"We stayed at the apartment for two weeks in July. It was a last minute search and found this great apartment on HomeAway.com. I could not have more pleased with the selection. The owner Belinda was a gem to work with. She worked with us to get the security deposit to her and we were able to pay the remainder when we arrived. This was truly a blessing.
Now that we have stayed, we can't wait to get back. We are already making plans for next year. I don't want to brag to much about this place, for I'm afraid it won't be available when I need it (smile).
The apartment is just a short walk away from the beach - I'd say 4 minutes. There is also a walk way to the sea right behind the building -a small area for swimming. The grounds are well maintained - accept for the road leading to the complex - that could use a bit of re-paving. There are beautiful flowers everwhere. There is also plenty of security patrolling 24 hours. On the beach you can rent lounge chairs and their is a restaurant and you can book tours.
Our helper Miss Carmen was the absolute best. The very first day we met her, we felt like family. She graciously took us into town to purchase food and helped us convert money. She is very frugal and demands the best for her guests. I loved going into the market with her and listening to her haggle prices for items from street vendors. I believe the walk to town was about fifteen minutes. There are plenty of shops along the road - eateries, plenty of grocery stores, bakery (get the hot hard dough bread - awesome), a Digicel store, western union. Miss Carmen also advised us on how much to pay for taxi rides. She also shopped for us on other occassions and cooked for us breakfast and a few dinners. She would make us enough food to last a few days. We always had good conversation with her. My husband is Jamaican and they are about the same age, so it was nice listening to their very similar stories. I would recommend the Island Grill for very inexpensive delicious meals and The Ocho Rios Jek Centre is a must - enjoyed the pork and chicken. Make sure you have Miss Carmen make you some sour sap juice.
Every morning I was up to see the sunrise. I would come down the stairs and open the doors, put on a pot tea and then sit out on the balcony and watch the fishermen fish.The balcony was great to sit out on and watch the cruise ships go by and the tour boats with people having lots of fun.
The Carib Ocho Rios is a great location. Our new home away from home.
Soon Come.
Thank you again Belinda."
- Carib Ocho Rios
