We arrived in Jamaica on 7th Nov 07 after a busy week in Orlando, Florida going to all the theme parks. This was our first trip to Jamaica or indeed anywhere in the Caribbean so we were really looking forward to the trip. When we arrived we had to wait for our transfer to Negril and were shocked when we were brought over to this six seater mini bus with ripped seats and told this would be our bus. We were the only two people on the 2 hour trip to the resort and it was quite an experience. The Rastafarians really do drive like mad men and it didn’t help that it was dark. The driver however was very pleasant and was interested in hearing about were we come from. I can’t say I wasn’t glad to finally see the RUI Tropical Bay.

The reception area is very impressive and we were given a warm welcome with a glass of rum punch. Our room was lovely it was located overlooking the wedding pavilion and it was nice to watch the couples getting married from our balcony. There were about five weddings while we were there. I’m trying to convince my sister to get married there so we can go back. We had a lovely plate of fruit in our room on arrival and a towel swan with Have A Happy Honeymoon wrote on the bed in leaves. It was a nice touch. The room was lovely and clean with fresh towels every day. The mini bar was good to have a drink back in your room.

The beach was gorgeous with crystal clear water but we spent most of our time we spent around the pool as the beach was full of ants and sand flies. We did get bitten though like most people so make sure you have insect repellent. The pool bar was great and Di, Jefferson and Andrew we brilliant fun. The rum cocktails were especially nice; my fav was Pina Colada with golden rum! We ate every night in either the Pizzeria or the buffet restaurant as we were never down in time to book the restaurants. The food however was lovely and plentiful.

At this point I must mention the Entertainment staff especially Neil, Sasha, Devon and Marvin as they really helped to make our holiday special. They work such long hours but are always smiling and happy to chat. They love football and asked my hubby for his football t-shirts but they had no chance. The evening shows were good too and they always got some poor people up on stage every night to help out. Thank goodness not me. On our last night they had a beach party which was great fun. Oh and you must try the Bob Marley shots which we only discovered on our last night, v good!

We went on a couple of trips while we were there. The first one was a boat trip to Rick’s Café which was brilliant even though I got quite burnt. The boat went out to a dive spot first and you could go snorkeling. I didn’t cos I can’t swim but my hubby did and said that the fish came right up to your hand. After we went to see a pirates and a bat cave and then arrived at Rick’s Café. They say it is 1 of the 1000 places to see before you die and it truly is. We had a meal and a few drinks and the food was lovely. Then my hubby decided to join the cliff jumpers and jumped into the sea. He loved it. It was amazing watching the locals jump from the trees on top of the cliff into the sea. It really was a good day out. We sailed back to RUI Tropical Bay in the dark; it really was a great day trip.

We also went to 9 Mile the home place of Bob Marley and met his cousin Fozzie who took us on our guided tour. It was interesting and nice to see. Then we went down to Ochio Rios (can’t spell) and walked up the 600ft Dunne’s River Falls which was amazing, I never thought I would be able to do it but I did and have the DVD to prove it. One tip is to bring a water proof camera wish I had off the guide will carry it for you and take pictures. It was a long drive from Negril to 9 mile and Ochio Rios but it was nice to see.

We had a wonderful time in Jamaica and the people are so lovely. I would recommend the RUI TROPICAL BAY to anyone. Hopefully someday we’ll go back again to paradise.