Incentive Travel: Asian August – Cooling off in Malaysia
During the summer, temperatures soar in South East Asia. Savvy CEOs in the region have discovered a number of cool and picturesques destinations in Asia to beat the heat and offer memorable sales incentive trips, executive retreats, and team building. Malaysia offers a number of places where your team will be cool and comfortable even in August.
Pahang
First let’s start with a virtual tour of Pahang where you’ll find the communities of where you’ll find Cameron Highlands, Berjaya Hills, Fraser’s Hills, and Genting Highlands.
Cameron Highlands: Temperature: 15°C – 32°C
I’ll never forget the first time I went to Cameron Highlands. On the way, we stopped at a beautiful waterfall. There was an area with stalls, arts, crafts, blow pipes and a variety of souvenirs. The people working at the stalls were pulling up on motorbikes and some were talking on cell phones.
When we continued our journey, I asked the guide about aboriginal peoples. I said “When I was in Kuching, there were aboriginal settlements nearby. Are there any aboriginal people in this area?
He replied “You just spent time with some Orang Asli. They were the people selling at the stalls”. I guess the blowpipes were a big hint. Never let motorbikes and cell phones throw you off.
On the way to Cameron Highlands, your group has the option of stopping at Kuala Woh Recreational Park for a short scavenger hunt that includes orienteering and a visit to by suspension bridge to the museum to answer trivia, a dip in the natural hot springs and light snacks.
Cameron Highlands was a real treat. We stopped for lunch at a boutique hotel. An impromptu site inspection and tour revealed spacious rooms and ample meeting room facilities. The Smokehouse Hotel, that has been providing hospitality since 1932, is a possible lunch (or dinner) venue for your group upon arrival in Cameron Highlands:
We headed off to visit a handicraft centre, gardens and nurseries. We toured at tea plantation and relaxed while we enjoyed tea, scones and an incredible view. I noted that to round an itinerary for your corporate group, in Cameron Highlands, golf, nature hikes, a visit to an Orang Asli (aboriginal) village, and jungle trekking are available.
Before heading back to Kuala Lumpur, we stopped and picked strawberries. It was my last day in Malaysia and I have a very late night flight. As soon as we were airborne, it was a treat to enjoy the fresh strawberries I had picked with whipped cream that had been provided to me at no charge by one of the restaurants in the airport’s departure area. It’s one of those moments in time that you wish you could freeze.
Berjaya Hills:
Formerly known as Bukit Tinggi (meaning “French Hill”), Berjaya Hills has a French themed resort, beautiful gardens, golf, paintball, horse riding, and a variety of options for team meetings and relaxation.
Great views – Narration in Arabic
There is even a Japanese garden complete with teahouse. Yes, you can experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in the heart of Berjaya Hills.
Japanese Garden Walkthrough
Nearby, even in the summer, the weather will be comfortable enough to treat your team to a full jungle survival team building experience with overnight camping. The location is popular with local companies so it is imperative that you book your trip at least 4 – 6 months in advance if you want to include this unforgetable experience into your itinerary.
Fraser’s Hill:
1,524 metres about sea level, you’ll find Fraser’s Hill, a rainforest hamlet named after Louse James Fraser from Scotland who established a trading staion in the area and went missing in 1919, is a picturesque destination where the temperatures are cool enoug for for retreats, even in the summer.
It’s ideal for companies that are interested in providing an eco-tourism experience. It is one of Malaysia’s prime locations for bird wartching. Groups can also enjoy golf, horse riding, the Jeriau Waterfall.
Genting Highlands: Temperature 22°C – 32°C
Enjoy the unforgetable view as cable cars will carry you above the clouds to Genting Highlands, a playground complete with hotels, meeting facilities, a theme park and casino. Horse riding can be arranged nearby.
Sabah
Kinabalu Park
In Malaysian Borneo, Mount Kinabalu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Asia’s tallest peak, will give your team an opportunity to explore rocky mountain and the rainforest trails below the mountain. With one of the most diverse collections of fauna in the world, Kinabulu Park covers 4 climatic zones.
Even if your team is a mix of serious mountain cimbers and team members who would prefer to cool off under a waterfall, soak in the curative properties of an open air sulphuric bath, and explore tropical gardens, there will be no shortage of things to do and experiences to amaze.
Golf, and early morning horse riding are also located within easy distance.
Those who dare, can even walk The Torque, the highest via ferrata in the world.
Let Executive Oasis International Take You to Malaysia
In Malaysia, we can add facilitated business team building and recreational activities ranging from orienteering, jungle treks, and ziplining to mountain climbing and abseiling to your itinerary. No matter what area of Malaysia you select for your summer adventure, one thing is certain. There is so much to see and such a variety of habitats and adventures to explore, your first trip to Malaysia will not be your last.
For more information the adventures that you can enjoy in Malaysia during the summer and throughout the year, please visit our website:
Jamaica Incentive Travel & Event Planning: Top 10 Ways to Enjoy the Water After you Finish Lying on the Beach
In Part 1 of Jamaica Incentive Travel, we discussed the fact that water is 1 of 2 essential elements in Jamaica’s name (meaning “land of wood and water”). We focused on exploring “wood” in all its forms from mountains to rainforest:
In Part 2, I’ll share a number of ways for your team to explore water. I’ve broken it down so that you can find something of interest that is close to where you are planning to stay.
Fitting it all in
Don’t let the variety of things to do overwhelm you. You can’t possibly fit it all into 1 trip. So when your trip is over, remember to “make it Jamaica again”. Here is how you can fit in some of the attractions we’ve been describing and still leave time for relaxation:
Day 1: Arrive early, spend most of the day relaxing but try to explore Outameni.
If you’re heading to Ocho Rios, make it a rest stop on the way from the airport.
Day 2: Fit in a Water Adventure & a Historical site
Relax in the Afternoon
Day 3: Leave early to explore Kingston & stay overnight
Day 4: Fit in a Mountain Adventure on your way back to the hotel
Day 5: Relax, shop and head home late in the evening
If your stay is shorter, then save some activities for your next trip to Jamaica.
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Top 10 Ways for Your Team to Enjoy the Water
When you Finish Lying on the Beach
Water. Splash in it. Play in it. Float on it. Take photos of it. Most of all, enjoy it.
You’ll witness a natural phenomenon that occurs at only 3 places in the world. The water in this phosphorescent lagoon glows at night. When the microscopic organisms that live where the fresh water and the Caribbean sea intersect are disturbed by boats or people swimming, they give off a luminecent glow.
35 min. boat tours are available every night. After your tour, relax and enjoy treats form the full service bar and authentic Jamaican cuisine. Just looking at the photos made me hungry.
Reggae & soca music, dancing, a scrumptious Jamaican buffet, and spectacular views. Need I say more. I thoroughly enjoyed it and so will your team.
Night on the White River
Torches and drums create an electrifying setting as you travel in canoes along The White River. Your destination is an open park with stage and a huge dance floor. You’ll savour the delights of delicious Jamaican cuisine as you enjoy a cultural show. Then, you’ll dance under the stars to the reggae beat. This is a spectacular and memorable crowd pleaser. I really had a great time.
2. Rafting
Near Port Antonio
Rio Grande
It’s said that the British movie star Errol Flynn, who settled in Port Antonio, was responsible for introducing pleasure rafting to Jamaica. He modified the rafts that were used to float bananas downstream to the boats for export by fitting them with a seat for 2. The rest is history.
Rafting is one of the most relaxing experiences that you can have on water. All you have to do is sit back, breathe and take in the scenery. Be sure to bring your camera and some extra money for cool, refreshing drinks and tasty snacks from the floating bars.
Near Falmouth
Martha Brae
Martha Brae was settled by the Spanish and it survived the 1655 British invasion. If your hotel is near Falmouth or Montego Bay, you can go rafting on the Martha Brae. It’s a shorter excursion than rafting on the Rio Grande but closer to where most tourists stay. Also, some of the raft captains have a great sense of humour.
3. Waterparks (Manmade & Natural)
A number of hotels have waterparks but I’ll focus only on a couple that are accesible to the public.
Near Ocho Rios
Tubing on the White River
Speaking of the White River, during the day it becomes, nature’s water park. Enjoy.
At this 5 acre waterpark, enjoy 10 amazing water slides, 1/4 mile lazy river and the adjacent Kool Kanoe Swamp Adventure. Kool Runnings Water Park is bordered by the Great Morass, a magnificent wetland that is home to 300 species of plants and 900 species of animals. Your team will have an opportunity to get up close and personal with Jamaica’s indigenous species that make the Morass their home.
4. Playing with Dolphins
Montego Bay
Swimming wih the Dolphins at Half Moon Club Resort
Ocho Rios
Dolphin Cove
5. Horse Riding on the Beach
I’ve done it many times and there is nothing like it. The guides are very friendly supportive and helpful to ensure the comfort of first time riders.
Near Ocho Rios
Hooves (at Seville)
We’ve talked about Hooves before. Now, join Dry Land Tourist as she goes horse riding in the ocean. You’ll notice that even her friend who was nervous in the video I shared in Part 1 is relaxed and comfortable.
You can follow Dry Land Tourist on Twitter @drylandtourist and also check out her Facebook Fan Page.
Near Montego Bay
Half Moon Equestrian Centre
When you stay at Half Moon on one of their all-inclusive plans, the beach rides on horse back and the dolphin experience are included. You can enjoy these experiences without leaving the property. This will help you manage your time, provide a varied itinerary, and meet the needs of members of your team who want to spend a lot of time relaxing on the beach.
I highly recommend that you consider staying at the Half Moon Club Resort, particularly the villas. During a recent stay the Half Moon Club with a group, we were pampered in the Royal Villas.
I didn’t have a thing to worry about as the butler, housekeeper and cook took care of everything from preparing breakfast to laundry and ironing. It was great to return home with a suitcase filled with clean and neatly folded clothes for a change.
6. Iron Chef Inspired Gourmet Cooking Challenge
Half Moon Club Resort Villa Cook-off
You’ve seen it on TV. Now give your team a chance to try it. In Jamaica, you can take advantage of the perpetual summer and try out your culinary skills in the garden area of a villa that’s right beside the beach. You’ll get 4 mystery ingredients and access to a pantry of local species. Our team got duck, ackee, and okra.
Brian Martenis is dead wrong. His team wasn’t robbed.
Even though our presentation sucked, we had great fun and with excellent teamwork, top notch cleanliness, and seasoning to perfection, our team definitely deserved the coveted title. The chefs even complimented me on my ackee.
7. Mineral Baths & Healing Streams
Near Kingston
Rockport Mineral Bath
In Clarendon
Milk River Mineral Bath & Spa
The Milk River bath opened in 1794. Of all the mineral baths in the world, the Milk River Mineral Bath has the highest curative powers.
Near Port Antonio
Bath Foundation Mineral Springs
It’s the second oldest mineral bath in the Western hemisphere.
8. Waterfalls
This is definitely my favourite water pleasure in Jamaica. True to its name, there are numerous waterfalls on the island but I will highlight a few places where you can climb waterfalls and soak yourself under them.
Near Ocho Rios
Dunn’s River Falls
I climbed Dunn’s River Falls 2 years ago from bottom to top with my mother who is over 70. This is Jamaica’s most well known waterfall and one of its iconic attractions but it’s not the only waterfall to conquer in Jamaica.
When I was in Jamaica a few months ago, when the rest of the group was enjoying Dunn’s River Falls, I took the opportunity to head up to The Enchanted Gardens. I had heard rumours that it was re-opening and I wasn’t disappointed.
I mentioned The Enchanted Gardens in Part 1 but, since its my favourite place on the planet, I want to highlight the fact that it has 14 waterfalls and too many meandering streams to count in a lush tropical garden and mountain setting. If you love water, step into this tropical fantasy where you can soak in it, splash in it and climb the Ooh falls.
Coyaba used to be a banana plantation. Now visitors can enjoy the Spanish architecture, breathtaking views of Ocho Rios, the Mahoe waterfalls, gardens, and a Museum of Island History focusing on the forgotten culture of the Taino, Jamaica’s first inhabitants.
In the following video, Dry Land Tourist visits Coyaba. Her guide is Rainford Thomas. He is extremely knowledgeable about Jamaican vegetation and how it has been used historically and today. I learned a lot.
Now join Jamaica’s Dry Land Tourist on a tour of the museum and for a refreshing time splashing in the Mahoe waterfalls at Coyaba Gardens & Museum.
Reach Falls emerge from one of the most beautiful natural springs in Jamaica. They are stunning and definitely less commercial than Dunn’s River. We all know how development works worldwide so the time to visit them is now. With the new road that has been constructed joining Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Port Antonio, the trip is a lot shorter than it was previously. Also, if you spend some time in Kingston, you can arrange to return via the North East corner of Jamaica and visit Reach Falls and many of the other attractions near Port Antonio. When I was a girl, my mother used to take my sister and me to visit her uncle who was living in Port Antonio. It’s a gorgeous part of Jamaica and well worth the trip. I highly reccommend exploring it.
A 7 tiered cascading waterfall featuring canopy tour with ziplines that take you over the falls, river tubing, gardens, and natural spring ponds. You can get there easily from Negril.
Explore this intricately woven network of stalagmites and stalactites as well as a subterranean lake at this site that was once a hideaway for runaway slaves and pirates. You’ll recognize it as the location of Kanaga’s Lair from the James Bond movie Live & Let Die.
10. Restaurants
The following restaurants feature gourmet cuisine and spectacular views of the water or waterfalls that come right into them. There is a garden above the falls where you can stroll before or after your meal and enjoy the view.
An open air restaurant in a picturesque rainforest setting that was once part of a sugar mill on a huge estate. You can stroll in the gardens above the waterfall before or after your meal. There are some wonderful photo stops.
Enjoy gourmet cuisine and elegant dining at this restaurant that has the original working water wheel that powered the stream on this mid-17th century, 50,000 acres Running Gut sugar plantation.
Bellfield 1794 Restaurant & Greathouse
The restaurant is an old sugar mill on what used to be a sugar estate. Guests normally have cocktails in the waiting area before touring the greathouse situated on Barnett Estate. The dining room has a thatched roof and no walls.
Kingston – Gone but Not Forgotten
The Mill Restaurant, Manor Park Plaza
When I was working in Kingston, I used to love this restaurant located at Manor Park Plaza that at the time was known as The Mill. I was disappointed when it closed down. It lives on in my memories. If anyone knows what’s standing there now, please add your comments. I’d love to know for old times sake.
Brawta: Dogsledding in Jamaica
Ocho Rios
There will be no snow in sight and you’ll be on dry land but, in Jamaica, you CAN go dogsledding.
Yes, as featured in the movie Sun Dogs, there really IS a Jamaican Dogsled Team. Here is how it got started.
So, you CAN have fun in Jamaica when you’re finished lying on the beach and there really is something for everyone.
Let Executive Oasis International Take Your Team to Jamaica
Executive Oasis International would be pleased to build a customized itinerary for you based on your interests. We can also offer you one of our own itineraries that give your group some down time and also a chance to experience some of the attractions we’ve described.
In the Footsteps of James Bond
Explore the places in Jamaica where some of the most memorable scenes in the James Bond movies were filmed including Kanaga’s Lair in Live and Let Die and the place where James Bond walked on the back of the crocodiles
This New York Times video gives you a glimpse of just a few of the locations you’ll visit. I wonder if they got the idea for this piece from me.
This virtual tour of Jamaica will give you the essence of the “land of wood and water. In Part 1 of our 2 part tour, we venture into the mountains and rainforest to discover unspoiled beauty as far as the eye can see.
Giving Your Team the Essence of Jamaica:
Of Wood and Water
by Anne Thornley-Brown, President
Executive Oasis International
Anne was born in Jamaica and she now resides in Toronto. She has lived and worked in Jamaica and she returns frequently. Anne and the Executive Oasis International team would be pleased to organize your next:
First things first. Jamaica got its name from the Arawak-speaking Taino, its first known inhabitants. In their language, the word “Xamayca” meant “land of wood and water”. To me, it is an accurate description of 2 of Jamaica’s most compelling features and, in my opinion, its essence.
Not only is the island surrounded by the blue-green Caribbean sea, rivers flow, streams bubble, and waterfalls cascade throughout Jamaica. The wood refers to Jamaica’s lush rainforests and its mountainous areas where one can truly come to appreciate wood in all its forms through the thick foliage.
If you really want to give your team a sense of Jamaica, definitely spend some time on the beach (that’s part of the water) but move beyond the beach. There is so much more to see. This virtual tour of Jamaica will give you a sense of its essence.
This video and many of the other videos on this page have reggae music so you may want to turn down your volume if you are watching this at work.
When you’re ready to get on a plane actually travel to Jamaica, what’s the best way to give your team the essence of Jamaica? Go back in time, venture into the mountains, head into “town” as we Jamaicans call Kingston sometimes, and explore water in all its forms.
This 2 part blog special about Jamaica will show you how to explore the various areas of Jamaica. You have many options when selecting the area in what you want to stay. Here are some options:
Part 1 focuses on getting a sense of Jamaica’s history and exploring the mountains, no matter where you decide to stay. It also highlights the many attractions that Kingston has to offer.
Old Story Time - Travel Back in Time
to Discover the REAL Jamaica
In Jamaica, it isn’t hard to get a sense of history. In a way, history surrounds you. You’ll see churches, Great Houses, and other buildings that are hundreds of years old. In many towns you can still visit traditional markets where higglers peddle their wares. In fact, historical sites abound.
There are a number of ways to get to know what Jamaica was like before the modern era and develop a sense of its history. The best options depend on where you are staying. Here are just a few ideas and trust me, I am just barely scratching the surface.
Years ago, I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon at the Sarawak Heritage Village in Kuching, Malaysia. I’ve already blogged about it this truly amazing place that gives one a sense of the main ethnic groups that have had an influence on Malaysian culture. At the time I couldn’t help thinking that such an approach would be a perfect way of showcasing Jamaica’s history and culture. Poof! Be careful what you wish for. Outameni Experience does just that.
“Outameni” sound like the first part of Jamaica’s National Motto “Out of Many One People” the way we Jamaicans say it “Out a Many”. This relatively new experience will give you a quick snapshot of the history and culture of Jamaica and the people who have helped shape our culture. You’ll spend some time learning about the Taino, our original inhabitants, the Spanish, the Africans, the British, the Chinese, and the Indians (from India). You’ll see a typical residence, sample cuisine and meet time travellers who will give you a sense of how each of these cultures has been woven into the colourful tapestry that represents modern Jamaican culture. If you are staying in Montego Bay or Falmouth or even if you have to travel from Ocho Rios, I highly reccommend that you check it out soon after your arrival in Jamaica. It will put a lot of what you see in Jamaica in context.
The Great Houses
The Great House was the large mansion on Jamaican plantations in which the plantation owner and his family lived. Visiting a great house can give you a sense of what Jamaica was like at one time. If you are in or near Montego Bay, you’ll have easy access to:
Rose Hall - The setting for the legend “The White Witch of Rose Hall” – They say that it is haunted by the ghost of Annie Palmer who lived there hundreds of years ago, so be careful.
Greenwood Great House
Built by the Barretts of Wimpole Street London in 1800, it is now a museum with the largest collection of musical instruments and books on the island.
Seville is of great historical significance. It was the location of Jamaica’s largest Taino town. It is also where the Spanish originally settled after invading Jamaica. They started building Sevilla la Neuva but they abandoned it for Spanish Town in 1534.
At Seville Great House and Heritage Park, you’ll see:
a replica of a Taino village
the the original cattle pen of the Spanish
the ruins of the Spanish church of Peter Martyr
a fortified castle (Governor’s House )
the base of the Spanish Sugar Mill
a replica of a typical residence in which the African slaves lived
a collection of Taino, African, Spanish, and British artifacts in the Great House, which is now a museum and the point of departure for the Hooves horse riding adventures.
(I have previously written about the fact that through, Hooves, you can go horse riding at Seville. More about that later.)In the meantime, join Jamaica’s Dry Lan Tourist as she tours Seville Great House & Heritage Park.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Spanish in Jamaica, you’ll want to stop by Columbus Park at Discovery Bay, where Christopher Columbus first landed in Jamaica in 1494, and Runaway Bay where the Spanish escaped to Cuba after they had been defeated by the British.
I’ll mention it briefly as I wrote about it in a previous blog entry. Hey it’s in my family’s hometown just up the road from my late grandmother’s house. My family has lived in that area for generations. So, please indulge me. Brimmer Hall is a working plantation and one of Jamaica’s many heritage sites. It can really give you a sense of history.
Here is where you can find out more about Jamaica’s numerous historical and heritage sites:
Exploring Kingston can easily be arranged. There are a number of tours that leave from hotels around the island to not to be missed attractions such as Devon House, a beautifully preserved 19th century mansion built by Jamaica’s first black millionaire, and the Bob Marley Museum (Bob’s former home on Hope Road). The Bob Marley Museum introduced a “Making the Music” studio tour for schoold during the 2010 Bob Marley birthday celebrations. Now that would be a treat and I am sure that this can be arranged for corporate groups. If I was taking your group to Jamaica, I would highly recommend that you begin your journey with these attractions and then stick around so that you can explore Kingston further. I would suggest that you leave your resort early and spend at least 1 night and 2 FULL days exploring Kingston and surrounding areas.
What to Explore in Kingston
This list barely scratches the surface.
Continue your exploration of history by viewing the collections at the National Gallery of Jamaica
Check out the University of the West Indies Mona Campus (I used to work there)
Visit Hope Gardens
Dance and party at Quad 4 Level Nightclub in New Kingston
Usain Bolt showed up on this night:
Schedule your trip to conincide with the National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica’s season of the dance (July).
Alternatively, arrange your visit for December or January and take in a performance of the National Pantomime.
You’ll hear traditional music and enjoy a rich theatrical performance in Jamaican patois.
Build in some time to explore the historical sites in Port Royal, a 17th century haven for pirates.
Yes, it’s Port Royal that’s depicted in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean and one of the first places in Jamaica that James Bond visits in Dr No. Kingston was founded as a place to settle survivors of the great earthquake that destroyed much of Port Royal in 1692. It was also on the Port Royal side of the Palisadoes strip that the airplane crash landed on in December, 2009.
Exploring the Mountains
Near Kingston
When you are in Kingston, be sure to set aside a half a day to head up into the Blue Mountains where our world famous Blue Mountain coffee grows.
Tour a coffee plantation.
In fact, Rohan Marley, one of Bob Marley’s sons, now co-owns and runs Marley coffee in the Blue Mountains. The excellent video, narrated by one of Bob Marley’s daughters, focuses on this business, what it takes to produce a great cup of coffee, and why coffee is an important commodity for emerging nations like Jamaica. You’ll also see some spectacular views of the Blue Mountains.
To explore the Blue Mountains, you can even a tour that will take you to a high elevation to enjoy the spectacular view and then allow you to ride a bike all or part of the back way down. Take a peek:
Be sure to bring your bathing suit for a dip in a stream or near a cascading waterfall. On the way back ro Kingston, make sure that you have a reservation to enjoy a scrumptious meal at the Blue Mountain Inn.
I’ve arranged zipline adventures for my clients in Canada and abseiling for clients in Canada and the Middle East. On these adventures, I have always been way too terrified busy handling logistics to try it. When I was in Jamaica a few months ago as a guest as the incredible Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay (during their 2009 fam. trip), I finally had a chance to try it.
It was really 3 adventures in 1. First came the ride to the top, an offroading adventure that reminded me of dune bashing in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The only difference was that I screamed a lot louder on this trip as:
mountain roads are a lot more rugged than sand
I forgot to close my eyes
the way our guides were hanging off the back, I was sure they were going to go flying off. Not to worry, they were strapped on and it was all part of the fun and the laughs.
I remember laughing and having a great time until after we got out of the jeep, one of the other guests remarked “Oh my gosh, that’s our ride. You mean there’s only 1 way down.” as we watched the jeep drive off. Talk about panic. Well, with the coaching and support of our guides (I needed lots and they were super), I tried it and it was a blast. First there were the ziplines, those were horizontal and you travelled at lighting speed at tree top level. Then there were a couple of transverse lines on which you dropped straight down. Yes, I closed my eyes for those. Other than that as you’re zipping along, you can really get a feel for the mountains and rainforest. There are also some spectacular views to be enjoyed along the way.
The Appleton Express
The Appleton Express used to be a train that would leave Montego Bay and take you through the mountains to the Appleton Rum Estate closer to Jamaica’s south coast. Unfortunately, the train is no more but you can still take the journey in an air conditioned bus. Read more about the Appleton Estate Tour below in the Negril section.
On your way to the Appleton Estate you’ll travel through some beautiful mountains and valleys. Since 1749, the Appleton Estate has been distilling and blending rum, one of Jamaica’s most pleasurable exports. This tour will take you through the process of how run is distilled from sugarcane and molasses. You’ll leave with a bottle of rum and some great memories of a unique experience.
The Cockpit Country is a rugged mountainous area. Most visitors to Jamaica never get to see it but for those who do, it’s a trip that is well worthwhile.
A brief review of the history of the area is in order.
Some of the Tainos, Jamaica’s original inhabitants, took refuge in the Cockpit Country to avoid raids by the Caribs from neighbouring Caribbean islands.
The Cockpit Country also became the home of “The Maroons”. When the Spanish invaded and controlled Jamaica, some of the Africans who they enslaved ran away to the Cockpit Country and lived with the Taino. After defeat at the hands of the British, the Spanish freed all the Africans who were still in slavery before they escaped from Jamaica to Cuba. These Africans also joined the Maroon communities in the Cockpit Country When Jamaica was under British rule, over the years, Africans who had been enslaved by the British also ran away and joined the Maroons and swelled their ranks.
Nanny, one of Jamaica’s national heroes, was the leader of the Maroons in the early 18th century. Under her leadership, the Maroons successfully held off the British troops during the First Maroon war from 1720 – 1739. On January 6, 1738, the Accompong Maroons (a.k.a. the Leeward Maroons) made a peace treaty with the British that allowed them to retain control over 1500 acres in the Cockpit Country. The following year, a similar treaty was made with the Windward Maroon community near Moore town. Some of the descendants of the Maroons still live in the Cockpit Country today.
One of the best times to visit the Cockpit Country is during the Accompong Maroon Festival. Dating back to the 19th century, it takes place every year. Many of the Maroons who have moved to other parts of Jamaica or migrated to places like the USA, Canada and the UK, return for this annual celebration. They are joined by visitors from all over Jamaica, Europe, and the Americas. Through the magic of Youtube, I am pleased to bring you highlights.
If you want to visit the Cockpit Country, let Executive Oasis International arrange your incentive trip to Jamaica and we will work it into your itinerary. One of the best places to stay if you are interested in exploring the Cockpit Country is:
A 2,000 acre plantation, Good Hope is set in a peaceful valley. From the 18th century great house (called Good Hope) there is a spectacular view of the Martha Brae River, the Queen of Spain Valley, and the Cockpit Country. At Good Hope, you can have corporate events and weddings or enjoy activities such as horse riding, cycling and hiking. Pamper yourself with an aromatherapy massage or explore the studio of David Pinto, one of Good Hope’s resident artists.
Hooves used to offer the Bush Doctor Mountain Ride that would take you up into the hills of Jamaica on horseback. Just like other parts of the world, Jamaica is going through a lot of development. With all the construction, development and roadwork that has been on going on, this ride has been suspended for now. Keep checking their website and hopefully, they’ll soon be able to offer the mountain ride again. In the meantime, you can enjoy a Virtual Bush Doctor Ride [.WMV] at the Hooves website.
Don’t despair, there are many opportunities to explore the mountains if you’re staying near Ocho Rios.
This outing on horseback won’t take you on any public roads but you will take you up into the hills, down in the valley, and along a picturesque riverbank.
Your path meanders along the course of the river while the sound of streaming water creates background music for your listening pleasure.
What more could you ask for?
Prospect Plantation
This is the first place I ever went riding in Jamaica and it was the second time I went riding in my life. This was before I got seriously hooked on everything equestrian. You’ll tour this private working plantation on horseback and see see bananas, cassava, sugar cane, coffee, allspice, and many other crops. You’ll go up into the hills to enjoy panoramic view of this part of Jamaica. On a clear day, you can see Cuba.
When I was a girl, this is the type of bus on which we would travel from Kingston to the country see my grandmothers. Chukka Adventures has restored an authentic old time Jamaican country bus. Hop on the Zion Bus Line in Ocho Rios, you’ll travel back in time and through scenic country and mountain villages to Nine Miles where Bob Marley was born. It is also his final resting place.
Jamaica’s bobsledding team has made headlines around the world and it was the focus of the move Cool Runnings that was filmed in Jamaica and Canada. I guess it was only a matter of time before some enterprising business person would find a way to bring this experience to our guests. Take the treetop Skyexplorer skytrain to the top, zipline and then bobsled back down. Think of it as bobsledding without the risk of frostbite.
Explore the heart of Jamaica’s Garden ParishCranbrook (St. Ann) at Cranbrok Flower Forest, a unique eco-tourism attraction. Cranbrooke is set on 130 acres of lush exotic tropical gardens, lawns, water pools, hiking trails, and a tropical rain forest. The main meeting and event facilities are clustered around a resored sugar mill near the property’s entrance
A new trail through lush jungle in the heart of the spectacular Cranbrook Flower Forest leads to the start of Chukkas’ unforgettable Zipline Canopy Tour adventure.
Nine ziplines, from 105 feet to 660 feet apart, swing through the Laughlands River gorge, a giant valley carved from the surrounding mountain by ancient waters (a sparkling river still flows through it). You’ll enjoy a bird’s eye view of the flora and fauna while listening to the gentle sounds of nature.
A visit to The Enchanted Gardens, my favourite place on the planet, is a MUST. Great news for lovers of The Enchanted Gardens. This gorgeous property re-opened in 2009. The Enchanted Gardens is now a botanical garden and event centre. The avairy with hundreds of exotic birds has been res-stocked and the same bird man we came to know and love is still there. You can have weddings and corporate events at The Enchanted Gardens. There are no immediate plans to re-open the spa or the hotel rooms but, when I visited in September 2009, I was informed that the restaurant will soon be re-opening. For updates, check out The Enchanted Gardens Facebook Fan Page.
We’ll continue our exploration of Jamaica in my next blog entry where I’ll focus on water. Before I go, I want to say that the beauty of The Enchanted Gardens is that it allows you to explore both wood and water.
No where else do these 2 elements combine to create such a stunning effect. Take a peek and I’ll bet you’ll fall in love with it too.
by Anne Thornley-Brown, President,
Executive Oasis International
My tale about Singapore will start at the end instead of the beginning as the ending gives the entire adventure context and meaning. I’ll continue my Singapore adventure in anther blog entry. Some other time, I will write about Little India, Chinatown, and Sentosa. Today, I will focus on the 1st and last time I saw Singapore.
Benefits for Your Executive, Marketing & Sales Teams
First I want to raise an important questionWhat does all of this have to do with incentive travel and sales incentive trips? When one travels, one never knows what they will observe or encounter. During my first trip to Asia, I saw several products and service delivery concepts that had not yet hit North America at all or to any great extent:
upgraded facilities in business class lounge
enhanced business class service on Singapore Airlines
huge billboards atop buildings from which movies were projected
an outdoor food court with servers presenting menus from many restaurants (Cuppage Terrace)
Manicure and pedicure salons
a digital camera
internet cafes
the Hello Kitty craze created when the dolls were offered in McDonalds Happy Meals
Any of these ideas could have been implemented “ahead of the curve” or modified and applied to a range of businesses including retail, restaurants, hotels, and advertising. For example, some of the features of business class lounges could be used to create waiting rooms or lounges to ensure the comfort of a company’s best customers when they have to attend a meeting at your office. If anyone knows of companies that have used any of these concepts, I look forward to your comments.
That’s why a sales incentive trip is of tremendous benefit. It can really broaden a team’s horizons and expose them to market trends before they hit your country. This can help organizations scan the horizon, see what’s coming next and design innovative campaigns and develop service bundles well ahead of the competition. Think this sounds too much like work for what is supposed to be a “fun” trip to reward your team? All you have to do is add a creative spark. Weave the exploration and the process of discovery into an urban safari or an Amazing Race. Presto rather than just a frivolous activity, you’ve given it bottom line significance. The key is to debrief and mine these experiences to identify how you can use them when you return home.
The Last Time I saw Singapore
The last time I was in Singapore, it was during the Great Singapore Shopping Sale. Yes, I shopped. It was during that trip that I picked up a travel tip that I’ll pass on to you. I spend hours shopping in the fabulous stores in the Orchard Road area.
After shopping at one of the large malls, it was so busy that I just couldn’t get a taxi. So, I walked over to a local hotel, and in no time at all, a taxi whisked me back to my hotel.
Travel Tip:If you’re ever having trouble getting a taxi, just head over to the nearest hotel and the doorman will get you a taxi in no time.
The next day, I had a business meeting near Raffles Hotel. I had been to Singapore many times and even taken a ride on a bumboat near Raffles. However, I had never visited Raffles Hotel or tried its famous Singapore Sling. So, I decided to head over there. Raffles Hotel, Afternoon Tea & a Singapore Sling Raffles Hotel has a lot of character. I meandered through the beautiful gardens. Then I entered the lobby and stared at the high ceiling. Based on the foliage in the garden, the decor, and the ambiance of the hotel, I could easily picture the rich and famous of a bygone era strolling by.
Even though I didn’t have a reservation, the concierge arranged for me to have a seating at the Afternoon Tea, which was (as usual) sold out. The room where tea was served was bright and spacious. There were guests from every corner of the globe. In Asia, afternoon tea, is more like what the British call High Tea. Yes the scones and sandwiches are present but, often, it’s a full buffet with meat, vegetables and a variety of deserts. The tea at Raffles Hotel was no different and I finally had a chance to try the Singapore Sling. I found it strong as I am not much of a drinker but it was refreshing and delicious. Finally having a chance to sample this local delight was almost like a toast. “Here’s to all of the beautiful days and incredible nights that I’ve spent in Singapore. May there be many more!”
The First Time I saw Singapore
My Singapore adventure began in January, 2000. When I left Toronto for my first trip to Asia, there was a snowstrom that was so severe that the time spent waiting on the runway and in de-icing on the runway was prolonged. As a result, I missed my connection to Singapore in LAX. We landed before the flight had departed but it was too late for me to make the connection. Air Canada graciously put me up in a hotel in Los Angeles for the rest of the day. It was then that I discovered that I had forgotten my backup overheads in Toronto. At that time, before USB drives, I always brought a set up back-up slides as an extra precaution. Thank heavens for Business Depot. I had e-mailed the sides to my Yahoo account. (I am not called the Back-up Queen for no reason.) In no time at all, the colour overheads were printed off inserted into folders and placed in binders.
Singapore Airlines
Fortunately, Singapore Airlines was able to honour my business class ticket, though the flight was heavily booked. I had heard rave reviews about Singapore Airlines and was really looking foward the trip. The business class lounge was more luxurious than any I had ever seen up until then. A full hot buffet was served, there were plush lounge chairs and couches, showers, big screen TVs, and numerous computer terminals where one could access the internet. Once on board, I was impressed by the luxurious seating in business class. It was more comfortable than any lounger with plush fabric. Shortly after boarding, we were offered hot towel service, welcome drinks, newspapers, and a little blue drawstring bag with slippers, ear plugs, sleeping mask, and toiletries. The range of choices for meals, beverages (including hot chocolate), and snacks (soup, noodles, cookies, sandwiches) was incredible. Every seat had it’s own TV console and passengers could arrange a personalized period of entertainment. After dinner, I was so tired that I couldn’t sleep. So, I selected some Chinese music and, in no time at all, I was sleeping like a baby. Why am I going into this level of detail? It is because, at the time, Air Canada and the other North American Airlines on which I had travelled had nothing even close to the amenities, service offerings, and facilitities in the business class lounge of in-flight. I’ll touch on what we can learn from this later.
First Impressions of Singapore
My first stop in Asia was in Kuala Lumpur. I have already written about that extensively. A few days later, we headed to Singapore. After I had finished my seminars in Malaysia, I headed over to Singapore with T. Saravanan and Sam Salveraj to conduct a seminar for a small group of executives, managers and HR professionals. My first impressions of Singapore that it was bright, warm, lush, and VERY clean. Definitely spotless. Since this was before the Chinese New Year, like Malaysia, there were red decorations everywhere. I noticed more decorative flowers and a lot of tiny oranges. In the hotel lobby, the Buddha was even decorated with flowers. After we checked into the hotel, it was time to head out for dinner.
The H2O Zone
Saravanan and Sam took me to The Cuppage Terrace at the H2O Zone. I fell in love with it immediately. As we entered, there were walls with water on either side and water flowing freely. It was beautifully lit up for the evening. The H2O Zone is similar to a food court but with a difference. It’s an outdoor food court with tables in the centre and restaurants on all sides. The waiters come to your table and, once they determine what kind of cuisine you prefer, they bring you menus from several restaurants and you place your order. It hit me that, here I was, a world away from the snow in Toronto wearing summer clothes, sitting under the stars , and enjoying a fabulous meal. It was at the Cuppage Terrace at the H2O Zone that I saw my first internet cafe. This was long before internet cafes opened in Toronto. I stepped inside picked up my e-mail and sent word to the folks back home that I was safe and enjoying my time in Asia. This seems commonplace now but just 9 years ago, it was an incredible experience.
Hello Kitty
On our way back to the hotel, we strolled along Orchard Road. It was bustling with activity and excitement. Chinese jugglers were performing in front of a shopping centre. We saw a Bollywood performer in full dress emerging from a hotel. Movie trailers and ads were projected from huge billboards atop buildings. (I had seen these in Malaysia as well a few days earlier.) When we approached the McDonald’s there was a huge crowd. I had no idea what this was all about. The next day at my seminar, some of the delegates told me that McDonald’s had been giving away 18″ Hello Kitty dolls in wedding costumes from various Asian countries. The Japanese dolls were about to go on the market and people had camped out overnight to make sure that they got a doll. I had never even heard of Hello Kitty so I simply didn’t get it. The doll was described to me as a mouthless cat. Through the magic of the internet, I have been able to uncover the story for you and determine that the events that I have just described took place on the evening of January 26, 2000:
A few years later, I noticed the dolls in a Montreal Chinatown store. I purchased them for about $25 and to this day they sit on my bureau as a reminder of my first trip to Singapore.
Changi Airport
Upon departure, I had a chance to really take a close look at the Changi Airport. It was beautiful. Monorails transported the passengers to and from the terminal building. There was a huge shopping centre with shops of every description, a transit hotel, lounges, a fitness centre, free kiosks for picking accessing the internet. I had never seen anything like this in North America. I purchased 2 cameras, a Samsung camera, the hottest selling model in Asia at the time, and a digital camera long before most people in North America had them.
Executive Oasis International would be pleased to work with you to plan, organize and deliver an incredible incentive travel itinerary or team building, sales or leadership retreat for your team in Singapore:
Anne Thornley-Brown is the President of Executive Oasis International, a Toronto based firm that regularly organizes incentive travel and executive retreats in Dubai, Oman, Jamaica, Malaysia, Singapore, and Canada. They provide one stop shopping service with a personalized approach to incentive travel for corporate groups of up to 60. Customized itineraries include travel, transfers, hotel, tours, team activities, and special events.
Photo Credit: (c) williamcho – Photo won Flickr Award
