Jamaica is well known for its hospitality and one of the most visible examples of this is the warm welcome we extend to thousands of visitors each year.
With six distinct areas – Negril, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, the South Coast, Port Antonio and Kingston – Jamaica has a diversity and variety that caters to all. Many of our visitors record firsts in their personal history books while vacationing here. First-time mountain climbing, first-time snorkeling or deep sea diving; first-time jetskiing or limbo dancing or go-cart racing. The spirit of adventure is somehow enhanced once you arrive.
There is so much that goes beyond the beautiful white sand beaches, the magnificent sunsets, the warm sunny days and cool breezy nights. And you will want to experience it all. The art, culture, history and music of Jamaica are all interwoven to make this a truly interesting and exciting destination.
We invite you to stay and enjoy it with us.
From North America and Canada you have Air Canada, Caribbean Air, American Airlines, Delta, Jet Blue, and United. Check on line or with you travel professional (these days you will need a valid passport).
From the UK and Europe Virgin Atlantic goes direct twice a week to Montego Bay from Gatwick : www.virgin-atlantic.com and British Airways flies from Heathrow: www.ba.com.
TUI also fly direct to Montego Bay from Gatwick TUI.co.uk check on line or with your Travel Agent for details.
If you want to self-drive, you will find most of the usual car hire firms operate in Jamaica. Cars can be booked before you arrive on the island. You must be at least 25 years of age, with a valid drivers licence and a major credit card. We often use Bargain Rent-A-Car www.bargainja.com (876 952 0762). Island is also good www.islandcarrentals.com (1-800 892 4581).
If you do not want to drive there is also a JUTA* mini bus service that is available privately to the house. You can hire these on an hourly, daily, or weekly basis. If you need a bus just tell the staff and they will organize the pick up for you. Payment arrangements for this service are made directly with your driver.
*JUTA is the official government approved & registered tourist mini bus service.
Fulltime minibus & driver US$900 per week plus tip (usually 15%). This is an anytime/anywhere service between Nigril, Mobayand Ocho Rios. Special rates applies outside of these locations.
Airport transfers only to & from Star Apple for up to 6 guests – US$80.00
Typical approximated round trip rates from Star Apple to:
Mobay (shopping /beach) – US$60
Tryall Club – US$40
Round Hill – US$30
Rose Hall/Half Moon – US$80
Ocho Rios (day trip) – US$130
Note: All rates are round trip and are for up to 6 guests (i.e. per trip, not per person). Private driver tips do not include gratuities for airport baggage handlers or porters,
All rates are approximated and negotiatable with your driver…
Always nice, even when it rains! 80’s and 90’s by day and 70’s by night.
Temperature variation between Winter to Summer is only about 10 degrees, so dress is casual and leave your expensive jewelry at home.
In winter a light sweater may be useful in the evenings.
Do take mosquito repellent! We like Cutter, but all the good brands are available locally.
We have four dedicated staff members at Star Apple (Michael, Steve, Viv, and Pansy) who have all been with us for years and instinctively know how to deliver the un-intrusive service and feel good factor that our guests return to year after year.
A Star Apple day starts early with Michael preparing the pool and sun deck/lounge area for the days activities.
At your request, coffee/tea and fruit can be available on the veranda for the early risers from 7am. Full breakfast is served when all our guests are ready, but usually around 9. After that the day is yours.
Pansy can handle grocery shopping on your behalf if required, but cooking is her thing. Her Jamaican cooking is legendary ! She will also pre-purchase your first few meals plus pantry staples, then if you wish, finish the week’s shopping after meeting with you to discuss your preferences. Many of our guests prefer doing the supermarket shopping themselves (including us !) but Pansy will always be at hand to accompany new visitors . A typical grocery budget for a week is US$400 approx. per adult .
At your request, our housekeeper will care for every service detail, from providing a supply of fresh linens and towels, Lighting candles and turning down your bed each evening…She’s also the go-to person if you require her laundry services.
Michael and Steve will maintain the pool and grounds immaculately each day,. He can also show you around the grounds and introduce you to our many tropical fruit trees… Wearing his “Butler Hat”, Michael will serve, tend the bar and generally facilitate your stay.
Available on requests are masseuses, nannies, babysitters and drivers.
Note: Staff gratuity is not included in the rates, it is however at your discretion We suggest 10-15% of your total stay cost.
Current is a curious mix of UK & US i.e. 110volts (US) but 50 cycles (UK) the wall plugs are the US type. We have adapters at the house, but take one with you (buy them at the airport).
We recommend World Talk Calling Cards, as we know they work. If you have roaming on your cell, then use that.
The cellular system in Jamaica operates on the TDMA network. So if your phone is TDMA compliant, and your carrier has a Roaming agreement in place with Cable & Wireless Mobile (Jamaica) or is one of these: Bell South, AT&T wireless, or Cingular Wireless, you’ll be ok.
UK Guests using O2, Vodafone,EE should also be ok, but check with your carrier before you travel.
You can also rent or buy a phone locally from any DIGICEL or FLOW store.
There is a high-speed Internet connection with WiFi access! We suggest you take an extension cable, a surge protector, and a laptop.
Jamaica has its own Dollar currency, but while on the island you’ll find the currency of choice is the US$, so take those with you. Last time we looked (May 2021) the rate was approx 1US$ to 154JM$.