I'd recommend Jamaica for a number of reasons. First, it's relatively large
for a Caribbean island, some 135 miles long and 50 miles wide. Second, it
has the tallest mountains in the Caribbean... these factors mean you can
enjoy a lush, rainforest type environment on the extreme east end to an arid
environment on the west end. The mountains are amazing, with wild flowers
that are stunning. Regardless of popular opinion, the people are great,
particularly when you get out of Mobay, Ocho Rios or Kingston.
Additionally, there are historic villas like Fire Fly in Port Maria (where
Noel Coward lived, and possessing the most beautiful view I've ever seen in
the Caribbean), great waterfalls, orchid plantations and splendid beaches
( a 7 mile long white sand beach in Negril). One of the best things to do is
go to a local farmer's market on Market Day... a real feast for the senses.
The food and drink are great, with varied and interesting cuisine. And,
relatively speaking, everything is cheap, Jamaica is perhaps the most
inexpensive place we've stayed in the tropics (excepting possibly the DR).
We've been to the island about 12 times and we find new and exciting things
every time.
Where ever you go, I'd strongly advise against an all inclusive. Once
you've paid for everything it's sometimes difficult to leave the resort and
experience the real country (which is much different than the little enclave
you experience in the resort)... and after all, isn't that why you travel to
a different culture? For the same reasons, I'm not a cruise fan. I've seen
to many places, from Tobago to Jamaica to Cozumel to Curacao, to Cabo where
the boat people flock ashore, are mobbed by vendors and herded to the local
attractions and then trucked back to the boat... all without really getting
into the local scene.
If you have questions about Jamaica I'd be happy to try to answer them if
you write me at
togus@************
"Kipper" <kipper_fillet@************> wrote in message
news:cuo8ca$6jq$1@news.e7even.com...
> Need help planning a holiday. Would like to find somewhere in the
> Caribbean (Jamaica perhaps?) where it's possible to spend time relaxing in
> simple, peaceful surroundings. Not interested in fancy resorts, just
> something comfortable but simple & rustic. The ability to smoke a little
> something or other discreetly is quite important too.
>
>
> Any suggestions? 
Caribbean Relaxation 
