Travel Agent - December 10, 2007 - (Page 37)

Venerable Jamaican resorts marry contemporary design to old-time elegance BY KATHLEEN M. MANGAN IN THE EARLY DAYS OF JAMAICA TOURISM, old-money families, celebrities and captains of industry came to Tryall Club (www.tryallclub.com) and Half Moon (www. halfmoon.com) in Montego Bay. Both resorts have been operating for more than half a century. Tryall Club has continued to add impressive, individually designed villas, while Half Moon has developed a villa community as well as hotel accommodations. Today, these independent resorts offer an alternative vacation experience on an island known for allinclusive properties and packaged retreats. With the splendor of its location and diverse offerings, it’s no wonder Tryall Club attracted the wealthy and powerful—it has arguably the most spectacular sea vistas on the entire island. Built on a 2,200-acre hillside plantation, the resort presents picture-perfect views of an expansive coastline and the city of Montego Bay from all of its 78 privately owned villas. Each of the 65 white, open-air Estate Villas is staffed with five full-time employees. The units vary from two to seven bedrooms and many feature such special facilities as a screening room, cigar bar or gym. All have private pools and golf carts. Five villas have been built in the past two years, and four more are under construction. One of the most impressive new villas is Trinity, with a waterfall splashing into a pool that spills over an infinity edge into a lower pool. This villa has a dining gazebo, audio room and five bedrooms with open-air bathrooms. For a tranquil slumber, one bedroom hides behind the waterfall. Another villa, Twin Palms, is suitable for larger families or groups, as it contains seven bedrooms and 12,000 square feet of space. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the 13 oneand two-bedroom Great House Villas are best for couples and small families. Have clients traveling with the children in tow? Family-friendly highlights include a babysitter/nanny service and kids club. Contact Dainty Smythe, head of reservations (reservation@tryallclub.com; 876-956-5660, ext. 4240), for VIP bookings. Agents can also contact the managing director, Douglas Brooks (dbrooks@tryallclub.com; 876-956-5660, ext. 4236). Tryall Club is a member of Virtuoso and Signature. The center of the resort is a great house built in 1834. Chef Dennis McIntosh serves gourmet cuisine on the terrace; a new stone café is nearing completion on the beach. RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS IN MONTEGO BAY The Houseboat Grill (876-979-8845) is a fun, romantic spot where you dine on the water in Montego Bay Marine Park Fish Sanctuary. Take a launch across to the moored wooden houseboat, watch the sun set over the bay, and see the lights start to twinkle on the hills. Local lobster and fish are menu highlights. The Native (876-979-2769) presents traditional Jamaican fare such as curry goat, ackee and salt fish, and escovitch fish. The open-air veranda is a quiet respite from the busy downtown streets. Scotchie’s (876-953-8041) serves up authentic jerk chicken and pork, roasted breadfruit and festivals. Look for the smoke rising from the grill pit in the Rose Hall resort area. Margaritaville (876-952-4777) offers party food for visitors who want to nosh and drink between dancing and zipping down the water slide. GETTING TO MO BAY: Flights to Sangster Airport in Montego Bay are provided by eight airlines from 17 U.S. gateway cities. There is a private jet center on the airport grounds. A new Customs and Arrival Hall, as well as new retail area, have opened this year in the airport. Half Moon is 15 minutes east, while Tryall Club is 15 minutes west. Private transfers, including limousine service, can be arranged by the hotels. Heather Richards, guest relations/sales manager (sales@tryallclub.com; 876-956-5660, ext. 4364), handles special requests, from CONTINUED ON PAGE 38 CONNECTING YOU For more information on resorts in Jamaica, visit www.travelagentcentral.com/jamaica Half Moon golf course December 10, 2007 TravelAgent | 37 http://www.tryallclub.com http://www.halfmoon.com http://www.halfmoon.com http://www.travelagentcentral.com/jamaica

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Travel Agent - December 10, 2007 Online Now From the Editor Contributors Europe: Liverpool, The Beatles Hometown, Is also Known for it's Maritime Heritage, Art and Architecture European Hotel Highlights Central and South America: What You Need To Know About Selling Quito, the Historic Capital City of Ecuador Pacific/Asia: Malaysia Seeks to Grow Tourism as it Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of it's Independence Spa Resort in Goa, India Caribbean: Venerable Jamaican Resorts Tryall Club and Half Moon Marry Contemporary Design and Old-Time Elegence Caribbean Deals Las Vegas: A Three-Day Itinerary for Your Gen-Y Clients Las Vegas News and Notes Hotels: Sandals' 6th Annual Star Awards Tours: Escorted and FIT Packages in Western Canada Cruise: Barging 101 Cover Story: Wyndham's Way Agent Profile: Casto Travel's Marc Casto Technology Transportation Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Carnival's Plans for the Future Fairmont Expands in Africa Liberty Travel/Gogo is Sold Turks and Caicos Developments The New River Cruise Line, Jewel How to Protect Yourself When a Tour Operator Shuts Down In the Spotlight Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch Special Supplement: Destination Africa

Travel Agent - December 10, 2007

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