Contributed photos
Good food, great comapny and relaxing music make for a pleasant time out at Coral Cliff Resort in Montego Bay.Rosemary Parkinson, Contributor
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica's second largest city, was named centuries ago by the Spaniards as Manteca Bay because wild hogs from the nearby hills were butchered and their "hog butter" or "Manteca" exported from this bustling port.
Today it continues to be a hub of Jamaica that attracts tourists from all over the world to its stretch of Caribbean coast lined with gorgeous beaches -- Doctor's Cave (which has developed a reputation for having medicinal powers) and Cornwall, being the most well-known.
Montego Bay is more than just the home of tourist resorts, golf courses and major hotels, however. It is a wonderful town to visit and explore with the family. Historic Sam Sharpe Square and the Rose Hall Great House, easily come to mind. Plus, the shopping is great. In some cases goods are cheaper than in Kingston and you can peacefully roam from shop to shop and barter too. (Don't' you just love doing that?)
For pure entertainment and relaxation, though, Coral Cliff Hotel & Entertainment Resort looms like an oversized African thatched roof village home. It was here that I was to spend a weekend with a difference. We booked in Friday afternoon and settled ourselves into the well-appointed room overlooking Montego Bay and the swimming pool. I could have had a fete in this room, it was so large. The room rate is $3,000 per night, double occupancy.
That night we had a romantic dinner at Ma Lou's Gourmet Food Shack and then headed straight for the entertainment at the Rum Jungle Cafe & Bar (there are more than 100 different rums on the shelves). Well, let me tell you, I danced until my feet dropped to the sizzling sounds of the Jumanji Band. Hey, those guys can really take it away. Having removed all the poundage of dinner with that 'hefty' exercise on the dance floor, I decided to take a plunge into the gaming room. Before I continue, I must tell you that the decor of this entire area is something to be seen. You feel as though you have walked into a fantasy jungle -- the mixture of jungle and gaming machines seems strange but it really works -- a touch of the modern with deepest Africa. Huge trees cover the room, elephant heads, hanging vines, the occasional tiger and a most vibrant jungle mural are just part of the experience.
I am no real gambler but my partner's eyes opened wide at the thought of a night looking for lady luck. I must admit that we had a ball -- from machine to machine -- the continuous jingle of coins making one hell-bent on winning the BIG one. It was hilariously funny doing a bit of people watching too while trying to concentrate on the flow of drinks and the poker game that kept on inviting me to play some more. It was close to 3:00 a.m. when bed beckoned us both.
Waking up to a complimentary breakfast at the 24-hour Jungle Bar & Cafe, we had another brief go at the jackpot before heading into town to shop, shop, shop. However, before we left we had a quick look around at what else the hotel had to offer. There was a wonderful little library which impressed me as I have not seen this before -- great place for the kids to read and play educational games. There's television and VCR too, so if you have some great movies for the kids to watch bring them along. Next to the swimming pool there was a small but comfortable gym and I noticed tucked away behind some bushes, a playground with swings for children. I like the idea of an 'adult' place that also gives some thought to children. And for those like myself who want a little pampering, there is a spa room with masseuse (by appointment only). Nothing like getting those city kinks out.
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and recommend it as a weekend with a difference. Again, Jamaicans of all ages, get to know our wonderful country. Start with a weekend in Montego Bay before going off to far away places and you may never want to leave our shores again.
