Friday, September 24, 2010

jamaica - one love

We returned from our Jamaican vacation last Sunday night at 11pm. It was the best vacation we've taken! We never took an official "honeymoon" after our wedding, so we considered this our honeymoon two years later. The trip was not only so relaxing, but it was also so much fun! We got massages, climbed a waterfall, went snorkeling, sailing, took a catamaran out to sea, played on the beach and by the pool and met some great friends! It was a trip we'll never forget. It made us feel like newlyweds all over again! I love my sweet hubby more than words can say. I look forward to many more trips like these!

Right when we landed in Jamaica our resort (Sandals) had a shuttle waiting to drive us to Ocho Rios. Danny wasted no time and grabbed a Red Stripe at the Margaritaville in the airport.
The bus ride from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios took about 90 minutes. I loved driving through the local towns and looking at the beautiful scenery.
When we arrived at Sandals, we were greeted with cold towels and a glass of champagne. Great way to start our vacation!
When we checked in they told us we were upgraded to a suite on the Riviera (beach) side. They also gave us a $250 spa credit, a bottle of champagne and breakfast in bed one morning! We were so excited about our spa credit that we got our couples massage the very next day. It was SO relaxing.
Our housekeeper made us cute little animals everyday. She seriously cleaned our room like 3 times a day - she was wonderful!
Our balcony faced the beautiful gardens.
View from our balcony.
The first night we went to dinner at an italian restaurant on the resort called Valentino's - it was delicious! We woke up early the next day to take a catamaran tour to Dunn's River Waterfalls.
The boat ride was so fun!
We stopped on the way to go snorkeling and the coral reef was so pretty. I wish I had pictures of us in the water.

There was an open bar and DJ on the boat - people were dancing and having a great time!


I didn't take our camera on the waterfalls because I was scared I would drop it - here is a picture of us leaving the Dunn's River island. The waterfall climb was so exhilarating.
They had themed parties every night - this is before the "chocolate party". Everyone wore white!
Sweet hubby
Part of the beach
The pier
One of the restaurants on the water

Conch shells for sale
This Rasta-man was trying to sell us stuff and Danny tried to take his picture.
Another rasta - they were so nice

This is where we ate breakfast every morning - you could see the Carribean ocean




Massages on the beach



This is the glass bottom boat we went snorkeling on one day.
We also went sailing and Danny even tried wind-surfing.
House on the mountain side
Before the beach party at Jamie's Bar. The DJ was so fun this night! We literally danced all night.

With our new friends from California - Peter & Nikki. They were so fun and they were on their honeymoon!

 We took a taxi with another couple into the town of Ocho Rios and St. Ann's Bay on Friday. This is the Fern Gully Rainforest (the Disney movie was based on this rainforest).
 The guide was telling us something about this leaf and Danny thought it was cool.
 Fern Gully

 This is the "Bob Marley Forest"
 Danny in the Bob Marley Forest
Overlooking Ocho Rios
 Ocho Rios - the view was incredible

 This nice man sold us the most beautiful carved coconut
 Local school children in St. Ann's Bay
 Pool Party - love the swim-up bars





 The resort
 The resort
 Pool party at the Riviera

 On the beach on our 6th and final day - Saturday
 The sun was so bright - it was wonderful






 Wedding on the beach (if you look hard you can see the bride and groom)
 Hot hubby

 Our new favorite drink is the "Jamaican Smile" - pina colada, strawberry daquiri, rum...delicious. The staff at the resort were all wonderful - so friendly and accomodating. We loved them all!! We even made friends with a few (Gawayne, Milton, Roan - I want to write down their names so I won't forget). They helped make our trip perfect.
At the beach party with one of the playmakers - Nastassia! She was great!!




 Standing in the Caribbean
 Relaxing by the beach

 Love the beach hat
 My picture in the reflection
 At the airport with his duty-free Jamaican rum

 Last picture in Jamaica.
We literally had the time of our lives - I wish I could describe everything to you but it would take 1000 pictures! We came back feeling relaxed, refreshed and even more in love. It was wonderful. Thanks for a GREAT vacation, hubby! I love you!

Yea mon!

2 comments:

Alison said...

Your pictures are GORGEOUS!! looks like y'all just had the best time!

The picture of you in the reflection reminds me of the Pioneer Woman :-)

Kara said...

Looks like you all had an amazing trip! My husband and I went to Iberostar Rose Hall Suites in Montego Bay for our honeymoon last year. It was so amazing. I love the idea of adults only.