We have fielded many excellent questions from our guests over the years and we thought it would be beneficial to share our answers with you. You will find these fun and informative. Please read through these to learn answers to questions you may yourself have, as well as answers to questions you would have never thought to ask. What language do Jamaicans speak? What time zone is Jamaica in? What is the temperature like in Jamaica? When is the rainy season in Jamaica? Which airport do I fly into? What kind of clothes will I need in Negril? Can I use $US and should I bring travelers checks? Can I change money at White Sands? How do I get around Negril? Can I drink the water from the tap in my room? What is the drinking age in Negril? Can I get Internet access in Negril? What do tourists generally do in Negril? Can I see Reggae Shows in Negril? Is there a golf course in Negril? Is the Negril beach topless/nude? Can my wife shop in Negril? Is there a hospital in Negril? Can I develop film my 35mm film in Negril? Is crime a problem in Jamaica? Is it legal to smoke marijuana in Jamaica? What electrical current is at the hotel? Should I tip the maid? Is it possible to get married at White Sands? What is the origin of the country's name? When did Jamaica become independent from Britain? How large is Jamaica? Are all Jamaicans Rastas? I have heard that street vendors are aggressive and will insist that I buy something. Is this true? Should I rent a car? What documents do I need to enter Jamaica? Is there gambling in Jamaica? Are ATM machines readily available and what systems do they support? What language do Jamaicans speak? Jamaica's official language is English, but Patois is the conversational dialect most Jamaicans use on a day-to-day basis. Patois is basically English with poor grammar combined with unique Jamaican words. Many Jamaicans tend to also speak quickly, which makes the Patois even harder to understand at times. Jamaicans love to show off their Patois and here are some examples of Patois phrases Mi a-go lef today Translation: I am leaving today Dat is fe mi bredda Translation: That is my brother Dis cyar is fe mi own Translation: This car is mine All a dem a me fambly Translation: All of them are my family She a mi bess fren Translation: She is my best friend How yuh nyam so much. Translation: How do you eat so much.? Tanks fe de glass of ice wata Translation: Thanks for the glass of ice water Im jook mi inna mi yeye Translation: He poked me in the eye. What time zone is Jamaica in? Jamaica is located in Eastern Standard Time and does not observe daylight savings time (therefore it is one hour earlier here during the summer). What is the temperature like in Jamaica? Temperatures during the day basically stay the same year round. The mornings are usually in the low 80's and it will climb into the high 80's and low 90's during the afternoon. When one is in the shade, the temperature drops considerably. During the winter months (December - March) the temperature at night often drops into the low 70's. The temperature during the summer nights is usually in the high 70's. When is the rainy season in Jamaica? The tropical climate of Jamaica can bring rain in any month, but most rain occurs during the summer months of May - October. Rain comes in heavy downpours and usually lasts for short periods of time. We are always thankful for rain. It is what makes our country so green and lush. It is also important to our farmers. Most welcome the rain to take a break from the sun and catch up on some afternoon sleeping. Which airport do I fly into? Fly into to Montego Bay. It takes approximately 1 1/2 hours to drive from Montego Bay to Negril. Do not fly to Kingston. It takes approximately 4 hours to drive from Kingston to Negril. What kind of clothes will I need in Negril? Negril is the Capital of Casual. Shorts, T-shirts and sandals are all you need. Nothing fancy is needed. Bring one long pair of pants and one light long sleeve shirt in case you want to cover up for mosquitoes. Can I use $US and should I bring travelers checks? The Jamaican $ and US $ are accepted everywhere. Most restaurants and stores quote prices in both US $ and JA $. Can I change money at White Sands? Yes. How do I get around Negril? Taxicabs are the fastest way to travel around Negril. All cabs are un-metered, so negotiate a price before you get in the car. You can also rent bicycles, scooters, motorcycles and cars. Can I drink the water from the tap in my room? The water in Jamaica is perfectly safe to drink from the tap at the sink, but bottled water can be purchased at the hotel if desired. What is the drinking age in Negril? If you have to ask this question you need to bring your mother with you when you order a rum and coke at our bar! The legal age is 18 if you have to ask, but I have never seen anyone get carded at a bar or restaurant. Most bartenders assume that if you are mature enough to sit at a bar, chances are you are mature enough to enjoy a drink. Can I get Internet access in Negril? There are several Internet cafes in Negril, but if you bring your laptop you can connect wirelesly in our lobby. What do tourists generally do in Negril? Most visit Negril to enjoy our fabulous beach, warm waters and to forget about life for a bit. The great part about our ocean is that it is shallow, so it is perfect for children or for those who do not like pounding waves. Other more adventurous travelers like to scuba, snorkel, jet ski, parasail, go on a horse back ride, mountain bike ride, visit YS Falls, tour Black River, visit the Appleton Rum Estate, Mayfield Falls or check out the Negril Lighthouse. But if you really want to experience Negril, talk to a Jamaican who you will meet on the beach. Offer to buy him a drink and ask him about life. Jamaicans are never short on giving opinions. This is something that a tourist will not experience when they stay in the walled compound of an all-inclusive. One of the most appealing aspects of staying at White Sands is that you can interact with Jamaicans and feel a part of the community. A far cry from the Disney like ambiance offered at the all-inclusive hotel chains. Can I see Reggae Shows in Negril? Depending on the time of the year, shows can occur almost every night. The most popular places to visit for nightly reggae shows are Alfred's Ocean Palace, DeBuss, and Roots Bamboo. All are within easy walking distance along the beach. Is there a golf course in Negril? Yes. The Negril Hills Golf Course. It is about a ten-minute drive from the hotel and is an 18-hole course. Bring lots of balls, the course is built around Jamaica's second largest morass and when your ball lands in the morass, you can kiss it goodbye. Is the Negril beach topless/nude? Negril is a topless beach, but not a nude beach. Can my wife shop in Negril? White Sands is home to Negril's most popular store, Christines. You will find works from authentic Jamaican artists and unique products not seen anywhere else in Negril. Other than a shopping experience at Christines, there are basically two types of shopping in Negril, common tourist craft shops and duty free shopping. The duty free mall is located on the beach road and carriers all the fine jewelry and watches one could want. Craft shopping can be done in the same complex. Is there a hospital in Negril? Negril does not have a hospital, but there is a Minor Emergency Medical Clinic located along the beach road. There is also a doctor on call 24 hours a day. The nearest hospital is in the town of Savanna-la-Mar, about a 25-minute drive from Negril. There are several pharmacies in Negril, but bring your own prescriptions. Can I develop film my 35mm film in Negril? There are two film developing stores in Negril. Is crime a problem in Jamaica? Jamaica's crime image is vastly exaggerated. Much of the trouble one may hear about is restricted to areas within the capital city of Kingston, or in...

; All rooms have air-conditioning, refrigeration, and either a balcony or porch; Garden side Pool.; Garden side Game Room; Beach Bar and Grill with Television; Children 11 and under stay free. Restrictions apply.; Sun deck on beach; Gift Shop. WiFi Hotspot located in lobby. Negril's only four bedroom, four bathroom house with private pool. It is a basic villa and deal for families and groups. It contains a full kitchen, living room/dining room, gazebo, outside dining area, and a small atrium in the middle of the house. The Villa is located across the road from the beach, about 1 1/2 minutes walk to the water's edge. These are our largest units, comprising a bedroom, living room, dining room, kitchen and full bathroom. The bedroom has one double and one twin bed. The living room has two additional twin beds. Located on the ground floor on the beach side of the road. These rooms are our middle category units. Each room has vaulted ceilings with one double and one twin bed. Located on the second floor on the beach side of the property. 1. Standard Garden side. 2. Standard Garden side w/kitchenette. 3. Standard Beach Side. The Beach Side rooms are smaller then the Garden Side Rooms. They are ideal if you travel light and want to be located on the beach side. If you want more space reserve a Garden Side room. The bedding for all units is either one double bed, or two twin beds. The units are for double occupancy only.

We had a very enjoyable 10 days at White Sands and we would definitely return again. We received excellent value and great service from their friendly and very helpful staff. The beach is the best, and White Sands is a great place to enjoy it from! - Judie Mike Sedell, Simi Valley, Ca. I find White Sands to be friendly, clean and neat. Convenient to restaurants and the beach is lovely. The bar and the bartenders are friendly and attract some wonderful people. The restaurant is good for breakfast and a small lunch. The rooms are decorated nicely and kept in good repair. A nice place for family and friends. - Joy, New Hampshire We spent a fabulous week at White Sands in late February 2002. Everyone was very helpful and friendly, the rooms were clean and comfortable and the beach, of course, was fantastic - miles of soft, white sand, washed by clear blue ocean. White Sands is not luxurious, but it is very good value for money. - Howard Yates Family, London, UK Jamaica is a beautiful country. I have been traveling there for the past twelve years and have always enjoyed spending the time in Negril. My favorite place to stay in Negril is White Sands Resort. It is small, which I prefer, and the owners and staff are very special people. I would recommend White Sands to anyone traveling to Negril who wants a vacation in a place that is not crowded and has a very friendly family atmosphere. - Julius Bryant, Columbus, Ohio Three years ago as we planned a trip to Jamaica, we chose White Sands in the middle of the 7 mile beach side of Negril. We fell in love with White Sands the first time we saw it and have been coming back every year for two weeks ever since. We could not imagine going anywhere else. It was exactly what we were looking for, quiet, beautiful grounds and the perfect beach. To us it is our escape to paradise. - Bobbie Mike, Lancaster, P A I like White Sands. The staff is extremely friendly if there is anything you need they make sure your needs are taken care of. The rooms are clean and comfortable. I have been going to the White Sands for the last 3 years, spending two months of the year there usually March and the month of November. It depends the time of the year you go but you can enjoy the gorgeous gardens. The flowers smell unbelievable. The beach is extremely close with the white sandy beaches and the turquoise water is beautiful. When you fall in love with Negril you will be going back as much as I have. You meet new friends that come back every year also. Take care. -O Kozlowski, Vancouver We discovered White Sands in 1996 and have stayed there 4 times in the last 6 years. Our 5 year-old twins feel like White Sands is their winter home! The location on Negril beach cannot be beat. The entire staff is unfailingly friendly and helpful. White Sands fits our needs perfectly with it's simple, clean, and well-maintained accommodations. There just isn't a better combination of accommodations, people, and location on Negril beach. It's definitely our hotel of choice. - John, Joan, Clare and Ian Baumgart, Mequon, WI Our first trip to Negril and the White Sands was in 1994. We knew we had found our home away from home. The people at White Sands were so friendly and accommodating, the rooms were clean and reasonable, and the location on the beach was perfect. We have been back to the White Sands 3 times since and will return again in a few weeks. We spent last Christmas at the White Sands with our 2 sons and daughter-in-law so we could show them the place that has become such a part of our lives. We've always felt a little piece of our heart belongs at the White Sands. - Dan Cindy Groth, Winona, MN If you want to relax and have a good time in a warm and sunny place, go to White Sands, Negril! You also meet the nicest people there from all over the world. The staff at White Sands are all very friendly and helpful! - Judy Carl / Ogden, Illinois We always refer to White Sands like we are going home and that's the way we are treated. You cannot find friendlier or nicer people anywhere else in the world. - George Trisha Aarons, Alexandria, Virginia, USA We have stayed at other resorts in Negril and a friend recommended the White Sands, we found White Sands very friendly, relaxing and a lot of fun. It is the perfect location on the beach and we felt safe and secure. We have already recommended the White Sands to our best friends. We had a wonderful vacation and we can't wait to go back next year! I would like to thank you for our enjoyable time with you. - Wayne Maryellen Kanz, Fountain City, WI I can't find enough nice things to say about our visit to White Sands, your place and your staff. Take care. - Stephen, Mary, Kyle and Gavin, (In Cold Cold Calgary, Alberta!) I want to thank you once again for all your help on getting things organized for our Christmas in Jamaica. I know with all the airline changes and different room and villa combinations that we needed it was a good thing I was dealing with you and not some big corporate company. Everything worked out perfectly, the room, the apartment and especially the villa were absolutely fantastic. Everything was neat and clean and the workers were very polite. As you know we visit Jamaica once or twice a year, and you can rest assured that White Sands will be our first choice. See you next year, thanks again. - Mike Tritz, Florida I can truly say White Sands is an ideal destination for the family. We found the staff very friendly and helpful and my family felt very at home there. We're looking forward to staying there on our trips to Negril in the future. - N T-P Our group has been coming to Negril every other year for the last 12years. We have always stayed at White Sands. To my knowledge there is not a better place in Negril. The staff is always extremely helpful and attentive to anything that we need and we have always had wonderful cooks and cleaning personnel. In addition, the observation deck offers wonderful sunset viewsthe bar is open and friendly and at no time over the times we have visited did we feel anything but completely safe. I would highly, highly recommend White Sands. - Bill Rogers White Sands is a wonderful low-key relaxing vacation - we love it! It's family-run and everyone is very friendly and helpful. It's right on the beach, surrounded by beautiful gardens with fruit trees. The area is generally natural because of the low-rise buildings and an abundance of lush vegetation. We have been going every year for the past 15 years or so. We especially like the cottages (one-bedroom apartments) as they are spacious and have a full kitchen. Please give our best wishes to everyone, - Carol and Evan, Brooklyn The owners of White Sands Hotel seem to take a genuine concern for their customers. Their care makes the stay worth while! from our hearts; - Tommy and Debbie Lemacher, Arkansas If I did not like White Sands, I certainly would not have stayed there already eleven times! And each time I spend approximately three months. For me, it is the best and nicest place and everybody is kind and helpful. Please give my kindest regards to the whole crew. Hope very much to see you all next winter! - Lore, Switzerland Our stay at White Sands was a very enjoyable experience. We were surprised at size of the cottage/apt, it was huge, and with a group of 6 it was nice to have the extra room to have a place to meet and hang out. Also, the price was very reasonable for places in Negril and the location was nice for us. Close to bands in both directions. Henry the concierge, Angi our maid, and Pricilla our friend;s maid was very friendly and helpful as were the entire staff. Everyone was wonderful and very accommodating. If someone wasn't sure of something, the manager was there to make suggestions and offer help. We are already planning our stay there next year. - Gloria Knutson, Minnesota Dear White Sands Staff Just wanted to drop you a note of thanks for making our Jam...