June 2010 Archives

Attractions: Island Gems

There are many facets to the island paradise that is Jamaica. The variety of attractions to be found on the island, that are certain to excite and fascinate our visitors, makes it easy for us at Le Antonio's Vacation to connect you with the perfect attraction for your inspiration and mood.

Our visitors will find something dynamic, captivating, yet uniquely Jamaican at every attraction endorsed by our company.

Dunn's River Falls

Millions of visitors have already taken that awesome, trek up the renowned Dunns River Falls. Nestled above the town of Ocho Rios, and fed by the Cave, Roaring, Turtle, and of course Dunn's Rivers, the famous falls have attracted visitors who flock to its spectacular, natural environment.

          
Le Antonio's Vacation will arrange your visit to Dunn's River Falls from any resort property in the island. Tour buses with experienced, friendly and knowledgeable guides will make your trip to this and other attractions a satisfying, pleasure filled memory.  
  
Mystic Mountains

Perhaps the hottest new attraction on the island, Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica at Mystic Mountain, is embedded in the lush tropical eco-system situated on over 100 acres of land just east of Dunn's River Falls, in the pristine resort town of Ocho Rios. Conceived and built with the highest regard for the natural environment, the attractions at Mystic Mountain will take you soaring to dizzying hieghts of pleasure and satisfaction.

There are three exhilaratiing excursions to captivate and excite visitors to Mystic Mountain. 

Rainforest Sky Explorer - A state of the art chairlift that soars above the tree tops on a breathtaking ride through the heart of the Tropical rain forest to the peak of Mystic Mountain. 

Rainforest zip-line tranopy tower - A series of tree to tree platforms send riders gliding through the coastal forest on a customized zip line canopy tour. This allows for maximum forest interactivity covering the pristine, virginal areas of the mountain.

Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica - The signature ride of the attraction. Custom designed bobsleds zip along stainles steel rails on a 1,000-metre gravity driven ride through the rainforest. The exhilaration and excitement is unparalleled, almost surreal. 

                                
Dolphin Cove     

Dolphin Cove is undoubtedly, the number one marine attraction in the Caribbean. Located on the coastal road in the magnificent resort town of Ocho Rios, the world famous marine attraction has fascinated and captivated hundreds of thousands of visitors. The property has a natural cove surrounded by five acres of lush, tropical rain forest, providing visitors with a spectacular natural habitat.

Guests get a unique opportunity to interact with the amazing, intelligent dolphins. Swim, hold, feed
the lovable, smart dolphins; learn also about the evolutionary secrets of the Caribbean shark!

At Dolphin Cove you will also find a wonderful array of activities to captivate and excite you during your visit.
Guests can captain their own boat and explore the coast, interact and snorkel with stingrays (barbs removed) or take a glass-bottom kayak ride to explore the underwater world. Visitors may also interact with exotic birds, snakes and iguanas on the jungle trail walk. 

Le Antonio Vacation will go the extra mile to provide our guests with unequalled access to these attractions and indeed to any other type of attraction desired to satisfy your thirst for Brand Jamaica. All things Jamaican are within your reach when you allow the professionals of our company to connect you with the many, varied, exhilarating attractions that is an essential part of this island paradise.   

www.leantonio'svacation.com

63 Barnett Street
Montego Bay, Jamaica, West Indies
Tel: (876) 952-0719 / 353-1389

USA: 5819 West Hallandale Beach Blvd
West Park, FL. 33023, USA
Tel: (305) 468-4476 / (718) 355-9892

Brand Jamaica: The Mystique Revealed

Very few would disagree with the statement "Jamaica is a brand in itself." In the global market place, the term "Brand Jamaica" now carries a distinct image of a unique culture, iconic music and dance, exotic cuisine, art and craft rooted in the island's rich heritage, plus a delightful local language. 

Undoubtedly, "Brand Jamaica" is everything distinctively and creatively Jamaican; from Blue Mountain coffeee and Bob Marley, to reggae and Rastafarian, to jerk food, herbs and seasoning. The idea of  brand Jamaica is therefore best expressed and captured by the many facets of Jamaican culture, personality and identity, which together comprise the mystique now famously known as Brand Jamaica.

The term 'Jamaican culture' is perhaps the best clue to the now famous phenomena, conveniently labelled "Brand Jamaica". Culture can be described as traditional human activity within different aspects of everyday life. Jamaican culture can therefore be separated into various types of traditional activities or sectors. One unique feature of this culture is its diversity. Although the vast majority of Jamaicans are of African descent, there are significant minorities of Indians, Chinese, Jews, Syrians and even Caucasians. Over centuries of interaction, this ethnic diversity has created a unique culture with its own distinct Caribbean flavour and identity. It is impossible to truly appreciate and understand this culture without looking at the main aspects or sectors within which Jamaican cultural practices can be found.

Jamaican music can be divided into several genres, the most famous of which is of course, reggae. As reggae music has evolved, several sub sectors have emerged, the most notable of which is dancehall. Few would disagree with the assertion that dancehall music has been the most popular of the genres of Jamaican music over the past two decades. Growing from its roots in the dancehalls of the 70's, riding on the hypnotic dub rhythms mastered by pioneers such as King Stit and   U Roy, dancehall developed a loyal, almost fierce following in the 90's, behind dancehall giants such as Yellowman, "King" Beenie Man and Bounty Killer.

Despite the continuing controversy generated by more recent dancehall top acts such as Vybes Kartel and Mavado, this genre of Jamaican music continues to grow, with the popularity of dancehall now firmly established throughout the Caribbean, North America, Japan and most of Europe.

Of course, no discussion about Jamaican music is complete without acknowledging the contribution of the legends of modern reggae. Bob Marley stands at the top of the pedestal as the Reggae singer with a revolutionary, iconic sound, which is known in every corner of the globe, across disparate cultures.

The legacy created by the musical and lyrical genius of Bob Marley and the Wailers has gone a very far way in forming an international platform for Brand Jamaica, with its distinct embrace of Rastafari and the alluring colours that is essentially Rastafari.

That is, the colours of red, green and gold, which Rastafari has transplanted from Ethiopia and blended into the national, traditional black, green and gold symbols of Jamaican nationhood. Now to visitors and Jamaicans alike, red, green and gold have come to equally reflect and symbolise the power and majesty of "Brand Jamaica."

In addition to Bob Marley and the Wailers, Jamaican music has produced scores of iconic performers who have played their part in building this rich, proud heritage. Names such as Jimmy Cliff, Burning Spear, Dennis Brown, Toots Hibbert and more recently Shaggy and Sean Paul, have blazed a trail of creative genius while cementing a unique Jamaican identity and personality, in the eyes and consciousness of the world. 

Jamaican art and clothing are both very important in defining Jamaican culture. Nurtured by natural, intuitive talent and guided by decades of formal guidance and instruction at the Edna Manley College for the Visual Arts, local art has readily accepted the challenge of depicting and interpreting Jamaican everyday life experiences, challenges and struggles. Art forms such as sculptures, paintings, collage, craft, jewellry and photography have expressed the superb talent of Jamaicans and are already contributing to the enrichment of the cultural landscape. Not to be forgotten, Jamaican clothing, which in its most creative form relies heavily on traditional African use of primary colours; also reflects a cultural consciousness that is uniquely Jamaican. 

 
Many wonderful examples of this powerful, hypnotic Jamaican art, craft, jewellry and clothing, can be viewed and purchased on the innovative web marketing service offered by the Le Antonio's group of companies at www.leantoniosonline.com. 

Jamaican cuisine, cooking, food and recipes are important aspects of the famous "Brand Jamaica." Superb foods such as jerk chicken and pork, escovietch fish and the locally brewed, world famous Red Stripe beer have enriched the Jamaican culture. The jerk mystique is promoted in food festivals mainly in Portland, Westmoreland (where visitors habitually soak up the sunset and pristine beaches in Negril) and the nation's capital, Kingston.

 
The spices and herbs used in the jerk process as well as the method of cooking the highly flavoured, spicy meats is an inheritance from the Maroons, who were the first slaves to escape from the slavery of the sugar plantations in the 18th century. They travelled deep into the thickly forested, mountainous interiors of the island and set up communities that the English were never able to conquer, despite many attempts. Out of the heroics of these rebels comes our only National heroine, the legendary Nanny of the Maroons.

The travel and marketing professionals at Le Antonio Vacation will be happy to arrange your visit to the island where you can feel the natural spirit and warmth of the people while enjoying the island's unique and diverse cultural events, including food festivals that are held annually in different parishes across  Jamaica. Visit our website at www.leantoniosvacation.com to see the dynamic range of services offered by our company.

"Brand Jamaica" is therefore a composite of many things, all special and unique to the island, which is now regarded as a Brand in itself. The recent exhilirating, incredible almost superhuman heroics of Usain Bolt and other Jamaican athletes who dominated the sprints at both the most recent Olympics and World Championships have further underlined the fabulous and dynamic content of this Brand. As the cultural exploits of Jamaican musicians, artists and sports superstars increase, Jamaica will continue to build an enviable but indelible Brand which will become a potent market and cultural force in the global arena.    

www.leantonio'svacation.com

63 Barnett Street
Montego Bay, Jamaica, West Indies
Tel: (876) 952-0719 / 353-1389

USA: 5819 West Hallandale Beach Blvd
West Park, FL. 33023, USA
Tel: (305) 468-4476 / (718) 355-9892

Healing Spas & Therapeutic Services

Jamaica is blessed with a variety of natural spas and holistic attractions that will pamper your body and reinvigorate your mind and spirit. Le Antonio's Vacation knows the special value of these legendary natural spas to healing and therapy. We are committed to providing the greatest access to these iconic spas, knowing that our clients will benefit greatly, in body and mind.

Mineral baths

For generations users of the island's world famous mineral baths have professed their belief in their healing and therapuetic properties. The waters of the mineral baths originate from underground springs which flow to the surface at points in the island which have become famous spots for visitors and locals who for decades have relied on the miraculous powers of the island's mineral springs.

Milk River Hotel & Spa

Legendary for the highly therapeutic, healing quality of the water flowing from undergroung natural springs. The waters of the Milk River bath have one of the highest level of radioactivity of any mineral bath in the world. Its therapuetic and healing properties is legendary, heralded by thousands who have given testimony to its intense healing capabilities. 

Visitors can unwind and become refreshed in a simple, natural pure environment that caters to complete rest, de-stressing and healing. Nine private baths, open twenty-four hours, are available to visitors to the hotel. The baths provide a secluded, intimate setting for personal, private use of the legendary baths.  

Bath Fountain Hotel & Spa
 
The mineral spring and natural spa at Bath in the eastern parish of St. Thomas is famous for the intensive, therapeutic and healing qualities.

The entire property is rustic, yet splendid in its natural, wholesome setting. Visitors will feel the fresh atmosphere; the unsophisticated yet invigorating countryside. 

The property at Bath is of great historical significance. It is the first known botanical garden on the island and is the place where the famous Captain Bligh planted the first breadfruit tree on the island.

Other Spas and Waterfalls

Jamaica is blessed with other spectacular natural attractions that will bring visitors as close to the perfection of nature as one can get.

Reach Falls

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Portland, just south of Manchioneal, four miles off the main coastal road. Fed by the Driver's River, which culminates in a spectacular natural rock formation forming shallow pools of crystal-clear water for relaxation or frolicking.    

Visitors will feel immersed in nature, surrounded by a crisp, unspoilt mountain air and the natural audio of cascading water, flowing into calm turquoise pools, ideal for your complete connection with nature.

Le Antonio's Vacation will provide easy, convenient visits to the famous Bath Hotel & Spa.  And Reach Falls. Visitors can book return trips for daily visits, or take advantage of competitive rates at the Bath Fountain Hotel, allowing days of relaxation and therapy in a pure, holistic environment. 

YS Falls

A nature attraction on the island's south coast near the historical town of Middle Quarters, in the parish of St. Elizabeth, YS Falls is no longer the "best kept secret" on the island.

Boasting a magnificent seven-tiered cascading waterfall, tumbling into an expansive wading pool fed by underground springs.

Exhilarating canopy rides careen you down the alley, high above the falls. River tube rides, spectacular views combine to give visitors an intimate and complete connection with thye habitat of exotic birds and fauna.

Indeed YS Falls is a perfect natural environment for all nature lovers who desire nothing more than a total connection with nature's perfect form.

Le Antonio's Vacation is proud to endorse this nature lover's paradise that has won many prestigious awards for its exemplary care of the natural habitat and environment. This meticulous attention to the nature has made YS Falls a paradise for all to behold and enjoy.

www.leantonio'svacation.com

63 Barnett Street
Montego Bay, Jamaica, West Indies
Tel: (876) 952-0719 / 353-1389

USA: 5819 West Hallandale Beach Blvd
West Park, FL. 33023, USA
Tel: (305) 468-4476 / (718) 355-9892

LE ANTONIO'S GROUP OF COMPANIES

Conceived as a group of companies that will provide exceptional services in selected spheres, the Le Antonio's group has already developed a reputation for being new and different. Dynamic marketing blended with exceptional customer service and a sharp focus on giving value for money, has made the Le Antonio's group an outstanding corporate force in Jamaica and the Caribbean, with clear sights set on North America and Europe.

Le Antonio's Vacation

Finally, a company that caters to your every whim and fancy as you seek out the pleasures and treasures of beautiful Jamaica. Le Antonio's Vacation is the marketing arm of the Le Antonio's group of companies, dedicated entirely to providing that that truly unique experience for our clients who visit Jamaica. Our mission is simple; find the perfect combination of features and attractions to make your vacation to our island paradise, an experience to be treasured.
Le Antonio's Vacation will bring all aspects of Brand Jamaica to flavour your visit to our tropical paradise. The wonderful attributes of Jamaica, including its glorious natural beauty, pulsating, mesmerizing music, excotic cuisine, spectacular attractions and its warm, charismatic people are all a part of the experience that we at Le Antonio's will incorporate into your dream vacation. Visit our website at www.leantoniosvacation.com to see the range of services offered by the Le Antonio's team, committed to excellence in service, 

Le Antonio's Construction Services

Le Antonio Roofing & Construction Ltd. (Le Arc) is a jewel in the crown of the Le Antonio's group of companies. Based on the concept of a construction company utilising a modern, innovative approach to design and building, the company has already earned accolades for on -time, quality driven performance. The work of the company reflects the highest level of integrity and customer satisfaction, the underlying motto of Le Arc.  
Experience earned in years of building quality, satisfying homes and businesses for our clients now drives the team of professionals at Le Antonio's Roofing & Construction Ltd. (Le Arc) to sustain the highest level of performance. 

Vacation villas & resorts

Our company has already set an enviable standard in using the latest, proven methods in design and construction to ensure a finished product that is durable, elegant, yet affordable. Le Arc will use this enviable standard to help you to realise the dream of owning your own private, luxurious villa or resort home. Le Arc will take you through all the steps required to enable you to fulfill this cherished dream without any hassle. We will do all of the following:

                >Source your land through licensed realtors
  >Arrange for top quality creative archirtectural designs
  >Construct your resort or villa strictly within agreed budget and on time.
  >Provide related services such as pool construction and landscaping

Call the professionals at Le Antonio's now for professional guidance and advice on all the steps required to ensure a smooth, trouble free building process. Visit the company's website at www.leantoniosconstruction.com  to see how the professional and dedicated team at Le Arc will ensure a seamless, hassle free process leading to the fulfillment of your dream.  

Le Antonio's On-Line

Finally, a company that takes the marketing of Brand Jamaica to the world. Le Antonio's On-line is a web-based marketing company that brings the finest Jamaican products to the global marketplace. The finest original,art, craft, paintings, apparel, jewellry, photography and a variety of souvenir items all representing the essence of Jamaican artistic ingenuity, are all available on the web. Customers who visit our website at www.leantoniosonline.com will be amazed by the variety and quality of products that proudly bear the famous, fabulous mark of Brand Jamaica.

 www.leantonio'svacation.com

63 Barnett Street
Montego Bay, Jamaica, West Indies
Tel: (876) 952-0719 / 353-1389

USA: 5819 West Hallandale Beach Blvd
West Park, FL. 33023, USA
Tel: (305) 468-4476 / (718) 355-9892

Resort Areas

Le Antonio's Vacation does what many others only dream of doing. Utilising a bold, creative marketing strategy to bring Brand Jamaica within reach of millions of people who, from a distance, reach for the warmth and radiance of our island paradise. The services and attractions that will be completely at the disposal of our clients, are spread across this beautiful land. These resort areas are unique, each having its own special allure, mystique and niche identity.    

Le Antonio's Vacation will connect you with the pulse, the hearbeat, the soul of the resort of your choice. Some of these magnificent resort areas are highlighted for your consideration.
 

Negril

The natural, captivating, rhythmic vibration of this resort town fascinates every visitor. From your first moments in this cultural, vibsy, rootsy, resort you will know you are in the island that is now also Brand Jamaica. Feast on nature's spectacular gifts of sunshine, sunset and elegant beaches that make every visit an unforgettatble experience.

Le Antonio's Vacation will find the perfect resort in Negril for you, at the right price, combining value with service, and a blend of features catering to all tastes. There is never a dull moment in this resort town and we will put you in the heart of the roots reggae concert, the all inclusive beach party, the freaky fun party. We will even hold our own party just for you, your pals and their pals, and anyone who you want to have fun with.  At LeAntonio's, this is what we do best!

Montego Bay

We know this resort town so well, you could say we own it...so to speak! So, simply decide what you want to experience in Montego Bay. Let us know...and leave the rest to us  

We will bring you directly in touch with the unique ambience of the nation's tourist capital. You will be enthralled by the variety of sights, sounds and culinary delights. The pulsating beat of famous nightclubs such as Pier 1 on the bay and Margaritaville will excite you, before you fall in love with elegant restaurants such as Blue Beat and The Native.

And don't forget, Montego Bay boasts some of the finest resorts in the world, the acclaimed Sandals Royal Plantation, the new and fabulous Iberostar resorts and such all time favorites as Ritz Carlton and the iconic Half Moon resort. Our small and medium resorts such as the exotic Dream Castle in Ironshore are no less appealing.

Ocho Rios

Prepare to be amazed by the natural beauty of this traditional resort town. Pristine, unspoilt and bursting with a variety of attractions, a visit to this town will leave you enthralled.
Built around a spectacular natural harbour, at the confluence of "eight rivers" flowing from the overlooking hills, to the magnificent, yet calm seas, the Town of Ocho Rios has maintained much of its old charm and elegant beauty.

Kingston

The Island's capital is steeped in rich history and culture. Undisputably the mecca of culture in the English speaking Caribbean, Kingston and its twin St. Andrew, together known as "the Corporate area," has the greatest variety of sights and sounds to captivate the interest of almost every visitor.

New Kingston is the centre of the excitement and dazzle of the capital city, boasting several world famous hotels such as the flagship properties Hilton Kingston, Jamaica Pegasus and the new Spanish Court Hotel. Historical and cultural sites such as Devon House and the Bob Marley museum sit at the edge of New Kingston, while the tropical paradise of Hope Botanical Gardens nestle underneath the majesty of the soaring Blue Mountains.

When the sun sets there is never a dull moment, as live entertainment and fine dining at venues such as Christopher's Café and Cudd'z Sports Bar & Restaurant, among many others offer a choice of the most captivating nightlife. Yes! Kingston is the mecca. 

Falmouth

Pristine and unspoilt, Falmouth and its environs are the perfect combination of beautiful resorts, historical sites and new, throbbing resort attractions. Prepared to be mesmerised by the beauty and tranquility of the perfect island setting at Grand Lido Braco.

The Breezes Starfish Resort is a showcase of Falmouth's spectacular beauty and is the perfect location to allow visitors to enjoy attractions such as the island's cultural showcase at "Outameni experience", Green Grotto caves, as well as the heritage experience that flows naturally from a visit to the famous town of Falmouth, the capital of Trelawny.        

The island paradise of Jamaica is punctuated by splendid, magnificent resort areas, each unique in their ambience and attractions. Le Antonio's Vacation will provide expert advice with the personal touch, to ensure that you find the ultimate vacation experience.  

www.leantonio'svacation.com

63 Barnett Street
Montego Bay, Jamaica, West Indies
Tel: (876) 952-0719 / 353-1389

USA: 5819 West Hallandale Beach Blvd
West Park, FL. 33023, USA
Tel: (305) 468-4476 / (718) 355-9892

Jamaican Weddings: Le Antonio's Style!

Brand Jamaica is at its absolute best when it comes to the memorable, lifetime experience of exchanging the ultimate vows of love.

Most persons would agree that Jamaica is the most popular Caribbean destination for that special day - your dream wedding! The island offers a wide variety of choices to accomodate any wedding desire.

Whether you want a small, intimate affair with an emphasis on privacy, a big, 'bashy' ceremony, or something simply in between, Le Antonio's Vacation will definitely convert your dream wedding to reality.

Le Antonio's Vacation will help you to find the perfect combination of an idyllic resort, support services and wedding planners to ensure that perfect, unforgettable wedding experience. Go ahead and expect to find the right moment in time. Jamaica's beaches, waterfalls, mountains and spectacular gardens offer dramatic backdrops to your romantic wedding. Le Antonio's will introduce you to fine resorts that offer an assortment of wedding packages, wedding co-ordination services and pleasing discounts for the bridal party, family and friends.

Resort Areas

Negril's legendary sunsets have long provided the most spectacular background for a timeless wedding experience that will be cherished for a lifetime.

While in Negril, explore the world famous stretch of still-pristine white sand beach. Combine glorious beach and the spectacular sunset for the wedding experience that is truly unique to charismatic resort town.

Le Antonio's Vacation will find the perfect resort in Negril to ensure a truly unforgettable wedding in an idyllic, tropical setting framed by the glorious sunset that has made Negril legendaary to millions of nature lovers.

Montego Bay is the tourism capital of the island. Many of Jamaica's finest resorts are to be found in this world famous resort city. We will help you explore the 'golden' corridor of Rose Hall and choose a resort that will be a fabulous host to your special wedding event. Choose a beach, garden or mountain setting and let the professionals at the Hotel take care of the details, leaving you and your party free to be thrilled by the sheer beauty of the island's lush tropical paradise.

Ocho Rios offers its own special charm and physical beauty. Consider the spectacular setting of the world renowned Dunn's River Falls. Embrace the captivating attraction of Mystic Mountain, the charming and scenic delight of the property known simply as "The Ruins" or the special charm of Dolphin Cove, as your wedding ceremony is effortlessly absorbed into the alluring tropical environment that makes Ocho Rios a place you will simply not forget.  

Formalities

To esure a smooth, trouble -free wedding remember the following formalities:

•  Arrive in the island at least 24 hours before the wedding ceremony
•  Apply for a marriage licence. This takes generally takes three weeks and should be directed to the Ministry of National Security, 12 Ocean Boulevard, Kingston, Jamaica; Telephone number (876) 922-0080

In order to obtain the marriage licence the following documents should be submitted:

•  Proof of citizenship of the couple in the form of a certified birth certificate that must include    the father's name
•  Certificate of divorce, where one or both of the parties was previously married
•  Proof of identity, occupations and marital status of the parties.

We strongly suggest that all the arrangements be made locally by wedding planners and professionals who will ensure that everthing is done according to local law. Le Antonio's will make all the necessary arrangements on your behalf either with the relevant resort or with competent, experienced wedding professionals.  

Whatever you desire for your dream wedding, whether our pristine white sand beaches, lush flowering tropical garden, scenic misty mountain or cooling cascading waterfall, your friends at Le Antonio's Vacation will bring the magic of Brand Jamaica to your wedding event. Visit our website at www.leantoniosvacation.com to see the full range of services offered by our company.

Simply put, your wedding will be a time-treasured moment, etched forever in your memory.           

www.leantonio'svacation.com

63 Barnett Street
Montego Bay, Jamaica, West Indies
Tel: (876) 952-0719 / 353-1389

USA: 5819 West Hallandale Beach Blvd
West Park, FL. 33023, USA
Tel: (305) 468-4476 / (718) 355-9892