Published on Mar, 2023
I planned a spring break trip in Montego Bay that happily coincided with my Jamaican mom's 70 something birthday. Appleton Estates has been on our bucket list for some time, but we were a little nervous to book the long ride. In addition to my mom we traveled as a large group with 3 kids under 6 so I needed to be sure that any driver or tour we scheduled was going to be prompt and cautious with such a wide range of ages. I am so grateful that I found Leon on Tripadvisor. He was engaging, knew everything about the towns we went through, pointed out historic buildings and plots of land, his vehicle was comfortable and super clean, and he was so very caring about everyone in our party.
The roads to Appleton and YS Falls take you on country roads over the mountains, so you really need to go with an expert who drives those roads, and knows the people and the towns. Additionally, two of the children were not accustomed to mountain roads and got sick with motion sickness. Leon pulled over mulitple times and waited patiently, so that they could be cleaned up, and stopped again when we reached a town so that he could purchase non alcoholic ginger beer for their tummies, We did not ask him to do this, he did it on his own accord and we so appreciated how caring he is. I can't imagine taking that trip with anyone else at the wheel. Anyway - the kids rallied like nothing ever happened and had a great time tasting cane juice, seeing the donkey, and having lunch at Appleton. The adults loved learning about the rum process, the history of the brands, and the tastings. Then we went to YS Falls and enjoyed the cool water. Special thanks to Leon's sister who came along and helped us watch the kids at both places. We are grateful that she was in town! Leon even suprised my mom the next day with a birthday present of Jamaican apples because she had mentioned loving them.
Honestly, you can not find a more experienced driver and kinder host to take you around Jamaica. When we return we will use Jamaica Experience Tours exclusively.
