jamaica
destination guide
jamaica TRAVEL GUIDE
Jamaica is an island that gives you plenty of reasons to come back. Beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, reggae music and Jamaican food all shape the experience. You can spend your week relaxing by the Caribbean Sea, exploring waterfalls and rivers, or enjoying a little of both.
It’s a great choice for couples, families and groups, with a wide range of all-inclusive resorts and very different settings to choose from.
For me, planning a Jamaica vacation starts with choosing the right part of the island. Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios each offer something different, and your location can make a big difference to how you spend your week.
why visit jamaica?
AN INSIDER’S GUIDE
Jamaica has so much to offer beyond a beautiful resort. There’s jerk chicken fresh off the grill, music that makes you want to stay a little longer, and tropical scenery worth getting out to explore. Waterfalls, river adventures and days on the water give you plenty of options when you’re ready for a break from your beach chair.
The different resort areas are a big part of the appeal. Negril is known for Seven Mile Beach, beautiful sunsets and a relaxed atmosphere. Montego Bay offers a broad choice of resorts, with some conveniently located close to the airport. Ocho Rios is a great area to consider if attractions such as Dunn’s River Falls are high on your list. And, the south coast is a secluded piece of heaven.
You don’t need to see everything in one trip. I’d rather help you choose a location you’ll love, enjoy your resort properly and add a few experiences that suit your interests.
IS jamaica RIGHT FOR YOU?
I especially recommend Jamaica if:
- You want a Caribbean vacation with great food, music and local character
- You’re looking for an all-inclusive resort for couples, families or a group
- You enjoy waterfalls, river experiences or getting out on the water
- You want a romantic escape, honeymoon or anniversary trip
- You love beach days but want the option to explore
- You want a choice of resort styles, from intimate properties to larger resorts with plenty happening
If you prefer a very short airport transfer or a long, uninterrupted beach, I’d pay particular attention to the location and property we choose. Those experiences vary quite a bit across Jamaica.
THE PERFECT WEEK
HOW I’D SPEND 7 DAYS IN JAMAICA
The perfect Jamaica itinerary depends on where you’re staying.
I wouldn’t build the same week for a resort in Negril as I would for one in Ocho Rios. Choose a few experiences within comfortable reach of your hotel, then leave plenty of time to enjoy the vacation you’ve booked.
DAY 1 — ARRIVE + SETTLE IN
Check in, unpack and find your way to the beach. Keep the evening easy with dinner and a drink while you settle into your surroundings.
DAY 2 — BEACH DAY
Spend your first full day enjoying the resort. Swim, explore the property and find the spot you’ll want to return to all week.
DAY 3 — EXPLORE YOUR PART OF JAMAICA
Choose an outing that makes sense for your location. From Ocho Rios, that might be Dunn’s River Falls. In Negril, you might spend time along Seven Mile Beach and enjoy the coastal scenery. Around Montego Bay, consider a local sightseeing or food experience.
DAY 4 — RESORT DAY
Keep the schedule open. Enjoy the pool, book a spa treatment, try the available watersports or settle in with a book.
DAY 5 — GET ON THE WATER
Consider a catamaran cruise, snorkelling trip or a river experience nearby. Choose something that suits your pace, whether that means a lively boat outing or a quieter afternoon.
DAY 6 — JAMAICAN FOOD + MUSIC
Make time for Jamaican flavours, whether that’s a local food tour, a recommended jerk spot or a meal at your resort’s Jamaican restaurant. Finish the day with music or evening entertainment.
DAY 7 — ONE LAST BEACH DAY
Leave your final full day mostly open. Have a leisurely breakfast, get back in the water and enjoy one more afternoon without watching the clock.
JEN’S TIP
Choose your resort location before filling your itinerary. Jamaica is a large island, and an excursion that looks close on a map can involve a long drive. Staying near the experiences you most want to enjoy leaves more time for the actual vacation.
LET’S FIND YOUR JAMAICA
When I recommend a Jamaica vacation, I look at the resort area, beach, atmosphere, room category, airport transfer and budget together.
A couple planning a quiet anniversary trip may need something very different from a family travelling with children or a group of friends who want plenty of entertainment.