Whether renting a private villa with family and friends, or staying in one of the island’s romantic all-inclusive resorts, the Caribbean island of Jamaica should be on your bucket list. With lush gardens, amazing water falls, bargain shopping, and an incredible nightlife, Jamaica has something to offer everyone.
In my experience, the best time to travel for the best rates is the off-peak season, between May and November. Though May-June and October-November are considered the rainy season, it never hampered my enjoyment, and the huge savings in airfare, hotels and resort rates have made the minor inconveniences of the occasional misting well worth it.
All-inclusive resorts are great if you’re traveling on a budget. Since food, drinks, entertainment, and non-motorized water sports are included in the price of the resort, those on a less flexible budget can expect fewer unforeseen costs. For groups seeking a more personalized experience, a private villa might be the perfect option. Since the costs are shared, the occasional unexpected expense won’t break the bank.
My first visit to Jamaica, my friends and I stayed at the Prospect Plantation Villas in Ocho Rios. The villa came with a private staff ready to cater to our group’s every need, a nice size plunge pool, and indoor/ outdoor seating, all set in the most wonderful surroundings. The villa was so amazing, and the staff so accommodating, that we chose Prospect Plantations on our return visit to Jamaica.
Despite its small island feel, Jamaica is by no means a small island. At 4,240 square miles, Jamaica is the fourth largest Caribbean island country. Though a car was included in our villa package, to maximize the number of places we could visit, on our return visit to Jamaica, we had our booking agent to make arrangements for us to have a driver for our excursions into the surrounding areas, and boy were we glad we did. Unless you are planning an extended stay, you will have to make some very hard choices, but take heart, whatever you choose, your only regret will be that you’ll have to wait to your next trip to pick up where you left off. My best advice is to not overschedule your days. Most of these activities will take most of the day to fully appreciate all that they have to offer, and remember that you are on vacation, and that there is nothing worse than returning from you vacation more tired than when you left.
The Sound of Music
When I think about Jamaica, reggae is the soundtrack that’s playing in the background. I can’t imagine listening without moving to the beat, and if Jamaica is the birthplace of reggae, then Bob Marley would have to be considered its undisputed father. No trip to Jamaica is complete without visiting The Bob Marley Museum of Kingston, which is on the site that was his actual home and studio until his death. If this is not enough to satiate your musical needs, I suggest the Jamaican History Music History Tour of Kingston, which includes a tour of the Bob Marley Museum. After visiting the museum, guests have a chance to have lunch before journeying to Orange Street to visit one of the oldest record stores in Jamaica. They’ll get the chance to enjoy a drink and socialize with musicians in Trench Town, and finally, have the opportunity to visit an actual music studio to produce their own demo to take home with them.
A Taste of the Island
Jamaica is known for some of its tastiest exports such as Appleton Rum and Blue Mountain Coffee. If this rings your taste buds, then make a day of it.
The Appleton Estate in Nassau Valley on the south coast of Jamaica allows tours which will take you through the process of rum production from extraction to aging; however, while quite informative, with thirteen types of rum to taste, the rum is the real reason to take this tour. Wear comfortable shoes and don’t forget your wallet. You will want to keep the party going and pick up a few items from one of the Estate’s two gift shops.
If rum is not your drink of choice, then maybe Blue Mountain coffee is. The Blue Mountains are the longest mountain range along Jamaica’s eastern edge, and offers several guided hiking and bicking tours and lodges for overnight visits. It has the highest mountain peak in the Carribean, and I’m told the sunrises are breathtaking. There are several coffee plantations in the Blue Mountains that offer tours. Grown at altitudes between 2000-5000 feet, Blue Mountain coffee is known as one of the best single origin coffees in the world. Does that matter? Well, I didn’t make it to this tour, but I did try the coffee, and I’d have to say yes, it matters. The coffee was delicious.
Enjoying Nature
The next spot on any must-do tour is Dunns River Fall in Ocho Rios. A visit to this major tourist attraction is an absolute can’t miss. Visitors can join a guided tour or attempt the climb on their own, which I wouldn’t recommend. Two stumbles, and a near sprang ankle later, I can confirm that the rocks are slippery. Not only are the guided tours the best way to experience this marvel of nature, but the tours can be combined with a sunset catamaran cruise. What better way can you imagine to end such a spectacular day.
As astonishing as Dunns River Fall is, Jamaica is an endless source of natural beauty and wonders, and countless ways to experience each. If you are still feeling adventurous after your climb, why not visit the Mystic Mountain Rainforest where you can zip line though the trees for the ultimate view, or go parasailing off the coast. If heights are not your thing, you can enjoy the beautiful miles of beaches as you jet ski or horseback ride along the coastline, or try scuba diving or snorkeling. The tropical coral reefs are home to thousands of species of fish, plants and corals. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. For another unique experience, don’t skip the Luminous Lagoon. I’m told that as the name suggests, the water actually illuminates when agitated. The high phosphorous content gives this lagoon its unique glow. One of only four such water sources in the world, the Luminous Lagoon is the brightest, and a definite don’t miss. This is definitely on my list for my next trip. Some resorts and villas offer packages that include many of these activities, but don’t worry if your desired activity is not included, there are plenty of independent tours available. Can’t narrow down which activities you want to do? There are many combination tours that allow you to enjoy multiple experiences for one price, but like anywhere else, not all tours are equal, so I suggest you do your research before you travel, or ask the concierge or booking agent for suggestions.
Romancing The Stone
If romance is the adventure you are seeking, Jamaica will not leave you wanting. For a touch of romance, try a visit to the Blue Lagoon in Port Antonio, made famous by the movie staring Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins. Once called the Blue Hole, the name was changed due the popularity of the movie. Because some areas have not been developed, the roads can be a bit trecherous, making reaching these areas difficult, but its amazing flowers, greenery, and crystal clear water make it well worth the effort. I advise getting a tour guide to fully appreciate all this amazing gem has to offer. Another popular spot for a romantic day with that someone special, is the Martha Brae River in Falmouth. Bamboo rafting down the Martha Brae has been a hotspot for guests from Hollywood royalty such as Jane Seymour to actual royal, Queen Elizabeth II. You embark at the “rafter’s village,” where you can get a drink at the bar, or pick up a few souvenirs in one of the gift shops while you wait. Don’t worry if you run out of time. You’ll get a second chance when you disembark. Just relax and enjoy the ride. Falmouth is known for its natural wonder, so make time to fully immerse yourself in the best that nature has to offer.
Don’t Worry, Be Happy
After a long day you’re probably looking for spot to grab a drink and just unwind. If you don’t mind that Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville in Montego Bay has a reputation for being overly Americanized, it is still a wonderful place to grab a drink and a bite to eat during the day, or enjoy some reggae music and the nightlife party atmosphere as the sun dips below the horizon. Negril’s Ricks Café is another huge hotspot for tourists and locals. Though the Café boasts a huge selection of food and drinks, this is not the major draw. Ricks Café is built on a 35 foot cliff which has the most amazing view, and if that was not enough, guests are welcome to head downstairs to take a swim in the ocean, or join the more adventurous in diving from one of the Café’s cliffs.
A Touch of History
Not to be neglected, Jamaica has such a rich and diverse history. Rose Hall, an old plantation in Montego Bay, is one of Jamaica’s most famous houses. The house has been restored and opened to the public. The plantation was made famous by Annie Palmer, also known as the “White Witch of Rose Hall.” According to legend, she practiced voodoo and may have been responsible for the deaths of three of her husbands and several of her slaves she’d taken as lovers. The tour is fun and the legend is an interesting bit of Jamaican lore.
Bargaining for Bargains
Last, but definitely not least, for a unique shopping experience, visit Harmony Hall. The historic old plantation has been renovated, and houses several crafts markets where you can purchase original art work and crafts from local artists. The markets can be an exciting place to shop. Unlike the major chains and duty free shops, where prices are fixed, if you are willing to bargain with the vendors, you can often save quite a bit.
Final Bits of Advice
- Though some merchants will accept US dollars, I recommend exchanging your money before you go to get the best rates. The best places to exchange your currency are banks and cambios. Some hotels and resorts will also exchange your money.
- There is so much to do that you’ll never do it all, so to make sure that you have the experience you most want, decide beforehand those activities you absolutely must do, and build the rest of your itinerary around that.
- Transportation is a must. You can easily rent a car with a valid US driver’s license; however, the driving was a bit tedious, so I recommend hiring a driver to get the most out of your trip. Ask the concierge if you are staying at a hotel or resort, or the booking agent if you are renting a villa. The villa’s booking agent arranged for our driver to pick us up at the airport. He was a true godsend. The cost was divided between my friends and myself, making the costs quite reasonable, and he recommended wonderful spots that were not on our original to do lists.
- Finally, don’t forget safety first. Before exploring on your own, I recommend doing your homework. If in doubt, try speaking to the concierge. Like any other destination, there are some areas that are less safe than others.
Jamaica is not just a destination, it is an experience. One I highly recommend, but beware, so much fun can become addictive, and you may never want to vacation any place else. So irie, be well.
A Nomad's Journey 