Ochi Rios Jamaica- What is it like?

[SizzleSquid]

Has anyone been there? Should I go there? What kind of things should I do? I want to get away from my life at the mo!

[flipflop104]

I wouldn't go there again. If your idea of fun is being pestered by beggars (some with differing numbers of limbs missing) then go by all means.

It's a beautiful place but the people are poor and it's sad.

You are advised not take photos because the people expect payment and they will also go to all sorts of lengths to money (sometimes putting their own lives at risk).

Those that aren't as poor (ie. working in shops/markets) are very pushy also. They won't let you leave until you have bought something and it can feel quite intimidating when you have said "no" 10 times and they're still pestering you and following you to make you buy their wares..

That's my experience anyway.

If you want somewhere nice to go try Aruba or, the old fave, Antigua.

I love Isla Margarita (Venezuela) as well - also a very poor place but the people were lovely and welcoming.

[nickmo]

Not the prettiest town. The harbour gets a load of cruise ships that seem to tower over the beaches, lots of high rise development as well. People are ok though. Depends on your own attitude to the place a bit. Certainly, tourists are the reason the place operates now, and there can be some pushy types higgling for a dollar or 5.

Beaches are pretty - but unless you are in the all inclusives, they can be a magnet for the beggars as above.

Good place to get to Dunns River Falls, take a sail cruise, use as a base in the parish to tour etc. - Fern Gully, Chukka Cove, etc. Not too far from Firefly, either,and one of the Rolling Stones had a house there, so can't be too bad.

May be some better options if you want to escape though.....depends if you just want to wallow in warm waters, drink on the beach and enjoy good food, lie on pure white sands watching the wind rustle the leaves of the palm trees.....right, I'm off...