General Information
Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean with a culture whose language, traditions, food and music are unique and truly influential in the world. Known as the land of wood and water, Jamaica is a country of mountains and rivers meeting the sea. Abounding in fine beaches and scenic beauty, the country has much to offer the visitor in the way of water sports, golf, tennis, horseback riding, exploring, sightseeing, culture and cuisine.
[ Transportation ] [ Driving Directions ] [ Currency Exchange ] [ Banks & Business Offices ] [ Food ] [ Gratuities ] [ Climate ] [ Miscellaneous ] [ Safety ]
Transportation
Jamaica is serviced worldwide by many airlines including: Air Jamaica, American Airlines, Air Canada, Northwest Airlines, Jet Blue, British Airways, KLM and others. On your arrival at Montego Bay Airport, there are several options for transportation to Sunspot Villa. Our recommendation for a group is to rent a mini bus which you can use to drive yourselves to Runaway Bay and for fun trips and site seeing. As an alternative, you may rent a standard car. Rental reservations may be made through HERTZ, AVIS, NATIONAL. Excellent rates are available through ISLAND CAR RENTALS. Advance reservations are strongly recommended during high season. Cars and/or vans can also be rented in Runaway Bay at the local car rental agency in the event you decide not to rent at the airport. Alternatively for $60.00 to $80.00 US dollars you can hire a taxi to carry your entire party to Runaway Bay. Some haggling about price may be necessary to get the best rate which in no case should exceed $80.00 US dollars.
Driving Directions
From the Montego Bay Airport exit left heading EAST towards Ocho Rios. The drive to RUNAWAY BAY will take about an hour. Runaway Bay is the bay immediately after Discovery Bay. Upon entering Runaway Bay look for a hotel on the left called Breezes. About 500 yards past Breezes Hotel entrance, there will be a small road on the left headed towards the beach. Turn left and make the first right onto AQUAMARINE. Sunspot is the second (middle) villa on the left (if you pass a Shell gas station on the right, you have gone too far). The phone number at the villa is (876) 973-2520. Remember to DRIVE ON THE LEFT. Most important, expect dangerous driving and passing from other drivers. It is beyond belief what some Jamaican drivers will do to pass slower vehicles. PLEASE BE CAREFUL.
Currency Exchange
The exchange rate for US dollars has lately moved within the 86 to 90 Jamaican dollars for one US dollar. You can exchange dollars at the airport, when you arrive in immigration, at any bank, generally at any hotel, or at shops when making purchases. The best exchange rate is at the banks. However the banks do have limited hours. The least favorable exchange rate is at shops.If you exchange money at the airport, at a bank, or at a hotel, you will receive a receipt which is required when you change Jamaican currency back into US dollars when you are leaving.
Banks & Business Offices
Bank hours island-wide are 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Mon. through Thurs., 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Fri. Most business offices are open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mon. through Fri. Very few offices are open Sat.
Food
The staff will prepare all meals, snacks and drinks, however, food and alcohol are not included in the rental. Prior to your arrival, the staff will do a limited amount of shopping on your behalf at the local store. When you arrive there will be snacks and a prepared meal. The staff will discuss your complete meal requirements with you upon your arrival. If you prefer the staff to shop for you, they will continue to shop at TAYLOR’S market, the local store on your behalf. You are expected to settle your account at TAYLOR’S before you leave.
If you prefer to shop for yourself, there are several local stores. Turning RIGHT (West) on the main road towards Montego Bay, but immediately in the Runaway Bay shopping area, there are several stores (TAYLOR’S, L&M MARKET, etc.) as well as a local bakery which sells Jamaican patties, coco bread, meatloaf patties, and various baked sweets.
About 10 minutes further is Discovery Bay. Prior to reaching the gas station, there is a small convenience store on the left in a small shopping center. It is very small but very well stocked. Take a hard left at the corner of the gas station, and about 100 yards up on the right is another small shopping center. The “supermarket” on the left is fairly well stocked. The bakery to the left of the supermarket is similar to the bakery in Runaway Bay.
Turning LEFT (East) on the main road towards Ocho Rios, there is a small shopping center on the left, past the small town of Salem. The supermarket there is also fairly well stocked. The meat store to the left of the supermarket is the best place to buy all kinds of meat including Jamaican style selections.
Continuing toward Ocho Rios, there is a small fishing village on the left about 5 minutes past the meat store. The best time to visit is around 10:30 to 11:30 AM. If you catch the boats coming in, there is usually a small but nice selection of just caught fish, and occasionally, lobster. Do not hesitate to buy fish from the local spear fishermen walking along the road with their spear guns and catch. This fish was just caught.
The best supermarket is about 20 minutes away in Ocho Rios. Bear left at the fork in the road when entering Ocho Rios, and continue into the town looking for the Jamaica Tourist Board office sign on the left. Turn left into the shopping center. This market has just about anything you may want: fresh, frozen, canned or dry.
For a truly unique local market experience, visit the open market on the right about 2 minutes past the Tourist Board office. You will find fresh Jamaican fruit, vegetables, spices and supplies. It is definitely worth the visit.
Gratuities
Tipping the house staff is customary. The recommended amount is $3 to $5 US dollars per staff member per guest per day, but feel free to leave more if you wish.
Climate
The average daytime temperature is 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightweight, tropical clothing is best suited throughout the year. A light sweater is suggested for evening, especially in winter. Some hotels require casual evening wear for women and a jacket for men when dining. Laundering and dry cleaning facilities, barbering and hairdressers are available.
Miscellaneous
After all meals, evening preparation, and the arrival of the night security guard, the staff leaves for the day (unless otherwise requested). Jamaica does not observe daylight savings time and is on Eastern Standard Time (EST) year-round. The electrical system is 110 volts/50 cycles at Sunspot. 120 volt/60 cycle hair dryers work without adapters. 220 volts is not available. All drinking water is purified and filtered by modern methods and is safe island-wide. The official language of Jamaica is English, but the Jamaican “Patois” – a combination of several languages – is spoken throughout the Island. There are no gaming casinos, however a number of resorts have game rooms equipped with slot machines. The only legal betting is on horse racing at the Caymanas Race Track in Kingston.
Safety
Jamaica is a safe country to visit. Feel free to talk to all Jamaicans. While some Jamaicans make a living hustling tourists and are pushy, do not hesitate to put them off if you are not in the mood. Jamaicans are a very decent people and will back off when told to.
There is a clinic and dentist in Runaway Bay and a hospital in St. Ann’s bay if needed. There is also a clinic at Kaiser Bauxite in Discovery Bay. Although third world facilities, they are adequate for emergencies.
For your own safety, DO NOT WALK INTO THE HOUSE WITH WET FEET. The polished floor in the villa is very slippery when wet.
