Jamaica Jewel: Reviews

Duncans Bay , Jamaica, W.I.

Guest: Peter Ralph (Newfoundland, CA)
Date of Stay: 4/16/10 Review Submitted: 1/21/11

The Jamaica Jewel is in a wonderful setting. It is set back a short distance from a lovely beach which is largely empty except for a few fishermen. The apartments are very comfortable especially the one on the second story. Both have kitchens and balconies. The apartment on the second floor has two balconies one overlooking the ocean and another at the back overlooking the beautiful gardens in the backyard and the hills behind.

The Duncan’s area does not have any resorts. There are a few small tourist shops just off the beach and some of the local carvers do amazing stuff. However, this is not a big tourist destination. Which is exactly what my wife and I were after. We loved falling asleep listening to the wind and the ocean rather than to traffic and/or bar music. We spent many afternoons on our balcony watching the surf, reading our books and occasionally drifting off to sleep.

Almost every day we went on an adventure in the morning with the owners of the Jamaica Jewel, Barry G. and Cher.. They took us to some amazing spots where there was often no other people let alone tourists. We went to a lagoon up in the mountains which was breathtaking and we had the place to ourselves. On the way home we stopped at a local bar and had a few drinks with the owner of the bar and his family. The bar was neighbourhood bar on a mountain road. It consisted of a few chairs in the open air underneath an awning. We kicked the soccer ball around with the bar owner’s children and ate fruit I have never seen or heard of before. We also drank drinks made from fruit off the trees on his property. The bar was right next to his small house and 30 feet from his parents headstones.

Barry G. and Cher also took us up into the mountains and showed us old sugar plantations. They showed us amazing caves and took us rafting down a beautiful river. Every morning we would travel (fly) up a narrow road up to the small mountainside town of Duncans to shop at the “Chinese” grocery where they bought groceries to feed us and we bought copious amounts of wine.

We ate most of our meals in the outdoor dining room/bar of the Jamaica Jewel. The meals were excellent. (Have a look at the menu on the Jamaican Jewel web page) We had many traditional Jamaican dishes including escoveitch fish, oxtail, and saltfish and ackee. Cher is a excellent and versatile cook and Barry made great jerk chicken. We spent many hours in this area talking to Barry G. and Cher and some of their friends who would drop by. We met many wonderful people many of whom were open and warm and loved talking to us about Jamaica and their lives. We had many great conversations over bottles of wine about Jamaican culture and people and especially about Jamaican men.

Cher and Barry G. are talented and hospitable hosts. They will give you as much space as you need or want. On the other hand, if you want to hang out with them they are also very obliging. We spent many hours getting to know each other, talking about our children, careers, past relationship etc. These are all things that friends talk about and Cher and Barry G. felt like lifelong friends shortly after we arrived.

On Saturday night, we went to the local bar and danced to reggae music on the beach. It was a beautiful night and the band was great. Unfortunately I drank too much. The Jamaica Jewel was just a few hundred metres away but Barry G. and his friend Iopi walked us home. We felt very safe during our stay knowing that we were in the care of Barry G.

My wife and I spent a considerable amount of time lying on the beach or walking the beach. I would snorkel just off the beach. The reefs were not spectacular but there was a lot of tropical fish and one day there were hundreds of small rays just offshore.

I will never forget this holiday and I will always stay at the Jewel whenever I am in Jamaica. Cher and Barry G. our wonderful hosts but more than hosts they are interesting and caring people who know Jamaica and know the area. They have many talents (Cher makes great jewelry; we bought several pieces as gifts) and we felt blessed to have spent time at this beautiful place with these wonderful people.

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.

December 2009
Jef, Toronto, Ontario Canada
We stayed 10 nights at the Jamaica Jewel and loved every minute of it. Cher and Barry G are awesome hosts, on a scale of 1-10, they made our holiday a 15!! The beautiful apartment, Cher and Barry G’s cooking, the gorgeous beach we had to ourselves, the property, Leroy’s bar, rafting the Martha Brae, all the people we met, everything about our trip was fantastic. We really enjoyed our stay and will be back again for sure. Thanks Cher and Barry G… and Peewee, Lucky, GoGo, Gato and Fiyah.

12/19/08

* 03/11/09
Bertie, UPPER PENINSULA-MICHIGAN
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!!!!

12/19/08
Lola , Wisconsin
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 your preference. They make frequent trips to town and like to show the area to their guests. I was fortunate to ride through a small section of Silver Sands, shop in the town of Duncans (lovely proprietors at Chen's market) and visit the local cave in Jamaica Jewel's neighborhood, which was really interesting. They can also prepare meals if you like; I had two and they were great. Jamaica Jewel is a wonderful place to stay and I look forward to returning on my next trip!

11/20/08
Liz M, Ohio

It might be 40 minutes from the airport but it is a world away from the highway...a tricky turn inland might lose many casual visitors but if you know the way you will be rewarded with one of the loveliest parts of Jamaica I have ever had the pleasure to spend time in. From the road Jamaica Jewel is hard to miss, a beautiful coral color. Barry and Cher came out to greet me and we walked into their little bar…so cozy and breezy, with a lovely mural and flags and bamboo. I got a tour of my incredible apartment. It has a full living and dining room….kitchen with fridge and stove and oven and storage…lovely bath with thoughtful tiling and décor…a large bedroom with a drop dead gorgeous 4 poster bed, AC, lovely decorative touches, and not one but two balconies. One looked to the sea with comfy wicker furniture. The other had built in stone couches with comfy cushions and pads and was THE curl up and read a book spot. I was in heaven.

Though the beach is directly across the street from the house, the public beach entrances are a minute or so walk down a very quiet road. One entry is a path that works fine if it hasn't rained a lot recently (it had), the other is a street lined with 5-6 houses. Lovely homes, but small yards, I already prefer Jamaica Jewel.

The beach is absolutely gorgeous. Long and wide, backed by low grassy sand dunes. A few houses along it but it is public, with a park-like feeling. Trees are set in planters with stone benches around them. Grass is low and soft and the beach is clean. The water is crystal clear and blue, with few rocks. It's shallow for a nice while but gradually becomes deep enough to swim. On one end is a fishing beach with old style canoes and a bar called Leroy's that serves drinks and later on will have live music.

It's hard to describe this beach because it reminds me in some ways of so many…the Hamptons with the homes and dunes, but without the pretense and haughtiness. Cape Cod, but the architecture is Caribbean. I guess what it evokes in me in every neighborhood, cool, friendly beach I have ever been to…but it is that beautiful blue-green with white sand that is nowhere in the US. There are few people around but the ones we have passed I have been introduced to by Barry. I've been welcomed into this community and I've only been here for a couple of hours.

No one has, or will have by the time I leave two days later, offered to sell me anything.

Cher serves a delicious dinner of fish with a papaya sauce. Eating here is very reasonable and is served outdoors or indoors, with your hosts or without them, in your own room or porch…wherever and however you want it. You can use your kitchen to cook for yourself as well if you wish, but I chose to eat with them outside in the bar area.

Friends of theirs stopped by through the afternoon and evening. This bar has been private for guests but is now open to the public – if Barry and Cher know and like you, that is, as it is inside their gates. I enjoyed talking with everyone I met.

While I am very social and prefer to mingle, it is entirely possible to spend a week at Jamaica Jewel and never do that, the apartments offer lovely private spaces and separate entrances and you can hang out by yourself if you choose.

I have a lot of videos and photos, and more details about my stay on my blog at: http://ohliza.blogspot.com/2008/12/all-around-jamaica-again-day-1-duncans.html

10/27/08
LeeAnne Criscenti , Negril, Jamaica
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.

10/14/08
Chrissy & Dave , Pennsylvania
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

04/25/08
Whitney Moses , Gloucestershire, England
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

01/18/08
A fan
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.

07/03/07
caren kreider , Philadelphia, PA
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

06/07/07
Terry & Mike , Delran, NJ
My husband and I stayed at the Jamaica Jewel for 6 days in May. It was the most relaxing, wonderful vacation we had in a very long time. The house is beautiful. The caretakers of the property are the most delightful couple. We took advantage of the home cooked meals and enjoyed everyone of them. What we paid for the food for a week, would cost for 1 1/2 days out at restaurants. A rental car is necessary for this is a very secluded area with not much else to do except relax. The beach which is pristine and natural is a half block walk. The local flavor of the area makes this quite the adventure.