On my last trip to Jamaica where my family and I spent half the time at an all-inclusive resort and the other half with extended family, I found myself bored at the all-inclusive after two days. We didn’t leave the resort, and were well-relaxed after day two. We wanted to experience a certain level of authenticity while away that the hotel games and entertainment just didn’t suffice. While we knew seeing family would allow are usual experience we found ourselves missing something at the resort. I even thought, “I wonder if this is the same experience you get at other all-inclusive hotels on other islands? If you never venture out of the resort there’s little to keep me stimulated after a few days.”
While this wasn’t my first time at an all-inclusive and the experience was great for our little one (all she needed was the pool), we both agreed that Jamaica had so much more to offer than the confines of an all-inclusive. There are so many things to do, places to see and experiences to be had in Jamaica that even as frequent visitors to the island, we’ve only hit the tip of the iceberg. Since we both have family we’ve visited Jamaica every one to two years, but made a pact to do something new every time we go back thereafter.
I discovered the The Runaway Jamaica kickstarter campaign on Instagram. I was extremely delighted to see their completely new spin on a bed and breakfast experience on the island.
For the past year, two New Yorkers (Kalisa and Jeff, both of Caribbean descent) have been acting on a dream to build a luxury bed-and-breakfast. We have the house, in a beautiful residential community on the north coast of Jamaica, tucked away from the tourist scene. We have the brilliant designer and the key relationships in our community. We have the chef, hosts, and business gurus (us!) to make this happen. We have everything we need to welcome you, except the last round of funds to finalize design with renovations and hand-crafted furnishings. Help us open our doors!
I love how they have incorporated local businesses and community into their business plans so that the experience not only is authentic, but also empowers the locals to enjoy a piece of the travel industry revenue. Campaign backer are offered a variety of gifts including intimate group experience at the bread & breakfast when it opens, a digital cookbook, art, music and an invite to their exclusive NYC Launch Party.
If you would like to support the campaign runs through the ends April 30, 2015.
Mikelah
Mikelah is a Caribbean Culture expert, curating the bridge between the Caribbean and its diaspora. A CUNY Baruch College graduate with a BBA in Marketing. With previous experience with Caribbean lifestyle brands such as VP Records, Tempo TV and JAMROCK Magazine. Currently serving as a digital marketing maven by day, while continuing to collaborate with Caribbean brands.
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