Archive for the 'Vacation Rentals' Category

My attention lazily drifts from my book to gaze at the passing clouds. One here, one there, no sign of rain, no worries… And then I begin to think about all the ways the skies over Green Castle have absorbed my attention over time.

There are the deep blue skies that reflect back into the waters, creating a sea green-sea blue color that provokes the unoriginal, “Ah, this is the Caribbean.” From my chair on the veranda, I look around to see if anyone is watching as, admittedly, I can stare seaward for hours.

There are the clouds that travel with purpose toward the hills of the Blue Mountains, then congregate around its peaks. From far away, I can hear the deep crash of thunder rolling, rumbling, reverberating… Within an hour, the skies are clear from horizon to horizon.

There are the dark clouds that gather far out at sea that foretell rain. Locals aptly call this “blaack up.” More often than not, these clouds dissipate before they reach our coastline, but when they bring rain, it’s wonderful—I revel in the sudden coolness and the din of rejoicing frogs.

Then there are the night skies. At dusk, the rustling palms are silhouetted against the sky, losing all color but not their ragged shape, a shape that always reminds me I’m in the tropics. As the night skies darken, familiar stars in unfamiliar places draw my attention. Over the Estate House, the rising moon marks the sky, creating deep shadows that cross the threshold of the open bedroom doors. I drift into a restful slumber.

http://www.gcjamaica.com

From my desk I have an unobstructed view of a snowy Mississippi river.  No eagles today, but the chickadees seem pleased with the sunflower seeds, and the mallards are keeping close to the dock.  Another day in Wisconsin,  I have Green Castle, Jamaica on my mind.  Let’s face it, winter is long, cold, and somewhat dreary.  It is exciting to think that I can get on a plane in my winter jacket and land in Montego Bay  and instantly walk into the green, lush tropical sunshine.  I am making my departure plans.  December 22nd, we head south, and not a moment too soon.

For the rest of you, what are you waiting for?  There isn’t a speck of snow in Jamaica.  It did rain a little this morning in Robins Bay.  But the sun came out leaving blue skies against the green hills and blue Caribbean Sea.   There are direct flights to Jamaica from major airports all over the US.  From the Midwest it is a reasonable 4 hour flight and you are guaranteed warm weather.

If you know you need a winter break, Jamaica is an excellent choice.  The winter weather is fabulous, food is delicious, people are friendly and the music and culture give you a sense that you have really been somewhere.  Jamaica is also beautiful.   Lots of coastline with mountains in the middle.  The highest peak in the Blue Mountains is over 7,000 feet offering dramatic views along the north coast.

My favorite type of Jamaican vacation is when you get off the beaten track, slow down, have a Red Stripe and relax.  Of course, Green Castle is my favorite place to vacation, www.gcjamaica.com.  For us, vacation has to be fun for the kids as well as the adults.  The less developed North Coast in St. Mary offers authentic activities without the crowds.  Fish lunch and snorkeling at Jacks Bay Beach, rafting on the Rio Grande, hiking to Kwaame falls, or a day by the pool at the Green Castle Estate House.  Not only are these activities fun and inexpensive, but you get to meet real Jamaicans without the hassle of the bigger resort areas.

I’m sure there isn’t any snow in Jamaica today.  As a matter of fact, it is currently 82 degrees, the weather looks fine.  I’m counting down to the 22nd.

http://www.gcjamaica.com

Estate House Pool with a View

Jamaica has fabulous weather in January and now is a great time to take advantage of last minute specials.  Green Castle Estate House is offering reduced prices on our Jamaica vacation packages for January.

Estate House January 2010 weekly Villa Rates are:

• $2,762 US weekly for 2 persons
• $2,864 US weekly for 4 persons
• $3,230 US weekly for 6 persons
• $3,544 US weekly for 8 persons
• All meals, taxes and airport transfers are included with the special weekly rate

With a minimum of a 3 night stay our January nightly rates are:

• $399 US per night for 2 persons
• $425 US per night for 4 persons
• $480 US per night for 6 persons
• $530 US per night for 8 persons
• All meals and taxes are included with the special rates

Come and enjoy our hospitality and take a warm sunny break in January.  Call me, Angie, at 1 (612) 986-4709 or send me an email at angie@gcjamaica.com for availability and reservations, or check out our on-line specials.

Prices are only good from January 1 to January 31, 2010.