I have just returned from vacation, I was Chasing Joy in Montego Bay, Jamaica. I stayed at a wonderful resort that was for adults only. I went with my friend and former college roommate. I had a really good time and would rate my vacation an B+.
We did everything through a travel agent. This was the most hands off I have been with planning a trip. We just told her where we wanted to go and when and she did the rest – Resort, flights, and transportation from and to the Airport in Jamaica. Now that I think about it this vacation was several firsts for me. This was my first time Flying to an island. In the past I have visited islands while on cruises. This was my first time staying at an all-inclusive. It was fabulous. I don’t know if I can go back to a non-all inclusive again. This was also my first time taking a prescription anti-anxiety medication to help me stay calm during the flight. The medicine did help some but I still think people belong on the ground not in huge, cramped, metal capsules that weigh tons.
So here are all the great experiences that gave me Joy:
- Flights both directions had minimal turbulence
- Resort was beautiful and clean
- Swim up bar!!!
- Robes in our room for lounging
- Pool within 30 second walk to our patio
- Beautiful views
- Happy Friendly Resort Staff
- Buffet style breakfast with all the bacon you can eat
- Really comfy beds with nice sheets
- Tropical drinks
- Club that played videos that matched with the DJ was playing
- A mini casino
- Pretty good shows including circus, newlywed game, and talent show
- Awesome shower with handheld showerhead and overhead rain shower showerhead
- Good French food, Good Japanese Hibachi food, and good surf and turf seafood
- Discounted Spa treatments
- We were there for Emancipation day (day slavery ended in Jamaica). I wish we had emancipation day as a national holiday in the US.
- Jerk Chicken and Jerk Burgers at the pool or on the beach
- Cute souvenir T shirt for my dog and souvenir bag for me (although the cat has claimed it)
- No matter what you say everyone says “Yeah Mon, No Problem!”
- I felt good in my bathing suit
- When I returned home I still had 3 full days before returning to work
- We got to dress up for dinner
Here are the Joy Thieving experiences that caused this vacation to only scored a B+:
- It rained for a few hours every afternoon the first 3 days
- $30 for pepto to calm an unruly tummy (more details to come in a future post)
- My manicure and pedicure did not last the first full day so all pics show me with chipped nails
- Roommate was into activities while I was into lounging so that meant lots of lounging solo
- Most of the people there were part of a couple – I am single and looking
- Not many girls getaway groups like us and definitely no groups of single guys
- Italian food was mediocre
- The desserts were also not the best
- The beach could have been a little bigger with less rocks
- Mosquitos - my fault though for not having a bug repellant
- Didn’t get to Dunns River Falls – but maybe this is a good thing because it gives me a legit reason to go back
Here are some pics!!!
Overall the good far outweighed the bad. And really, the bad wasn’t so bad, except for $30 for pepto. Also some of the things that detracted from the trip could have been avoided if I planned better. I will be going back to Jamaica again but next time I hope to take either a man or a bigger group of girlfriends.
What was your last vacation like? How would you rate it? What was most Joyful about it?
