Sandra Scott Travels: Cure The Long Winter Blues With A Caribbean Jaunt

Seven Mile Beach
Jamaica.

Last week I asked: What island’s name means “Land of Wood and Water?”

Jamaica.

Legends

Sometimes it takes a change in latitude for a change in attitude.

The winter was long.

I needed to get away.

But, where?

I wanted sun and sea.

We are lucky the Caribbean is so close with many destinations to choose from.

Santo Domingo and Jamaica usually offer the best value.

I had frequent flyer miles on United and the best deal was to Jamaica.

Seven Mile Beach

The next decision was where to stay.

I wanted some place small, quiet and on the water.

Jamaica seemed to offer a variety of options.

John and I had been to Montego Bay so I decided on Negril.

I did not realize it was a two-hour ride from the Montego Bay airport to Negri.

I did not want an all-inclusive or someplace expensive.

Samsara Cliff Resort

A search for three-star hotels on the beach brought up Legends on Seven Mile Beach.

Sounded great, but they did not have availability for the days I was interested in and suggested their sister hotel Samsara Cliff Resort.

It wasn’t on a beach but it was on the cliff overlooking the water.

What sold me was the fact that they said it was quieter than the hotels on Seven Mile Beach.

On the drive from the airport to the hotel the driver was full of helpful information so it didn’t seem so long.

Ocean View Rooms

Samsara had several types of rooms to choose from.

While the garden rooms looked interesting they were across the street.

The Pillar House Bungalows had great views with an outdoor shower and looked very romantic; I picked the Superior Ocean Front Room which was perfect for me.

However, I did not read the small print – the reasonable price was per person but I was charged as if there were two people.

A lesson learned.

Bungalows

Samsara passed on their all-inclusive option.

Considering the time of the year and location the rate I paid was not unreasonable.

Samsara is located on a cliff with steps down to the water but many of the guests enjoyed jumping from the cliffs while others raved about the snorkeling.

I fear I did neither but enjoyed watching them.

I, however, did enjoy their pool.

There was never any problem getting a lounge plus there were many along the cliff which seemed to be the most popular.

Glass bottom boat tour

The hotel offered a free shuttle daily to Legends, their beach hotel.

I booked a glass bottom boat tour which left from Legends.

The tour was uninspiring but I knew it would be – it was reasonable and gave me an opportunity to check out Legends and other properties along Seven Mile Beach.

I was very happy that I was at Samsara.

Seven Mile Beach was crowded with no free lounges available and, for me, too many people.

I was also told that the area is more of a party area.

Music night

Not what I was looking for.

The Samsara staff and other guests were friendly.

It was not a party destination but those who were looking for night-time fun could find it nearby.

I enjoyed swimming in the pool and having several spa treatments.

I especially enjoyed foot reflexology in the open air spa with views of the water.

There were a variety of tours offered but I passed – maybe next time.

Sunset

I relished the time in the sun and pool, the quiet time to read my books, and enjoyed the live music on Sunday.

I may return next year but for two weeks.

I wasn’t ready to come home.

Travel Trivia Tease™: What is “forest bathing?”

Look for the answer next week.

Sandra and her husband, John, have been exploring the world for decades, always on the lookout for something new and unique to experience. We have sailed down the Nile for a week on a felucca, stayed with the Pesch Indians in La Mosquitia, visited schools in a variety of countries, and — to add balance to our life — stayed at some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Let the fun continue!

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