Most Restful Week in Paradise!

Guest: Jennifer (Austin, Texas)
Date of Stay: 12/13/10 Review Submitted: 02/16/11

My husband and I stayed at the Jamaica Jewel in early December, 2010, for what was quite possibly the most restful week of our lives! The property is charming, comfortable, well appointed and just steps away from the beach. Barry G and Cher are wonderful hosts. They are helpful and friendly, and obviously concerned that their guests have the best vacation possible. Cher is a wonderful cook and I would highly recommend you have Cher cook for you while on your stay. The weather was a little overcast when we first arrived, but the beach is truly beautiful in any weather. The covered porches, both overlooking the water, or the porch at the back overlooking the garden, are perfect for reading or napping. There are several outtings Barry G and Cher can recommend. We made a couple of trips to the caves, which are in walking distance, and also made a trip down the river. I would highly recommend this property overall and look forward to returning soon.

Owner response:We thouroughly enjoyed hosting & visiting these guests from Texas. we tried to give them enough space for their "private" time but also enjoyed talking with them and taking them on several excursions. We hope they will choose to return again soon to escape the stress of life abroad.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, tourists without a car, age 55+, girls getaway.

NO TOURIST TRAP HERE !!!

Guest: Sherry (United States)
Date of Stay: 01/26/11 Review Submitted: 02/07/11

WOW! We just got back (and how we hated to leave the beautiful sunshine and beach) to come back to this COLD, snowy weather :) The house was all that we had hoped based on pics of the property - we spent hours just relaxing on the front balcony watching the soothing ocean waves, as well as plenty of time on the back porch stretched out on the lounger listening to Barry's reggae CD's and watching the playful lizards and listening to our own "personal" bird song from the beautiful mockingbirds. Cher was a fabulous cook, using lots of delicious herbs and spices, but just to our liking. We got to meet some friends of Cher/Barry G and play some dominoes and have a couple of "cold ones" on the breezy patio. Don't forget to check out the unmatchable view of the stars from the back garden - have never seen so many stars! The beach was glorious, lots of hiking and exploring of the path along the sea with rock pools, etc. We even took the boogie boards and masks/fins and braved it out to the reef offshore (was fairly easy by the way) and we would totally recommend it ! There were numerous beautiful things to see - starfish, brightly colored fish, octopus, etc. Definitely do not miss the Martha Brae rafting as well, our host Danny was sweet and knowledgeable, and we had a wonderfully relaxing time - the Jamaican tulip tree was breathtaking in its beauty. Of course, no trip would be complete without visiting Leroy's "bar" - very small, but with a definite local flair, where we met many of our new "friends" daily- try their fried chicken with rice and peas, but get the SMALL ! ha ha... enough for two with leftovers :) Loved it, thanks Cher & Barry for taking such good care of us and sharing info as we had lots and lots of questions ! Hope to catch you on another trip some day real soon.... S&P

Owner response:We are so grateful for this review along with all others before. We loved having these guests to share our space with. Even though their visit was only 5 days, I think they accomplished just what they came for....lots of "together" time, rest, relaxation, good food & a good vibe overall! We would welcome them back ANYTIME!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, girls getaway.

Awesome paradise!

Guest: Mark & Joan (Quincy, IL)
Date of Stay: 03/19/10 Review Submitted: 04/29/10

Our experience at the Jamaica Jewel was awesome. My husband & I spent 7 days in the upstairs apartment. Most of our time spent at the house was on the front balcony, back porch or at Cher & Barry G's patio/bar. The rest of the time we spent on the beach, at the fisherman's village, or just enjoying the sights of the local area. The natural beauty of this area is such a distraction that it's hard to focus on anything else. Therefore, those books I took with me - came home with me. Cher's bold mix of Jamaican flair and American sensibility and Barry G's delightful smile and playful personality make an exceptional team. They wore many hats during our stay. Perfect hosts. Transportation and meals were provided whenever requested. They are fantastic cooks and Cher's rum cream is YUM!!! We were lucky to be there for Barry G's birthday and were honored that they included us in their celebration at home and at Leroys. They also arranged for a late afternoon/early evening rafting down the Martha Brae with Captain Danny. This allowed us to enjoy the beauty of the river without the crowds. Barry G even went with us to "Benddown" (market) in Falmouth even though he hates crowds. (Now that's dedication to your guests!) They took us around the fishing village and introduced us to some of their friends. The people we met there were all so welcoming and friendly. We found smiles wherever we went. They are such special people. We didn't get to go with Ewing for our boat ride and snorkeling due to the water being a little rough our last 2 days there. So you know what? We have to go back!!! Mark & I are telling our family and friends all about the Jamaica Jewel and look forward to returning someday to see all our new friends. A huge "THANK YOU" to Cher & Barry G for a wonderful, relaxing, custom-made, true Jamaican experience. Your hospitality and kindness went way beyond our expectations.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+.

Guest: Bertie3 (UPPER PENINSULA-MICHIGAN)
Date of Stay: 03/11/09 Review Submitted: 03/11/09

I just got back from spending a month in Duncans Bay, Jamaica & 2 weeks of it at the Jamaican Jewel!!! Duncans Bay (1/2 way between Montego Bay & Ocho Rios)is such a great area of Jamaica with alot of wonderful friendly people. Cher & Barry G (owners of Jamaican Jewel) go out of their way to make you feel at home and comfortable. They will take you around to all the local places or let you be if that's what you want. Cher (& BARRY G) is a wonderful cook and they keep their place & yard in excellent condition... This was my 4th year going to Duncan's Bay and I am already looking forward to next year... Look out Cher & Barry G the Yoopers are coming back!!!! Love you guys...Bertie & (Harmony Girl & SuperGirl) P.S. Tell everyone we say HI!!!!

Owner response:We had a great time with these three ladies!...definately looking forward to their return next year.

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Guest: eloelaylola (Wisconsin)
Date of Stay: 12/19/08 Review Submitted: 12/19/08

What to say about this place that hasn't already been said? The place is fresh and new, in a residential area that is still quite undeveloped. The yard is 1 block from the public beach and will always have a great beach view, as houses on the lots in front of the beach have to be 1-story. The beach is natural, unspoiled & rustic. The first day I walked along the sand there were only the footprints of one other person and a dog. The next day those same prints were there. There are sandy areas for swimming and bends and curves around one end of the beach to explore, interesting shells to find and collect. Leroy's bar is at the other end of the beach, toward Silver Sands. On Saturday nights they have a live band and a number of local people come and listen to music. I was introduced to numerous people who appeared to know everyone else. It was a very friendly, humble atmosphere. I visited the local shops, which are behind Leroy's bar, passing by a man building or repairing fish traps. Cher introduced me to the people in the shops. Some of the carvings I saw were really unique. I watched some of the fishing boats come in, and got to see how they hauled them up on the beach. Impressive! The house and yard of Jamaica Jewel are really special. The location and proximity to the beach could not be beat. You can lie in the comfy bed upstairs and watch the sea, or sit on the front porch overlooking the yard and beach. It was breezy when I stayed there and all night I enjoyed the sounds of wind chimes, waves breaking on the shore, and it was lovely to see the airy curtains blowing in the breeze. The back verandah is delightful any time of day. You have views of the sea, the surrounding area and the hills behind the community. It is a perfect spot for reading, napping, visiting, probably romance, and just sitting and taking it all in. Sometimes music from the house bar drifts up. Fiyah, the parrot was provided with a beautiful new cage while I was there and you can hear him whistle and chirp, and see him from the back verandah. The cabinet in the living area was loaded with cd's but the sound of the sea and the breezes and the music from the bar was background enough for my hanging out. Cher and Barry G are marvelous hosts - easy going as far as getting along with, very caring and responsible about the property. They will make sure you know what activities are going on in case you want to join in, and leave you to your own devices if and when that is

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Guest: LeeAnne Criscenti (Negril, Jamaica)
Date of Stay: 10/27/08 Review Submitted: 10/27/08

On my travels to Ochi or Runaway Bay for business out of my home town of Negril, I have been ever so lucky to spend many nights at Jamaica Jewel, in Duncans Bay. Cher and Barry G have always welcomed me with opened arms, fed me incredible meals freshly prepared in their kitchen and made my stay there, nothing less then paradise. I always reccomend this property to my friends here in Jamaica, who might be traveling to Trelawny or Ochi and need an intimate, quiet, relaxing place to stay. It is my home away from home and I have never heard anyone say anything less then that. Thanks Cher and Barry G for always meeting me at the gate with a smile.

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Guest: Chrissy & Dave1 (Pennsylvania)
Date of Stay: 10/14/08 Review Submitted: 10/14/08

10/14/2008 We reciently spent 12 ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS days on vacation at the "JAMAICA JEWEL" in September.The owners Cher and Barry G. were so wonderful in everyway possible!! The food, the accomodations, the laughter we all shared, Truely we couldnt have asked for a more wonderful vacation..We both highly recommend this place and hope to stay there again in the near future..It was so nice to sit on the balcony with your feet up & relax by taking in the beautiful view of the ocean and then to go down to their bar for a couple of drinks and REAL Jamaican cooking !!PLUS the added bonus of some wonderful conversations. AGAIN this place and it's owners are the BEST!! MUCH RESPECT to you both!! Chrissy & Dave

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Guest: Whitney Moses (Gloucestershire, England)
Date of Stay: 04/25/08 Review Submitted: 04/25/08

I have just returned from 2 weeks at Jamaica Jewel and would like to thank Cher and Barry for welcoming us into their home and for their wonderful hospitality. A beautiful house in a stuning location, just a stones throw away from the beach and a short drive away from many of Jamaicas tourist attractions. I have stayed in Jamaica on a number of occasions before in tourist 'hotspots' but from now on I will definatly stay away from hotels and enjoy the comfort and peacefulness of this lovely villa. Thank you very much Cher and Barry! Whitney

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/18/08 Review Submitted: 01/18/08

I had five wonderful days at Jamaica Jewel reading, walking, swimming, talking, sleeping, and eating Cher's food. The upstairs apartment is very nice, with great views of the ocean in front and the mountains in back. Cher and Berry G are friendly, flexible, and accommodating hosts with a great sense of humor, strong culinary skills, and a really interesting collection of friends and neighbors. Potential guests should note that Duncan's Bay is fairly well off the beaten track. You will be nowhere near bars, restaurants, shops, hoards of tourists, and the throngs of hangers-on who prey on tourists in other parts of the island. But you will be across the street from a gorgeous white-sand beach at the end of which is a welcoming local fisherman's bar with cold drinks, fried fish, friendly people and potential for interesting evenings. This is an excellent property for moderately adventurous travelers looking for a comfortable taste of the real Jamaica.

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Guest: caren kreider (Philadelphia, PA)
Date of Stay: 07/03/07 Review Submitted: 07/03/07

JAMAICA JEWEL, I found Paradise lost. Beautiful and comfortable accommodations, beach is almost right outside the door. It is completely private with pristine white sand, chrystal clear waters and you can walk for miles on end. I had a choice of cooking for myself and/or having the staff cook. I had a choice of vegetables, fresh fruits and live fish, such as lobsters, crabs, tuna and too many other species to mention, which I could select right off the boats as they were reaching the shore. I had a choice of completely relaxing or rent a car and/or hire a private driver, in order to do touring of my choice. By staying at the JAMAICA JEWEL, I was able to experience Jamaica at its best, its people, customs and charm and it helped my vaction to make it one of the most relaxing and healing times in my life and I want to thank the Jamaican people and most of all my gracious hosts Cher and Barry G. JAMAICA JEWEL is one of a kind. Lots of love, and good luck for the future, I can't wait to return real soon to the JAMAICA JEWEL

Owner response:We thoroughly enjoyed Caren's presence in our home & our lives for the week that she stayed with us!...of all the wonderful guests we've had since we opened our doors in Jan. of this year, she is one of our favorites! We look forward to her return.

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