Montego Bay
Mo-Bay, as the locals
call it is considered to be the capital of Spring Break in Jamaica
by tour operators like Student
Travel Services. At the turn of the century, over seventy-five
hydrotherapy (water-cure) institutions were founded based on the
use of warm waters and the warmth of the sun to restore health
and vitality. A section of Montego Bay, owned by a Dr. Alexander
McCatty,was donated it to the town for development as a bathing
club in 1906. The water at that time was only accessible only
by descending through a small cave, hence the name "Doctor's
Cave".
By 1908, Doctor's Cave
with it's crystal clear water and constant temperature of between
78 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit, 22 to 28 Celsius, was being advertised
in New York. " Come South . . . to Montego Bay, the most
beautiful spot in Jamaica. Here is situated the famous Doctor's
Cave bathing place destined to be the favorite bathing resort
of the Western Hemisphere. Leave the grim north, come south! Only
four and a half days from New York."
The curative powers
of the Doctor's Cave were promoted in England in the 1920's by
a controversial but fashionable figure, Sir Herbert Barker. Mr.
Barker, a famous British osteopath and manipulator was knighted
for his ability to treat knee injuries and cartilage damage in
famous athletes and social figures without the use of surgery.
As word spread, more
Hotels
were needed to handle the growing number of visitors to the Doctor's
Cave Bathing Club. Montego Bay was on it's was to becoming an
international tourist destination. During World War II, a landing
strip was built in an adjacent mangrove swamp making the area
accessible by air. Today, the island is just a few hours by air
from most US cities.
Today, the cave is
gone, but you can still restore your health and vitality at Doctor's
Cave Beach , or at one of the other two beaches Cornwall, or Aqua
Sol. All three beaches are all located along Gloucester Avenue,
better known as the Hip Strip. Hotels, restaurants, shops and
a newly rebuilt Coral Cliff casino, as well as the major clubs
are all located along this strip.
If you want to skip
the long lines and save money on cover fees, make sure you purchase
VIP
party wristband from one of the tour operators. Doctors Cave
Hotel and Margaritaville will knock your sandals off with crazy
theme parties, contest and giveaways! Dance,dance, dance and when
the sun comes up, hang by the pool, soak up the rays and enjoy
the contests at Doctor's Cave Hotel, cruise down the winding water
slide at Margaritaville
or climb the 600-foot cascading waterfall of Dunn's River Falls.
Before you leave for
Spring Break, check back for our event schedule and any late breaking
news!