CARIBBEAN TRAVEL — HOSPITALITY

DAWN

My drive on interstate 77-N was smooth sailing because I left home before dawn to drive over an hour to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), but while singing along to my classic R & B playlist, I missed my exit and became enmeshed in the Queen City’s rush hour morning traffic. My mood shifted from ease to frustration because my destination offered tranquility and my friend would enjoy it without me, if I missed my flight. So, I got Jesus involved and began to pray with fire while navigating my car to the airport and then, through TSA where I ran into a fellow NC A&T Aggie and marching band member. “You’re not far at all from your gate. You won’t miss your flight, girl,” said Sara. I let out a long sigh of relief and thanked the Lord for sending Sara to reassure and comfort me. After a two and half hour flight and paying four dollars for a small tin can of chips, I arrived at Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay, Jamaica and I, along with my travel buddy, was whisked away by a cab driver to the Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort.

DOUBLE BEDS, NOT A KING

We pulled up to a secluded resort with an outdoor check-in process and were welcomed with pungent alcoholic beverages in the lobby. We experienced a hiccup because I booked the room on Priceline.com for two double beds, but the hotel provided a king size bed. After resolving the issue, we took a shuttle to a villa with a boutique styled room that opened up to two comfortable double beds, a jacuzzi, and separate seating area! Each bed was dressed with white linens, black and yellow accent pillows, and layered with a black and gray patterned throw blanket. The white jacuzzi tub and sink contrasted against the black marble countertops created a modern, but down to earth mood. We walked barefoot on matted, gray tile flooring that provided a coolness and stability throughout the room that would become an escape from the hot and humid Jamaican climate.

AMENITIES

Unlike most American hotels, our Lady Hamilton room was loaded with bottled water, beer, sodas, and island beverages that were restocked daily by very accomodating roomattendants. This inclusive resort offered us free and unlimited poolside alcoholic beverages to sip while we swam and danced to the DJ’s afrobeats and caribbean playlist. The resort also boasts eight onsite restaurants that offer a different global cuisine with Jamaican customer service. My friend and I agreed that the best food was the rice and peas, Jerk chicken, oxtails, and plantains, that were cooked on the grill by the beach. We ate it everyday! We also took advantage of wellness activities like Tai Chi, yoga, and weight lifting that were instructed by smooth talking and charismatic, physical trainers! Lastly, we ended our trip with double massages and laying in hammocks inhaling the Caribbean breeze and sunshine.

Annick Tyler resides in the southern region of the United States.