Caribbean

We’re racing full tilt on high-powered ATVs through an 18th century sugar plantation high up in the lush mountains above Montego Bay in Jamaica. Man, these suckers can move. we stop beside a huge old iron waterwheel to learn about how sugar was processed. another time we yank big juicy oranges off of trees to eat in the shade. then we hop on rafts and float down a lazy river below leaning palm trees, and everyone breaks into Harry Belafonte.

Our DMC is Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours, which operates in Jamaica, The Bahamas, Antigua, St. Lucia and Turks & Caicos. This January, the company opened a new adventure basecamp at the newly restored Good Hope Great House built in 1755, about 40 minutes from Mo’ Bay. Groups upwards of 200 can come up here to ride ATVs and dune buggies, kayak and raft down the rivers, zipline over the rivers, and ride in horse drawn carriages.

Later, everyone gathered on the genteel estate grounds for a lunch of jerk chicken, lamb, rice and red beans. Then we wandered through the historic Georgian house filled with mule leather chaise lounges, mahogany “half moon” tables and lacy embroidered linens.

It’s these types of programs combining Caribbean culture, food and adventure that defines Island Routes.

“Island Routes seeks to represent the various nuances of Caribbean culture—it represents the passion of the Caribbean people,” says GM David Shields. “We take groups on an experience that one not often travels, an experience that leaves an indelible mark on each individual.”

The thing that really stood out during our afternoon in the Jamaica highlands was the pride of the guides, and their sense of purpose to make sure everyone had a great time and learned something in the process.

“The quality of the excursion speaks for itself but the real value is provided by the knowledge of the guides,” says Shields. “I cannot overstate how important our people are to the success of a tremendously motivating incentive event in the Caribbean.”

THE PALMYRA

We were on-island for the annual Caribbean Marketplace tradeshow in January—the inaugural event for the brand new, $51 million Montego Bay Convention Center, encompassing 215,000 sf of meeting and exhibit space just 15 minutes from Sangster International. This facility is now among the largest in the Caribbean, and it certainly has one of the best views.

Within the immediate vicinity, there are four stellar golf courses undulating up and down the rolling mountain foothills down into the Caribbean Sea. And right across the street on the beach, The Palmyra, A Solis Resort & Spa stands in stark contrast to anything else in Jamaica. The 300-unit resort is comprised of 1-, 2- and 3-suite accommodations with full kitchens, 13,000 sf of conference space, dozens of intriguing group venues, and the island’s only ESPA.

The residential design and decor, along with the location, create a refined ambience for exclusive group programs for up to 50 rooms, at present. A third tower is presently under construction, due for completion next year.

The moment you walk in, you feel like you’re visiting a local friend with a really nice beachfront apartment.

“We are the only condo hotel in Jamaica that not only offers beautiful upscale accommodations, but because all of our suites have kitchens we can create truly amazing experiences for groups,” says Dominique Peterkin, Director of Sales.

She explains that golf groups for example, will use a 3-bed suite as headquarters to meet and dine with a resort chef preparing meals insuite. Or, the ESPA facility with four spa villas are also designed for in-suite dining and spa parties. There’s also a wide range of terraces and lawns where planners can customize private events in a secluded setting.

“Or we can host 500 for a concert on the beach,” says Peterkin. “Or 40 for dinner in a gazebo right on the water.”