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St. John lover going to Jamaica- Help!
St. John lover going to Jamaica- Help!
Author: crowisland1
Date: 06/23/2008, 11:08 am
Hello Everyone!
I haven't post in here in a long time but was hoping someone can assure me that I will enjoy my next trip. Year after year my husband and I vacationed in St. John. We loved the different villas, beaches, and peacefulness. We never even thought about trying a different island. Well since then we have divorced and I have relocated, have a new job and boyfriend. I am more than ready for some Caribbean R&R but my boyfriend did not seem to warm up to anyone of my St. John suggestions. To him the thought of just sitting on a beach all day seems very boring to him. He has yet to try snorkling so I can't tempt him with that. Lastly, when we talk vacation budget he can't fathom the price of a St. John vacation. SO I feel I really need to compromise. Hence his friend just returned from an AI in Jamaica and had an amazing time therefore talking my boyfriend in to this. He really liked the activites offered, all the food and call liquor choices that were included and the fact that our room is on the beach rather than driving to the beaches and renting a car blah blah blah. I am excited to get away and am VERY happy with the price but am scared I will feel homesick for ST. John while I'm there. Anyone out there ever make the transition? Sorry for the long post and the "drama" but I can't even look at St. John forums without getting upset...
Date: 06/23/2008, 11:08 am
Hello Everyone!
I haven't post in here in a long time but was hoping someone can assure me that I will enjoy my next trip. Year after year my husband and I vacationed in St. John. We loved the different villas, beaches, and peacefulness. We never even thought about trying a different island. Well since then we have divorced and I have relocated, have a new job and boyfriend. I am more than ready for some Caribbean R&R but my boyfriend did not seem to warm up to anyone of my St. John suggestions. To him the thought of just sitting on a beach all day seems very boring to him. He has yet to try snorkling so I can't tempt him with that. Lastly, when we talk vacation budget he can't fathom the price of a St. John vacation. SO I feel I really need to compromise. Hence his friend just returned from an AI in Jamaica and had an amazing time therefore talking my boyfriend in to this. He really liked the activites offered, all the food and call liquor choices that were included and the fact that our room is on the beach rather than driving to the beaches and renting a car blah blah blah. I am excited to get away and am VERY happy with the price but am scared I will feel homesick for ST. John while I'm there. Anyone out there ever make the transition? Sorry for the long post and the "drama" but I can't even look at St. John forums without getting upset...
We did an AI trip to the DR four years ago. It was different enough from STJ that we kept the comparisons under control and didn't feel sad.
The price combined with being on the beach in a different country outweighed our longing for STJ.
The things that made the trip not as good as a STJ were 97% associated with our travelling companions (my in-laws) who has zero travel experience.
The price combined with being on the beach in a different country outweighed our longing for STJ.
The things that made the trip not as good as a STJ were 97% associated with our travelling companions (my in-laws) who has zero travel experience.
Relax----you'll be on a beach with tropical drinks---so just have fun. I've been to Jamaica---in a villa, not at an AI place---and enjoyed it quite a bit. We were in Mo Bay, but I prefer Negril---prettier water and beach. Prices are definitely better in Jamaica than St. John.
I do, however, disagree with your boyfriend about Jamaica having more to do. People that I know who go to Jamaica tend to stay isolated in their gated AI compound, eat at the same hotel every night, and don't do much island exploring (except on an occasional guided tour). To me, that is LESS to do than on St. John. Jamaica does have pretty good golf, which St. John does not have. Having said all that, I'm sure you'll have fun.
I do, however, disagree with your boyfriend about Jamaica having more to do. People that I know who go to Jamaica tend to stay isolated in their gated AI compound, eat at the same hotel every night, and don't do much island exploring (except on an occasional guided tour). To me, that is LESS to do than on St. John. Jamaica does have pretty good golf, which St. John does not have. Having said all that, I'm sure you'll have fun.
---Jim
Which AI are you going to? We went to Sunset Beach which is an AI in Mo Bay, and it was all right. We didn't venture off the premises but once, and that was ebough. We were assaulted by everyone from drug dealers to street artisans beging us to buy something. Very unpleasant experience.
Just stay on the property and you'll have a good time, I'm sure. Half of the vacation is sharing it with someone you care about!
-Bert
Just stay on the property and you'll have a good time, I'm sure. Half of the vacation is sharing it with someone you care about!
-Bert
The liver is evil, it must be punished!
I went back and re-read your original post and realized I should have mentioned one more thing. And its probably relationship advice---not travel advice (probably none of my business, but easier to give since I don't know you). You mentioned that you and your ex-husband went to St. John together "year after year." I could see where finding your own place---not necessarily St. John--with your new boyfriend is important. It may or may not be Jamaica----but thats a fun place to start. There will probably be some things you each like about Jamaica, and some things you don't like---but then you refine that formula for your next trip.
One piece of actual travel advice----if you do go to Negril, be sure to go to Rick's Cafe for cliff diving----what a blast! And soak in some Jamaican culture. Enjoy!
One piece of actual travel advice----if you do go to Negril, be sure to go to Rick's Cafe for cliff diving----what a blast! And soak in some Jamaican culture. Enjoy!
---Jim
We've been twice to Jamaica- Negril and Ocho Rios. All inclusives can be great, but all you do is sit on the beach or by one of the pools and eat and drink all day. Gained weight too. The Jamaican culture is cool, but really you're very isolated at those gated AI's.
IMO, much more to do in STJ. We are WAY more active on STJ -I think we actually shed a few pounds when we go.
I'm sure this didn't help.... sorry.
IMO, much more to do in STJ. We are WAY more active on STJ -I think we actually shed a few pounds when we go.
I'm sure this didn't help.... sorry.
-
bayer40601
- Posts: 612
- Joined: Sun Oct 14, 2007 1:06 pm
- Location: Kentucky
With all due respect to the Jamaican Government and Jamaican people, there is little to nothing I like about Jamaica. In my opinion, they have caused the isolation at the "all-inclusives" by not educating their people in tourism manners and proper decorum. I realize that not all Jamaicans need such education, but so many of them do that, as you can see, it has jaded my view of Jamaica.
I have been to Jamaica 3 times on business reward trips (FREE!) to Sandals. The weather & water were nice...food was good. We went with 10 couples so we had lots of people to hang with. Basically we did not feel comfortable leaving the gated resort, so it can be boring. There are some water toys & a boat to go out & snorkle...not much. The one trip we ventured out to was not comfortable...a guy asked us to give him money to set his mouth on fire.... Basically, I think you need to go and see...if you want to eat & drink all day & sit in the sun then it works. Maybe it will change his mind. How about this year he picks, next year you pick the place?
PS...workers did try to sell us drugs on each trip...not our thing and annoying/scary
PS...workers did try to sell us drugs on each trip...not our thing and annoying/scary
Obviously you have to do what's right for you and your budget.
I have never personally been to Jamaica but everything folks mention here is consistent with what I've heard from others on this subject, basically you're stuck in the resort. And you really can't venture out like you can on STJ.
My other thing here is: you get what you pay for. If you're not going to enjoy yourself it's a waste of money even if it is "cheaper."
Finally, total red flags go up when you describe this relationship scenario. If someone loves you they will learn to love what you love especially when it comes to STJ!!
I'm not saying STJ is all that and a bottle of rum (OK, I lie, I am) but honestly there are lots of ways to do STJ on the less expensive side of things.
Mr. Gromit and I came to STJ for our honeymoon (his 1st visit, my 2nd) and stayed at Star Villas for $100 a night -- which was all we could afford at the time. They were very nice and were perfect for us.
All I'm saying is if you want to make it work you can. But it sounds like this guy doesn't want to make it work.
I'm not saying you won't have fun in J, I'm just saying you need to look at the WHOLE picture.
Clearly it's been a tough year for you but there's no reason for you to accept anything less than what you want and deserve.
Just my .02
I have never personally been to Jamaica but everything folks mention here is consistent with what I've heard from others on this subject, basically you're stuck in the resort. And you really can't venture out like you can on STJ.
My other thing here is: you get what you pay for. If you're not going to enjoy yourself it's a waste of money even if it is "cheaper."
Finally, total red flags go up when you describe this relationship scenario. If someone loves you they will learn to love what you love especially when it comes to STJ!!
I'm not saying STJ is all that and a bottle of rum (OK, I lie, I am) but honestly there are lots of ways to do STJ on the less expensive side of things.
Mr. Gromit and I came to STJ for our honeymoon (his 1st visit, my 2nd) and stayed at Star Villas for $100 a night -- which was all we could afford at the time. They were very nice and were perfect for us.
All I'm saying is if you want to make it work you can. But it sounds like this guy doesn't want to make it work.
I'm not saying you won't have fun in J, I'm just saying you need to look at the WHOLE picture.
Clearly it's been a tough year for you but there's no reason for you to accept anything less than what you want and deserve.
Just my .02
Last edited by Gromit on Mon Jun 23, 2008 4:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.
*Another fine scatterbrained production
I dont know that there is enough info here to make a judgement on "the guy" ladies 
All she said was he didnt sound crazy about St John and lounging, etc. He prefers the sound of an AI. Some folks get STJ and some dont. We happen to really get it and think folks that dont are crazy! (they are). I personally would not go to Jamaica or another AI (been to cancun). Some people love it, some dont. Heck, I have a friend that loves Anguilla but cant stand STJ. I am sure AI's and other islands would be great for a complete party crowd, but I like to think my tastes in islands has been refined over the years
The newbies going with us this year have only been to Playa del Carmen. My buddy is thinking of doing a short AI as a surprise for his wife later this year. I will be curious to see what he thinks after doing both.
All she said was he didnt sound crazy about St John and lounging, etc. He prefers the sound of an AI. Some folks get STJ and some dont. We happen to really get it and think folks that dont are crazy! (they are). I personally would not go to Jamaica or another AI (been to cancun). Some people love it, some dont. Heck, I have a friend that loves Anguilla but cant stand STJ. I am sure AI's and other islands would be great for a complete party crowd, but I like to think my tastes in islands has been refined over the years
The newbies going with us this year have only been to Playa del Carmen. My buddy is thinking of doing a short AI as a surprise for his wife later this year. I will be curious to see what he thinks after doing both.
My hubby and I honeymooned in Negril & I absolutely loved it! We did not do the AI thing. I just, personally don't like them, as a big part of why I travel is to enjoy/experience other cultures, sights, sounds, foods.
I kind of get the not wanting to do STJ with the new fella. If something happened between my hubby & I it would be hard for me to go somewhere that I have so many memories of us! But that's just me. Still, I would get STJ in the divorce
Re: Jamaica...
We stayed at the Rockhouse Hotel on the cliffs in Negril. Rented a scooter and made our way all around the area. They people were extremely friendly and we could not have picked a more economical or romantic place to spend our honeymoon. Our little hut right out on the cliffs with a panoramic ocean view was well under $200 a night (this was almost 10 years ago, but the prices are still reasonable). There is also a great restaurant on site. The tables on the deck are up over the cliffs and they have the water lit up so you can see the fish swimming around down there as you dine.
If you aren't already committed to an AI, but are committed to Jamaica, check out the reviews. They are amazing and dead on and you won't need a 2nd mortgage to stay there. Negril is beautiful and quaint. Not STJ, but not what I think a lot of people who haven't been imagine it to be at all. There are the gated off AIs but 7 mile beach is one of the most beautiful I've seen and there is a lot of local, laid back flavor.
http://www.rockhousehotel.com/hotel/reviews.php
I kind of get the not wanting to do STJ with the new fella. If something happened between my hubby & I it would be hard for me to go somewhere that I have so many memories of us! But that's just me. Still, I would get STJ in the divorce
Re: Jamaica...
We stayed at the Rockhouse Hotel on the cliffs in Negril. Rented a scooter and made our way all around the area. They people were extremely friendly and we could not have picked a more economical or romantic place to spend our honeymoon. Our little hut right out on the cliffs with a panoramic ocean view was well under $200 a night (this was almost 10 years ago, but the prices are still reasonable). There is also a great restaurant on site. The tables on the deck are up over the cliffs and they have the water lit up so you can see the fish swimming around down there as you dine.
If you aren't already committed to an AI, but are committed to Jamaica, check out the reviews. They are amazing and dead on and you won't need a 2nd mortgage to stay there. Negril is beautiful and quaint. Not STJ, but not what I think a lot of people who haven't been imagine it to be at all. There are the gated off AIs but 7 mile beach is one of the most beautiful I've seen and there is a lot of local, laid back flavor.
http://www.rockhousehotel.com/hotel/reviews.php
Checkout jamaicans.com for good forums with a great group.
I've never done an AI or a cruise ship (except Navy ships), but I've had some very good not so clean fun in Jamaica. We tend to live "out on the economy" and meet a lot more locals.
The biggest thing about Jamaica is that there are a lot of people hussling to make a living. That means they are selling to the people with the money - tourists. They'll be selling trinkets, wood carving, art, taxi rides and everything else you can imagine. Some of these folks are hard up and can use the hard sell.
It's really no different from different than a lot of countries with a large segment of impoverished hard working people. But, it's not Disney. If you don't have security on the beach you are going to have people bothering you while you take a snooze. Sometimes they are selling you something you want.
Cheers, RickG
I've never done an AI or a cruise ship (except Navy ships), but I've had some very good not so clean fun in Jamaica. We tend to live "out on the economy" and meet a lot more locals.
The biggest thing about Jamaica is that there are a lot of people hussling to make a living. That means they are selling to the people with the money - tourists. They'll be selling trinkets, wood carving, art, taxi rides and everything else you can imagine. Some of these folks are hard up and can use the hard sell.
It's really no different from different than a lot of countries with a large segment of impoverished hard working people. But, it's not Disney. If you don't have security on the beach you are going to have people bothering you while you take a snooze. Sometimes they are selling you something you want.
Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes - Coral Bay - St. John, VI