Travel to Kingston, Jamaica to Keep Away the Winter Blues

When you land in Kingston, while flying in over aquamarine colored sea water--so different from the Mediterranean--and under a sky canopy of royal indigo blue, you'll be glad you stuffed your down coat into the outside pocket of your carry-on!

The Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA), where all international flights land, no longer has open-air disembarkment following an airport redevelopment project that was completed in 2003. Once you step out NMIA's front door, you're only twenty minutes from Kingston where you'll m ix with residents, commercial and business travelers and tourists.

Accommodations
Among the choices for accommodations in Kingston are upscale, economy and mountain spa hotels. My favorite for when I'm in a reclusive mood is the Starlight Chalet and Health Spa nestled 25 miles outside of Kingston in the Blue Mountains, with rates starting at under $100 per night. Here, you can pamper yourself in the spa facilities and stroll the gardens. Then you can renew yourself with hikes through the mountains and to the nearby waterfalls. It's a perfect place for birdwatching and spotting some of those 27 species of birds that are found nowhere in the world but in Jamaica.

Not feeling contemplative? Want to be near the city nightlife instead of the starry nightlife? No problem. I like the Altamont Court Hotel with island charm and rates starting at around $125 per night. They cater to many business group meetings and convention groups so they offer a practiced ease of service and affordability. Then there is the more elegant The Courtleigh Hotel & suites with their signature swans that are formed from artistically twisted bath towels that grace some of the beds. The Courtleigh has an emphasis on wedding and honeymoon custom in addition to catering to tourist and business visitors, with rates starting at around $200 per night.