See ... Touch ... Taste ... Drive ...
YOU HAVE permission to take these four words literally, as Island Routes delivers on its promise of a truely authentic Jamaican experience behind the wheels of a Mini Cooper.
Two weeks ago, I was privy to this authenticity as I joined a few ‘real visitors’ from Canada, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States – Jamaica’s three largest source markets – and a contingent of journalists on what was tagged ‘Mini-Routes Negril Tour’.
The invitation was bold, commandeering us to “grab the wheel of your very own Mini Cooper and journey with us as we head out on an adventure to Jamaica’s beautiful west coast”.
Not only is Island Routes showcasing the impact of tourism on local communities and families, while providing guests with opportunities to meet and engage with locals, but it is allowing that important linkages that the country’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett speaks about every opportunity he gets.
“It is giving locals the opportunities to not only earn foreign exchange, but to become actively involved in tourism and the guest experience,” said Island Routes’ vice-president of sales, David Shields.
Sustainable tourism development is exactly what Island Routes has embarked on and this is evidenced by the trickledown effects on individuals, families and communities.
“The linkages effect is tremendous and cannot be denied, and nowhere is this better highlighted than on the MiniRoutes tour,” added Shields.
TAKING ADVENTURE INTO OUR OWN HANDS
Following the lead of our expert guide, our first stop was at a local coconut vendor, Adrian Hemmings, at ‘Cold Beer Joint’ in Point, Hanover.
This rustic stop is about 40 minutes from Montego Bay, and 10 minutes from the capital, Lucea. Hemmings has had her joint for the last 21 years. She specialises in art and craft and, of course, cold beers.
A drive through the historic town of Lucea, before arriving Negril, Jamaica’s ‘capital of casual’, for a delicious lunch at Margaritaville, located on the famous Seven Mile Beach.
After lunch and some beach time, of course, the next stop was the iconic Negril Light House at Jamaica’s westernmost point for a breathtaking view and scenic photo-opportunity as well as meet and greet with the Lighthouse keeper.
And if you think the Light House is iconic, be prepared for a one-of-a-kind tour, which sees you savouring the legendary Ricks Café, voted one of the world’s best beach bars and known for the thrill-seeking cliff divers.
On the return trip to Montego Bay, the final stop allows the taste buds to rejoice at an authentic jerk shack for a quick but interactive cooking demonstration with Chef Clifton Gordon at Mosquito Cove in Hanover.
The non-Jamaicans on the tour were in awe and the look of pride was evident on the faces of those born on the island.
“It’s better than a bus tour,” declared Amy Cavanaugh of Delaware, USA. She and her husband are planning on taking a road trip to Canada soon and feels Mini-Routes has set them in motion.
Although not accustomed to driving on the left, she described the tour as a one-of-akind trip that compares to nothing else in the years that she has been travelling.
“The authenticity of the experience is what I will remember for years to come,” she noted.
Like Cavanaugh, Mark and Nancy Wong, visiting from the UK, were simply smitten by the comfort of the Mini Cooper.
“We wanted to get out of the hotel and see more of Jamaica, while getting a better understanding of the culture,” said the couple.
They both like the self-driving and felt that Rick’s Caféwas among the best attraction they have visited on the island.
“We would have wanted to stay there longer, stopped by a local market or in one of the villages and see more of the local life,” they expressed.
The start
Mini-Routes were introduced to Jamaica in March and is said to be the first of its kind in the island.
The routes take visitors from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios, and
from Montego Bay to Negril.
Island Routes has also confirmed in a media release that it will be creating a whole series of Revolving Routes that criss-cross Jamaica, ensuring that whether you’re a seasoned islander or a first timer, there will be a new path to discover.
The fleet of Minis feature a range of models ensuring there is something to suit every group; this will include convertibles for the sunlovers, two-door models, for couples, and four-door vehicles for families.
The company’s chief executive officer, Adam Stewart, gave his version of living on an island.
“I’ve had the distinct privilege of living the ‘island life’, and it’s something I truly value, so it’s very satisfying for my team and I to be able to share our island and home region with the world,” he commented.
He added that while everyone knows that millennials are big on experience, Island Routes has not forgotten about the boomers, “so we’re constantly looking for ways to engage all ages and offer experiences that everyone will love and want to shout about. I’m confident that in 2017 we will continue to deliver on the experience and continue to outperform in our segment through our superior technology, our exceptional team and the quality of our product offering.”
On the Ocho Rios route, guests can expect to drive through important towns, visit local food spots for some real Jamaican cuisine, see beautiful waterfalls and get to grips with some the island’s incredible history.
It is not every day that you get to see, touch, taste and drive ... in a Mini Cooper.