STS Vacation's Top Five Traveled Caribbean Destinations of 2010

As we wind down 2010, we at STS Vacations look back on a year of travel in the beautiful Caribbean. Turquoise blue water, white sand beaches and fun in the sun have brought you fabulous memories this year. Here are the top 5 most commonly traveled destinations…


#5- Bahamas

With an archipelago of over 700 islands, the Bahamas are a great Caribbean destination. Just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it is a short flight and has a home-like feel with an island vibe.



#4- Punta Cana

Punta Cana offers guests 12 professional golf courses designed by famous pros like Jack Nicklaus, as well as the Manati Park (a water park built in the 90′s), a 500 slip marina, ATVs, buggies & all-terrain tours, 22 dive sites and the world famous Bavaro Beach area. Punta Cana boasts Las Vegas-style nightlife with true Latin charm.



#3- Cancun

Cancun is a great spring break getaway for college kids, but families and adults can find themselves in the Quintana Roo state of Mexico and just as in love with the area. With the ancient Mayan ruins at Tulum and Chichen Itza as well as the beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise blue water, it’s no wonder this is still a top Caribbean travel destination.



#2- Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya offers the same beautiful scenery as Cancun with added bonuses like the largest natural aquarium in the world, Xel-Ha and the Mayan caves at Aktun Chen. Visitors will enjoy La Quinta Avenita or 5th Avenue for shopping and the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.



#1- Jamaica

It’s no surprise that Jamaica has been the most traveled destination of 2010 by STS‘s travelers. The short flight, great culture and beautiful scenery have made Jamaica the long running champion of Caribbean vacations, winning the hearts of those who visit.

Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe Reopens with Renovations!

If you are considering visiting the Barceló Bavaro Palace Deluxe, then a fully renovated all-inclusive luxury resort awaits you in lovely Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The Palace Deluxe has been completely restructured and offers many new and exciting accommodations for you and those you travel with, whether it is a significant other or your family.

The beach at the Barcelo Bavaro resort has been named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by National Geographic. With a coral reef located just off the shore, there is much plant and underwater animal life to behold. While that alone should convince you to visit, the new and improved hotel resort features beautiful rooms, Las Vegas inspired nightlife to get you going and a spa to suit all of your relaxation needs, among much more.



The new rooms in this beautiful resort are outfitted with the finest linens & amenities and decorated in a modern chic style. With many different options, such as junior suites and family junior suites in high end fashion, guests can check in to Club Premium, Panoramic, Master and Presidential categories located right on the beach. With the many claims online that this resort should be renovated, former visitors can rest assured that the people at Barceló have listened, taken action and plan to WOW you on your next stay.

The entertainment district at the Barceló Bavaro Palace Deluxe is reminiscent of the bright lights and party lifestyle of Las Vegas. The club house’s nightclubs play the hottest music for those who love to dance. The casinos offer 16 gaming tables with Austrian-trained croupiers and over 75 slot machines with all your favorite games. There is even a bingo hall and theatre! In addition to nightlife, Barceló offers 16 stylish shopping areas for players to spend their winnings, just like Vegas.

The Barceló U Spa gives guests a supreme way to relax with a wide variety of salon services, Jacuzzis, as well as wellness and fitness centers. Guests can pamper themselves or catch up on their daily workout routine all with a view of the amazing award-winning beach.



The service at the Barceló resorts is always top notch. These 5-star resorts offer fine cuisine and premium drinks with their all-inclusive service. With ten different restaurants, those dining at the Barceló will be delighted with the many choices for all tastes. In addition to many different types of buffets, and even a fast food spot, guests can choose from French gourmet, a la carte Italian, Spanish tapas, Japanese style teppanyaki or Mexican favorites. Choose from one of 13 bars to enjoy a cocktail at. Some are even open 24 hours!



The Barceló Bavaro Palace Deluxe also offers great vacations for families. Six pools and many kid-friendly amenities like mini-golf and a kids club will make this resort a home away from home. The Barcy Water Park is a feature that all children will love! The resort provides entertainment and activities the whole family will enjoy as well as many places to enjoy them throughout the property. The Bavaro Train is another all new feature that can give you a lift to anywhere in the resort that you would like to visit!

Barcelo Bavaro Map.

Another great addition to the resort is the P.B. Dye golf course! Though this is not included with the all-inclusive package, golfers should still indulge in a round on this amazing course.

With all of the new offerings of the Barceló Bavaro Palace Deluxe, guests both new and old will be amazed at this wonderfully crafted resort, set on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world in one of the greatest travel destinations, Punta Cana.



For more information on how to book a trip to the Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe, please call 866-875-4565 or visit www.stsvacations.com.

Paul's Tropic Escape: All- Inclusive at the Sunset Beach Resort and Spa

Sunset Beach Resort and Spa

As a Jamaican, it is always important for me to give all things Jamaican a critical evaluation. I am proud of the Jamaican tourism product, as I think the island has much to offer. Gorgeous mountains, clear rivers & waterfalls, fantastic stretches of uninterrupted white sand beaches, the wonderful variety of native dishes, and of course the friendly Jamaican people make this my home away from home.

Jamaica has seen an influx of many international resort chains over the past five years. These international resorts offer their guests a taste of Europe while on the island of Jamaica. On this escape , I decided to visit a resort that prides itself in being, “uniquely Jamaican.”

I remember Sunset Beach Resort way back in the day when it was called Seawinds. It has come a long way since then.  In those days, the Seawinds towers were offices and the beach was full of prickly sea urchins. It was definitely not a resort back then. The most popular attraction was its nightclub, of which many famous tourists used to flock to. The Seawinds night club was a place to see and be seen.

The property is now Jamaican-owned and they pride themselves as being a family resort that offers a warm Jamaican all-inclusive service at a great value.

The resort is located at a point on a strip of land, forming part of the boundary for the Harbor of Montego Bay. Its about 15 to 20 minutes from the Sangster International Airport. Almost all room categories on the property give the guests a sweeping view of either the Blue Mountains and the harbor, or the beautiful Caribbean Sea.

Rooms:
Most rooms are standard in size, making them comfortable for either a couple or a family of four with two small children. The resort has been feverishly modernizing each of their room categories. Three floors in the Sunrise Tower and one floor in the Sunset Tower have already been completed. I happened to be in one of the modernized rooms and it was very nice. It came with a flat screen TV and mini fridge as well as a king bed that can be optioned out for 2 double beds if the guest prefers. The other rooms feature 27 inch TVs, coffee makers and a safe. I liked my room.

Bathroom:

In all room categories, the bathrooms are standard with a tub and shower. They have enough space to do what you need to do; no more, no less.

Balconies:

All room categories have either balconies or patios. I had a beautiful view of the Montego Bay Harbor with the mountains as a backdrop and to my left, I was able to see the sunrise every morning over the placid Caribbean Sea. The upper floors of both towers offer fantastic views of the area surrounding the point and your balcony is an ideal spot to enjoy this.

The Beach:

The resort has three beach areas including a clothing optional or, as they call it, the au natural beach. The au natural is merely a section of one part of the beach, but it is found at the far end of the property in a secluded and enclosed section for privacy. In total, there is about 1/3 of a mile of fluffy white sand beach with enough area away from the shore for lots of beach chairs, volleyball and relaxation. There aren’t many beach cabanas, so brings lots of sunscreen.

The Resort:

There are two main pool areas, one for adults-only with a swim up bar (the quiet pool) and the other for everyone else. For the children there is the Pirates Paradise Water Park. Yes, the resort has a water park with a lazy river and sunken ship in it. It is in its own area of the resort so it doesn’t really hinder adults having fun at the pool or the beach, and I must say, the kids seem to love it as do many adults. They could plant some trees around the water park though, because it really gets hot over there with the limited amount of shade.

There is an entertainment area that they call the Jam Down Pavilion (more on that later) plus the usual lighted tennis and basketball courts. The property is spacious without feeling too large. You are never really far away from the main dining areas or the entertainment so you won’t get tired going from your room to a meal.

Restaurants:

There are three main a la carte restaurants on the property with an additional main buffet dining area. There is also a beach and a pool grill. The buffet area has been totally enlarged and modernized. There are views of the sea from your table and with the open spaces that allows for easy access to the food stations.

I ate at the Chinese and fine dining Italian restaurant. I figured since I brought along a jacket, I might as well wear it somewhere! The food at these restaurants was excellent. I especially enjoyed my meal at La Bella Villa. The steak was as soft as butter!

The buffet breakfast offered a wide variety of Jamaican meals along with the standard choices. It is great being in Jamaica and having Jamaican dishes for breakfast, so I complimented the chef for his selection of ackee and saltfish with yam and bananas. Now that's Jamaican breakfast everyone can enjoy.

The beach grill offers one of the best jerk chicken dishes you can get in Montego Bay. It’s good and I strongly recommend sampling it.

Entertainment:

What is a visit to Jamaica without hearing some island music? The house band at Sunset Beach plays each evening from about 8 to 10 pm. They are pretty good and they play a really wide selection of popular songs as well. Of course, they give you a good dose of reggae music, but depending on who the guest lead act may be, you will be regaled by pop or jazz. All of this takes place in or around the Jam Down Pavilion. The pavilion allows for the entertainment to be up on the stage, leaving an area up front that allows the guests to get up and dance, enjoying themselves almost as if they were at a concert. With the Caribbean Sea as a backdrop, the evenings turned out to be an occasion for everyone to ease back and enjoy the island vibes.

If you have a yen to get out and see the sites of Montego Bay, you can get on one of the shuttle services they offer in the lobby or take a short 10 minute taxi ride to the Hip Strip in Montego Bay and enjoy the sights and sounds with the local Jamaican party goers. I am not big on shopping, but Montego Bay seems to offer the best opportunity for bargains. I do collect local artifacts from the countries I go to, so I picked up a wood carving from a local vendor in a store on the Hip Strip.

Sunset Beach Resort and Spa has a fully functional Kid’s Club and one of the better spa facilities on the island. The Kids club is open from 8 am to 5 pm and there is an additional cost for babysitting services after hours.  Video games, puppet shows and other activities are enjoyed all day under the supervision of the trained Sunset Resort staff.  The Spa offers all of the usual treatments plus a Sunset Body Surprise. It’s a massage and treatment in which the masseuse uses fruits and secrets oils. The guests seem to enjoy it.

The resort is the flagship property for the Sunset Resorts groups. They offer two other resorts on the island, one in Ocho Rios and one in Negril. The Sunset Grande Resort is a 500+ room property 55 miles east of Montego Bay in the town of Ocho Rios. It is a larger resort with six pools and a great stretch of white sandy beach.  There is a reef just off shore that snorkelers and divers enjoy visiting for the bounty of native fishes that they can see. Sunset Grande has a water park and the tallest man made water slide in Jamaica.

Sunset at the Palms is a 65 room property 50 miles west of Montego Bay in the town of Negril. Sunset at the Palms is a small, very intimate property in the Bloody Bay area of Negril so it has an excellent beach as this area is part of the famous 7 mile Negril Beach strip. The resort is built in what can only be called a botanical garden as the suites are built on stilts and are surrounded by neatly manicured trees and fauna. This resort offers their guests great cuisine and lots of quiet relaxation.

If you are looking for a moderately priced, all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean, a resort that has all the amenities that you are looking for, but offers you a true native experience, then Sunset Beach Resort and Spa in Montego Bay Jamaica will give you all these things and a little more. I enjoyed my visit to this resort. Sunset Beach Resorts surely exceeded my expectations.

For more information on either of these resorts or any of our vacation packages, please visit <a href="http://www.stsvacations.com/">www.stvacations.com </a>or call 866-475-4565.

Paul’s Tropic Escape: All-inclusive at The ROYAL Playa del Carmen

One of the things I love most about the Caribbean is that almost every destination offers beautiful azure clear water, fluffy white sand and of course, exquisite weather. The challenge is finding resorts that cater to your particular desires; resorts that still offer 5 star dining and 5 star accommodations for adults only.

It is with this in mind I set off on my latest tropic escape. This journey took me to the east coast of Mexico along the Caribbean to the Mayan region of Southeastern Mexico. Famous for one of the world’s longest and most diverse reef systems that runs for miles along the coast, the reef allows for exceptional diving, and creates a natural barrier for waves that gives this region some of the most beautiful beaches and clear fish-filled waters in the world.

On land, Mayan culture is alive in the Mexican people.  The Mayan temples in Tulum are world famous sites and well worth visiting. Mayan temples are being discovered in the inland jungles every year pointed to the extent that a 3,000 year-old culture was able to create a vibrant society in the western hemisphere centuries before the Europeans.

My destination was the town of Playa Del Carmen. A small, but busy former fishing village that now is the hub of much of the activities in the area. Playa, as it is referred to, boasts some of the best shopping in the region. They have a mile long strip called 5th Avenue.  It is a pedestrian-only promenade that is lined with stores, shops and cafes. Bargain hunters and couples seeking a change of pace flock to 5th Avenue to partake in Mexican culture, food and some great bargains on silver jewelry and tequila. Oh, yes, the tequila! The cafés and bars offer patrons samples of the many brands of tequila they sell, just as an invitation to come on in to the store. Before long, you are going from store to store doing tequila shots and having a blast with the locals.

The ROYAL Playa Del Carmen

The resort that I finally checked into that evening was The ROYAL Playa Del Carmen.

The Royal is located just 5 minutes from the 5^th Avenue strip on a beautiful mile-long stretch of beach.  It is a fully all-inclusive resort that is only for adults. All-inclusive for the Royal means they cater to all of your grown up needs. Premium liquor is available throughout the property, even in the suites, and WiFi service is all over the resort. I did wonder why there was a charge to use the internet in their business center when they offer free WiFi, but no one could give me a good answer.

The Suites

I stayed in a Royal Junior suite. The richness of the extra spacious suite with the exquisite furniture, which, they told me, was handcrafted by local artisans along with the spacious marble bathrooms & furnished terrace, plus an array of unique and exceptional guest amenities made for a luxurious experience. Very high-end in feel, Bulgari shampoos and soaps no less, showed me they paid attention to small details.

A two-person Jacuzzi was in the suite and it faced the balcony that offered a beautiful ocean view. There was a complimentary fruit plate in the suite with a fully stocked mini bar which allowed for ease and relaxation that afternoon as we listened to the Bose sound system that comes standard with an iPod and iPod dock. Yes, with the Royal service, you get an ipod with music, if you desire. How about that? I had my own iPod so my tunes were of my own choice, but I thought that it was a nice touch. The room also has a DVD player and the resort offers a DVD library for the guests to choose from the latest releases.

Bathroom

Since the jacuzzi is in the main suite, the bathroom has a large rain forest nozzle shower. It easily accommodates 2 people and leaves room to move around   As mentioned, the bathroom amenities are first class and there is even a phone if you need one.

The Cuisine

I counted at least six fine dining restaurants on the property.  I ate at Maria Marie, the Fusion Mexican/French dining experience. The food was great.  Most of the time I was by the pool or the beach so I had meals brought to my beach or pool tent by the waiters that are always nearby to assist you. This is a great feature; you just lounge around and the waiters bring you the menu and you order. So simple, so relaxing

The 24-hour room service menu is also very impressive. The menu consists of food you would actually want to eat. This features meals that are on the menus of at least three of the a la carte restaurants. Often resorts tell you that there is 24-hour room service, and the menu consists of hot dogs, hamburgers, refried french fries and ham sandwiches. Not at the Royal! I had stuffed chicken & wild rice and steak tips one evening with a bottle of merlot, set up on my porch over looking the evening sunset. Now that’s a romantic dinner!

Entertainment

Live performances are presented each evening. A mix of local culture, shows and performances from mariachi bands to local cabaret performances are presented.  All performances are done by highly proficient entertainers that know how to involve the audience and in turn make the evening really enjoyable.

The Royal is a very reasonably priced all-inclusive resort.  With over 400 suites, it is a larger property but most rooms offer their guests full or partial ocean views.  Because the property is spacious, you don’t feel as if you are always bumping into other guests. Main dining, shops and restaurants are accessible without having to walk too far. The proximity to all the action in Playa Del Carmen gives the guest more than just the resort to enjoy, and with the natural sites off shore in Cozumel and the reefs, there are interesting things happening almost all the time.

The Gran Porto Real is the sister property to the Royal and it is located just across the street, literally. It is a family property  so children and large families will find that resort most convenient. Royal guests have transfer privileges so if you want to have a wedding and invite your family, you can have the ceremony at the Gran Porto and then honeymoon at the Royal. Gran Porto guests do not have the transfer privilege, so, you can leave the family to have fun at their own resort while you enjoy being pampered as a newlywed.

The Royal is a great place for an all-inclusive adults only vacation and the Gran Porto Real is great for families or large groups. This resort certainly exceeded my expectations and I am sure it will exceed yours too.

For more information on either of these resorts or any of our vacation packages, please visit www.stvacations.com or call 866-475-4565.

Spring Break In Jamaica Exposed: What to Expect With Your 2011 STS Spring Break Package

If you are looking for the ultimate Spring Break experience, you are probably already booked and ready to go to Jamaica. We’ve put together a guide to get you through the best week of your life while knowing the ins-and-outs, where the parties are, a Spring Break playlist for the hottest music and how to survive Spring Break in this amazing Caribbean hot spot, STS style.

Picture this: you are lounging on the beach, rum punch in hand, Bob Marley playing in the distance, clear blue water speckled with small fishing boats ahead of you, relaxing with friends after the most amazing week of your life… How did you get here? What will you look back on? What was your favorite part of the trip? Let’s start from the very beginning so that you can get the full experience.

Arrival

So, your flight from the states wasn’t really that long, but you knew that, right? Just 580 miles off the coast of Florida, the flight was only about three hours; just enough time to rest up for the long days ahead of you. As you step off the plane, you note that the weather is amazing. Because the average temperature in Jamaica is around 85 degrees, you are sure to enjoy a tropical climate without overheating.

As you present your passport to customs in Montego Bay, you are offered your first Red Stripe beer, the national beer of Jamaica. Savor this moment, Red Stripe does NOT taste the same back in the states. If you enjoy it back at college, you will fall in love in Jamaica. This lager is brewed within spitting distance of the Sangster International Airport. The beer doesn’t get any fresher than this. Get used to it; Red Stripe will probably be your drink of choice for the next week.

Once you collect your luggage, your STS rep will be available to answer any questions, offer assistance to purchase your meal plan, VIP party packages, or add any additional side trips. You will then get on a bus which will transport you to your hotel. At this point, your reps will discuss all Dos-and-Don’ts for your trip. This is a personal service offered by STS and is unmatched with any other company in the industry. Take it from these Spring Break pros, they are seasoned veterans of this non-stop party who will be there the whole time and if you follow their suggestions, you will be in great hands.

During the Day

Pretend you just woke up. Okay, maybe you don’t even remember the night before, but who’s counting? The first thing you want to do is grab a cup of the amazing Blue Mountain Coffee. Take it from the Spring Break pros at STS; there is NOTHING that compares to waking up to a cup of this stuff to snap you back in action. (Spring Break Tip #1: Coffee can cure a pounding headache. The caffeine inside that delicious cup is what’s used in Excedrin.) Back to the coffee, it is a major export of Jamaica’s that travels all the way to Japan! So, soak it up while you are here because that college budget back home cannot afford it. Better yet, bring some home for your folks.

After that morning cup of joe, you are welcome to join the STS crew at one of the restaurants that is featured in your meal plan. Breakfast is generally American fare at either Kuyaba, Shields or Margaritaville. Here, you will be able to meet up with other Spring Breakers from 9 am to 12 pm to relive the previous night’s endeavors. Eat up! You are going to need lots of energy for the activities ahead of you.

STS also offers the Hangover Helper at Jamaica Tamboo from 10 to 11 am for all STS travelers. Free rum punch will certainly snap you back into action. Hair of the dog, anyone?

Now, what will you do for the rest of your day? Well, the possibilities are endless. One of the most simple, yet satisfying things to do in Jamaica is to lay on the beach and soak up the sun. (Spring Break Tip #2: Before you take on your day, remember the sunblock! The sun’s rays are very strong in the Caribbean and you will regret it if you do not slather this stuff on. Listen to your mother! ) There is a white sand beach in Negril that stretches seven-miles. Stare out into the clear blue water and enjoy a cocktail or take a walk down the beach. This is an experience all in its own. Take a look at the culture that surrounds you. The open-air bars, shops and the smiles on the locals’ faces will certainly make you feel irie (Jamaican slang for worry free).

The vendors who walk around on the beach add to your experience. They may sell you some local fruit or offer to braid your hair, but don’t feel threatened; they will generally be just as happy to hang out and chat. This fun atmosphere is what makes the people so care free.

One great thing about Jamaica’s less intense law system is that there is no “open container” law. Partiers can walk around and sip their beers or rum punches without harassment from law enforcement. However, contradictory to popular belief, certain other substances are NOT legal. Yes, marijuana is plentiful here and somewhat accepted, but trust me, you do not want to end up in the prison system. If you plan to partake, be discreet and you will not have any problems.

When walking along the beach, stop in some of the local bars and shops. You will be surprised at how far the US dollar goes here. The exchange rate will get you a nice Red Stripe for about a buck if you find a good spot. The shopping in Jamaica tends to come with less inflation than other Spring Break destinations. The majority of items are not overpriced just for the week. Take full advantage to bring back memorabilia.

Very Happy Hour

STS knows and offers the best spots for partying. We will be rounding up your fellow Spring Breakers for many different occasions throughout the week, whether they are trips to Dunn River Falls or the Booz Cruise. We are here to ensure you have the best trip of your life!

Your afternoons will be filled with free flowing alcohol if you sign up for the VIP Party Package that STS offers. Each afternoon, the crew will meet up at Jamaica Tamboo in Negril or the Groovy Grouper in Montego Bay to pour plentiful drinks from noon to 4 pm. During this extreme happy hour, experience “College in Jamaica” with beer pong, cornhole, flip cup, chugging contests, DJs spinning hot tracks, wet T-shirt contests, and more.

Happy hour is held at Jamaica Tamboo each day at from 5 to 6 pm and 2 hours of free drinks will be served at Margaritaville for all STS travelers. If you truly want the hook up and VIP treatment, come party with us.
With this exclusive pass, you will be invited to join our Booze Cruise, the hottest catamaran ride in Jamaica. Party goers can sip a rum punch made from Appleton Rum, the Jamaican brewed rum, while they cruise up the coast of Negril before stopping to party at Rick’s Café. With a little liquid courage, you can take the jump off a 50 foot cliff and jump straight into the Caribbean. The locals tend to get in on the action, performing stunts jumping off of trees reaching almost 80 feet and landing in the crystal blue water. Live reggae bands play soothing sounds while you network with college kids from all over the country. This is a great time to meet others and make connections. You will be living it up with this group all week.

At Your Resort

There are tons of cool things to do, right from the comfort of your temporary home base. Most resorts feature a pool, a beach and daily activities to entertain you. Non-motorized water sports are pretty much a given and are standard across the board. Kayaking, canoeing, and snorkeling near the reefs are great. To kick it up a little, most resorts offer jet skiing, parasailing and scuba diving for just a little bit more. Other activities you can find around the island include horseback riding, swimming with dolphins, ATV riding, and zip line tours. Ask your activity director or STS rep how you can get in on the action.

Excursions

STS offers great trips to add to your spring break vacation so that you can get the full experience. In Negril, guests can venture out on a snorkeling cruise where we will sail to Bloody Bay and party on a private beach. The price includes unlimited beverages and a snack to picnic on the white sand beach.

Also in Negril, The Sunset Party Cruise, is a great way to enjoy the sea and watch a beautiful sunset; a must in Jamaica. When the sun goes down, the view is incredible. The highlight of each day is watching the day turn to night as the sun sets over the Caribbean Sea. It is truly remarkable. The Sunset Party Cruise kicks off with unlimited beverages, where we will cruise to Negril’s scenic cliffs. Jump right off with a little liquid courage!

For those who want to see an untouched side of Jamaica, the Y’s Falls trip that leaves from Negril is a site to behold. This spot offers swimming and scenery with the best rope swing in Jamaica! Bring your camera because you will want to show pictures of the falls to everyone back home.

If you will be visiting Montego Bay, the Dunn’s River Falls trip is a great way to see this side of the island’s beautiful landscape. Climb all the way to the top and remember to take photos! Afterwards, we will go to Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville and the legendary Bob Marley Museum.

If you are worried about missing out on Negril while in Montego Bay, we have got you covered. We plan a day trip to Negril for a beach party so that you are not left out. Party on the beach once you get there with reggae bands, free flowing drinks and many contests to be won. We then endeavor to Rick’s Café for some grub, music and cliff diving.

The snorkeling cruise in Montego Bay takes you on a three hour cruise aboard the Tropical Dreamer to see beautiful reefs, tropical fish and soak up the sun. Again, drinks will be flowing and reggae music blaring. Don’t miss out!

For a full list of activities, be sure to get with your STS rep. They know what they are talking about and will give you the full scoop.

Dinner Time!

Don’t forget to eat dinner at some point! Because you have the free meal plan, you will be hooked up with the most authentic cuisine around, if you choose, or enjoy American favorites like french fries and macaroni and cheese. (Spring Break Tip #3- Drink the water! The water in Jamaica will not make you sick as assumed in other vacation spots. Hangovers are caused by dehydration, so drink water in between those Mai Tai’s to avoid wasting the day in your hotel room with your head in the toilet.) The spot to eat will vary each night, so be sure to check the roster and join your fellow party animals to break bread.

Nightlife

Each evening, STS hosts VIP theme parties within walking (stumbling) distance of your sleeping quarters. Enjoy open bar with music and contests and people who are there for the same reason you are; to party. With the VIP pass, STS will also get you free VIP in the nightclubs where the party happens each night. Party until 3 am at Risky Business, the Jungle and Margaritaville without paying a dime (except for tips, of course.) The best part? No dress code. Dress up or down, Jamaica’s attitude towards how you look is as laid back as the island. Show up to the club in a swim suit if you want! No shirt? No shoes? No problem… or dress to impress!

If you are looking for a more relaxed alternative to the bump and grind, join us at the bonfire on the beach. It is certainly an experience you will not soon forget. The cool breeze of the beach and crackling of the fire will renew your soul.

STS hosts a concert series each Spring Break called Jam Fest. If you are signed up for the VIP package, you will be ready to rock with the reggae bands of Jamaica. Previous guests include Shaggy and Sean Paul. If you want a taste of the real sounds of Jamaica, you need to be here.

Ready to dance? Each night club offers its own unique atmosphere. If you are a part of our VIP package, it’s pretty much open bar. Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville is a great place to start. The large flat screen TVs will help you catch up on the NCAA tournament you have been missing out on. Enjoy a margarita with your fellow partiers in Montego Bay and slide down the massive two-story slide straight into the Caribbean. In Negril, the Margaritaville provides trampolines in the water. This is a college kid’s Disneyland. On Tuesday of your Spring Break, the VIP Mardi Gras party kicks off. Mardi Gras in Jamaica for Spring Break- need I say more? Other Montego Bay Margaritaville parties include Naughty Nighty Night (bring your hottest PJs), Midnight Madness and Jamaica Night. In Negril, the VIP Foam Hook-up Night will surely be a night to remember.

The Jungle in Negril is a popular after hours bar where you can party til 6 am. As a general rule, the bars in Jamaica close when the last person leaves. If you can see over the bar, you can order a drink. Here, you will experience two floors of dancing to the hottest Jamaican dancehall and reggae sounds. With VIP access, you can party like a rock star.

Risky Business, also in Negril, is an open air large bar/ club where you can party and dance all night while soaking up the cool breeze. Located on the 7 mile beach, you are in the center of the nightlife and still close to the surf and sand. With VIP parties throughout the week, you will definitely be stopping through this joint.

Late Night

Before stumbling back to your room to get some shut eye, STS highly recommends soaking up that alcohol with some of the local favorites. Unlike other spring break destinations, Jamaica keeps it real. You will not find Americanized food here, unless you are on the resort. The stands that are open late out in the streets are the best spot to find authentic jerk and vibe with the locals.

Are you ready for your crash course on the food? Here we go. Jerk is the most famous of all Jamaican dishes and you may have had some knock off jerk in the states. Jerk refers to the seasoning used on chicken, pork, fish, etc. It is pretty much allspice (which they call pimento) and scotch bonnet peppers (spicy!) with cloves, scallions, cinnamon, thyme, nutmeg, garlic, salt and pepper. Delicious.

Curry is another popular dish here. You have probably had it in the states. Try the goat! These dishes are generally served with rice and peas (not real peas, they are beans). Anything “festival” style is deep fried and for something quick, grab a patty. Nope, it isn’t a burger, it’s a sort of turnover filled with beef, usually. They are quick, easy to carry and eat, and taste great with a Red Stripe.

Outro

So, now that you have a clear view of what to expect, what will you look back on at the end of your trip? We suggest blogging about your travels and taking lots of pictures to document your experience. You can look back on years to come, show your friends and family (the edited version, of course) and stay connected with fellow STS travelers. Remember, what happens in Jamaica stays in Jamaica.

To get you in the mood, we have posted a playlist to get you pumped. So book your trip and get ready for the time of your life. One love.

STS’s Official Spring Break Playlist:

Love Dem by Vybez Kartel

So Special by Movado

I Feel Free by Ricky Blaze

Call On Me by Jah Cure

Blind To You Haters by Collie Buddz

All Night by Damien Marley

Stir It Up by Bob Marley

Three Little Birds by Bob Marley

Night Shift by Busy Signal

Life Is A Journey by Buju Banton