]]> Negril all natural at Heart Beat Seaside Resort is a post from: Jamaica Vacations

When we made the decision to move to Jamaica more than 2 years ago we searched Google for rooms to rent in Negril and one of the listings we found was for Heart Beat Seaside Resort on the West End Cliffs of Negril. We decided to make the initial move in summer when better long term rates are available and we ended staying there for the first 6 months we lived in Jamaica. I think that living at Heart Beat and meeting the people we did has made our long term stay in Negril possible in many ways.

We moved and tried other places to live in Negril but we have remained close with the staff which includes Hyacinth and Junie the housekeepers and Kevin the groundskeeper as well as Valerie Brewis the property owner who is a 30 year resident of this wonderful slice of the world. We have lived away from the sea since we left and we have been longing for it since that same day. Something about living seaside is just so peaceful and natural to me and Heart Beat is the perfect place for relaxing days watching nature and life pass by. I think it must have something to do with growing up in Key West and always near the ocean but I can waste away hours just watching the waters in anticipation of a school of fish jumping or a dolphin popping up for air.

We sat at Devine Destiny for a long time and when it was time for a change we new we wanted to be within sight of the Caribbean again. If we could we wanted to be seaside but living there long term can be a trick. Lucky for us we happen to know some and we are once again relaxing in the beauty and cool quiet atmosphere of Heart Beat where the sunsets from the cliffs bring to end yet another wonderful day, each and every day.

I don’t think I have ever felt as laid back or chill as I do when we are here and the past two weeks have been so relaxed they seem to have slipped by in my sleep. We moved into an unused space that required some cleaning but in between the work and repairs we have enjoyed some of the best days this year and no matter what happens it’s always very calm and quiet here and the chirping of birds or the rustling of palm trees in the crisp sea breeze is about all you ever notice.

With 2.5 acres and limited buildings there is plenty of open space and there are a number of walking paths that lead to the waters edge where you can actually dive into the ocean head first from less than 10 feet above sea level. Many of the other cliff resorts are much higher up and not so well suited to afternoon dips or snorkeling in the warm waters of the Caribbean but you can experience some of the best cliff side snorkel trips in Negril right from easy to use ladders that you find on both ends of the property.

There is a coral reef which runs just off the Negril cliffs that starts in the waters off of Heart Beat and on any morning you may find Jamaican divers swimming by with spear guns in hand in search of the catch of the day. If you don’t see any divers you are guaranteed a show from the local fisherman who take off from the small fishing boat fleet on the beaches near Mi Yard and head out to the deeper reef far outshore in their motor boats or the lone fisherman who paddles by in his dugout boat and pulls fish traps just outside the mooring buoys along the coastline. It’s a cool way to start your day by watching them run their fish nets or pull the traps in the early morning sun which you can watch rise up over Long Bay Beach and the Westmoreland mountains between Negril and Montego Bay.

We have been snorkeling about as often as we can and even our four year old Robbie has enjoyed the beautiful sealife that can be found just a few feet from shore. We have seen dozens of different tropical fish including some pretty cool porcupine fish and multi colored damsel fish plus sea urchins, sea cucumbers and even a pretty big stingray feeding in the muddy sand bar. It’s almost never ending as each new day bring something new into the area and we have something new to discover just about every morning. I think mornings before 8am are the best time to jump in the water as the sun is about in the perfect position for taking well lighted photos and everything seems to be awake and feeding.

There are all types of wildlife in the natural environment around you and you can listen to birds sing almost all day long. Right now there is a pair of Jamaican Orioles weaning two chicks who hop around on palm tree branches begging food from mommy and picking through the beds of soft grass on ground below their home. An Orangequit has been flying onto the porch and grabbing tufts of thatch from the roof for the past week while building a nearby nest. There are a number of date palms in the yard which shed a sweet date that hermit crabs just love to eat. You can find them at all times of the day just about all over the yard but at night there are hundreds of them crawling around under the two largest trees. If you dare to pick one up carefully you’ll find an assortment of colors and shells and they can reach in size up to the palm of your hand. Every morning the White Crown Pigeons that live high up in the almond tree drop down on the cliffs to sip rainwater alongside the rock doves and occasional egret. The Jamaican almond trees shed seeds year round and you can actually crack them open and eat the almonds inside although it requires a bit more work then they are worth unless you know the trick to cracking them on the seam. The yard also has a number of ackee trees as well a coconut palms, sea grapes and spanish limes.

Heart Beat remains simple and there is no spa or restaurant operating on site although you can have a massage in your room or seaside with a local massage therapist. For dining there is Jacko and Jennys Restaurant across the street which offers a great selection of Jamaican and international dishes. From french toast and scrambled eggs to ackee and saltfish, brown stew chicken and fried fish with bammy they offer a variety of menu items that should satisfy anyone. At night you can find some of the best jerk chicken on the West End at Tayons where you can buy a cold Red Stripe and shoot a game of pool with the local crew. Tayons is open until 2am and plays a great selection of reggae and dancehall favorites on the sound system that I truly enjoy. I have heard some complaints about the loud music by those looking for sleep early in the evening but Negril is a late night place and you’ll hear music all over town until the early morning hours.

There a number of different room types available for rent from the small cottage with kitchenette and bath called Calypso where we lived to the seaside pillar rooms which feature beautiful hand finished wood work throughout and a porch facing those picture perfect sunsets up to the larger unit which sleeps up to 7 people in beds made from bamboo. All of the rooms have funky names to fit the theme such as Dancing Dolphin or Lovers Rock and come complete with mini fridge, screened windows and ornate ceiling fans. The rooms have comfortable beds and basic furnishings with a rustic homey feel to them and they are meticulously maintained by the kindest people you’ll ever meet.

The pillar rooms are very popular for romantic getaways for newlywed couples on honeymoon in Negril on their Jamaica vacation but are equally as popular with Jamaicans from as far as Kingston looking for that perfect Negril weekend. The seaside apartments in the main building are one bedroom units with full kitchen and private bath plus ceiling fans and screened windows which face Long Bay and Negril Beach for a great view of the bay and beach area with the mountains in the backdrop. You can join the local fisherman who walk out to the point of the cliffs nearby and bait fish with handlines each late afternoon for a beer and conversation or you can just sit and watch them from your veranda.

Heart Beat is a $2 taxi ride from everything in Negril yet inside the walls it often feels like your miles away from everything which is exactly how you want it to be sometimes. If you are looking for a romantic seaside getaway in Negril then you must check them out on the Heart Beat website or facebook page to arrange your vacation.

]]> Affordable vacation beach rentals at Westport Cottages in Negril Jamaica is a post from: Jamaica Vacations

Finding vacation beach rentals or just simply a room in Negril is easy enough but finding a cool spot to chill by the beach at an affordable rate year round is a trick unless of course you know Joseph at Westport Cottages right on Norman Manley Blvd. If you know about his international hostel and affordable beach accommodations just across the street from Negril Beach then you know where to go for one of the best values in an inexpensive room in Negril.

Budget travelers from around the world call Westport home during their stay in Jamaica and many have returned annually for many years. Some are simple backpackers looking for a cheap room near the beach for the night but many others are long term guests visiting Jamaica and the Negril area for a month or more. Still others are simply budget conscious vacationers looking for quick easy access the the world famous 7 Mile Negril Beach with it’s pristine white sand , crystal blue seas and year round sunshine.

No matter where they are from I have met some of the most interesting people while staying at Westport Cottages and it seems something about the place attracts an eclectic if not fun crowd of guests to get to know. The place is quiet and clean with daily room preps from none other than “Sista” the head of housekeeping and grounds care. She’s a kind honest woman who makes sure you sleep on clean sheets and a well kept room.

The rooms are rather basic and just what you need if you plan on spending most of your time actually visiting Negril and the beach. If you looking for a plush air conditioned place with tv and lots of other stuff then look elsewhere. If you are looking for an inexpensive beach rental nearby Negril Beach with a laid back and super cool atmosphere then call Joseph at Westport Cottages or use the Contact Us page for more details on where to stay in Negril Beach.

Rooms for rent in Negril Beach at Westport Cottages

Shared kitchen area at Westport Cottages

]]> Eco tours in Jamaica at Green Castle Estates is a post from: Jamaica Vacations

Jamaica has a number of large and grand estates but few compare to the size and grandeur of Green Castle Estates in Robins Bay, St Marys Parish on the North Coast. Green Castle is 1600 acres of all the best that Jamaica has to offer in natural beauty and landscapes. The estate dates back to the 1600’s with deposits from Taino Indians in select locations that date back another 1000 years.

Green Castle Estate carries a lot of the history and culture of Jamaica and is a wonderful location for a number of eco tours and natural attractions.  The property is now managed as Greencastle Tropical Study Center (GTSC), a not-for-profit organization formed to provide learning opportunities to students and visitors and economic and social benefits to rural Jamaican communities, through the integration of conservation, ecotourism, education and community development.

The property owners have developed partnerships with locals who now run a number of businesses on the estate. We found one of the largest orchid exporters in Jamaica with a huge selection of the most beautiful flowers. They also have a large plantation of coconut palms that are used in the production of coconut oils. There were numerous fruit and vegetable farms and also a large cattle producer on site.

The large open green spaces and lush tropical foliage make for some of the best birdwatching in Jamaica and the property is home to many of the endemic species on the island. The study group has confirmed most of the rare local birds have been seen on the property and we had the pleasure of seeing quite a few in our short time there.

The Green Castle home is available for rent and tours are available of the various businesses being run. We spent a day checking things out and were left wanting so much more. We’ll have to get back to Green Castle for a longer more thorough review of the place. If you’re looking for a unique vacation in Jamaica then do contact Green Castle Estates for a chance to visit a great

Jamaica MAX Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

]]> Eco Tours and Hostel Rooms for Rent at Circle B Farm in Priory near Ocho Rios Jamaica is a post from: Jamaica Vacations

The Circle B Farm was my first choice for accommodation on our first night in the Ochi area because they were one of the few places we spoke with that still offered camping when we called them. Sadly that all changed when we arrived on site and were informed that the owner no longer offered camping because the bathroom and shower facilities outdoors were non functioning and all they had to offer us was a room for rent. The room was clean and simple and only cost $1500 for a nights stay so we took it and were glad we did. I liked the place so much we spent a second night there and enjoyed the place for another beautiful morning.

Circle B Farm is a hostel and farm operating on 140 acres of surreal beauty and lush tropical landscaping. The farm is predominately a banana farm with many other fruit trees on site such as the variety of mango and even a Giant Lemon which I have never seen or heard of before. The farm is busy but quiet for most of the day and if you stay at the rooms up front you may never know what lays in the property around you if you don’t take a walk. There are cows, goats, pigs, dogs and a donkey on site but the domestic animals are less important than the natural flora and fauna found surrounding the place. The farm has a small man made river which runs from the hillsides along the southern border and actually circles the entire facility. This running water and all the sweet smelling fruit trees keeps the area covered in butterflies, birds and insects of all sorts. The bats swirl around at night feeding on the flying insects trapped in the beams of light around the buildings at night for a pretty cool night show.

The stream runs in front of the hostel rooms for rent and around almost every building on site you can sit and peacefully enjoy the sounds of rushing water all day long from just about anywhere on the property. The running water and numerous fruit trees means that early mornings at Circle B are filled with the sounds of a dozen songbirds as they sing praise to the new day before us. One both mornings we were there it was true pleasure to stroll through the banana and pineapple fields and listen to the kingfisher and mockingbirds try to out sing each other. I’m going to need a much better camera in order to catch photos of many of the birds of Jamaica as I simply cannot get close enough to most of them for a decent shot but trust me when I tell you the air was thick with the sounds of birds and nature and it was beautiful.

Circle B is a great location to begin a number of eco tours of the area and central to the many attractions of the North Coast and Ocho Rios area. You can make it to Dunns River, White River Valley, the Bob Marley Mausoleum and much more in an hour or so from this place and its a great place for anyone interested in a youth hostel or camping vacation on the North Coast of Jamaica. For those budget minded travelers interested in tours of the North Coast and Ocho Rios but not wanting to spend more for a place to sleep then you will on the days activities then consider Circle B as a place to stay in your Jamaica travel planning.

E-mail them at: info@circlebfarm.com

or call them at: 1-876-913-4511

You can write to them at: Priory P.A., St-Ann, Jamaica W.I.

Make sure to tell them Alfred @ JamaicaMax sends his love and maybe you’ll get a special tour.

]]> Jakes Place in Treasure Beach is a post from: Jamaica Vacations

Jakes Place is more to Treasure Beach than another bar and hotel on the beach. Jakes Place is more like an institution with a following of not only tourists from around the world but a great mix of locals as well. Jakes is without a doubt the hottest spot in Treasure Beach with much going on from breakfast in the morning to late night parties on the beach and dancing under the star lit skies of night. The compound is pretty large actually and covers the bar, 2 restaurants and 38 cottages that were created by theatrical designer Sally Henzell nestled just off the beaches of Frenchmans Cove.
Jakes is not a cheap place to stay in Treasure Beach and the rooms here will set you back upwards of $200 per night but you’re living in the lap of luxury in one of the most attractive resorts on the South Coast of Jamaica and amongst some of the best people in the world. The rooms offer the very best in amenities including the following:
Verandas with garden views or decks over the sea
CD players and CD libraries
Architectural details include Moroccan domes and arches
In-room safes and hair dryers
No in-room telephones or TVs to provide distraction
Wireless Internet access in main areas (dinning room, poolside, lobby, bar & games room )
Most of the residents of Treasure Beach are members of a few large families in the are and most everyone knows everyone as a brother, sister or cousin of some sort. You may notice some of the people around town have a unique look to them. You will see what are known as the “Treasure Beach Reds” which are red skinned Jamaicans with freckles, blondish hair, and green eyes.
Jakes is a part of the Island Outpost network of rental properties and attractions in Jamaica and owners Sally and Jason are supporters of a variety of not for profit organizations in Jamaica as well as socially responsible community based tourism and development. They are founders of Breds.org, a non-profit association established by local community leaders with the assistance of Peace Corps Volunteers in 1998 to promote Education, Sports, Cultural Heritage, and Environmental awareness in Treasure Beach. The term “Breds”, short for Brethren, is commonly used by locals hailing each other on the local fishing beaches. They get bonus points in my book for being one of the more socially responsible companies on the island.
Jakes is not the only reason people know about Treasure Beach but it certainly is the most popular. Many of the visitors to town are drawn in by the stories of previous guests about the best Jamaica vacations they have ever taken. Jakes has been the biggest draw in Treasure Beach for many years now and no visit to town is complete without dropping in for a meal, a drink and some good conversations with folks from all over the world.

]]> Rental rooms at Karibu Cottage in Treasure Beach Jamaica is a post from: Jamaica Vacations

Karibu Cottage in Treasure Beach Jamaica is a simple place to stay just a couple minutes walk to the beach at Frenchmans Cove but located in the hills above it all where the wind blows down from the Santa Cruz Mountains and keeps things a bit cooler than it gets right down on the beach. You can access the beach alongside Golden Sands at no charge and spend the day strolling the beaches or relaxing on the veranda out front.

Karibu is centrally located to all the Treasure Beach offers in a quiet spot away from the traffic of the main road. The property is surrounded by farmlands and the closet thing to a neighbor are goats and cattle on the adjacent lots. The property is rocky and uneven with ample parking but not much for nice walking spaces.

The rooms in Karibu are small and simple with little more than a bed, window and fan in them. Our room even lacked a dresser or any place to store clothing etc. The common or shared kitchen and bath were clean and sufficient. The shared kitchen comes with a gas stove and a small electric refrigerator and enough pots and pans to make most meals.

Karibu Cottage is a great choice for budget minded travelers looking for a quiet and inexpensive place nearby the beaches in Treasure Beach.

Click here for more pics from Karibu Cottage in Treasure Beach Jamaica.

]]> Seaside Accomodations at Golden Sands Resort in Treasure Beach is a post from: Jamaica Vacations

Although we were on a budget during our trip to Treasure Beach I did entertain other rooms to rent besides Sandy Hill or Karibu Cottage where we finally stayed. While looking around the area we were directed to the Golden Seas Guest House for access to the beach at Frenchmans Cove. We decided to take a stroll down the beach with the kids after two hours in the van so we parked on the road in front of Golden Sands. We walked alongside of Golden Sands Beach Resort on the road beside it as we made our way to the beach. The view of the area from behind the resort is superb and you have easy access to a great walk down the beach on Frenchmans Cove.

While poking around the backside and debating what to do with the rest of our afternoon I decided to look around Golden Sands guest house and inquire as to what they had available for a room and what the rates where. The Golden Sands guesthouse was booked out as well and only had one room available for us at $90 per evening for a huge three bedroom suite with a balcony overlooking the Caribbean. It was way more room than we needed and for the money I would much rather take in some activity the next day then to spend so much for a room to sleep in for the night. If we had plans to spend some time in the area and we’re looking for one nice place to stay then things may be different and I would certainly consider this place. As it was we were looking for something more budget priced and we did not need to be directly on the beach like Golden Sands beach resort is so we went with the offer Prof made us for Karibu instead.

If you are looking for a nice place to stay on the beach in Treasure Beach then consider Golden Sands Guest House.

]]> Affordable rooms for rent at Sandy Hill Cottage in Frenchmans Cove Treasure Beach is a post from: Jamaica Vacations

I’m always looking for the cheapest way to travel in Jamaica for many reasons. Not only do I enjoy providing this information to our readers but the most obvious of course is to save money for myself and our family as we travel around Jamaica. We are certainly not wealthy people and living in Jamaica is not cheap. Traveling around Jamaica becomes considerably more expensive when you consider it’s not me alone but the wife and two young children I travel with. If it were me alone I would travel much cheaper and take full advantage of our van and tent. With kids its different and we need things like a shower, toilet and bed to really enjoy our travels. Not to say we can’t rough it in a tent or even the van for a couple days but its certainly not as enjoyable for the family as a whole. Dad always enjoys it!

Our trip to Treasure Beach was organized in a hurry and I did not put in much time for planning accommodations or a variety of activities. I was not even sure how long we would stay but we needed an affordable room for at least the first night we arrived in TB just because It had been some time since my last visit to the area and I wanted the family to enjoy things. Not knowing where to sleep would make it difficult for us to enjoy ourselves. I was hopeful I could find something like a campground when we arrived but I was never able to do so. Someone in Treasure Beach must allow tent camping but I did not find a specific place.

My favorite Jamaica travel guide suggests a visit to Sandy Hill Cottages for an inexpensive option for rooms in Treasure Beach so we decided to give it a try. We got to TB in the late afternoon and made straight for Sandy Hill which is located in Frenchmans Cove or at about the middle of what is known as Treasure Beach. It’s not on the beach but rather up the hills and above the beach on cliffs a few hundred feet above sea level. From the rear deck at Sandy Hill you can hear the sea crashing on the rocks below and watch the sun set over lush landscape and the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains before you.

Sandy Hill is owned and operated by a simple man named Prof who also runs Kirabu Cottage just next door. When we arrived at Sandy Hill with no reservations we were met by Prof who offered us a room next door at Kirabu for a discounted rate because he was full up at Sandy Hill and had no rooms available for the evening. A one night stay at Sandy Hill in the main house will set you back about $30US for the night with a shared kitchen and common area. I got a look into the rooms some people were living in and they seemed great but I took no pictures with all of their things in it. I asked about tent camping and Prof told me sure but the only space he had available was a rocky patch of dirt by the parking lot that was certainly not ready for tent sleeping.

Sandy Hill and Kirabu are just a short walk down the hill to Golden Sands Resort and free access to Frenchmans Cove and Beach. For inexpensive accommodations in Treasure Beach you can’t find much for a better deal than Sandy Hill.

View more photos in the Sandy Hill Treasure Beach Jamaica Photo gallery

]]> Wellness Vacations at Sunset Heal Mountain Retreat and Healing Center in Jamaica is a post from: Jamaica Vacations

I’ve already spoken about how much I really like Roaring Rivers and the surrounding area of Petersfield and Shrewsbury in Westmoreland Parish Jamaica. I think Roaring River is one of those special places where you can witness the real beauty of nature. Watching the mineral springs flow from underground and cascade over the rocks and the lush green vegetation that grows around it is a perfect scene for me and I just love to sit and admire the place.

On my second adventure to Roaring River cave I noticed these large sun shaped signs near the signs pointing to the River. The signs were shaped like a setting sun and I was intrigued by what they read. It said Sunset Heal Mountain Retreat and Healing Center. It just so happens that a friend was going through a cancer experience and I was interested to see what they offered at this place. I followed a dirt road up towards the mountain side and past a small farm and some wooden huts where it comes to the fence at Sunset Heal. I spoke with a gentleman at the gate and he invited me in to meet the manager. I was greeted by a lovely young lady who showed me in to the main office on the ground level. The property is quite a few acres and climbs high up the hill side with buildings located on three different levels. At the ground level are rental rooms, a spa, a large gazebo and the main office. At the middle level are the chalets with the awesome views of the valley and at the top is the restaurant and main residence.

I had the kids with me in the van after our swim in the river and I did not want to stay long but I was sucked in by the beauty of it all and ended up spending about 20 minutes meeting the owner Beatrice and talking to her some about what she did. I was very impressed with her knowledge and ideas on healing and the power each of us has to heal from within. I decided to suggest to my friend that he stay there for some part of his trip or at least visit and he did. In the end he abandoned the place he was at and stayed the rest of his trip with Beatrice in the hills. He seems to have really enjoyed himself and I certainly hope he did at least.

Beatrice has been in the same location for over 17 years but has just come to open her place up as a full resort and healing center in recent years. She has a wall full of degrees and certifications in fields such as Reiki, Theta DNA and Aromatherapy and she specializes in Massage Therapy for physical ailments. She has had success in helping stroke victims recover from facial paralysis which I found impressive. I always saw that as a permanent condition but the nerve and muscle damage can be repaired or retrained. You can read more about the services offered on the Resort overview page with information on healing vacations in Jamaica and the Spa information has all the details on making this the best Jamaica wellness vacation you ever took.

After my friend had such a great time there and since I was so impressed I went back and spent even more time with Beatrice as she gave me the grand tour of her place. On my first visit I did not take the trip up to the top of her property to see the restaurant and one of the most beautiful views in all of Jamaica. On my second trip I was missing my camera as I sat there in awe of the beautiful setting. Sitting up on the edge looking out over Petersfield and the sugar cane fields of Sugar Valley is so peaceful and the backdrop of mountains with rain clouds above them is simply breath taking. The chalets at the second level are available for rent and offer a great view of the valley below from the balcony on each room.

There is an incredible attention to detail at Sunset Heal and you can feel the time and effort spent on making the place so nice. Everything is fresh crisp and new looking and the grounds are meticulously well kept. When we walked up to the first chalet and stopped to look around both Beatrice and I were out of breath and sweating from the blazing sun and brisk walk up the steep steps and she opened up the door to the fridge in the room and there were cold wash clothes inside for cooling off. I thought that was cool and the timing was perfect. There seem to be lots of little things like that at Sunset Heal which make it such a special place. I have not stayed there overnight as of yet but we plan to do so upon our return in January. We’re heading home for the Holidays and we fly out pretty soon so we’re saving it as a romantic getaway for the parents when we first arrive next year.

I’ll confess to not knowing much about exactly what Beatrice does but I can tell you she knows what she is doing. She is an intelligent and articulate woman who speaks with confidence and I’m impressed with her ideas on healing and alternative medicine. I was most intrigued by what I learned about Theta Healing but you can get Reiki and Massage treatments as well. Theta Healing may hold some promise for my autistic son and we’re exploring ways she can help us with his condition. Sunset Heal is a tranquil relaxing place away from the noise of the cities where you can appreciate the natural beauty of the Jamaica mountains. Take a walk or ride a bike in the hills or swim in the healing mineral waters of the Roaring River or just kick back and listen to the birds and wind blow by under the giant bamboo as you unwind in privacy and enjoy what appears to me like the most peaceful place on earth. It seems like the kind of place famous people go to to get away from the world and I’m happy I found it.

Jamaica and Sunset Heal are positioning themselves as leaders in wellness and alternative healing in the Caribbean and a viable choice over some more “conventional medicines” in America. If you’re looking for a wellness or healing vacation consider visiting Sunset Heal in Shrewsbury Jamaica where the land and water have healing powers and blue skies are complemented by the thick green landscape.

See more pics we took at Sunset heal here or visit their Jamaica healing vacation website for more details.

]]> Youth Hostel and Affordable Rooms for Rent in Kingston Jamaica is a post from: Jamaica Vacations

This article should have been written at least two months back when I stayed at Leighton House but I neglected to write it and it just dawned on me what a great deal the place was and I should really mention it to our readers who might be traveling to Kingston like me in the next few days.

I have to go back to Kingston to clear up some paperwork for my business registration, apparently I neglected to sign a document on the Overseas Company Registration and now I have to drive back to sign it. It’s a 4 hour drive from Negril to Kingston and I have made it there in 3.5 hours with early morning traffic to my advantage but driving there and back in one day is out of the question for me at this point. It’s simply better for me to stay a night and have two days to handle my business. It takes twice as long to do anything in Jamaica anyway right?

So I’ll be calling in on my friends Shane at Leighton House in Kingston. The home is situated at the base of the mountains in Havendale and nice middle class Jamaican neighborhood with pretty homes and steel bars all over. You can tell a better neighborhood in Jamaica by the amount of security in place and this area is pretty nice. The house is beautiful and located deep in the hills on West Greathouse Circle nearby Hidden Valley in Kingston. Leighton House has hostel style bed space available for just $20 per evening or a private room is available for $35 per night. The private bed is my favorite choice because the room has its own balcony with a great view of all of Kingston at night and the sun rises over the hills behind us for a great light show every morning. All I have to do is remember the darn camera next time so I can get some better pics of the area.

Here are some photos of the rooms for rent at Leighton House Youth Hostel in Kingston. If you would like to take a trip to Kingston from Negril or reserve a room please Contact Us for more details.

Picture of the shared room at Leighton House Kingston Jamaica Youth Hostel

Shared bathroom and tub at Leighton House Hostel in Kingston

View of Kingston from Leighton House