Nestled in the cool hills of Irish Town, in St. Andrew you will find Rafjam's Bed and Breakfast. This is one of my secret getaways ever since I discovered this beauty in 2011. Owner and Operator Susan has transformed this tranquil little "cottage" into a luxurious and warm dining, camping, swimming, hiking, sleeping and stress free zone. 

On entering you will cross on a foot bridge and immediately the sound of the water can be heard which will pull your eyes to the left to view the wild ferns and colorful array of lavender impatients will greet you. You can't help but to stop and look. The savoury smell from the kitchen , not overwhelming will pull you to the foyer. Scents of herbs, will beckon your taste buds so hurry on to the reception area and take a look at the beautiful koi pond and the open dining area as you whisk by.

I've had countless relaxing days filled with wonderful music and mother nature at my finger tips on this property. This is a must visit even for the day to have lunch. I guarantee you won't regret it. Take a sweater or a scarf with you as it can get a bit a tiny bit :) chilly in the late afternoon. Ofcourse pack a swim suit. Take a look at the river pool below. Perfect for a quick dip!

Enjoy... I find myself sharing more of my secret places these days but I am sharing because these small business needs the support of local Jamaicans and those in the diaspora who are heading home to spend and relax. Call them and make a booking even once....

Thanks for creating Rafjam Bed and Breakfast Kingston and Rafjam in Irish Town Susan De Campos Palermo.. It is always a pleasure to visit. every time feels like the first time.. Keep up the great job and I salute your wonderful staff.. much love.

FOR RESERVATIONS PLEASE CALL

For us to just get up and go any where on our beautiful island takes little to no planning at all. We just wake up look at each other and we knew it. #roadtrip time. So when my dear future hubby Garfield told me to pack for a road trip on Saturday morning I did exactly as I was told.

I "got packing".

Packing for me is a challenge. Its like participating in the Olympics.(I think).. its like hmmm I don't know, its just HARD DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD.  I never know what to pack . Actually I never know WHAT to leave!. This situation further made it worst as I had no idea where he will be taking me this trip. I love surprises but at-least give me an idea what not to take for peas and dumplin sake man... "Garfield if you ever let me show up for an engagement party in a b-rider (extremely short-shorts), tank top and not glamed up I will be saying NO!"

you were warned.. love you too hun :) 

So there I was packing, shorts, tank tops, bikini (let me take two, no three), undies, dresses (maxi style and one formal), knicker, leggings, sandals (let me take 4 for each outfit, no let me take these two as well), earrings, necklace and in the end for a one night stay in Portland I was all ready to go with two travel bags, two broad hats and a small bag with sandals, my laptop bag, my kindle and two phones.  

I AM HOPELESS RE PACKING ( sobs)

SOOOO the Destination was unknown to me at first which made it even more exciting as I packed. We arrived in Portland mid-afternoon and made a quick stop by the hotel as we had planned to head to Boston for lunch and visit a friend. Sea bell..... WOW ! WHAT A BEAUTY! IT was love at first sight. 

View from the pool

Across the road from the beautiful, relaxing and calming waters at Sommerset Falls is Sea bell Resort. The architecture, the layout, the use of natural resources in the landscape brought it all together to give it that wow effect. I was quite pleased to be relaxing at a 5star hotel in beautiful Portland without the hustle and bustle of the usually busy/crowded hotel experience.

The Room was clean, stylish, I loved the decor. Food was beyond good and great value for money. The 4ft deep salt water infinity pool made a great focal point. For hours I sat near the edge just looking out in the ocean.

WHAT A VIEW HUH!

The property, rooms and common areas were well kept. Customer Service was at its best from the Security who opened the gates to welcome us to the gardener, receptionist, chef and house keeping staff.

LIFE IS AMAZING!

I would recommend this hotel to all our friends. You will not miss the north coast and you will create beautiful memories in Portland on the black sand..

10 Things to do in Portland :-

1. Visit Sommerset Falls

2. Go Rafting on Rio Grande

3. Boatride on Blue Lagoon

4. Explore Monkey Island

5. Horse Back Riding at Frenchmen's Cove Beach

6. Lunch at Boston Jerk centre

7. Visit the Errol Flynn Marina

8. Reach Falls is a must see.. Beautiful

9. San San Beach

10. Visit the Folly Great House

Dee & Garfield

Walk good...

In the past two or three months persons have reached out to me asking for assistance to plan vacations, weekend getaways etc. and I have been doing just that for FREE.. It gives me pleasure!

Often I am asked "How do you manage to get away so often Dee.. ?"

Well, here are a few of my secrets. Its not much but I will share...

Let me start with how to maximize the little you have and explore our beautiful Island...

I utilize GREAT DEALS, Deals and more Deals ..... yup

We all have the use of the internet and so we should use it to our benefit.

(Welcome to the beautiful Mayfields Fall in Westmoreland. On my Road Trip List for 2017)

My first Deal spot is (Drum Roll) Airbnb... YES..
On this site whereever in Jamaica I plan to visit I can find accommodation with a wide variety of pricing to choose from. $50usd to $100usd (on the lower end) and yes there are cheaper ones but that’s for the tourists who wants to stay in a hut on the hillside...and these accommodation go for $15usd per night.. NAWWW I WILL PASS 

My second deal spot is Guztazos.. Deals are out everyweek for small hotels. Currently eyeing a deal for Sea Star Inn, Negril for Two Days one Night at $6500jmd.

My Third deal spot is Brawta Living which offers similar deal packages like Gustazos. Make sure you sign up on these sites. 

Before you run off to a weekend retreat know what you plan to get out of the weekend as in what do you really want to experience? The beach, the hillside, the river, the food, the restaurants... be clear what you want to get out of your experience. Once this is clear or you have an idea then its time to go searching..

Hold up.. don't book as yet! Read the reviews. Read as many as possible. Look at the pictures of the villas. Call if you can.

 Do not be afraid to ask questions..

1. Is there a restaurant on property?
2. Is there a swimming pool?
3. What other amenities do you offer?
4. Are you close to or on the beach?
5. Check in and check out times?
6. Does my booking come with breakfast?
7 How far is the nearest town?
8. Are you located close to public transportation, gas station?
9. Room views, what do you see when looking out the window?
10. What is the discounted rate for locals?

You may wonder why ask so many questions. Some seem very irrelevant… I agree it is but in order for you to have a better understanding of the area you will be staying overnight it is best to ask and not assume. Many advertisers crop, edit and manipulate photographs to make it appealing to the unsuspecting “booker”. SO BE WARNED!

FOOD, we must eat!

My weekend retreats are not for high price meals so staying at a villa where only breakfast is provided you will then have to purchase food on the go while you explore the area.. For these occasions, unless you are visiting from foreign lands “across the waters” and miss the taste of our local sea food, or unless you really have additional cash to splurge do not rush to buy expensive meals. Remember you are taking a mini vacation on a budget. Stick to your budget. Think experience... Jerk Food or affordable meals.

Arrive at your resting place early. WAY BEFORE THE SUNSETS

Whats the sense having a road trip that does not entails stopping on the way to the villa. There is so much you can see and explore which will make the day worth the ride. Regardless of your plans make sure that no matter what you plan to do on your way to your accommodation you will arrive the by the latest 3pm. The sun is up, you can check out the property and check in so you can view your room. Just in case you are not 100% satisfied you have a few hours before nightfall to find somewhere else to overnight or request for a new room. Don’t sacrifice your happiness staying somewhere you are not comfortable. You saw the pictures, read the reviews so you had expectations. Let them meet them.

All checked in at Villa Juanita, Hector's River Portland 

BE A GREAT GUEST!

There are perks to this weekend Road Trip that I never knew existed. It all starts with being a Great GUEST. Between Monday and Yesterday I received three calls from villas Garfield and I have stayed in the last few months. They were all asking what we were doing this upcoming weekend and as expected an offer was made for a discounted stay for two night. One was as low as $5000 per night plus breakfast. Two of the places in Negril, one is Portland.

(Views at Villa Juanita, Hectors River, Portland visited April 2016 upcoming article)

Be a great guest.. leave the property just as how you found it. Be courteous always even if you should lose your cool. We know the customer is always right but as humans we don't always get it right so allow your host to correct any challenges you are experiencinG.  Airbnb also has a review process, so remember that not only are you able to review your hosts/hotel your hotel/hosts will also review you as a guest. a bad review for you may hamper future booking on this website so thread cautiously.

YES YOU CAN!

Stop telling yourself you can’t afford to take a mini vacation. You too deserve to enjoy the simple things life has to offer. You too can watch the sunset sink in the sea in Negril or go hiking up the Whiteriver…

Last but not least.. enjoy Jamaica safely.. Its is nice to stop at local shops and speak with natives/fellow Jamaicans but it is not wise to give information about where you are staying and for how long. Also, for me night is for staying on the property not for visiting the towns and checking out the clubs. We want to experience our island but we also want to do so safely.

So as night draws neigh FIND WHERE YOU ARE GOING TO SLEEP. Go lounge by the pool and have a drink on the property. Stay in. Mi a warn unnu... :) Also, do not play brave.. If you can not swim or even if you can swim request and wear a life jacket. Going snorkeling - request a life Jacket. Going swimming in the river on the property, request a life jacket. The aim is to go out enjoy and return the same so PLEASE DO NOT JUMP OFF THE CLIFF AT RICKS CAFE UNLESS YOU ARE AN EXCELLENT SWIMMER..

I hope this blog encourages someone to start experiencing the beauty of our island and acknowledges that No Visa Is Required to do so as often as you wish. I personally do not fancy large chain hotels but if I get a pass I do visit. Pricey and boring unless it is a weekend to only relax and do not lift straw where you just want to stay one place and sleep and do nothing fine but for me (Yawns) too boring. I hope someone will see that it doesn't have to break the bank or get a loan to enjoy life and explore the beauty in life. I hope someone will realize that this is how many persons do so much with little... :)

OK.. now where will I be off to this weekend...... Let’s see! HOME.. well my second home in the Garden Parish… Love my sweet Jamaica. 

Remember, No Visa Required Jamaica. Walk Good!

Dee Hunt

Life is amazing... Life is amazing... keep saying it until you believe it then you will experience it.

Do not allow reoccurring bills or a stressful job to prevent you from experiencing the beauty of life.

Spend your energy with only those persons who also does the same with you. Stay clear of negative energy..

Finally the weekend arrived. Garfield received a nice bday party surprise with his friends. We had a lovely night but I knew he was anticipating where I will be takign him for his birthday this year!.

Off to Portland border St. Thomas we set off early Saturday morning. He finally knew the name of the villa we were heading but had not time to look it up. The Itinerary was solid with stops along the way. An hour horseback riding arranged with Delroy, Lunch was to take place at Geejam, rafting on Blue Lagoon then basking in the beautiful Caribbean sea at Frenchmen Cove then on to Villa Juanita to catch the sunset.

By the time we arrived at St. Margrets Bay one stop with family and our day changed from all our activities to lunch and chilling out at Boston. Jerk Pork, Jerk Chicken, Lobster and counch! Family means alot to us. There is never a dull moment when we get together so for the entire afternoon we hung out at Boston eating, drinking, lyming and dancing to the blaring reggae music that brought the ambiance of the celebration together.

“ was awesome” I thought “tomorrow we will try and get back on schedule”.

By 5:30pm, stuffed and feeling uneasy we bid our family goodbye, promising to stop on our way back home the following day. The landscape kissed the ocean and the lush tropical décor by nature welcomed us to paradise. Villa Juanita met every expectation I had and more. As an Islander I take every opportunity to visit places around the island. Upon arrival at Villa Juanita the well kept grounds added to the over all ambiance of the property blew me away. The Manager at the time we visited, Maurice Otto had our rooms nicely prepared using lovely local blooms and towels to form a heart and swans.

HOLD UP ITS NOT OUR HONEYMOON

BUT It was a lovely surprise. What initially attracted me to Villa Juanita were the views from all the balconies. It was breathtaking to see the last few glimpse of the sunset. Since we were stuffed we did not need dinner. Breakfast was served by our lovely Chef Kena which was very tasteful even as locals the ackee and salt fish savored our taste buds and we were convinced it was cooked on a wood fire. The layout and modern upgrades and decor of Villa Juanita was exactly as presented in the photographs. The locals (although I am also one :) ) were very friendly as we took a short trip up the road to where we heard some reggae music playing. The staff was very warm and they moved about their various job functions with such humility. I was amazed...

(Awaiting our Breakfast being prepared by Chef Kena)

273ceb2f-b8ad-4d06-ad18-687d560109ab.jpg

I wish more Jamaicans would start enjoying places such as this beautiful Villa in Hector's River. The scenes along the way to villa Juanita is BREATHTAKING! It is an experience that you will always smile about every time you remember. Quiet, relaxing and romantic was our overall feeling and we regretted not staying longer. The great thing about Villa Juanita is that it is close to Reach Falls. That in its self is a wonderful experience. Being a Jamaican has its perks.. in a few hours I can be back there to enjoy once more a taste of Paradise in Portland. Thanks for this lovely experience, SEE YOU soon!

Check out my video album below for Villa Juanita

 UPCOMING ARTICLES -

* Sea Bell, Portland

*Casa Lagoona, St. Thomas

* Kuyaba Beach Hotel, Negril

*Konoko Falls and Park, Ocho Rios

*Seville Heritage Museum, St. Anns Bay

*Long Boarder, St. Thomas

*Glistening Waters

and Many Many More

Remember to like my facebook page NO Visa Required Jamaica so you will never miss an article or SUBSCRIBE HERE to stay connected!

Walk Good,Dee Hunt

Dwiddling my thumbs as I glance over the dicounted offer on a local site for a grand tour and Camel riding.

Why am I dwiddle my thumbs you may ask, I have a "thing" with huge animals. I love them, oh yes I do.... I think I do... BUT to see a camel is not the same as riding on its back. I could not resist this adventure so with two clicks I made my purchase for a fantastic tour.

Within minutes of checking in we were aboard our ride for the two (2) hour tour 1000 feet above sea level in the garden parish of St. Ann.

Our tour guide made several stops sharing with us some native plants and informing of their medicinal purpose.

(twanging)

"HEY FELLA WE ARE JAMAICANS!" 

No I did not say it out loud but kept quiet and attentive as there is always something new to learn. I learnt Lime can make lime aid a cool refreshing drink! Like seriously brother I've been drinking that since I was in my mother tummy so lets move right along to the views.(rolls eyes) 

First stop was to take in the scenery - Ocho Rios

Next stop was the fruit stall display of a few of our local fruits and a taste of coconut water after watching the demo of husking the dried coconut using a stick firmly planted in the ground!

Next up was the Great House Tour which was fantastic!

It is home to the largest collection of Turtle shell combs (Let me google this up one minute) YES IT IS! 

I was having such an amazing time until this guy greeted me! YIKES!. THEY WERE HUGE....

Forgive me, but it is not everyday I walk around seeing a Camel yelling " Good morning handsome".

"Do you guys need two (2) camels or one will do? " asked clive our guide for the ride. Before he could finish his sentence and before my partner had a chance to think it over i yelled

"ONE PLEASE, ONLY ONE.. LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THAT ANIMAL.. Let it throw both our A**es off at the same time!" 

To finish our tour we visited the Aviary and had some one and one time with the birds.

 It was a wonderful experience even though our camel took off with us and had me both crying and laughing uncontrolably. I would recommend everyone to do this grand tour.... It was informative, relaxing and very adventurous.

VIDEO OF TOUR BELOW

Much Love, thanks for reading :)

A part of our country's problem is that too many of our citizens have yet to explore our beautiful island called home. We need to explore, make it an adventure to experience why tourists keep coming here.  

We need the experience to realize what we need to start fighting for and note the urgency to help put an end to crime and violence.

Maybe, just maybe if more and more Jamaicans can receive the opportunity to experience our little paradise from a tourist point of view just maybe they will realize that living on this island called Jamaica is indeed a wonderful blessing. 

Maybe more Jamaicans will understand the need to buy more local products as the impacts will include but not limited to more Middle and lower class citizens to be able to breathe and take in the salty air of the beautiful turquoise ocean.

Plan family outings and take the kids for a bus ride to see Negril Point. Take a boat ride on the Black River to see the Cros , yikes or even take a stroll on the black sand in St. Elizabeth. Whats going on at Pelicans bar and Grill, Karoke night? Burgers and fries? Who me, jump at Ricks cafe? 

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I will just catch the sunset then climb the tower at Kuyaba Beach Hotel to listen to the ocean in the night and the sweet sound of Bob Marley blaring in the distance along the seven mile Beach. Portland not bad at all.. Luxurious Sea Bell sits by the ocean with its Salt water infinity pool.. keep calm its just 5ft deep. the cabanas are comfoy, you will fall asleep but make sure this is after you visit Sommerset Falls just across the road. . Head on up Boston for your favoruite Jerk and sea food.. Frenchmen cove, San san beach both beautiful and breath taking views..Take a boat ride on the Blue Lagoon or go rafting if that what you rather. Climb on up to the top of Monkey Island and become your own Jungle warrior. More adventure ahead at Reach Falls in Hectors River.. when you are finished and need to rest just 5 minutes and you are at Villa Juanita. Villa Juanita the name speaks for its self. Unexpected very modern and cozy.. all its balconies overlooks the deep blue ocean. Quiet and serine you cant help but relax and the chef Rena will keep your taste buds in tact.. .

Few Pictures from my Jamaican Adventures

Kuyaba Beach Hotel in Negril

Rafting up to Calypso Cove, White River 

Enjoying Monkey Island. Blue Lagoon Tour and Exploring the Island 

Villa Juanita In Hectors River, Portland. Breath taking views

Turtle River Falls and Garden Tour, St. Ann.

Margaritaville, St. Ann 

Darlington Farm, Portland

Galina, St. Mary

Rafting up the White River, Border of St. Ann and St. Mary

Bob sled at Mystic Mountains

Climbing Dunns' River Falls the Upteenth time :)

Restaurant at Beautiful Kuyaba Beach in Negril.. Look at that water..

Views in Ocho Rios as you head up to Mystic Mountain.. Let us Pray 

Under the Ocean in Montego Bay.. Snorkling .. I loved it!

Our Island's expereince is more than large chain hotels. It is the streets that offers the true Cold Jelly build a "piff" eat jerk port kinda experience..... Just maybe if we all could.. Just maybe..

Just my personal experiences above and thoughts.. just sharing .. may this Labour Day weekend be an adventure everyone!

Grow small business = Grow Jamaica's economy

( I could not list all the places or share all the pics. I will create a blog for each place we have visited during our journey)

Weekend Road Warriors . Dee and Garfield.