James Carvetta

I’ve enjoyed many lovely trips over the years with Iberostar which is always such a perk of the role and in March of this year an opportunity presented itself kindly facilitated by our friends at the Jamaica Tourist Board to collaborate with Norse Atlantic Airlines.

To be honest, I didn’t know much about Norse until recently. They provide a low-cost long-haul service launching routes from London Gatwick to Montego Bay last year.

This very much fills part of the void that has been felt by the trade since the claps of Thomas Cook, something our industry has been crying out for ever since. Making this an ideal moment to highlight our 3 hotels in Jamaica and place them in the spotlight.

Flying on the 787 Dreamliner with Norse was a fantastic experience I was pleasantly surprised to find that one of our groups dietary requirements had been taken care of too. As we had booked so last minute I was concerned about that. I’m sure it’s something all group organisers worry about in the run up to a trip.

There were plenty of spare seats due to it being the airlines end of the season programme so our group had the opportunity to move around and get to know each other, that was a lovely. The crew added to the fun by jokingly assuming we were sent to review them. I ordered a round of drinks to our seats via the screen & selected a movie, we were on our way.

Our driver was quite the character. In no time at all he had music playing while he entertained us with insights into the different regions of Jamaica. Surprisingly, we learned that Manchester is the wettest… who’d of thought?

In around 15 minutes we arrived at the Iberostar Selection Rose Hall Suites and after sampling a few rum cocktails in the lobby bar terrace, we were growing hungry.

I suggested trying out the buffet although we could have opted for any of the 8 a la carte restaurants found within the resort since the hotel follows a first-come, first-served dining policy which is also implemented by Iberostar in Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

“It’s working really well as it removes no shows from the equation which means we can serve more guests in the restaurants they choose.”

Crystal Haughton Sales Executive at Iberostar Rose Hall Complex

My search for the Maranda Hill Buffet begins and I haven’t quite got my bearings at this point. It feels like I should know my way. I found what looked a lot like the Buffett restaurant but it was closed…

A friendly waiter informed me that ‘this evening dinner is being served on the beach’ my internal voice repeated a good old Manchester saying I’ve grown fond of ‘don’t threaten me with a good time’ but I thought the phrase might get lost in translation so I kept that to myself and with a smile on my face I made my way.

Finding the beach was easy the calming reggae beats guided the way. Treated to a full Jamaican BBQ with huge pans of rice n peas and lots of other local delicacies on display it smelt amazing with the added ocean breeze.

It had been a long day with travelling but right now in this moment it didn’t feel it.

to be continued…