October 2012 – Page 3 – Purple Travel Official Blog

Purple 10 : Ten of the world’s most amazing airport lounges

Oct 17 2012

The airport was once a place associated with stress, queues and general discomfort, however over the last decade, cities around the world have helped to take the edge off a little, by building exceptionally designed, clean, well-functioning airports.

Along with them have come unbelievably chic and undeniably cool airport lounges – a testament to this new-age luxury. Rather than mimicking the dull clinical feel of a hospital waiting room, these new super-luxe first-class areas are havens of top-notch amenities, privacy and most of all – calm. At PurpleTravel.co.uk, we’ve picked out the top ten airport lounges in international hubs across the world, perfect for those travelers who want the journey to be as enjoyable as the destination. Now there’s a reason to get to the airport early…

Virgin Atlantic JFK Clubhouse, John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York
Virgin Atlantic’s new Clubhouse boasts an Austin Powers-meets-uptown mod feel, complete with a red leather sofa and purple lighting. Enjoy a cocktail at the ultra-chic cocktail lounge or take a seat in the brasserie dining area, where you’ll be served a delicious selection of a la carte meals, desserts and fine wine. But it’s the Clubhouse Spa, featuring Dr. Hauschka products and treatments, that really makes the JFK Clubhouse a standout layover option.

British Airways Concorde Room, Heathrow Airport
The typically British herringbone print, velvets and crystal chandeliers of the Concorde Room at Heathrow collaborate to form a relaxed, traditional-style sitting room. Its charm comes in the fact that it is not particularly fashonaqble or at all modern, but instead, this is a ‘homely’ retreat – that is, if your home comes with full waiter service, complimentary wines and Champagne and private, hotel-style cabanas with day beds and en-suite bathrooms.

Etihad’s Diamond First Class Lounge, Abu Dhabi International Airport
Etihad’s first-class lounge is a buffet of indulgence. Staff nannies take care of the little in the kids’ retreat, decorated with vibrant beanbags and toys, while over in the Six Senses Spa, parents can indulge in a complimentary treatment. And that’s not to mention the Champagne bar, the cigar lounge and the incredible a la carte dining or even dinner at the chef’s table.

Finnair Lounge, Helsinki Airport
From the felt walls that banish outside noise to the pretty Marimekko tableware, Finnair Lounge’s simplicity is what makes it beautiful. Enjoy the perpetual buffet, the elegant Finnish and Nordic furniture designs and the excellent views, or if you’re expecting something more indulgent, head to the Finnair Spa, complete with traditional Finnish saunas (reopens this winter)

The Pier, Hong Kong International Airport
At The Pier, Cathay Pacific’s glass-enclosed first and business-class lounge, travellers will find incredible cuisine such as freshly made Japanese noodles at the Noodle Bar and fine dining at the Haven restaurant. Sip champagne on the leather armchairs or refresh inside the pebbled showers – what travel stress?

Qantas First Lounge, Sydney Airport
Modern, polished and sophisticated, Qantas First Lounge, would appear to be the norm of airport ‘luxury’. However, with a 98-foot, 8,400-plant vertical garden – this is not your average airport lounge. It is cleaner and lighter and better yet, part of the garden is incorporated into each of the Payot Paris day spa treatment rooms, so it feels more like a rainforest than an airport. The upper floor of the lounge was designed by Marc Newson and includes an open kitchen restaurant serving food by Australian chef Neil Perry.

Qatar Airways Premium Terminal, Doha International Airport
Is it a mall? Is it a hotel? No it’s the massive Qatar Airway lounge at Doha airport. Never ones to be content with doing it on a small scale, the Premium Lounge includes a handful of worthwhile airport elements (duty-free, fine boutiques) and complements them with heaps of indulgent goodies (a full-service Elemis spa, several restaurants, cafés and bars, private meeting rooms and business centres). Hotel-style bedroom suites and child entertainment finish of this truly over the top airport retreat.

Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounges, Singapore Changi International Airport
The staff of this lounge at Singapore Changi International greet first-class passengers of Singapore Airlines curbside, taking their bags, before guiding them to an armchair in the first-class check-in lounge and checking them in personally to ensure all the usual stress of baggage carts and check-in queues are a faraway thought. The SilverKris Lounges, comprise meeting rooms, café/bars and 13 Italian-leather slumberettes for the ultimate in relaxation.

Swiss Lounge, EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg
An enormous glass dome, surrounded by chrome and wood finishings make the Swiss Lounge a breakthrough in the usual span of boring, uninspiring airport seating areas. With open architecture, heaps of greenery and panoramic views, you’ll hope your flight gets delayed in here. Expect warm and cold buffets, a proper European bar and a Japanese bridge in an atrium surrounded by palm trees.

Thai Airways First Class Lounge, Bangkok
At Thai First Class Lounge in Bangkok, travellers can relax in semi-private rooms that function almost like a living room with couches, chairs and TVs. They can also book a spa treatment or massage in their own private spa bungalow – the only way to do long-haul.

Opera in El Gouna

Oct 16 2012

We may not always enjoy high drama on holidays, but this is a little different. The charming Egyptian resort of El Gouna has announced plans to show the world famous Metropolitan Opera.

Basically the Metropolitan Opera broadcasts its performances directly to cinemas around the world. It has already been a huge success and is now coming to El Gouna.

Right on the Red Sea, El Gouna is the first location in Egypt, outside of Cairo to opt for this high-tech live stream of fantastic opera. For anyone looking for winter sunshine, it’s a perfect blend of spending all days on the beach by day and indulging in a fantastic cultural excursion by night.

Sherina Sennar, Public Relations Manager of Orascom Development Destinations Marketing Department told us: “With 10km of secluded coastline, unspoilt lagoons and pristine islands enveloped in year-round sunshine, El Gouna is the perfect winter-sun destination and now we have the added dimension of live-streamed opera in the town.”

Already announced performances include Il Travatore, Carmen and Othello. At just ten euro each, it’s a bargain night out in the sunny Red Sea surrounds. The newest season runs until April 27, so there is plenty of time left to decide what to see.

Click here to find cheap holidays to El Gouna from Purple Travel.

The most Incredible caves in the world

Oct 15 2012

Looking for a little holiday inspiration? Did deeper with these pictures of the world’s most incredible caves. Click on an image to see where it’s from.

Koh Samui Holidays

Oct 15 2012

Here’s our idea of heaven: powder soft, pure white, sandy beaches, never having to lift a finger as you’re brought cocktail after cocktail directly to your hammock. Long days of doing nothing except slapping on that bit of sun cream and watching your tan creep up on you. Palm trees swaying in the breeze and coconut milk served fresh from the tree. Hey, wake up! Sorry, we thought you might have been daydreaming like we do when we start to think of Koh Samui holidays

Beaches of Koh Samui

Primarily, people travel to Koh Samui for its legendary beaches. There are busy ones, quiet ones, water sports and relaxation, beach bars and epic parties, and beautiful people. All in a days’ work for Thai beaches really.

Laem Yai A quiet, secluded beach, perfect for couples or anyone just looking for a bit of peace and quiet.

Mae Nam A very beautiful, quiet and relaxed beach, perfect if you’re on a Christmas break on the island and really want that get-away-from-it-all kind experience.

BoPhut Otherwise known as the fisherman’s village, a great place to simply relax, and watch the world go by. But, go quickly! As this is becoming a firm favourite with tourists.

Chaweng This is the biggest and busiest beach on the island. You’ll find every type of life here from knackered looking backpackers, to luxury travellers in designer bikinis.

Lamai This is the island’s second beach, you’ll find a few more backpackers here than in other parts.

Bang Rak Home of the Big Buddha, it’s in a great location for hopping on a speedboat over to Had Rin on neighbouring island Koh Pha Ngan for the utterly legendary Full Moon Parties.

Click here to read more about family friendly beaches in Crete.

Things to do

Koh Samui with the kids Of all the Thai islands, Koh Samui is one of the most family friendly choices but there are still plenty of things to consider, pavements aren’t very pram friendly and high chairs aren’t readily available. Thai food is quite spicy, but there are generally child friendly options and childcare might not be available everywhere but locals definitely dote on children. We suggest sticking to the international style beach resorts for your own comfort and that of your little ones. There is plenty that kids will love and Bo Phut and Mae Nam are a great choice for travelling with youngsters.

A night of boxing Thai or Muay boxing is the national sport and the stadium near the Reggae Pub in Chaweng is at the centre of the action. The matches kick off (pun intended) around 9 and go on ‘til midnight. This is the real thing too, a noisy, exciting, hardcore night out.

Check out the creepy crawlies The Samui Butterfly Garden and Insect museum is a fun day out. You’ll find butterflies up to 25cms in length, while the insect museum has lots of different species and rare bugs as well as a bee house.

Sunset Snorkel Or morning snorkel or afternoon, anytime really. The diving here is wonderful, because the beaches are beautiful, the water is crystal clear and you can dive practically all year round.

Make friends with Nelly A jungle trip on an elephant’s back is a joy. The elephant is Thailand’s national animal, and Samui’s tropical rainforest centre makes it the obvious choice for exploring on this mighty animal’s back.

Party If partying is your thing, then there is possibly no better place in the whole world than Thailand. Head for Chaweng, the busiest and most party-centric beach on the island. Green Mango Square (named after the Green Mango club!) is just a couple of minutes from the beach and it’s filled with eye opening shows, featuring dancers in all stages of dress, there are booming sound systems, cocktails and hundreds of serious partying travellers. Join up with friends (or make new ones) in one of the many bars.

Full moon party Another option for those with partying in mind is to head for Bang Rak and hop on a speedboat for one of those Full Moon parties. There are bucket parties, dancing beaches and lots of health and safety issues to take note of. On big nights, like New Years, it draws up to 30,000 revellers. It tends to kick off with the bucket party. Each one is filled with some spirits and a handful of straws. That will give you a bit of an idea of what’s in store…

You should read… 10 weird and wonderful theme parks around the world.

Things to see

Na Muang Waterfall the spectacular pair of cascades are found a little inland from Nathon Bay and nicknamed the ‘Purple Waterfalls’ (so of course we’d love them!) They are named after the purple shade of their rock faces, if you go there, we want a picture!!

Mummy Monk In Lamai Beach, you’ll find the Mummified Monk, who died in the 70s in a seated position. Ever since his body’s been on display and even after 30 years shows little sign of deterioration.

Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks (pictured above) Ahem, these are a little on the risqué side, but obviously that’s what people are into, as these cheeky rock formations are one of the biggest attractions on the island. Just ask a local about the legend of the rocks that resemble male and female bits.

Where to stay

Luxury Melati Beach Resort and Spa, Bophut: On a secluded beach, you’ll find this luxurious 5* resort, with outdoor baths, private pools and all sorts of food and drinks option. It has its own spa and the seafood and BBQ at the on-site restaurant are to die for.

Families Cocopalm Beach Resort: In Mae Nam Beach the Cocopalm is a far from the crowds of Chaweng, but still has plenty to keep kids busy. They’ll love the colourful surroundings and the quiet beach is ideal for building sandcastles.

Couples Dara Samui Beach Resort and Spa Villa: Think canopy draped beds, with luxurious traditional surroundings and a modern twist, that’s what you’ll get at this romantic 4*. This little slice of paradise is the place to go for a couples’ pamper session with excellent service and great facilities so you can do as much or as little as you like.

Partying Beach Republic, Lamai: This is where the beautiful people go to party on Koh Samui. A really unique hotel, the Beach Republic is well equipped with entertaining people and prides itself on its ‘sexy, sophisticated and cosmopolitan’ atmosphere.

Click here to find more hotels in Thailand from Purple Travel.

A Night Less Ordinary: Hotel CasAnus Belgium

Oct 12 2012

In this weekly series, we scour the world in search of the most weird and wonderful hotels. From cave hotels to converted prisons, capsule pods to underwater guestrooms, you can expect only the unexpected. This week, we’re not even joking, this is a hotel in the shape of a giant human intestine. We hope you’re sitting comfortable for the CasAnus in Belgium.

What’s the gimmick? Well it’s pretty evident on first glance what the gimmick is. This is less a hotel and more a giant sculpture of a human intestine that someone just happens to have dumped a bed inside. Created by artist, Joep Van Lieshout, the ‘hotel’ is situated within the Verbeke Sculpture Park in Belgium.

You should read… Top weird ways to travel on holiday

Why stay? If you’re looking for luxury, do not stay here. However, if you looking for an unusual night to remember, it doesn’t get much more memorable than this.What sets Hotel Casanus Belgium apart is the sculpture park; there are some amazing creations to look at when you wake up and you’ll likely never overnight in anything like this again.

You should read… A Night Less Ordinary : Boot Bed ‘n’ Breakfast

The Wow Factor: The exhibition space does not aim to be an oasis. It is, according to the creators, “unfinished, in motion, unpolished, contradictory, untidy, complex, inharmonious, living and unmonumental, like the world outside of the museum walls.” Although you will find no lavish fixtures here, you will enjoy a “refreshing, unpretentious place to look at art and a subtle criticism of the art world”. And just in case you were wondering, there is a clean, comfortable double bed, an electric point, heater, shower and of course – a toilet.

Prices start from €120 per night.

You should read… A Night Less Ordinary: Dog Park Park Inn

The world’s biggest airport to open in Beijing 2017

Oct 12 2012

China has just announced plans for a new Beijing mega-airport, which will have space to transport 130 million passengers a year – that’s 23 million more than London Heathrow and New York JFK combined.

Measuring some 55 square kilometers – about the same size as Bermuda! – Beijing Daxing International Airport will obscure all other competition to become the world’s busiest airport. Set to open in 2017, the airport will have space for up to eight commercial runways.

The latest airport plan shows an integrated ‘ground transportation hub’, which will transport passengers into Beijing within 30 minutes on a high-speed railway and also offer a slower route on the city’s underground. The airport is also designed to minimise the distance travelled by planes to and from the gates, to get passengers off the aircraft as soon as possible and minimise CO2 emissions.

Beijing Capital International is already at capacity, with a whopping 74million passengers a year, so Daxing (a rural city just outside of Beijing) will provide a much-needed second hub for the capital, catering to China’s ever-growing middle class.

Purple Passport: Faking it to skip the queue and big plans for Dubai

Oct 12 2012

Dubai draws

The UAE country is a top choice for seeing the sights, and it’s about to get even better. Over 100 crocodiles will be getting a new home in the state’s new zoo in Al Warqa to no doubt, impress visitors of all ages. Not only that, but bosses there are also planning a huge replica of the famous Taj Mahal, one of India’s most iconic buildings. The crocs and replica building will be in addition to the tallest man made building in the world, the Burj Khalifa Tower.

Faking it to skip the queue

New reports have revealed more and more travellers are faking disabilities to get through airport procedures faster. Free assistance is available to passengers with reduced mobility, allowing them to go through check-in and security a bit faster. However passengers are not required to present proof of a disability, and some able-bodied travellers have started to exploit it.

Airline staff have even coined a new phrase “miracle flight” to describe some travellers who arrive in a wheelchair but manage to walk off the plane at the other side.

Take a trip on the Titanic II

A mining boss in from Down Under has announced plans to build a complete replica of the infamous doomed ship and sail it along its original route, between Southampton and New York. The new vessel will be built to the original specifications and you’ll be able to buy first, second or third class tickets. We’re not sure how many people will be lining up to make that trip.

Disney Land style coming to Kent

Well sort of. Developers have been granted a licence from Paramount Pictures to use its name on a huge resort near Dartford. The project will see Europe’s biggest water park, theatres and live music venues. It’s hoped it will create up to 27,000 jobs. Just over 15 minutes from London, the local council says it’s a “tremendous economic growth opportunity” for the area.

Purple 10 Weird Things Found in Hotels

Oct 10 2012

Ever come back from holiday only to discover that you’ve left behind your favourite book, mobile phone or even your credit card at the hotel?? What about your prosthetic leg? Did you leave that too? You may be shocked, but that is one of these 10 weird things found in hotels Check the list to find out more..

1. Marriage License
What a way to start a marriage! The important new document was found by the cleaning staff in the Hyatt Regency Columbus. The certificate was quickly returned to the newlyweds. No word as to whether the pair has since left their wedding rings behind.

2. License Plate
In one of the rooms in Hyatt Regency Newport Hotel & Spa, in Goat Island, the maid came across a Connecticut license plate, which surprisingly, none of the guests ever attempted to reclaim.

3. False Teeth
The famous golf resort Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, Scottsdale has discovered a set of false teeth, while cleaning a guest-room bathroom. Luckily, the hotel was able to overnight the dentures back to their embarrassed owner.

4. A Wig
The next most common items left behind after false teeth are wigs. Not necessarily strange, though it does make you wonder how someone can forget something so crucial behind, especially if they checked in the mirror before leaving.

5. Prosthetic Legs
Socks and shoes are one thing to leave behind but an entire leg is a whole different story. Such was the case for one hotel staff member at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Quebec, who found the prosthetic limb after checking underneath one of the hotel beds.

6. A Shark
If you thought finding a tiger in your bathroom, a la Hangover was crazy, try finding a shark in your bathtub. That’s the surprise hotel cleaners at The Tivoli Marina Vilamoura in the Algarve faced when they found a weakened shark in one of the room’s bathtubs — swimming in tap water when it was in desperate need of salt water.

7. 6K in Cold Hard Cash
Leaving a tip for house cleaning is a customary practice. Leaving a zippered bag filled with $6,000 in cash? Not so much. Still, the exorbitant find by Jeanne Mydil, a house keeper at the Miami International Airport Hotel, wasn’t enough to tempt the mother of three. Mydil returned the money to her employers who then returned it to a missionary group.

8. A Bird
The Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque hotel in Tenerife once found a caged cockatoo in a room. The owners subsequently asked for it to be flown back to them in a private jet. Which makes you wonder: if they cared that much for it, why forget it in the first place?

9. Expensive car keys
Leaving car keys behind seems to be another common occurrence – but when you drive a Ferrari, it’s inexcusable. At the Hesperia Tower hotel in Barcelona a guest left behind the keys to their Ferrari Testarossa. Upon finding them the staff ran to the parking lot to check if the car was still there – it wasn’t It’s anyone’s guess how the guest got away without his car keys.

10. A baby
Forgetting your pet might be forgivable even if it happens to be a horse, but your own toddling flesh and blood? A forgotten baby earns the number one weirdest thing to forget in a hotel room title. In this instance it was a couple with way too much luggage who had to leave in separate taxis – a classic case of “But I thought you had the kid!?!”

Brides Talk: Hen Night Amsterdam Weekend

Oct 09 2012

Hen nights abroad are increasingly popular these days; there are so many great places to choose from, you can top up your tan before the big day and lets face it – you can get royally smashed without having to worry about bumping into an ex-boyfriend or your boss.

We spoke with one bride, Janine who spent her hen night in the most popular destination to do so – Amsterdam. From the crazy outfits to losing members on the group, she tells us why a hen night Amsterdam weekend will be an epic one for you.

Purple Travel: Why did you decide to spend your hen night in Amsterdam?

Janine: The second we got engaged, or at least within the minute I called Amsterdam for the hen party before Arky, my fiance, could call it for the stag do. He had been before, several times and loved it whereas I had never and, well, fair’s fair – it was my turn.
A girly weekend away with lots of booze and little or no sleep would be just what the doctor ordered to break up the long months of staying in, saving to pay for the big day.
It wasn’t so much the sampling of the smokey cafes and their exquisite muffins as much as the relaxed feel I always thought Amsterdam would have. The exact opposite of what the UK’s hen/stag hotspots have to offer (apart from the weather of course).
So, smug from “winning” Amsterdam, even though I kind of spoiled the romance of the proposal with my “Yes! I call the Dam” reply, I started to worry a little if all of the girls would be up for it, that it might be too expensive, or that some may feel it was more of a laddish venue.

Purple Travel: Did you find it was more difficult to round up your hens to travel abroad than to have a night out back home?

Janine: I actually found that the girls were VERY up for the weekend away, a couple raised an eyebrow at Amsterdam as first thoughts always turn to the Red Light District and the pot smoking reputation, but if it’s your do it’s your choice and eighteen of us travelled in all.

Purple Travel: Did your plans change when you arrived there? For example, was the Anne Frank museum at the top of your list before you arrived, but then you found you never left the cafes when you actually got there?

Janine: On the night of our arrival, Friday, we were made to feel so welcome by the locals, despite our noisy arrival. The Police at the railway station even staged my “arrest” and handcuffed me once they clocked the classy veil I was given to wear in the airport bar pre-flight. Indeed I was very well looked after in the bars that night also – if I stepped near to a bar the bartender would pour 2 shots, one for me and one for them.
The next morning the city looked so calm and classy I wondered if we would be frowned upon dressed as pixies, nymphs and fairies, but we once again felt welcome wherever we went. I just had to see the Red Light District and was surprised I didn’t feel shock, as the sights to be seen are certainly a world away from what we know. The area holds a vibrant atmosphere where you truly will meet all sorts, but everywhere and everyone were as chilled as can be, and the friendly locals and regulars were happy to direct us to the best bars and clubs where we were able to drink and dance til dawn.

I have to honest, there were no museums or homes of historical interest on the must-see list, but we did split up on the last day into smaller groups for a mooch around this beautiful city. For me this was my cafe day, dressed down and taking in as much as I could in what little time we had left. I do regret a little not finding time to look beyond the party side of Amsterdam, but that just means I’ll have to go again.

Purple Hearts: Montego Bay Jamaica

Oct 08 2012

Not content with being both the capital of the Parish of St. James and Jamaica’s second city, the Bay is also the island’s capital of tourism. From spring-breakers that descend each year for bouts of ritualized raucousness to homing Jamaica’s busiest airport and cruise-ship port – it’s no surprise that Montego Bay Jamaica has a steady stream of visitors. And with so much to see and do, narrowing it all down into one travel guide is no mean feat. We’ve selected our top picks – the best beaches, the most interesting areas, the most delicious places to eat and the most fun things to do. Enjoy…

Montego Bay Jamaica Travel Guide

Beaches in Montego Bay Jamaica

Jamaica is defined by its pristine sandy shores, and some of its best are in ‘MoBay’, as the locals call the area. A particularly renowned spot is Doctor’s Cave Beach, named so because it was once owned by a doctor who donated it to a local swimming club. Although there is a small entrance fee, it’s well worth it, as the quiet sands are perfect relaxing. However the nearby water sports facilities, eateries and golf courses mean the beach suits the more active of travellers equally.

Where to go in Montego Bay

Gloucester Ave
Known as the ‘hip strip’, most of the hotels, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops of Montego Bay line this parade. The strip runs parallel to the beach and boasts some of the best eating options on the island.

Downtown
Centred on pedestrian Sam Sharpe Sq, Downtown fans out over a grid, its cobbled roads reach competing storefronts, ridden by pushcart peddlers who seem to appear out of thin air on every corner. Downtown is a breath of fresh air from trinket tourist streets, featuring a selection of decaying Georgian buildings and the excellent Museum of St James, which bears poignant testament to the city’s brutal slave history.

Montego Freeport
Aside from being one of Montego Bay’s main shopping ports, Freeport built in the 1960s, consists of five primary berths – two of which are dedicated exclusively for cruise shipping – making it a great photo spot.

Things to do in Montego Bay

Rose Hall Great House
Rose Hall has an incredible past. The Great House was once the home of the notoriously evil Annie Palmer, the ‘White Witch of Rose Hall’, who murdered three husbands and terrorised her slaves. Two U.S. entrepreneurs, John and Michele Rollins, restored the building to its original glory, complete with period furnishings and lavish decor. Upon visiting, expect to get your bloog chilled as charming Jamaican hostesses tell tales of the evil Annie. There’s no need to fear though – a walk in the beautiful gardens is certain to restore your equilibrium. And if it doesn’t – head to Annie’s Pub in the dungeon of the Great House for something a little stronger to calm your nerves.

Aquasol Theme Park
Situated on Walter Fletcher beach, Aquasol theme park offers a go-kart track with 10 Honda bumper carts, plenty of water sports (including kayaking, parasailing, banana boating and glass bottom boating) and sporting activities such as trampolines, wave runners, beach volleyball and two professional tennis courts. For when you get a bit peckish, The Voyage sports bar and restaurant serves excellent food, in front of 42 big-screen TV’s for sporting events, pool tables, slot machines and many other games.

Dunn River Falls
While it’s entirely possible to fritter all of your time away on the beach, Jamiaca offers so much more than that. Dunn River Falls is a place where the fresh rain water cascades down stone terraces that cut right through the dense Jamaican rainforest and empties out into the Caribbean. Located between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, this sublime spectacle puts the beach to shame. Not only can you see the beauty of the falls, but you can also climb up the cascading water from the beach below. From Montego Bay there are several tours available, but the least expensive option is to take one of the shared mini buses that drop you off right in front of the entrance. It takes about an hour and half each way for just a couple of quid.

Where to eat in Montego Bay

Whether you’re looking for authentic Jamaican cuisine, something British or even a curry – Montego Bay has it all in terms of restaurants. There’sThe Houseboat Grill, situated in the calm waters of the Montego Bay Marine Park Fish Sanctuary. This unusual floating restaurant offers a unique setting for an intimate, one of a kind dining experience and some of the freshest fish in Jamaica. Or, Day O Plantation Restaurant, located in the lush tropical hills of Montego Bay City, is surrounded by a colourful tropical garden. Here you can sample the finest in Jamaican and foreign cuisine, all within elegant Jamaican splendour. Or, why not head to the Hip Strip to a local and tourist favourite alike, The Pelican Restaurant (no website). Well- known as one of Montego Bay’s best places to find mouth-watering Jamaican cuisine, their menu features classic Jamaican specialties like steamed red snapper with okras and bammy, ackee and salted codfish with boiled green bananas, yam and fried Johnny cakes.

Book a cheap holiday to Montego Bay Jamaica with Purple Travel (ABTA member) by calling us on our free hotline 0207 993 9228.

Archive - October 2012