Waffles taste better with coconut on top
Pineapples in Jamaica are white, not yellow
Matt and I have totally different palates in the morning. He’s been trying all the meat stews and vegetables. Along with about 4 cups of coffee. [Although note to self: those plantains in the back would be awesome over oatmeal!]
Having trees on the beach is a lifesaver when it comes to shade. We are shade people.
Some of us think sitting in the shade means skipping SFP 50. Not in the tropics!
Produce is beautiful
The bananas here are tiny!!
Everywhere you look there is a vita-mix blending up tropical fruit!!
Lunch at the vegetarian [plus fish] hut was SO fresh!
Vegetable juice made in the vita-mix [cucumber, celery, carry, papaya] worked really well (tasted a bit like gazpacho). Tropical fruit for him, plus beer, from a self-serve tap, per usual
These sweet potato chips with black bean hummus and pumpkin jalapeno cheese dip were the best thing I’ve had yet. Must get more!!
Matt will drink beers he claims he doesn’t like rather than not drink beer at all
Picking out tiny red onions is tedious but worth it to eat sweet potatoes, which are yellow instead of orange here [perhaps this is the whole sweet potato vs. yam debate!?]
Fish tacos are delicious!
Every meal should end with a dripping ice cream cone
Our one big complaint with the resort is all the open smoking. At the pool, in some of the restaurants, and our room neighbors who smoke when they wake up so we can’t open our balcony door to breathe in the sea breezes : (
So we escaped to fresher air on a big boat!
I now know why Mary Poppins likes Rum Punch
Jamaica is beautiful
Hammocks should be in everything
Sailboats sail faster when sails are big [alluding to unsuccessful sunfish trips]
A lot of the shoreline here is deserted. I’m wondering if a major hurricane was to blame?
Nothin but sky and water
I was SO BRAVE and swam in this water and INTO that pirate’s cave! But I was scared the whole time.
Sunsets are sweeter when water is on the horizon
Cocktail hour will always be my favorite time of day
There are no clocks anywhere though, so it’s hard to know what time of day it is! Perhaps that’s a good thing?
We went to the ‘fancy’ restaurant last night that requires reservations. Boy was it good! We’ve been impressed with the food here, but not all of the dining atmospheres and experiences. But this one was just like a regular fancy restaurant.
Matt found an upgraded beer – Guinness
I found hot buttered rolls!
Forget the sweet potato chips, THIS was the best thing I’ve eaten so far. Curried Crab Cake with Pumpkin Chutney and an herb sauce
Smoothie in a bowl!!! Carrot Gazpacho with almonds and cinnamon foam! I want all the dishware here for my house.
Salads could be larger here, but then again, I’m eating plenty of food so it’s probably a good thing I don’t fill up on greens. I’m just used to eating a lot at once so it’s hard not to feel disappointed.
Snapper has become one of my new favorite fish. The Jamaican chefs sure know how to cook it well.
Matt’s Lion Fish…El Leon Fish! ….was also great. We need to cook more fresh fish at home.
Desserts are ALWAYS more fun in multiples and small bites. And the toasted almond ice cream on the back left was perhaps the best ice cream I’ve ever had!
Lady Gaga’s music is really beautiful played out of steel drums
And everything is more romantic by a bonfire!
Allie@LiveLaughEat says
Matt is like Peter, meat and savory stuff for dessert. I reach for the sweet stuff for breakfast. Your vacay looks like a dream. It’s getting cold here in VA and I’d do anything to be in a bikini under the sun!
Rebecca @ Naturally Healthy and Gorgeous says
So jealous of all your fresh produce!
jenna says
oh my word…these photos are gorgeous!! and all the fresh food makes me want to book my trip to Jamaica. i can’t believe you swam into the cave! scary but cool 😉
kristen @ verbs and vignettes says
seconded! it’s awesome that you did it even though you were scared. when will you ever get the chance again?! 🙂
lauren @ the talking kitchen says
so that’s what a vacation looks like.
hope you are having a much fun as it looks.
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes says
Now I need a hammock and a sailboat! Haha looks amazing 🙂
Fran@ Broken Cookies Don't Count says
The fresh produce looks wonderful. One good reason to live in the tropics!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
Those snorkel/swim caves always look so beautiful but I’m with you, they scare the heck out of me! I’m living vicariously through you on this vacation…gorgeous pictures!
Kori says
I’ve never thought much about visiting and vacationing in Jamaica, but now I know that’s on my list for sure! Your trip looks like a dream, and I’m so glad that you and Matt are getting some much needed R & R!
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning says
I feel like I’m going to have to carbon-copy this vacation. Greg and I are not “beach people” at all- we always vacation to the mountains. But looking at all of your photos makes me change my mind- I want to go to the tropics!
Looking forward to seeing your next post! 🙂
Molly @ RDexposed says
It’s sad when Guiness is the upgrade. Hope Matt is coping. 😉
Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) says
I would kill to be on a vacation with no clocks and no sense of time. Enjoy every moment! The sweet potato chips with black bean hummus sounds amazing. Your photos are beautiful. Love the water shots!
Amanda says
Your photos are beautiful! You are inspiring me to plan a similar vacation. My husband and I typically take one vacation per year, but in the past we’ve only visited big cities and done tons of walking. I’d love to plan one somewhere tropical and just hang out on the beach.
Good for you for swimming into that cave! I would have been too freaked out to do that.
Susan H. @ The Food Allergy Chronicles says
Yummy food…beautiful weather…the sun…the water…fresh air…with the one you love…what more could you ask for!
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
wow this is an epic post! This bad boy took you more than 3 mins to post…thank you for taking the time to do it 🙂
So much to say..yes Caribbean bananas are tiny, or maybe the ones in the US that we normally get are just GMO’ed and we’re used to huge ones. And the white pineapple..Aruba has white asparagus, too. I had never seen that til I was there.
And yes, open smoking is so common when traveling. Heck, every time I am in the Atlanta airport I forget there is smoking indoors in the smoking lounges til I walk by them.
And you look great, recharged, love the dress, so happy that you two are having a ball and soaking it all in!
Elisabeth says
Beautiful pictures! I’m usually a city vacationer, but those ocean views sure make me want to plan a tropical vacation stat (especially since I’m wearing a scarf, gloves & winter coat these days…) 🙂 By the way, you’ve been wearing some majorly cute bikinis & dresses!
Melissa @ HerGreenLife says
Your trip reminds me of our honeymoon at an eco-resort on the Riviera Maya. We also saw some abandoned resorts that we assume were hurricane damaged.
Bummer about all the smoking 🙁 That was my biggest complaint on our trip to Europe recently — there, the restaurants were smoke-free, but I couldn’t walk down the streets without getting a lungful of smoke, and despite our careful checking on smoking policy at the B&Bs we booked, 3 out of th5 definitely had some level of smoking going on inside, often by the owners themselves!
Alana says
Hacienda Tres Rios ?
Meaghan O'Connor (My Spoonful of Inspiration) says
Looks like you are having an incredible trip- I am beyond jealous 🙂 Enjoy, kick back and let yourself relax!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Pumpkin jalapeno cheese dip? Pumpkin chutney? Those sound incredible. I need to try to make some chutney!
Kinder says
Wow. Once you get home, will you please name the resort you went to – I feel like I must go! It looks like heaven!
Kinley @ Better Off Barefoot says
This place looks very beautiful! And the colors are just someting different then what I’ve seen even on beaches in the US!
Jess says
Looks like you guys are having a great trip!
Janine @ThePurpleGiraffe says
Wow, looks like you guys are having an incredible time! Your dress is so adorable, where did you get it?! I love it. All of the food and produce looks amazing, I am so jealous. I’m ready for a vacation… guess I have to wait though…147 days til our Cruise, but who’s counting?!
kathleen @ the daily crumb says
oh my gosh… epic post! what beautiful pictures. and that ice cream cone is scrumptious looking.
Kaila @healthyhelperblog! says
EVERYTHING LOOKS SO FRESH AND DELICIOUS! I Love resort food! YUM!
denise says
Seriously this post was one of your best. You seem so happy and relaxed! The food looks amazing! So glad you guys are taking time off! ENJOY!
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
wow, GORGEOUS photos of the scenery and food!
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
Swimming into a pirate’s cave! Too cool, Kath! 🙂
The sunshine, the food, the color of things (yellow sweet potatoes and white pineapple!), the beautiful produce, the yummy drinks, no clocks – AMAZING!
Krissy @ Shiawase Life says
Love the pics! I have to say, the only thing I didn’t like about NYC this weekend was all the people walking around smoking too! Boo to rude smokers…
Emily says
I LOVE your dress! I think it fits the island mood of jamaica for sure!
Kelsey says
whoa mama! this trip just keeps getting better + better! I want to see your suite!
Heather H @ Run Eat Play says
All your pictures are beautiful and the food looks amazing!
Lynn @ the actor's diet says
Always wondered what rrrrum punch tastes like! And lime cordial too.
Karen says
What a super fun travel log w/ awesome photos, Kath! Glad to see you guys looking so chill and enjoying the local cuisine. I haven’t been to Jamaica since back in the day when I was a teenager, so it’s fun to revisit through your eyes.
(I feel you on the smoking thing, and if you ever figure out the whole sweet potato vs. yam mess..)
Have Fun!
CaitlinHTP says
I seriously want to be on your vacation.
SkinnyRunner says
me too.
i second cocktail hour being the best hour, ok hours, of the day.
Anne P says
Ditto.
Kerin says
That’s hilarious about the Mary Poppins thing. I always wondered where they drink rum punch …
Enjoy your time, it looks incredible.
Mom says
I was very pleased Kath quoted Mary Poppins!
Khushboo says
Let’s trade places! The sweet potatoes in Mumbai are White, and hence don’t photograph as well!
Becca says
Thank you for posting about your vacation, Kath. I initially thought you weren’t going to blog this week as it is your first real vacation since your honeymoon, but I am thankful that you are still posting! I was smiling from ear to ear as a perused your beautiful vacation snap shots; such a fun post. I am enjoying the Jamaican sun all the way from my Canadian laptop.
sarah says
I am loving all the pictures from your trip….Im curious…what is the name of the resort you are staying at? I love that they have so many healhty options 🙂
Andrea @FrSeed2Stomach says
I second Sarah! I’m dying to know where you’re staying!!!
Jenny says
Ahhh…Couples swept away….my husband & I went there for our honeymoon…so lovely!
Be sure to check out the fitness area….amazing smoothie bar…free yoga and free tennis lessons!
Have fun 🙂
Theresa says
haha Jenny I totally was looking at this post thinking…that Vita Mix and veggie only station TOTALLY is a Couples. haha. If anyone wants to go I’ll book you! I’m a travel agent haha.
Cait's Plate says
Those sweet potato chips look UNREAL! I love how fresh and vibrant all the food looks. I remember thinking the same thing way back when when Cristin from Eat Like Me went to Jamaica on her honeymoon. I definitely need to look into a trip there!
Maria @ Sinfully Nutritious says
Thanks so much for posting all these great pics while on vacation. We all are sharing in your glorious holiday.
Hop you enjoy another great day…be sure to keep posting…we love it!
Kira says
This is totally taking me back to our honeymoon in the Dominican Republic. So relaxing and so much delicious food and drink! I love well-prepared fish and am totally craving that snapper now.
Sarah says
I’m becoming a broken record – but what a gorgeous trip! I’m sorry to hear about the opening smoking, my in-laws have ran into similar problems on cruises in the past, where they pay to have a balcony room…and then their neighbors are smokers. Blech!
PS – great outfits on the trip, very beachy and cute!
Jen says
Is it typical of resorts to allow public smoking so freely? That would be a turn-off for me 🙁
katie @KatieDid says
I love that there are no clocks- you’re on island time! Sounds like you two are living it up and having a fantastic vacation!
Hilliary @Happily Ever Healthy says
These are beautiful pictures. I love Jamaica I have been there 5 times with the Butler Intercollegiate YMCA on mission trips. That country holds a special place in my heart, and seeing your pictures makes me want to go back right now!
Katie says
My husband is the same way about beer! Better crappy beer than no beer at all in his book. 🙂
Kel@thekelshow says
You are both looking happy and healthy!
Enjoy!
Jessica says
Every day I read these vacation posts and I let out a little sigh of content. I love the ocean and the photos you’ve been taking are absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for sharing!
Mary says
I wish I was there!
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
That place seriously looks like paradise! Except for the smoking – blech! I hate it when people smoke around me.
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
I love it when there is no need for a clock. those are the best days.
Susy says
We went to Jamaica last December for our 13 year anniversary. It was paradise! I loved having such a nice gym and wonderful restaurants at our resort. Glad you are enjoying your trip.
Hannah @ eat, drink, and save money says
If you like fish try the ackee and saltfish. It is their traditional breakfast. It looks like scrambled eggs and meat, but tastes way different. I personally don’t like it because I don’t like dried fish, but since you and Matt are adventurous eaters you might like it! The pictures are great, thanks for the updates!
Kristin @ FoodFash says
I love IMG_9151, so beautiful and frame-worthy!!
Marie@feedingfive says
I go for the sweet over savory breakfast’ as well, and I buy sunblock in bulk, but you can find me in the shade nevertheless.
All your food looks absolutely scrumptious, as well as the scenery. Glad you’re enjoying yourselves.
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
Yum! I love fish tacos. It’s my favorite thing to eat while beachin’ it. Enjoy the rest of your trip.
Stacy @ Say It With Sprinkles says
Bonfires are awesome! And I’m so jealous that all the bars there have a Vitamix blender! haha =)
Ellie@Fit for the Soul says
Wowieeee it’s seriously beautiful there! Thanks for sharing b/c through these kinds of posts, I always get inspiration or at least I get to vicariously lounge in nature 😀
Kerry says
It looks amazing – have a fantastic time! I have to say I agree with you a trillion percent on the smoking – If I were in charge it would be banned on planet earth! Not pleasent for you on your lovely holiday.
Lauren @ Sassy Molassy says
Oh my, your trip looks amazing, Kath and Matt! White sands and blue seas and bathing suits all day long. Sounds like the perfect vacation.
Lea @ Healthy Coconut says
I swam into a cave by the water during our honeymoon in the Philippines. I was scared the whole time but once I was out, I realized it was a lot of fun too.
Tina says
Hi Kath!
This is my first comment, but I have been reading (and loving) your blog for several months! I wanted to tell you that my friend has those dishes that you love from the restaurant, and I think they are Calvin Klein? The pattern is called Dune and she got them at Macy’s.
Hope you have a great trip!
Emily says
Oh my goodness, Kath, that looks like p.a.r.a.d.i.s.e. I don’t have to tell you to savor every moment, do I?!! And I love the idea of life without clocks – I could do with a bit of that now and then…
The food (actually, EVERYTHING) looks fantastic. So jealous! I’ll have to make my way down there someday.
Jen@FoodFamilyFitness says
Your trip looks amazing!!!
Leslie says
Ahhh, Feathers, SeaGrapes, Patois Patio, The Palms, The Martini Bar! Can’t wait to go back. Have you eaten at Lemon Grass yet? It is so good….Also, don’t miss the Banana stuffed french toast at Patois Patio and do you not love the sweet potato chips and spicy hummus dip at Sea Grapes? I trust you have had a hummingbird? If you are really brave, try the Bob Marley- multi layered, Jamaica colored shot. So fun. Looks like the beach has gotten smaller…oh well. Cannot wait til April! Have fun and DO NOT miss Ultimate Chocolate at the piano bar and go early enough to get a spot at the piano….love him. Tell him the Memphis Crew says hello! We are the ones that make him sing “Strokin” LOL.
jcangrl says
I’m a lurker, but a Jcan lurker. So nice to see my homeland so well represented! Am very surprised at the quality of the food- usually the resort foods are mass produced, and not necessarily on the pretty side, but you’ve done a great job selecting (also surprised at the portions ;o). Anyhow, enjoy the rest of the trip. If you’re in Negril, be sure to go to Rick’s.
JeNn says
Ricks!!!! Did you go and jump!?
Lena @Fit on the Rocks says
I love eating my way through a new destination, especially abroad! I hope the rest of your trip is as amazing 🙂
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
Glad to see you guys are having such a good time! 🙂
Kavi @ Lab to Fab! says
Wow! This looks like the best vacation ever! Next time take us with you 😉
Kimmy says
We got married on the island and we are going back in July for our 5 year anniversary. I’m so glad you chose there!
Ashley J says
Rum Punch! When we were in St. Lucia this past April, we drank so much of it! Love it!
Katelyn says
Kath, I am loving your blogs from Jamaica and all of your gorgeous pictures! I can just feel the joy and relaxation when reading your posts. 🙂 Definitely living vicariously through you right now! It looks like you’re having a wonderful time. Which resort did you stay at if you don’t mind me asking? Their food and drinks look amazing!
Nancy says
Oh, I am loving your photos Kath! Enjoying CSA vicariously – thank you for sharing!
Gillian says
You look so radiant and beautiful! You two deserve a nice break! And I am with you on cocktail hour.
Kelly @ Foodie Fiasco says
Seems like a very blogger friendly resort! Happy holiday!
Jamie @ Don't Forget the Cinnamon says
All your pictures are so gorgeous!! And those crab cakes sound FANTASTIC!!
Lisa (bakebikeblog) says
My oh my – everything looks so wonderful!
Superfood Sisters says
Wow those sweet potato chips look so good!!
Krystle says
If that cave is the cave I’m thinking it is (which I’m pretty sure it is), I went in there after a booze cruise. Not a smart idea as I left the cave with cuts all over my hands. Ahhh! Such dumb things a 21 year old girl will do (don’t worry – its been seven years since then. I’ve smarted up). Miss Jamaica, such a gorgeous place!
Lexi @ A Spoonful of Sunshine says
I know some resort food can be kinda “meh,” but the food at this resort looks amazing! So much fresh produce 🙂
Jennifer says
It looks like you two are having such a great time. Good for you to go and swim in the pirate’s cave. I would have been scared, too, but you can now look back and be glad you did it.
That’s a shame that it’s all open smoking, especially when it comes to your room. That’s a bummer. At least you can get fresh air most every other place.
Oh, and toasted almond ice cream??? Sounds divine. 🙂
Christine @ Oatmeal in my Bowl says
Fantastic!
Bummed about the open smoking. They should have designated rooms and areas for that kind of bad behavior.
But the food, the produce… so awesome! I am jealous. But am glad you are having kudos of fun!
Angel7 says
It is like you are in the comfort of your own home with Vita-Mix blenders everywhere — great veggie smoothies at your discretion 🙂
Pumpkin jalapeno cheese dip sounds right up your alley, since it has your fave ingredient in it 🙂 I think it would be great as well!
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
Jolene says
I honeymooned in Jamaica 15 years ago in Ocho Rios. Not sure what part of the Island you are on, but if you are near Duns River Falls, it really is worth the jaunt off of the resort…it’s the only time we left the comfort of our resort for the full week we were there and had a great time. Oh and we did a snorkel sail…but I was too chicken to get in after I decided I have an incredible NEED to breathe through my nose…who knew???
Sarah (I Dream of Beets) says
Waah, I want to take a romantic beach vacation!
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
That food looks totally GORgeous!!
Emily says
Love your dress. Did you get it at Target?
We also planned to hit up Jamaica this winter, but couldn’t get our act together in time. Keep the dreamy pics coming 🙂
HeatherBakes says
This is so fun to read because I’m 99% sure that where you’re staying is where we went on our honeymoon (almost 7 years ago- ahh!!). Looks like you’re having a great time!! Enjoy it 🙂
Heather says
absolutely beautiful! I LOVE the tropics! so so beautiful and I love the beach. Looks like you are having a great time!
Ashley @ Coffee, Cake and Cardio says
What a trip! I’m so glad y’all have had fun. Pumpkin jalapeño cheese? Awesome!
Gigi says
those ‘small’ bananas aren’t bananas. We call them figs in my part of the world. They are of the banana family in much the same way plantains are
Michaela says
I love your Jamaica posts. Make me feel like I am there 😉
Allison says
Thanks for sharing! Sinking my toes into sand sounds much nicer than sinking them into fuzzy socks 😛 Beautiful scenery, delic looking eats, good company- sounds like an awesome escape!
P.S. Love your dress in front of the bar!
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
I keep adding things to my mental lists of foods that I MUST try! You guys are tasting so many yummy things, I love it!
jessica says
I am looking to book our 10 yr anniv. to this resort. what is the name of the trip you went on where you snorkled in a cave. was that included or an extra fee. would you recommend it?
KathEats says
It was free and part of the resort. Ask them when you get there : ) have fun!