We actually traveled to Pebbles on the 4th of October.  Yup, we finally made it to Jamaica!

I wanted to thank the FTF staff very much for all the trouble you took to make this trip happen. After all the emails, calls, faxes and fuss, Jonathan, Raphael and I actually had a relatively trouble-free journey in both directions, and greatly enjoyed our stay at the resort.

Pleasure at Pebbles

Pebbles’ accommodation is both cozy and comfortable, and all the staff were kind and very good-natured. Raphael was very happy with his nanny and so were we. He was always clean, fed, and entertained. We could ask for nothing better than that. The activities are fun, the plants are lovely, the pool is clean, the sea is warm! For hard-working parents, the vacation is bliss.

Be Wary of Hurricanes

Our only criticism of the whole stay was the resort’s inability to act in the face of a major hurricane threat. During our stay, Jamaica narrowly avoided being hit by hurricane Iris, which turned aside at the last minute and dumped on Belize instead with 150-mile per hour winds. Had the hurricane not changed direction, those winds were predicted to have been at least 85 miles per hour over Jamaican shores, with a potential storm surge of over 15 feet. 

Around 12 hours before the expected arrival of Iris, a small typed sheet could be found at reception if one happened to look, stating that candles, flashlights and snacks would be passed out to all guests before the evening. There were absolutely no other statements made about the impending storm. Half the guests had no idea it was coming, the other half had to resort to the Internet. Those due to leave the resort that day found that their flights were cancelled. As night fell and winds rose, no candles, flashlights, etc. were forthcoming. Reception was completely vague about potential flooding or dangers, although the management had quietly boarded up one of the recreation rooms. No extra towels, tape for windows, or anything as a precaution was offered to the guests. Upon questioning one of the waiters, we were reluctantly told that the power would probably go, and that we would lose the water supply. I bought some large bottles of water, filled the bath and hoped for the best.

The Best That Happened

The storm was loud and wet, but largely missed us. Much relief all round. (Unfortunate for Belize.) But I can’t help wondering what on earth we would all have done if Iris had arrived. The idea of frantic parents carrying very small babies and trying to escape flood waters in the dark and rain doesn’t bear thinking about.

So. My advice to anyone thinking of visiting Pebbles with their families is, by all means go, it’s a really delightful and beautiful place, well maintained, with a wonderful nanny service and lots of good fun and relaxation to be enjoyed. Just avoid the hurricane season. 

Many thanks again for giving us such a wonderful trip. 

  
  
Rachel Franklin is from Silver Spring, MD.  First published by FTF in 2001.