Holiday Destination - Why Jamaica

Rolling hills contrast with steep gullies and the towering Blue Mountains beg to be explored. A holiday in Jamaica offers various pleasures that range from fish-filled coral reefs and white-sand beaches to cloudy rainforests and spectacular waterfalls. Dunn’s River Falls is also breathtaking - both the view and the climb. Jamaica is certainly among the most visited Caribbean destinations.

The island’s strong musical culture is everywhere - Bob Marley’s legend and music really does live on here. The intoxicating music and the magnificent streets, Caribbean demography is one of the most diverse populations that include African, Chinese, Indian, British and German heritage. It is also the third largest island of the Caribbean, which consists of six main tourist regions. Which are Montego Bay, Negril, Mandeville and South Coast, Ocho Rios, Kingston and Port Antonio.

Montego Bay is the best resort to be in if you like it lively - it has a vibrant ‘Hip Strip’ with a good selection of bars and shops. Montego Bay is a prime spot for water sports including sailing, scuba diving, jet skiing, parasailing, underwater sports and glass-bottom boat excursions. Negril is more laid-back, spread out along a beautiful 7-mile stretch of golden beach.

A Holiday in Jamaica is also for the shoppers. Ocho Rios is a world-class destination. Larger than Negril, its duty-free shopping is very popular and it’s well situated to visit all the major attractions.

Blue Mountain Peak is a paradise for island mountain trekkers and the bird watchers can gather for exploring more than 200 native species, which consists of around 25 species that are prevalent. Jamaica has a range of formal gardens that are Hope Botanical Gardens, Cranbrook Flower Forest, Shaw Park Gardens and Coyaba River Garden.

Key Events

Jan - Jazz Festival.

Feb - Bob Marley Celebration.

Mar - Spring Break.

Jun - Jerk Festival.

Jul or Aug - Reggae Sumfest.

Aug - Independence/Emancipation (cultural experience).

Getting There

Flight details	You fly direct from London Gatwick to Montego Bay. Alternatively, you can get flights from London to Kingston.
Flight time	Approx 9 hours 45 min.
Time difference	GMT -5 hours.
Language	English.
Currency	Jamaican dollar J$.
Internet TLD	.jm
Calling Code	+1 876

Beach and Diving

Jamaica has some magnificent beaches, including Negril Beach, which stretches for miles, and the sublime Frenchman’s Cove. Water sports abound, and with shallow reefs, walls and caverns, it makes for superb diving.

Island Life

Glide down the Martha Brae on a bamboo raft or safari up the Black River. There are also plantation houses with colourful histories, Dunn’s River Falls to climb and Dolphin Cove to swim with bottlenose dolphins.

Lively Night Life

The nightlife is extensive in Jamaica. Although low-key in Negril, Rick’s Cafe is a popular place to be at sunset. In Montego Bay, ‘Hip Strip’ is known for its bars playing reggae long into the night, and Ocho Rios boasts some lively bars and restaurants.

World-class Golf

Jamaica is home to several world-class golf courses, including the Caribbean’s oldest at Manchester Club. Most are located in and around resort centres, making them easily accessible. All abilities are catered for.