I want some advice on what is the best hotel stay for single women. I am heading to Jamaica for my graduation the second week in June and i don't really want to stay at a place with couples or a bunch
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Cat:Caribbean and the AtlanticForum:0EE6B314
Cat:Caribbean and the AtlanticForum:0EE6B314Discussion:0EEE3B56
I want some advice on what is the best hotel stay for single women. I am heading to Jamaica for my graduation the second week in June and i don't really want to stay at a place with couples or a bunch of children around. I would like to stay at a nice place possibly with a spa, where i can get my groove on..I was thinking about going to Ocho Rios and staying at the Sunset Jamaica Grande. I have read mixed reviews though help! Thanks for your responses.
I think its too late to respond to Carmen - hope she had fun! But for any other single women...
I travel alone often. Playa (Mx), Cabo (Mx) , US spas, Fl Keys, DomRep, but Jamaica is my "soul soother". I've been solo to other carrib areas and none has made me feel as welcome.
I got used to the couples, families (and if you think about they're all there to have a nice time too - and we all deserve Jamaica). That being said, here's a little mini-review of my times (always MoBay b/c I"m too impatient and need to be beached quickly after landing!)
Am off to Coyoba next week and I'll let you know.
I can not stress enough: I think of MoBay as my personal oasis where I can renew my spirit safely. I do not get drunk and walk the beach alone at night, and wouldn't recommend that any single woman do that - in JA or anywhere! But I do walk to restaurants alone and I shop alone, eat alone, nap in hammocks alone and have never felt less than safe doing so! I have met people in JA that I regularly email, they have welcomed into their homes and I even went to church w/ them once (different than what I'm used to but an experience). I haven't ventured to Cockpit Country, haven't tried to integrate w/ the Maroons, haven't camped... so all I can offer is tourism advice.
Breezes: fun b/c its down town and close to local places. Maybe my imagination but it seemed to be less "tended" lately. Staff is very friendly, and its best for location. Walk to Marguerites for a private, enjoyable and delicious supper. A little further down for the "Pit" for lunch - great fish roast.
Holiday Inn Sunspree: not my solo travel favorite, but I would highly, highly recommend it for families w/ children (all ages through high teens). Was just a little less relaxing. Try deep fried fish sandwich picnic on the pier and get lost in the view of the blue sea. There were less couples here (not as wedding oriented in my opinion) but lots of families. There are some shops across the street but they didn't seem as busy as the ones closer to Freeport Cruise area. I liked them and picked up a ring that appraised about 30% above back home.
Sunset Beach: I like this alone b/c it offers fun and quiet depending on what you're in the mood for. The property is large so you can find quiet. But at the same time I think I had a rum shot contest w/ some Coast Guard gentlemen that same day! It also has a topless and nude beach. Food was good here. Spa was actually quite nice as well. This is the only spa I found pimento essential oil (and haven't seen it since, state side or on the web). One thing, this is farthest from the "hip strip". Taxi drivers are only too happy to get you there though - but you don't want to stay here if you're going to be bopping into town a lot. More for a fun party group.
Gloucester Inn/Hotel: not for the AI crowd. Very local (at least I thought so) and relaxing. I felt most comfortable here after I had been to JA a few times and had established my favorite eating spot(By the way, while I know the AIs are good, I am so, so, so glad I ventured out for the food, hospitality and quasi-"real" JA - please promise you will try it!) This is right down town as well and close to action. Walk. Smile. You will be approached by local vendors. I personally love them. (though I did find myself paying someone for rubbing aloe on my arm w/o my asking... truthfully, he wanted five bucks but was happy for a smile and one dollar.) Doctor's Cave Beach is remarkable and across the street. I felt completely safe and did not feel like I was intruding on the honeymooners.
Ritz: never left the grounds. Was only there for a weekend and was truly pampered. I didn't think the staff seemed as "happy" here as at the others. They may have more strict policies for their staff interacting w/ guests. Management, I believe, has the staff scared of the guests. But again, you will be pampered. No question you will feel safe - almost too much.
HalfMoon: same as Ritz. While both of these are great... they are just not so different from the Ritz' at home. The price is high and it makes you feel a little guilty leaving the property (after all you paid to be pampered). These are extremely romantic spots, so there are a few newly weds around. I found them to be fun to watch b/c they were truly happy. If you're into shopping, the shops here are upscale for MoBay and fun to walk through.
I would like to invite all solo female travelers to enjoy a place that I will always treasure as the most wonderfully renewing place I've found.
Hello! We leave in a week -- I love spicy food and always enjoy finding those spots that the locals love! What restaurants do you all suggest for Runaway Bay or Ocho Rios? We are staying at Hedo III! Thanks!
i have traveled to jamacia five times 2 times stoppped from cruise, it is better to stay on the island. Most of the time i have went alone. I have had no problems. Just use common sense. Lots of friends, from all parts of the island. I like the small hotels or inns. RICHMOND HILL INN, is the place I like best. you have more freedom to plan your own schedule. GO HAVE FUN.
