| Water Sports | |||
The villa is equipped with two kayaks which you are free to use. If you are interested in snorkeling, the staff will lend you equipment.
The waters in front of the house are safe for swimming and water sports during the day as well as the evening. There is a lot to see whether you are snorkeling or in a glass bottom boat. You can arrange for a wide variety of water sports from deep sea fishing to water skiing to para-sailing to glass bottom boat rides by calling the local water sports company. Their brochures are available in the house and their offices are in Salem on the right. You can also arrange water sports through Breezes Hotel next door for the cost of a day pass which includes all activities, drinks and food. This requires a day pass, which will include all activities, drinks, food, entertainment, etc. Other water sports can be arranged for by the staff or directly in Ocho Rios. Look in the telephone directory or for road signs when in town. The waters away from the villa are safe for swimming especially at the beaches. There are no dangerous sharks or fish, although there can be an occasional jelly fish outside the coral reefs. The sun in Jamaica is very strong and can cause VERY bad burns. Use sun block at all times, even on overcast days. |
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| Golf | |||
| Jamaicans have always taken golf
seriously, more than likely inspired by their rich British and Scottish heritage,
accommodating weather and truly spectacular terrain. Lush, verdant fairway turf gives
woods and irons a comforting bite with elevated tees and photo-opportunity views of the
Caribbean. There are enough hills and valleys, blind holes and hazards to keep scratch
golfers on their toes. A
three minute walk from Sunspot Villa in Runaway Bay, the Breezes
Hotel golf course is one of Jamaica’s most scenic and enjoyable. The Par 72
course is 6,870 yards and is renowned for its long fairways and sand bunkers. This course
has hosted many championship events, including the Jamaica Open and the Heineken World
Cup. Designed by British Naval Commander James D. Harris 35 years ago, the course is a
must in Jamaica for modern-day golf purists, and is rated one of the 5 top courses in
Jamaica. The beautiful Clubhouse features a great pro shop as well as a full restaurant
open into the evening until 10 p.m. for dinner. The caddies are great, and the driving
range is free.
(see the Golf page for more information...) |
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| Eating Out | |||
| Jamaica has wonderful and unique
cuisine. Although American fare can be found everywhere, local dishes like ackee and
saltfish, curried goat and lobster, pepper pot, bammy, rice and peas, and pumpkin soup,
fish tea, escovich fish, and snacks like jerk pork or chicken, coco bread, meatloaf, and
patties are all worth trying. It is safe to eat anywhere, including along the road at food
shacks. The best local jerk is on the way to Discovery Bay, on the right NOT across from the Green Grotto but the second spot called MACKIES. Excellent Jamaican snacks like patties, coco bread, and meatloaf are available everywhere including Runaway Bay at the bakery next to Taylor’s. Excellent seafood is right in Runaway Bay at SEAFOOD GIANT. Interesting restaurants include Gallery Joe James, and The Ruines. Toscaninis Restaurant - Harmony Hall: Delightful setting and excellent Italian food makes this an ideal spot for lunch, or a romantic candlelit dinner. (876)975-4785 (see the Area Details page for more information...) |
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| Exploring, Sightseeing And Shopping | |||
There are many interesting places to explore, see and shop near Runaway Bay. Heading WEST, back towards the airport, there is river rafting, sight seeing at Rose Hall, Gallery Joe James, Carib Batik, local horseback riding on the beach and on trails, at Half Moon Stables and polo at Chukka Cove. Once the commercial and social hub of island life, Jamaica’s plantations both in ruins and intact offer a rare glimpse of a bygone era and are worth visiting. Columbus Park Museum is Jamaica’s only open air Museum and is located on a bluff overlooking Discovery Bay, marking the spot where Columbus first landed. The Museum displays cannon, old agriculture, farm equipment and relics of Jamaica’s past. For the very adventurous, drive 30 minutes into the mountains to Brownstown, where the market is totally native. Heading EAST, towards Ocho Rios, there is the famous Dunns River Falls. This is definitely worth the visit. Visit the craft market in Ocho Rios where bargaining is a must. Duty-free and knick-knack shopping is best in Ocho Rios. Visit The Ruines to eat, shop and for the wonderful photo opportunity. About 10 minutes past Ocho Rios is an interesting gallery and restaurant on the right called Harmony Hall. This gallery and restaurant are a must. Probably the most creative ceramics studios on the island, is Wassi Art. It is off of the Fern Gully road 5 minutes out of Ocho Rios heading towards Kingston. Please go, you will not be disappointed. If you are needing a dose of American culture, spend the day or evening at the Jamaica Grand in Ocho Rios. They have it all including a small casino. Three great little gift shops are in the Club Caribbean Hotel which is three minutes from Sunspot and one of our favorites. |
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| Full Day - Overnight Trip | |||
| One of the most beautiful places to visit in Jamaica is Port Antiono. Although the drive is very long, it is worth it. Stop along the way to swim or snorkel on one of the many stretches of rock beaches. Do not miss rafting, swimming, and snorkeling on the White River. In Port Antiono, enjoy lunch at the Blue Hole restaurant, swimming in the Blue Hole, and try the power boat ride into the bay or out to the island for secluded swimming, snorkeling and sun bathing. | |||
