JAMAICA
Jamaica is the ultimate Caribbean destination known for it’s beautiful beaches, laid back atmosphere and year round sunshine.
James Bond author, Ian Fleming fell in love with the island and once described the area of Negril as a five-mile crescent of unbroken, soft, white gold sand, fringed for all its dazzling length with leaning palm trees. I felt the very same way about Montego Bay except my beach was attached to a 681 room all-inclusive resort. Given, the island is a little more built up than in the 1950s when Ian Fleming made it his hideaway to write 007, but it’s charm remains the same. Whether you want to party the night away or laze on the beach with a good book, Jamaica is the place to be.
The island is super relaxed – leave your heels at home. All you’ll need is a few bikinis, a sarong, some denim shorts and a collection of pretty summer dresses. There’s so much more to the island than your resort beach and cocktails so get out of your hotel and explore.
If scenery is your thing, there’s an abundance of beautiful rivers, forests and waterfalls.
We skipped the hustle and bustle of tourist-ridden Dunns River Falls and instead drove the long, bumpy road to the secluded Blue Hole in Saint Ann. After a 10-minute forest walk you reach beautiful blue water pools and crashing waterfalls. Apart from my group and our guide, it was empty – pure bliss!
While in most countries rafting involves white water, the Martha Brae river couldn’t be more opposite. Riding down the river on a 40ft bamboo raft was one of the most serene experiences, with just the sound of the birds, the raft cutting the water and occasionally our raftsman, Joseph singing a little song. I was told the green in the Jamaican flag represents the greenery of the island – it couldn’t be more accurate – the plants and trees along the river intertwine one another with most of the river shaded.
Jamaica and rum go hand in hand so it’s many bars across the island are a must visit. Established in the seventies, Ricks Café is now somewhat of an institution with tourists travelling from all corners of the island to visit. It holds a prime spot atop the cliffs in Negril’s West End, perfect for watching the sun go down with a cocktail and listening to live music. Local divers jump from the cliffs into the sea with braver visitors giving it a go too.
There’s a list of reasons why visiting beaches away from your resort is a must do, even if only to showcase your multiple bikinis. See seven mile beach in Negril for the natural beauty Ian Fleming describes, Reggae beach for prime snorkelling or Frenchman’s Cove for secluded relaxation.
