ahoyne9Taking Katy to an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica for her birthday was not only a celebration of her special day but also a milestone for me—visiting my 35th country/territory. This journey began back in 2014 at the Brazil World Cup and now, with just five months left before my 35th birthday, it felt like the perfect way to mark the occasion. The trip was essentially free, except for excursions and shuttles. I managed to book our flights with miles and used credit card points transferred to Hyatt for the resort stay.
We spent the first night at an IHG all-inclusive. Since we arrived in the evening and I didn’t want to use up a night at the more luxurious resort, I opted for this option. While the hotel was decent with nice beaches, it didn’t offer much more than that.
Day 2 – River Rapids 02.01.2024
One highlight was the “River Rapids Waterfalls Tubing and Beach Adventure” I booked through Viator. This $89 per person excursion was a thrill. We started with river rapids tubing, navigating through fast-moving waters and enjoying the lush Jamaican scenery. After the adrenaline rush, we visited scenic waterfalls for a refreshing swim and ended the day at a nearby beach, perfect for unwinding.
On our return, we had the shuttle drop us off at the Holiday Inn to check out and then head to the Breathless Resort. What a gem! The adult-only resort had stunning views, excellent food, and pristine beaches.
Day 4 – Blue Lagoon Adventure 02.03.2024
The trip was a balanced mix of relaxation and adventure. I’m not one to lounge on the beach all day; I prefer exploring. Today’s extensive travel experience taught me that it’s better to hire a private driver than join a group tour, especially since we spent over six hours commuting.
We also enjoyed the “Blue Hole, Secret Falls, and Dunn’s River Falls Combo Day-Trip” for $125 per person. This excursion combined three spectacular natural attractions: the vibrant Blue Hole with its cliff jumps, the serene Secret Falls, and the iconic Dunn’s River Falls where we climbed the cascades.
Today was a very long day and I do not recommend doing this as a tour, I think it would be best to just hire a private driver. The events are amazing so don’t skip those out but this shuttle would be a no go for me if I did this again. Especially because of where we were staying we were first to be picked up and last dropped off, spending over 6 hours just commuting.
Tomorrow, Katy and I will enjoy a half-day at the resort before heading to the airport. Cheers to another incredible adventure!
