After more than three years away, last summer (2001), my family returned to Silver Sands for a long overdue and much-needed vacation. My wife and I were surprised by the high level of excitement, not only among our four children, but also in ourselves. We were returning to a prior life.
On arrival at Endless Summer that night, even after that long transatlantic flight from London, England, all the children, including our youngest, only three years old, jumped into the pool. We thought they would be dead tired, but somehow they found the energy to splash and play in the pool.
But the next morning, we had an even bigger surprise. Still on British time, the children were all up and back in the pool by 5:00 AM.
We spent the first week at Silver Sands. We didn't go anywhere! No need to, as the Endless Summer staff cooked up a storm and catered to our every need. We eased back into the tropical life, only better as we didn't have to work, alternating among the beach, Silver Sands communal patio, and the villa itself with loads of time spent in the pool and spa and on the beachfront.
Our stay was so much fun that we have already planned to return next year for our annual family vacation.
Of the things we did, the most enjoyable were (not in any special order):
1. Dunn's River Falls
We spent most of a day there. We took a picnic lunch and although it was crowded, we had no difficulty in finding a free picnic table on the beach. There we set up base and swam in the sea after climbing the Falls. We took the villa staff with us and I think they enjoyed it more than we did. Some of the children climbed the Falls twice. Take a look at Dunn's River Falls.
2. Dolphin Cove
Definitely an experience of a lifetime and definitely worth the price. It's a beautiful site, 4 acres of rain forest on the hillside on the edge of the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Three of us did Dolphin programmes and we were beaming. But those who did not have a dolphin encounter, found it very enjoyable, especially the Jungle Trail. Pages on our visit are posted at Swim with Dolphins.
3. Cranbrook Flower Forest
This park was an amazing surprise and should not be missed. We hiked up the trail along the bank of the river up to the head, which just came pouring out of the rocks and hillside. Truly amazing. We explored the gardens, watched a wedding party doing their wedding photos, and went fishing in the pond. Take a look at Cranbrook Flower Forest.
4. Kayaking and Sunfish Sailing
Endless Summer comes with two kayaks and a sunfish sailboat and everyone enjoyed these, especially on the calm days. Kayaking, Sunfish Sailing.
5. Montego Bay Marine Park Undersea Tour
Since the kids could not snorkel very well, and neither can my mother and other relatives who were visiting us, we decided to take this tour, in which you sit below deck of a boat which takes you out to the reef in the Montego Bay Marine Park. It's a great way to see the reef and marine life up close without getting wet. The highlight of the trip was the scuba diver who went out around the boat, feeding the fishes.
