write up a TR but if u want more info feel free to pm or ask away.
In F on the way there now. Any info is appreciated!

Maybe rate the attractions in order of must do and best way to do them.

Is it easy finding a boar for glistening waters?
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Offline Marco Polo

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #9 on: October 05, 2014, 09:58:27 PM »
In F on the way there now. Any info is appreciated!

Maybe rate the attractions in order of must do and best way to do them.

Is it easy finding a boar for glistening waters?
What are you flying?
Quaerite et Invenietis.

Offline bubble347

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Watch this inspiring video.

Offline Cw3323

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #11 on: November 09, 2014, 11:33:03 AM »
JJ any TR on Jamaica. I got a great offer from the brand new hyatts and I'm thinking of doing it.

Offline jj1000

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #12 on: November 09, 2014, 11:49:00 AM »
JJ any TR on Jamaica. I got a great offer from the brand new hyatts and I'm thinking of doing it.
Just in short this is a TR someone PM'ed me. Hope they don't mind me posting:
Quote
Around montego Bay there isn't much but there are a lot of good fishing and snorkeling spots.  I would try to walk over to one of the resorts and go snorkeling (I think it was $30 for 2 hours).
Also margaritaville is a nice hangout spot with a free waterside that empties out into the ocean.

In ochos Rios (1hr15min from montego) I would definitely do dunns river falls ($20).  It's a really beautiful water hike up the waterfall (I would bring water shoes if u have,  otherwise u can buy for $10 at the park). Give about 2-3 hours so u can enjoy the beach at the bottom as well as all the beautiful views along the way.  Also if u get there early around 11 u will beat all the tourists.
I did mystic mountain and it was prob 6/10. It's a fun little spot but very pricey. I bought the $139 package which got me the zip lining and Bob sledding.  Both are really neat but I would recommend the zip lining over Bob sledding.  Also at the top of the mountain is a water slide and infinity pool that over looks the ocean,  very beautiful,  as well as a bird sanctuary.

I also did the dolphin swimming in ochos Rios but I wouldn't recommend it.  It was like $250 and very disappointing.

Everything is very close to each other in ochos Rios so I would do dunns river first and then mystic.  Just make sure to be at mystic mountain around 2:30 to leave enough time before they close at 5. We hired a driver for the day but otherwise u can just take taxis.

I was only there for 2 1/2 days. I did Dunn River falls and it was amazing. Take extra time to spend time on the beach below the falls and enjoy the hike up it's a lot of fun and very unique.

Glistening waters is an absolute must do as well. I went on the last boat and had it to myself. I've been to iridescent waters before, but none of them came close to this it was very cool. The photographers are very bad so take your own photos if you can.

Besides that we chilled out in a really nice vila http://www.vrbo.com/45568 and we had a private pool under beautiful starry nights, just relaxed and enjoyed.


Everyone in the country is very chilled and relaxed, was nice to experience the culture. They all however want your money and haggle you to buy there junk at most tourist destinations. 

Hope this helps. I can try and write more later.
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Offline Cw3323

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #13 on: November 09, 2014, 12:01:58 PM »
Thanks.
Any kosher food at the new Chabad ?

Offline Yaalili

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #14 on: November 09, 2014, 12:18:50 PM »

Offline jj1000

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #15 on: November 09, 2014, 12:30:37 PM »
Thanks.
Any kosher food at the new Chabad ?
The Rabbi answers emails chabadofjamaica@gmail.com I personally brought a bunch of food myself.

Yup - http://www.jewishjamaica.com/kosher/.
Cool didn't even know that.
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Offline tmendy226

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #16 on: December 11, 2014, 02:52:28 AM »
Just in short this is a TR someone PM'ed me. Hope they don't mind me posting:
I was only there for 2 1/2 days. I did Dunn River falls and it was amazing. Take extra time to spend time on the beach below the falls and enjoy the hike up it's a lot of fun and very unique.

Glistening waters is an absolute must do as well. I went on the last boat and had it to myself. I've been to iridescent waters before, but none of them came close to this it was very cool. The photographers are very bad so take your own photos if you can.

Besides that we chilled out in a really nice vila http://www.vrbo.com/45568 and we had a private pool under beautiful starry nights, just relaxed and enjoyed.


Everyone in the country is very chilled and relaxed, was nice to experience the culture. They all however want your money and haggle you to buy there junk at most tourist destinations. 

Hope this helps. I can try and write more later.

so what would you suggest besides
- Dunn River falls
-Glistening waters
?

Offline JS69

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #17 on: December 09, 2015, 04:46:48 PM »
Thinking of going to the Hyatt Zilara...anyone have experience with kosher food since it is an all-inclusive? Will get store food and give us a microwave Etc...?


Thanks

Offline CholentTheTraveler

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #18 on: December 22, 2015, 02:10:01 PM »
Thinking of going to the Hyatt Zilara...anyone have experience with kosher food since it is an all-inclusive? Will get store food and give us a microwave Etc...?


Thanks
I am actually thinking of booking two days there as well as I am heading in for business. I spoke to the shliach there about food and hotel will heat up anything as long as it is packed properly(double wrapped etc).

Offline tmendy226

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Re: Jamaica master thread
« Reply #19 on: December 22, 2015, 10:33:20 PM »
I am actually thinking of booking two days there as well as I am heading in for business. I spoke to the shliach there about food and hotel will heat up anything as long as it is packed properly(double wrapped etc).

How was your experience with the shliach?