Jamaican sunset | from iStock - iStock
Jamaica Destination Guide
by Tina Banerjee
Summary
Endowed with stunning natural scenery, flawless beaches and a vibrant spirit, the Caribbean’s third-largest island is a haven for luxury holidays or honeymoons. Some of the beaches on its north coast are rated among the best in the world, while the mist-shrouded Blue Mountains offer hiking and rafting opportunities. While the country is the birthplace of the modern all-inclusive, its choice of accommodation extends to superb luxury hotels, gorgeous boutique properties, spa and golf resorts.
Whether you want to lounge on white-sand beaches, learn about reggae legend Bob Marley, or indulge in tennis, diving, fishing or sailing, Jamaica is sure to draw you back time and time again.
Getting there, getting around Jamaica
Numerous charter airlines fly to the country. Virgin Atlantic offers direct scheduled flights to Montego Bay and Kingston, the country’s two international airports.
Domestic flights are possible and are served by four airports. Buses are unreliable over long distances so if you’re planning on travelling around the country, consider hiring a car. Renting a scooter or bike is best within and around your resort, with taxis also in plentiful supply.
Quick facts
Currency: Jamaican Dollar
Language: English
Flight time: 9 hours
GMT: -5 hours
Weather: There is a tropical climate with two rainy periods - May to June and September to November. Hurricane season is June to September. December-April is the perfect time to go
Dialling code: 00 1 876
Electricity: 110V, 50Hz. An adapter is required
Fishing in Jamaica | from Tina Banerjee - Tina Banerjee
Beaches in Jamaica
All of the country’s beach resorts cater to couples seeking specialist honeymoon packages or those wanting luxury family holidays.
In Montego Bay, head for the five-mile-long Doctor’s Cave Beach, which offers numerous watersports, Cornwall Beach’s underwater marine park if you’re a diver, or Walter Fletcher beach if you prefer snorkelling. Negril’s talcum-white, seven-mile beach ends in dramatic cliffs. The resort boasts chic boutique resorts, such as The Caves and The Rockhouse, which are carved into the rock.
Less sophisticated in comparison is the resort of Ocho Ríos, but its one major asset is nearby Goldeneye, the former home of James Bond writer Ian Fleming which is now a superb luxury resort. The property frames an emerald lagoon which leads to sheltered beaches and coves. Plans are under way to develop more villas, spas, yoga and fine dining options.
If you prefer something off the beaten track, head to Treasure Beach on the south coast, which is cloaked by black, sandy bays and a more rugged coastline. Jake's, a boutique property offering rustic, chic cottages and the newly opened Hope House, a villa for up to eight people, is ideal for those seeking privacy and a more authentic Jamaican experience. Previous guests have included Robbie Williams and Kate Moss.
Sightseeing in Jamaica
Montego Bay’s main attraction is Rose Hall Gardens, once home to Annie Palmer, the infamous White Witch of Jamaica who is reported to have killed her husbands and some of her slaves before being murdered herself. Greenwood Great House is another restored former plantation home filled with antiques, paintings and rare books.
Reggae fans shouldn’t miss a trip to Kingston, Bob Marley’s birthplace. A fascinating museum on Hope Road is dedicated to his life and music, while you can also book a music tour at Tuff Gong studios, where Marley and other music legends recorded.
From Kingston, head up into the Blue Mountains and tour some of the old coffee plantations such as the Craighton Estate, set 2,600 feet above sea level.
Family fun in Jamaica
Small kids will enjoy Negril’s Anancy Fun Park, with its miniature golf course, go-kart track, train ride, carousels and paddle boat on the park’s small lake. Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville has a giant water trampoline, a rock-climbing wall, and a children’s play area. Or visit Rocklands Bird Sanctuary, where they can hand-feed Jamaica’s national bird, the doctor bird.
Montego Bay’s main draw for kids is AquaSol Theme Park, with its pedal boats, jet-skis, water trampolines and glass-bottom boat rides. It also has tennis courts, a go-kart track and kayaks to rent. Teenagers may want to go rafting on the Great River or enjoy a Sea Trek experience, which gives them the chance to walk on the sea floor, with oxygen provided via a helmet, for close-up views of marine life and coral.
Sunset cruises, horseback rides, sailing and quad biking can also be arranged in most of the resorts.
Day trips around Jamaica
From Ocho Ríos or Montego Bay, head to Dunn's River Falls, a crowded tourist spot but one worth visiting thanks to its cascading waters. Nature lovers can canoe at Bogue Lagoon or go rafting at Martha Brae. The 18th-century port town of Falmouth offers historic buildings and a crocodile farm.
From Treasure Beach, enjoy a Black River crocodile safari, a visit to Appleton Rum Estate and YS Waterfalls, or enjoy a sunset drink at the Pelican Bar, a wooden bar built on stilts at sea which is accessible only by boat.
Jamaican palms | from iStock - iStock
Eating out in Jamaica
Jamaican cuisine extends beyond its most well-known export, spicy jerk chicken. Callaloo, a leafy vegetable, and saltfish are eaten for breakfast served with fried plantains, yam and flour dumplings. Ackee, a tropical fruit, and beef patties are also national staples. Fish and seafood are excellent – try snapper, grouper, sea bass, shrimp and lobster. Fruit such as pineapple, mango, banana and avocado are abundant. Blue Mountain coffee is also among the best in the world.
Enjoy a lobster pizza or fresh seafood at Jack Sprat’s on Treasure Beach, or Little Ochie’s at Alligator Pond.
Shopping in Jamaica
In Montego Bay, head for the city centre, where most of the duty-free shops are, and the Holiday Village Shopping Centre on Rose Hall Road. Old Fort Craft Park is great for handicrafts and wood sculptures. Also good for handmade souvenirs, including jipijapas (straw hats), is the Crafts Market near Harbour Street.
In Negril, upmarket shops can be found at Time Square Mall on Norman Manley Boulevard, while Negril Craft Market is worth a look, with its collection of shacks and lively vendors. Here and along the beach, you’re likely to see an abundance of wood carvings and jewellery - haggling is expected.
Nightlife in Jamaica
Party lovers should time their visit to coincide with Carnival in April, the Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest in July and the Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues festival in January.
Negril offers the world's most spectacular sunsets at West End cliffs - sip a Red Stripe or cocktail at Rick’s for the best views. Live reggae booms out of the beach bars most nights. Roots Bamboo, Ricky Business, Alfred’s and Bourbon Beach are good bets.
Margaritaville is the number one club in Montego Bay, boasting open-air bars and dance floors, a three-storey water slide and water trampolines. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit. The bar at Pier One has great live acts featuring well-known reggae stars. In Kingston, Knutsford Boulevard is the place for night owls.
Related destinations
If you're interested in Jamaica you may also like to look at these related destinations:
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