Jamaica FAM Trip 2011

I recently participated in an agent trip to Jamaica. They are trying to educate agents and the general public that safety is a top priority for tourism. We visited several resorts and went to dinner in Montego Bay. They have uniformed tourist guides on Hip Strip if any problems would occur. We encourage our clients to use the same precautions they would use going to downtown St Louis. Don't wear expensive jewelry or flash large amounts of cash to draw unwanted attention. Also, stay on the main areas of the tourist area where there are plenty of people enjoying local attractions. Hip Strip has shops and restaurants including Margaritaville and the Pelican where we enjoyed some local cuisine. Some agents walked over to a shopping area near our resort, Riu Montego Bay. We encourage our clients to stay in a large group and walk in well lit areas where the tourist guides are located.

Here is some information about the resorts I toured:


Riu Montego Bay - 681 rooms, Close to airport, basic amenities, nice beach, comfortable rooms, wedding gazebo, family rooms and suites also available.

Iberostar Rose Hall Beach - 366 rooms and suites, nice beach and pool area, library has 2 pool tables, massage cabanas, a lot of palapas by pool and trees on beach, 12 hr room service, 20 minutes from airport

Iberostar Rose Hall Suites - 273 suites, lazy river, bigger beach, 24 hr room service, great for weddings
Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall -295 suites, adults only, full butler service, free concierge at pool, free internet

Secrets Wild Orchid/St James - adults only, 350 suites in each section. Wild Orchid is the section where most of restaurants and activities are located. St James is more relaxed and quiet, no pool bar. All rooms have 'Secret box', flat screen with DVD players, minibar. Almost all rooms have oceanview with 1 king or 2 queens. Both have Preferred Club sections with separate check in, small lobby with snacks and free internet.
Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton/Jamaica - 984 suites, located outside of Montego Bay in Lucea. It is farther from airport but very picturesque. The property is quite large with a great pool area, spa and secluded beach with watersports. Adult only section and pool available.

Riu Tropical Bay Palace - 416 rooms, located on Bloody Bay in Negril. Great beach, small property
Couples Swept Away - 312 suites, located on Negril's Seven Mile Beach, Caribbean-style verandah suites that include atrium and beachfront suites. The atrium verandah suites are secluded villas with garden views.They offer a walk in shower for 2, windows on 3 sides with shutters for privacy and hammock outside.

Couples Negril - 234 rooms and suites, located on Bloody Bay. Great beach, small intimate resort with beachfront suites available. Private 'au natural' sunbathing area. Glass bottom boats and other activities.
Sunset at the Palms - 65 rooms and suites, nestled in the trees across the street from beach. Treetop deluxe rooms and treetop 1 bedroom suites available. This is small, value minded property that is only a short walk to the beach club with bar & grill and watersports area.
Last but not least -
Palmyra - 299 rooms and suites, just opened Fall 2010 with a new building under construction. This is a condo type property with full kitchen and laundry in most rooms. Private chef, personal concierge and butler available. Commissary on site with groceries and wine. This is the ultimate in luxury with a nice, relaxing beach. Wedding facilities and conference rooms to accommodate most events.

Christy