Fall in Love with Jamaica!
From each morning’s glorious sunrise until the sea swallows the sun at night, Jamaica presents a magnificent palette of color, a kaleidoscope of beauty that makes this island the most precious jewel in the Caribbean!
For many reasons, this Caribbean Island is one of my favorites. There are so many unique experiences, engaging activities and breathtaking landscapes. And the people of Jamaica are so warm and welcoming!
I have traveled all over the island and each area has its own distinct vibe. I have enjoyed every area that I have visited but Negril and the White House area are my favorites. Long stretches of beaches and the laid back , casual attitude are just a few of the reasons that these areas are at the top of my list!
Jamaica offers something for everyone so lets start planning!!
Montego Bay
Montego Bay is the most popular tourist area in Jamaica. It has the largest concentration of resorts and it is very close to the Sangster International Airport. So if you want to start your vacation right away Montego Bay might be your choice.
Most of the hotels in Montego Bay are isolated and spread out. But if you want a convenient location with a ton of activity, restaurants and nightlife, Montego Bay is the place to go.
Pros:
- Close to the airport. Most hotels are 15 minutes away.
- Large Number of Golf Courses if you are a Golf fanatic.
- It is halfway between Negril and Ocho Rios. So you have easy access to most of the attractions island wide.
- You can take day trips to Ocho Rios, Negril and the South Coast quite easily.
- Close to such attractions as Rose Hall Great house, Luminous Lagoon, Rafting at Martha Brae and Ahhh. …Ras Natango Gallery.
- There are a large number of all-inclusive hotels from budget to luxury options.
- There are a large number of restaurants.
- Good nightlife.
- Home of such reggae events as Reggae Sumfest.
Activities:
Dive at coral reefs in the protected waters of the Montego Bay Marine Park or float down a river on a bamboo raft.
Sunbathe on Doctor’s Cave Beach or sip a frozen beverage poolside.
Shop the open-air Harbour Street market and dine at local restaurants with menus ranging from traditional Jamaican cuisine, like jerk chicken, to the fresh catch of the day.
Ocho Rios
This sleepy fishing village has morphed into one of the main tourist regions in Jamaica. Commonly referred to as “Ochi” by locals. If you are looking for fun activities for the whole family Ocho Rios is a good bet.
Ocho Rios is approximately 2 hours from the airport in Montego Bay. Due to the new highway that has been constructed, Ocho Rios is now 1 ½ hours from the airport in Kingston.
In Ocho Rios the town and the hotels are a bit separated. Unless there are cruise ships in port you rarely see tourists in the main town.
Pros:
- Large number of attractions
- Most attractions are around 15-20 minutes from your hotel
- Large number of all-inclusive hotels
- Great location for a family vacation or family reunion
Activities:
Ocho Rios is pefect for family vacations. There are a number of kid-friendly attractions in Ocho Rios. A few attractions that readily come to mind are Konoko Falls, Turtle River Falls, Dunns River Falls, Dolphin Cove, Mystic Mountain and Prospect Outback Adventures.
And if you have never seen a Blue Hole, this is the perfect place to do it!
There are also a lot of activities for adults. There are spas, golf courses, cooking tours and more.
Fortunately, all of these attractions are in close proximity to each other so you can do a lot in a short amount of time.
Negril
Negril is a small town located on the western side of Jamaica. The town is known for its carefree easy going style and its beautiful beaches. The most popular beach is the 7 mile beach.
If all you want to do is lounge on the beach for the majority of your vacation this might be the best place to visit in Jamaica.
Most of the hotels are on the beach or on the cliff side. There are numerous restaurants and bars nearby. If you want you can just walk along seven-mile beach and view the various bars and hotels. They will be filled with tourists and locals.
Negril has a laid back casual beach vibe. If you are interested in beach activities this is a good place to be.
So if you are a beach connoisseur I think Negril his the place to be!
Pros:
- Beautiful beach
- Large amount of restaurants and bars, especially along the beach
- Most of the entertainment revolves around the beach
- Numerous beach activities
- Good Dive sites
Activities:
Beach horseback riding, visit the Kool Runnings Adventure Park or the Animal Farm, make a trip to Margaritaville or take a sunset cruise. Negril is famous for their amazing sunsets!
My Favorite Resorts
Ocho Rios
Couples San Souchi- At Couples Sans Souci, they spend every day dreaming up new ways to give you more. An extra splash of Myers's rum? A little more grilled lobster? Another dive, or round of golf, or hour of water-skiing? You bet!
Because when you’re heading to the "Jewel of Jamaica" for an all-inclusive getaway, getting more should be at the top of your list.
Jewel Runaway Bay- Escape to our all-inclusive getaway and discover why they call this tropical playground Runaway Bay.
Surrounded by Jamaica’s lush foliage, scenic views and exotic adventures, you’ll feel like you’ve run away from the chaos of everyday life when staying at Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort.
Whether lounging in a hammock underneath swaying palm trees, making a splash in our water park, teeing off at our private 18-hole championship golf course or building a sandcastle on the beach, our family friendly resort makes your vacation fantasies a reality.
Book your stay today and make memories you’ll hold on to long after the tan lines have faded.
Montego Bay
Secrets Wild Orchid: Set on a peninsula with over a mile of private beach leading into the waters of Montego Bay, this vibrant AAA Four Diamond resort is an island retreat complete with all the benefits of Unlimited Luxury
.
Indigenous art to chic design, Secrets Wild Orchid takes its inspiration from the island's gorgeous surroundings, steeped in the Ethiopian roots of Jamaica's African ancestors.
Made for the youthful soul and the young at heart, adults (18+ only) will discover a vibrant, hip locale with the exclusive amenities of Unlimited-Luxury®, beginning with 24-room room service, nine gourmet restaurants, nine bars and lounges, the world-class Spa, theater, and championship-caliber golf nearby.
If you wish to escape to a little quieter atmosphere, there's Secrets St. James next door, with its Victorian-esque sophistication-- the best of two worlds.
Between the two neighboring resorts, enjoy seven gourmet, a la carte restaurants serving a variety of international cuisine, a buffet and more, ten chic bars and lounges offering unlimited premium brand beverages, an air-conditioned theatre featuring a variety of entertainment and a world-class spa with pampering spa treatments.
Royalton White Sands:
This resort masterfully blends Jamaica’s unique culture with a luxury product featuring top quality service, great attention to detail and exceptional personalized service.
Discover sophisticated decor with charming Caribbean flair, atop pristine white sands.
Treat your taste buds to a flavour sensation as you feast on eclectic cuisines from around the world. Enjoy local and international delights in buffet style or a la carte dining venues, then grab a signature cocktail and mingle with other guests at the many on-site bars.
Treat yourself to a mid-afternoon coffee and exquisite handmade dessert at the café. Royalton White Sands has culinary creations to delight and impress even the most discriminating palettes.
The Royal Spa is a luxurious full-service wellness facility where guests are invited to invest in their internal well-being on vacation.
Negril:
Couples Negril
Located on 18 acres of the purest white sand in Jamaica, Couples Negril is a beachfront, all-inclusive playground without distraction from crowds, children, or schedules.
The couples only philosophy translates into pure romance from the moment you arrive. Whether playing in the sea, dancing under the stars, indulging in spa treatments, or simply lying together in a hammock on your balcony, this vacation is all about you and the one you love.
From scuba diving to sailing, snorkeling to pool volleyball, the water adventures know no bounds. For land-lovers, there's complimentary tennis (including lessons) and unlimited golf (transfers and green fees included; caddy mandatory at a nominal charge).
At Couples Resorts, you'll even enjoy select complimentary excursions. The central cluster of restaurants, grills, and bars encourages you to mingle with fellow guests over cool tropical drinks, freshly prepared local red snapper, or a spirited game of pool volleyball.
Beaches Negril
Carefree & Casually Cool. The moment you walk into Beaches Negril, you officially enter a carefree zone.
Negril is the place where "laid back" was invented, and that vibe is totally contagious. Before long, you'll be footloose and cheerful in a paradise where everything is included.
When you're located on the widest stretch of Negrils famous 7-mile beach the best place to be is at the water's edge. That's why they even put a waterpark there.
Everything you can possibly imagine is beachside at Beaches Negril — from lively pools to restaurants and bars. Seek adventure, relax, or do both. It's all about spending time with those you love... any way you want.
So if you are ready to plan your Jamaica vacation, contact me today!