They Float
Through The Air...
Like a flag that says "Fun Here", Starfish's trapeze floats
above the property. Those who try get lots of help-- see pix.
The rock-climbing
wall is another novelty; reaching the top was a challenge for my
athletic 12-year-old. (Younger climbers take an easier route.) Rock-climbing
costs $3, as does trapeze with instruction ( 10-15 minute session).
More Activities
Each day, scheduled activities
can range from toga theme dinners, to shopping at a nearby craft
market, kick boxing workout, circus workshop, trivia contests, lots more.
Evenings, a live band plays most nights near the Buffet until 10 p.m.; night-owls can disco or head to a piano bar.
Babysitters available.
Windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, are free, but a motored watersport means money; a boat
trip to snorkel at the coral reef costs $15/adult, $10/child. Platinum
pricing includes it all.
Most activities/features are pictured in the photo tour. See also the Starfish
Resorts site.
Kids' Club
The kids' club near the beach costs only $5/day, for two age groups: 6 months to 3 years,
and 4 to 12. Activities
run from treasure hunts to sand castles, crafts, trapeze, circus
show. Video games are far from the kids' center (good!) and kids
pay to play.
Island of Calm
Starfish has a lovely small man-made island, John's Caye, just a few paces off-shore: wade over
early in the day and grab a lounge chair under a palapa. This spot is
especially nice at sunset.
The beach at Starfish is the fine, pale sand typical of Jamaica's
north coast: great for sand-castles.
Out and About
Guests can conveniently take a number of tours:
for ex., $35 to climb up Dunn's River
Waterfall; $30 for Luminous Lagoon (a magical night boat ride -- and
optional swim-- in a sea that sparkles with phosphorescent
organisms); plantation adventure, horseback riding, lots more.
Starfish Resort: Meals
We arrived at Starfish starving after a long drive from Negril: nothing that feeds kids faster than a
buffet. Though there was no special kids' area --unless you count the dessert
bar-- even my finicky vegetarian found
plenty to eat. Self-serve ice-cream and pop went down well, too.
Big buffets are served at breakfast lunch,
and dinner. Other dinner choices are: Guiseppe Restaurant ($6/person);
Munahana, for Japanese dishes ($15/person); and the
adults-only
Casablanca, with surcharges on some items. The poolside Seashell Grill
serves jerk pork/chicken, hamburgers, etc.
Gotta say, though,
that pina-colada on tap is a concept that takes convenience (vs. quality) a bit too
far.
Starfish Resort: Rooms
Rooms are
designed for three people, but a crib or bunk bed can be added for
families with small kids. (Ask about this when making a reservation, as
online pricing may not show this option.) A maximum of four people can stay in a room;
larger families would either add an adjoining room, or move to a
cottage which sleeps up to five.
Like many rooms, ours overlooked
the entertainment stage near
the star-jacuzzi pool, where live music was played at night. I couldn't shut out the
noise of the band;
if you're traveling with baby, request a quiet
spot.
Swing low, sweet
pricing
Starfish's not-quite-everything-included price keeps rates affordable: after all,
not everyone wants to do rock-climbing. It makes sense to charge less
per guest, and let gung-ho types either pay-as-they-go for extras or
choose the Platinum Plan which is modest anyway.
In the words of one manager: Starfish wants to "assist the client in every way possible in saving
money." Check rates
and specials,
or call 1-800-659-5436.
Finally: like many all-inclusives, Starfish has a no-tipping policy.
Continue to
Starfish Resort photos
and tips: grounds, room, meals,
beach, pools,
activities.
• landlubber fun: minigolf, trapeze, rock-climbing 