nscaper

This is a great question.... Unfortunately I am going to be a tease, cause I don't have the answer - although I'd love to know too!

Did you also do supper somewhere before the beach reception? Did you have food at the bonfire or just drinks? Did you have backup reception location in case the weather wasn't co-operating?

Thanks - I love the idea of a bonfire on the beach? Do you have pictures posted somewhere? (I haven't looked yet, I'll admit!)

Has anyone here had the actual beach BBQ @ $50/pp?

 

I can't understand why it's so expensive.

If I do understand correctly it includes the setup on the beach AND open bar? Am I right? Is there more included that I am missing?

 

it still seems absurdly priced considering going to the Plantation is $500 for 2 hours. That's the cost of paying for the BBQ for 10 people!!! And I am hoping to have over 30! That's $1500+ for a BBQ when we wanted something less casual to start with!

 

Why wouldn't I choose the Plantation (or Mammee Bay) if this is the case?

When you use the terms "beach reception" or "poolside reception" what exactly does that entail? I understand the logistics and what's included in Mammee Bay/Plantation but I'm confused on the beach reception.

Do you mean having the BBQ menu, on the beach or the poolside?

Congrats! I bet it's a nice feeling to have that one less stress!

You did not come across as Debbie Downer or "bitter, high-maintenance, hard to please". I think your review was not a whine, but a statement of the facts. You asked for specific things (that you were to get no matter what) and you did not get them. It's not like it was a whole bunch of extra stuff that they chose not to accommodate. I would be disappointed also, if that happened to me. Especially the minister. I think that's a big boo-boo.

 

I'm glad you looked past the errors and are still able to be positive. Hope you can remember the good things!

Great! Good to know!

I love everything about your pics! I love what your bridal party is wearing, I loved the parasols, the CAKE - WOW!, and the pictures of where he first sees you are definitely priceless. Love them!

Congratulations!

Got these from my TA just a few days ago. They are the ones that Sunquest sent her.....

 

 

 

 

Names & Descriptions of Tours

** Ocho Rios **

 

Dunn’s River Falls

Visit Jamaica’s No. 1 attraction, Dunn’s River Falls. You will climb this amazing work of Mother Nature. Scale the 600 ft limestone rock formation as water cascades past you and splashes into the ocean below. Small pools of water and excellent photo opportunities will greet you along the way.

 

Days of Operation: Daily Duration: Half Day

 

 

 

Ocho Rios Hilite and Shopping Tour

A unique combination of sightseeing and shopping!!! First visit will be “Fern Gully†where you will view a variety of ferns. Then move on to the Shaw Park, for a tour of the beautiful gardens. Then travel to the business district of Ocho Rios where you may indulge in Duty Free shopping, then to a local craft village for handmade local handicrafts. Then it’s off to visit Jamaica’s No. 1 attraction, Dunn’s River Falls.

 

Days of Operation: Tuesday & Friday Duration: Half Day

 

 

 

 

Black River Safari & Y.S. Falls

This trip takes you through the interior of the rain forest. Pass through villages dotted along the coastline. Journey by boat up the Black River, Jamaica’s longest river, where you'll see exotic birds, plants, and wildlife such as the endangered American crocodile. Take a trip to historic “Bamboo Avenueâ€, then to the Y.S. falls where you can enjoy nature in its natural state, as the cool refreshing water cascades approximately 120 feet into the Y.S. River.

 

Days of Operation: Tuesday &Thursday Duration: Full Day

 

 

 

Negril Beach & Sunset

For sun, fun and seven miles of white sand beach caressed by the azure blue of the Caribbean Sea. Let your hair down in Negril’s relaxed atmosphere. Travel along Jamaica’s coastal waters, passing through quaint rural villages, historic Lucea harbour and market. At the cliffs, watch the captivating sunset slipping over the horizon.

 

Days of Operation: Wednesday & Saturday Duration: Full Day

 

 

 

Kingston with a Taste of Blue Mountain & Coffee

 

Travel inland and enjoy the lush vegetation, experience the breathtaking view of the Blue Mountains then visit Mavis Bank Coffee Factory for a tour. Return via Kingston and take a quick tour of the University of the West Indies before visiting Devon House for lunch (optional) or visit the Bob Marley Museum (Optional). Depart Kingston for home via the National Stadium, down town Kingston across the mountains to Ocho Rios

 

Days of Operation: Tuesday & Thursday Duration: Full Day

 

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _____

 

Reggae & Culture

 

Drive through the famous Fern Gully turning inland to the mountains – Nine Miles, a quaint village in the beautiful mountains of St. Ann It was here, on the 6th of February the legendary ‘King of Reggae’ was born and it is the very same place where he was laid to rest. A tour of Nine Miles is a family affair as many of Bob’s close relatives live there. The tour takes you through the house Bob lived as a young boy and your guide will share insights into Bob Marley’s childhood and musical career. Then travel through the hills of our Lush garden Parish (St. Ann) where you will make a stop at one of Jamaica’s revival Churches to experience another of our rich heritage and culture. You will be captivated by what you see and hear.

 

Then enjoy a delightful Fare at a Jamaican Jerk Center (Optional)

 

Days of Operation: Wednesday, Saturday (book early/limited Space) Duration: Half Day

 

 

Luminous Lagoon

 

Experience a magical evening at Rock, just outside Falmouth, home of the amazing “Luminous Lagoonâ€. It is one of the most spectacular sights to be found in Jamaica. The water illuminates when agitated and you can see the outline of fish as they swim around.

 

Not available at Full Moon

 

Days of Operation: Daily Duration: Half Day

 

 

 

Martha Brae Bamboo Rafting

Seated side-by-side, sit back and relax as an expert rafts man guides you lazily down the river on a 30 ft. bamboo raft. Your rafts man will detail the colourful folklore of the region whilst you explore the lush, tropical riverbanks.

 

(Children 1 – 3 years old are complimentary/No child rate)

 

Days of Operation: Monday & Saturday (AM), Wednesday & Friday (PM) Duration: Half Day

 

 

 

The Dunn’s River Falls/ Cool Runnings

Relax on your cruise to Crystal Reef where you can work on your suntan or snorkel. Then the exhilarating climb up the cascading waterfall!! On your return complimentary rum drinks are served and the party begins with Jamaican music and the falls as a back drop.

 

Days of Operation: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday Duration: Half Day

 

 

 

Real Taste of Port Antonio

Drive along the North coast with a bird’s eye view of Noel Coward’s ‘Firefly’ where the James Bond series 007 was created. Feel the sprit of Jamaica while passing through rural villages and banana plantations. Next stop is Somerset Falls where you can swim in the river or ride in a small canoe under the falls. You will find yourself feeling as though you are suspended in time with its laid back atmosphere. After the flora and fauna of Port Antonio overwhelms you, a country style lunch will be served, then a little more time to relax and enjoy the private beach at Frenchman’s Cove. Then relax on a 30 foot bamboo raft down the Rio Grande River, made famous by the movie star Errol Flynn.

 

Days of Operation: Monday, Wednesday & Friday Duration: Full Day

 

 

 

Chukka Cove Jeep Safari

This tour is designed to highlight much of Jamaica’s great beauty, culture and history, which usually remains unseen due to lack of accessibility. Drive through the rugged terrain in a 4 x 4 Land Rover and enjoy a breathtaking 15 minute river walk to the hidden waterfalls. Then swim in the clear mineral waters of the rainforest riverhead. Onboard choice of rum punch, fruit punch or water included.

 

(Children must be 6 years of age or older to participate)

 

Days of Operation: Daily Duration: Full Day

 

 

Get Wet with the Dolphins

Experience excitement, action and thrills with the dolphins. Choose from the Swim, Touch or Encounter programs. Please see your representative for more information.

 

Children must be a minimum of 8 years of age to participate in the Swim program/No child rates. Days of Operation: Daily

 

 

 

Horse Back Ridding ‘N’ Swim

The 3-hour journey begins as you ride past an old windmill, used in the 1700’s to power grinding stones. Then start your ascent into the mountains where you can enjoy spectacular views and the flora and fauna of the forest. Then enjoy the highlight of this tour by plunging into the warm Caribbean Sea on the back of your majestic horse. Ride through the ocean and feel the sensation of these magnificent creatures as they demonstrate their ‘Horsepower’.

What was a ballpark figure you were quoted for this?

 

I just checked out their website... Looks nice...

 

 

 

Question for clarification:

Say you did your dinner at the Plantation, you can get a DJ and stay there for the entire night (well, the 2-4 hours you have it booked for. I haven't looked up the DJ cost yet, but if someone has it, feel free to share).

 

But if you wanted to do the beach, after dinner reception (i.e. after Mammee Bay or the beach BBQ - at the Seagrape), it's $10 pp. Is it just a casual time, and bring your own music and stuff. Is there space there to dance at all? Seeing as you already have the music you want...

 

Thanks-

I just confirmed that I am going to ROR in April 2009 - but I'm still fighting for a date/time... I am FINALLY able to look at the planning stuff now!

Just posted it, let me know if you have questions!

This is a review I wrote my TA when we returned back. We went to Barcelo Maya Colonial for one week in Feb. There were 6 of us. 4 young (20's) and 2 older (60's).

 

Barcelo Resort

 

The beach was wonderful, really large and just a few rocky areas in front of the colonial/tropical beach. I read online that the beach in front of caribe/beach resort area was better but when we walked down it didn't look as nice. The beach in front of the palace is non-existent but they kinda share theirs with the tropical too (the tropical portion kinda straddles the 2 beaches)

 

The resort was VERY large. Not just the whole complex but even just the Colonial section. We didn't mind it, but Justin's parents are older and they didn't like the walking at all! They thought the resort was fantastic and beautiful but too big for them.

Everything was VERY clean all the time (i.e. the common areas).

 

Prestige Class

 

As for having prestige class, there didn't seem to be that much extra. Got premium liquor for free (i.e. malibu rum instead of just regular rum, and good tequilas), a fruit basket in your room (small and you could get fruit at the buffet, but still welcome) and a small bottle of Tequila, and beach towels in your room as well as slippers and a robe and some little bottles of lotions and stuff. Nothing excpetional. Not sure if i would go with "Prestige Class" again if I had the choice or if there was an extra charge for it.

 

Food

 

Food was good and always lots. But it was alot blander for a 4.5-5* resort than I expected. I only have (Arenas Doradas) Cuba to compare but it certainly wasn't THAT much better. More choice but not tastier. I was a little disappointed in that. Fruit in Cuba was ALOT better.

Although, he also told us we could use all the Palace amenities except for Al-la-carte restaurants (he didn't say all Food places), so we went to the buffet one night at the Palace and the manager came over and talked to us and said we didn't have access to that staying at the Colonial, and that if we wanted to come back, it would be $15/pp. but he let us off with a smile The palace food was so much better. I had grilled lobster and shrimp and there was steak and so much more. I definitely ate $15+ worth of lobster and shrimp.

 

Pools/Beach

 

Pools were massive and warm. Although it was hard to find beach chairs around the pools late morning/lunchtime. And even the beach too. People tend to claim them with their towels and then leave. it was quite annoying. The activity pool was always hard to get chairs. You can buy floaties there (tubes and loungers). however, we were told they were only $3-4 at the Colonial Activity Center by the activity pool, but they were sold out when we went. We went to the Palace activity center (where you exchange towels and get sunscreen and stuff - kinda like a giftshop) and they were $11 each. we got ripped off completely but they were worth it to float around for hours. We went back to the Colonial giftshop/towel exchange place and they had a compressor to blow them up for you. Make sure you get the adult ones. There are child ones too.

 

Sand on the beach was nice. In and out of water. In the water there were some rocky spots but because the water is usually so clear you can USUALLY see where not to step. We only went in the water at the Colonial Beach and we didn't have water shoes. Once you found a sweet spot it was good!

 

 

At the pier, there is good snorkeling. The marina is right there too, where you can rent jet-skis (@$65/pp for 30 mins) and lifejackets ($5), snorkeling equipment ($20 deposit), go para-sailing (@$65/pp or $100ish for 2 people).

 

Other

 

Internet was $3 for 15 mins and gets charged to your room. We used it quite a few times and it was a fast connection even though the Air Transat guy said it was slow.

 

There ARE elevators in the buildings (at least in the Colonial). They are 3 floors.

 

Excursions

 

We did one planned excursion - we completely recommend the Coba 2 tour through "Altournative" Tours. We went to a mayan village, canoed across a lake, zip lined through the jungle and walked through the jungle (seen Monkeys and ate fruit) and then had lunch in the Village and then went to the Coba Ruins. Take money (air transat only told us to take money for tipping your guide) for photos. while in the Mayan Village portion of the tour, a guy comes around and takes photos of you zip-lining, walking through the jungle. The pictures are taken with a dSLR so they are high quality but the guy could definitely be a better photographer. At the end you can buy a CD with 8 pictures for $39AMN or all the pictures he took for $49AMN. We bought the one with all pictures because there were 4 of us and we split it and just burned it when we got home. It wouldn't have been worth it otherwise. The pics weren't THAT good. however, the Air Transat reps didn't tell us to take money so they made a special exception for us and let us pay when we got back to the resort. It was quite annoying. There are also little places set up where you can buy local crafts at both villages and we had no money for that. With Altournative tours, they work directly with local peoples and in the case of the Coba 1& 2 tours (Coba 1 isn't as adventure-ish, better for older people for example), a portion of the tours goes back to the Mayan communities. They work directly with the Mayan to help preserve their culture. The locals cook your lunch, help you with the rappelling into the Cenote, take the pictures, do your jungle tour etc and in return the Altournative tours gives them funds, makes sure all their children go to school etc. At the end of the Mayan village tour, people from our group brought school supplies, tooth brushes, deodorant, toys etc and gave it to the tour guide to give out to the children. I will never not do this, now that I know. They were so appreciative and happy.

 

We also did Tulum and Xel-ha. On our own instead of buying the excursion. We were all young and able bodied, so we took the Collectivo ($2 AMN, or 20 pesos) to Tulum EARLY in morning (8:30am) and paid the admission to Tulum ($4-$5 I think) and then walked around. There were only about 40-50 people there. It was very easy to get pictures without people in them and it wasn't too hot. We spent about 2 hours there (Max) and then left and as we were walking back to the road there were literally, 100's of people coming in off tour buses. We really beat the rush. (we do regret not hiring the tour guide though). Then we paid for the entrance to Xel-ha at the bottom of Tulum where there was an official Xel-ha station set up for 10% off ($67.50 instead of $75) and skipped any lines at xel-ha AND got a discount. Then we took the Collectivo again to Xel-ha. Walked up from the road and went in without any problems.

They require biodegradable sunscreen. If you take your own and it's not suitable they give you small sample size ones that more than do you for the whole day. I've heard if you don't take any and rely on getting it there they make you pay for it (@$15/bottle so I've heard). You get towels, lockers and food is inclusive as well. Just have $20 on you to pay a deposit on snorkelling equipment. Life jackets are mandatory for everything too. The best fish are at the bottom towards the ocean. We snorkeled the whole river and it took 2 hours. Knowing what I know now I would have taken the tubes halfway at least and spent more energy snorkeling around the end. We did the mayan Cave activity too and wandered the property. The food there was good too - a buffet, a-la carte styles, a bar etc., lots of options.

 

Then at the end of the day (it's open to 6 but we left at 5ish as did alot of other people), we just took the Collectivo back for another $2AMN. So our whole day cost us about $80AMN when the "planned excursion is $140" and we got to do things on our own time.

 

We took the Collectivo everywhere and we never once felt unsafe. Tourists use it alot. Honestly, we never waited for more than 4 or 5 mins for the Collectivo to come. (They are white mini-vans that hold about 10 people or so). just tell them where you want to go and they let you off there.

 

As for picking the day flight over the night flight, I wouldn't do it again unless I HAD to. It took us 3 hours from the point of getting off the plane to getting to the resort, when it should have taken an hour. The traffic in the afternoon coming though the little towns and especially Playa del Carmen was way too much (and we only stopped at 3 other resorts maybe) and made the trip that much longer. At least at night you don't have to put up with that wait. And on the way back, if you are with Air Transat, and over your weight on luggage - they WILL make you pay. People flying with us had to pay anywhere from $30-$150 for their overweight luggage. There was a scale in our room so we just weighed them before we left and were fine. We just piled more into our carry-ons.

We bought Tequila in Playa del Carmen and were worried that it would be cheaper in the airport and it wasn't (In Cuba the cigars were MUCH cheaper in the airport than buying them on our Havana tour. we got ripped off there we felt.)

 

Pictures

 

Sharon Cameron's Photos - Hola! Mexico! | Facebook

We just went to the MR in Feb for vacation for 1 week.

We REALLY wanted to do Chichen Itza because of the size of the ruins and We REALLY wanted to do Xel-ha because of the snorkeling and

We REALLY wanted to do Tulum Ruins because of the reviews on how beautiful it was and

We REALLY wanted to do Coba because you can still climb the ruins.

 

So we only had a week and couldn't do all of it.

 

We chose to combine Tulum ruins and Xel-ha for one day (on our own, didn't buy an organized excursion), and then an organzied excursion to Coba from Altournative tours (the same description that PP put with the mayan village and zip line, cenote and coba ruins).

 

It was amazing. I still want to go to Chichen Itza for the history and how beautiful it looks, but since it was our first time in MX, we wanted the most bang for our buck so to say.Go to Tulum ruins, if only for an hour. They are small, but the ocean makes it so beautiful. Coba was great because you got to climb the ruins.

 

I am going to post my review in a new thread, I have a lot of info!

My name is Sharon and I am going to be an April 2009 bride. Far away, I know, but I am a planner and organizer

 

We're thinking Jamaica (maybe ROR, although I think going to Negril would rock) but we've seen some resorts in Cuba and Mexico we might be interested in - TOO many options.

 

Thanks everyone for posting here, I am new and I've already found the forum to be so very helpful!