Discount jamaica travel

Jamaica on the Black-owned-side: while sunning on the beach, support African-Caribbean-owned and -run establishments and empower the Black community worldwide

Planning a summer getaway? Look no farther than beautiful and enchanting Jamaica. To best experience the hospitality of this majestic isle, stay at one of its. many Black-owned inns or hotels, whose professional, courteous staff will welcome you with open arms.

NEGRIL

Tranquil and hushed, Charela Inn ([8091 957-4277) is a welcome escape from city madness. Boasting more beachfront than any other property in Negril, the inn has a mix of ocean-view rooms and family units, each with a ceiling fan and hair dryers. Relax daily in the freshwater pool, or enjoy a massage at a nearby but. Rates are $80 to $210 and include a three-and-a-half-hour sunset cruise.

The Negril Tree House Resort (1809] 957-4287) hosts many African-American groups who return year after year for the hospitality, reasonable rates and personal service. A short walk from famed Seven Mile Beach, the resort is near all entertainment. Each Monday a beach party kicks off the week. Other days, treat yourself to a massage or manicure and pedicure, or volley free on the tennis courts. Rates are $80 to $325. Jackie's on the Reef ([809] 957-4997) has long been the retreat choice for shell-shocked city dwellers in need of mental, spiritual and physical rejuvenation. Catering to adults, Jackie's on the Reef offers yoga classes, massages, herbal scrubs, tai chi sessions and a vegetarian menu. To ensure tranquillity, guests won't find televisions or phones in the four spacious double rooms and one cottage at the Reef The $90 to $125 rate includes two meals and a yoga class. And the beach is only four miles away.

Thirty-one years ago, Verita Segre, a Jamaican woman, became the first hotelier in Negril. Since then she has watched her property, T-water Beach Hotel ([800] 654-1592), grow from three cottages into 73 rooms. Located on Seven Mile Beach, T-Water features two jacuzzis, a freshwater pool and a dining room boasting Mrs. Segre's famous lobster salad. Rates range from $116 to $140 and include a jamaican buffet breakfast and soup-and-salad lunch bar.

The Sea Splash Resort ([800] 254-2786) offers visitors one-bedroom suites with living room, dining area, balcony, color TV and kitchenette. This romantic and intimate resort has a gourmet restaurant and bar, a pool, jacuzzi, minigym, complimentary bicycles and access to tennis courts, a golf course and water sports. It's perfect for honeymooners or lovers who want to hide away from the world. Rates are $140 to $160.

Located on Negril's West End, the family-run Ocean Edge Resort Hotel ([809] 957-4362/0301) provides cliff-side cottages with ceiling fans, kitchenettes and cool ocean breezes. Local bands perform on weekends while you relax at the property's seafood restaurant and bar. You can sample the pool or jacuzzi, get massages or scuba dive and snorkel. Rates are $45 to $90. (ESSENCE readers can qualify for a discount of up to 50 percent. Speak to the manager for details.

Rock Cliff Hotel stands on the cliffs of Negril's West End ([809] 957-4331/4834). Amid exotic trees and plants, each room has its own balcony. Dine on seafood and jamaican cuisine at the restaurant, or feast at the all-you-can-eat barbecues. Although the hotel is located two miles from the beach, the staff customizes dive packages, and guests can snorkel or scuba dive in Rock Cliff s Marine Life Divers Cove or take a dip in Negril's largest and deepest swimming pool. Rates range from $115 to $290.

MONTEGO BAY

In MoBay, you will find mo' fun, mo' sun and the Royal Court Hotel & Natural Health Retreat ([809] 952-4531). Guests flock to this holistic resort to reinvigorate body, mind and soul. Hidden in a gardenlike setting, the Royal Court Hotel & Natural Health Retreat offers such personalized services and amenities as massages, colon cleansing, yoga, a gym, steam room, jacuzzi, juice bar and a restaurant that specializes in vegetarian meals. Rates are $60 to $110.

FALMOUTH

On the coastal highway between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios lies the small town of Falmouth, where you will find Rose's by the Sea or Fisherman's Inn ([800] 767-3009), as some know it. This calm and restful inn sits on the Luminous Lagoon, which at night radiates a spectacular greenish-blue. Priced at $70 to $140 per night, all rooms have verandas. Meal packages are available, or visitors can dine seaside on fresh seafood, jamaican or vegetarian cuisines. Guests have access to a masseuse, pool, horseback riding, water sports, tennis courts, golf, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling and diving.

KINGSTON

If the fast-paced city life makes you tick, then the Altamont Court Hotel ([809] 929-4497/4498) may be the spot for you. Located in the heart of New Kingston, part of the capital city, Altamont is within ten minutes walking distance from shopping malls, clubs and restaurants and 30 minutes from the beach. Rooms range in size from studios to one bedrooms, all with kitchenettes and balconies. Guests can enjoy the pool, restaurant, tennis and squash for $75 to $115.

ST. ELIZABETH

In the parish of St. Elizabeth sits the seacoast town of Black River, a historic wonderland where hundreds of birds and animals make their home. You can visit Invercauld Great House Hotel ([809] 965-2750), a quiet and secluded house filled with grand antique furniture. Each room has a balcony and is priced at $72 to $112 per night. Amenities include a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, gazebo, tennis courts and bicycle rental.

PORT ANTONIO

Jamaica Crest ([809] 993-8400/8401), a new resort in an eastern suburb of Port Antonio, is situated amid sprawling lawns and fruit and pimiento trees aflutter with birds and butterflies. Enjoy a massage, take a five-minute walk to Boston Beach for some fun in the sand, or go rafting down the Rio Grande on a two-seat bamboo float. Ocean-view suites have kitchens and minibars. Rates are $90 to $130.

For more information on any of these hot spots, call the Jamaica Tourist Board at (800) 233-4JTB