Take a Luxurious Budget Weekend in Jamaica

We are all aware that economically times are tough but that doesn't mean that we still don't need (or desire) a vacation. So let's look at a weekend getaway to the Caribbean. Shorter stays equal less money and the Caribbean with its exotic atmosphere makes the journey worthwhile.

Jamaica is a good place to travel to as due to the many new hotels and resorts that have been built the owners are eager to entice new business and are offering bargain rates and packages. Any potential traveler will be amazed at the many travele deals are on offer throughout the island that are offering major value but without the major effect on the wallet.

Riu Hotels and Resorts

There are Riu Hotels and Resorts all over the island but the newest one to open its doors is the Hotel Riu Montego bay. Having opened in September 2008 this hotel revealed 450,000 sq. ft. of freeform swimming pools, restaurants, playgrounds and spa.

At the Hotel Riu there are four restaurants ranging from Asian to Italian, there is nightly entertainment ranging from gambling to the Pacha nightclub and there are opportunities to relax at the beach, by the pool or treat yourself to time in the Renova Spa.

One of the great benefits of choosing the Hotel Riu Montego Bay as a destination is that due to its location you can avoid lengthy and costly transfers from the airport. And you will also be in close proximity to some of the island's best attractions which include duty-free shopping, authentic 'jerk shack' restaurants and Chukka Caribbean Tours excursions like swimming with dolphins and riding horseback in the ocean.

Early 2009 discounts have knocked room rates down to as low as $169 pp.

Sandals Resorts

Sandals are famous for being a luxurious all-inclusive brand with high-quality spa treatments but 2009 will see them offering great deals on those same upscale accommodations. If you book a 3-night stay at anyone of the brand's 12 Caribbean resorts you can save as much as 55% off the rack rates.

Should you wish to stay for 7 nights you will receive 2 nights free.

Rates here will start at $193 pp per night

Holiday Inn's Sunspree

To be honest you will find no better value on a holiday deal where family travel is concerned than staying at a Holiday Inn Sunspree property.

Your vacation will be all-inclusive with kids under 12 staying with a paying adult will go free.

There is an expansive kids club with jungle gyms, face painting, arts and crafts and volleyball and basket ball courts. For the younger children there are guided activities like building sand castles.

And do not worry about space the resorts family sized suites include a master bedroom and separate spacious living area complete with a pull-out sofa bed which gives kids and parents their own space.

Rates here start at $231 per night dbl with the lowest rate of $189 being available from April 19 to June 25 and August 14 to Dec 22.

Sunset Beach Resort and Spa

This resort has recently been renovated and guests have seen the addition of two new restaurants- Pimento, a Caribbean fusion restaurant with a casual atmosphere; and La Bella Vita, serving up Italian cuisine with a 5-course menu.

The resorts existing restaurants have also been revamped and these are: the Asian Fusion Silk Road Restaurant, Banana Walk Buffet and Sunset beach Grill.

But it has to be said that one of the resorts most popular amenities is a classic and one of the islands most unique, The Pirate's Water Park.

The Pirate's Water Park is loved both by kids and adults and comprises two water slides, a 40ft high Pirate's Plank Bridge and the relaxing Blackbeard's Lazy River encircling it. While the kids run wild with splashing and sliding the adults can relax in a large Jacuzzi and for the teens they can play arcade games and pool next door at the Pirate's Cove Teen Center.

Rates here start at $260 per room per night

Air Jamaica

Thanks to Air Jamaica getting to your affordable weekend will be no problem. Air Jamaica provides over 300 non-stop flights a week from the U.S. and Canada complete with their famous 'champagne in the skies' complimentary service.

Better still between January 6 and March 31 those flights are deeply discounted.

Source: Recommend