Destination Guide: Jamaica

Jamaica is a big island with lots of white sand beaches. So which one should you lay your beach towel on? Here’s a quick rundown of the island’s three main tourist areas. Whichever one you choose, you’ll find good food, good music, good rum, and above all, a good time.

Montego Bay

Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall

Jamaica’s main airport is located here on Jamaica’s northwest coast, so if you’re staying here you’ll be off the plane and on the beach in just a few hours. Beyond the beaches, visitors are drawn to ‘MoBay’ by annual events like Reggae Sumfest and MoBay Jerk Fest, as well as the city’s vibrant nightlife and shopping. Montego Bay is close to two of the island’s most unique natural features, the Cockpit Country landscape and Luminous Lagoon. It’s also a great place from which to explore Jamaica’s cultural history. In the 1700s, nearby Falmouth was considered the most cosmopolitan city in the western world, the “Paris of the Indies.” Then there’s Rose Hall Plantation: today, the 6,000-acre plantation is home to a world-famous golf course, comfortable resorts like the Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall, and miles of beautiful beaches. But back in the 1800s, the plantation was run by Annie Palmer, the infamous “White Witch,” and her ghost is still said to haunt the great house.

Ocho Rios

Sandals Ochi Beach

The area surrounding Ocho Rios on Jamaica’s north coast features some of the island’s most beautiful scenery—rivers rushing down emerald green mountains to soft sand beaches. The lush natural beauty here attracts visitors look for a little adventure and a lot of luxury. Two Sandals Resorts—as well as the Sandals Golf & Country Club—cater to adults, while resorts like Beaches Ocho Rios and the new Moon Palace Jamaica Grande are bursting with high-end family fun. The spectacular Dunns River Falls is the island’s most popular tourist attraction, but don’t miss out on the region’s gorgeous mountain hikes, quiet beach-lined coves and less well-known attractions like Green Grotto Caves.

Negril

Couples Negril

Negril’s dramatic ocean cliffs make the perfect background for a romantic sunset, so it’s no wonder Jamaica’s west coast is popular with honeymooners and others looking for a carefree getaway. Plus, the beach here is considered one of the world’s best; and where there’s a good beach, there’s usually good nightlife, and Negril is no exception. Very little compares to spending a lazy day soaking up the sun’s energy before following the reggae beats to Norman Manley Boulevard and letting it all out on the dance-floor. And if you wear yourself out, we recommend a private tree house massage at Couples Negril.

Which part of Jamaica caught your attention? Get there by clicking here.