Could Jamaica Be Your Ideal Luxury Vacation Destination?
If You like the sound of a truly relaxed and accomodating culture set in the tropical paradise of one of the larger Caribbean Islands, with lots to do and see, a luxury vacation on Jamaica could be just right for You - mon!
With well over 600 miles of shoreline, Jamaica has a soft tropical beach to fit everyone's tastes, with basking, bathing, boating.... and a many other watersports starting with other letters of the alphabet.
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Ashore, You'll find several first class tennis and golf facilities, and an array of activities based around Jamaica's diverse and unspoiled natural environment, including rainforest, mountains and rivers.
You'll also find a delectable range of dining opportunities - including rich and spicy traditional Jamaican cuisine, with some of the most unusually named dishes found anywhere. |
With something for everyone, Jamaica is ideal for families, or those seeking a romantic escape in paradise. Could Jamaica be the right place for Your next luxury vacation?...
Jamaica Location
Jamaica is an independent democratic island located in the Caribbean Sea, about 90 miles directly South of Cuba and to the SouthWest of the island of Hispaniola.
Getting To Jamaica
Jamaica has two international airports; Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) serves the Kingston area, and Donald Sangster International Airport (MBJ) serves the Montego Bay area. American Airlines, Air Canada, and Continental Airlines fly into both airports, most others only use one or the other. You'll find direct flights from the major US hubs, and indirect flights from Europe. Many people also visit Jamaica on the many cruise ships that call here.
Jamaica Climate & Weather
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Jamaica's alluring climate is characterized by near constant temperature of 80-86F (27-30C) all year round. Coastal areas remain comfortable all day due to 'Dr Breeze' - the Trade Winds, and also the 'Undertaker' or nightly offshore breeze. Higher inland areas are generally cooler than the coastal zone. The average annual rainfall of about 78 inches, is heaviest in September/October on the Eastern (windward) side of the island, and direct hurricane contact is rare. |
Jamaica Language
English is the official language on Jamaica, although you will also hear Jamaican Creole or Patois being spoken.
Jamaica Currency
The official tender of Jamaica is the Jamaican Dollar (JMD or J$), divided into 100 cents. $US currency and $US travelers checks are widely accepted on Jamaica, and most establishments also accept all major credit cards.
Jamaica Food
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Jamaica's cuisine is well known for its' rich spicy flavor, off-beat ingredients ('ackee' fruit is poisonous until ripe), and off-the-wall names (like 'sour sop', 'stamp and go' and 'stinking toe'). Don't let these unusual names put you off these delicious dishes, or the Jamaican restaurants. Jamaica, like any other top luxury vacation destination, has plenty of very fine restaurants, serving the full range of culinary styles to suit a refined palate. |
Highly recommended are: Café Aubergine and also the Casanova Restaurant (both offering French Food in Ocho Rios), Redbones Blues Café (Caribbean, Kingston), Royal Plantation Spa & Golf Resort Restaurants (Continental, Ocho Rios), and Strawberry Hill Restaurant (Caribbean, Blue Mountains).
For exceptionally good dining at a lower price on Jamaica, we particularly recommend (in alphabetical order); Boon Hall Oasis (Caribbean, Kingston), Cosmo's Seafood Restaurant & Bar (Seafood, Negril), Ocho Rios Village Jerk Centre (Caribbean, Ocho Rios), and Passage to India (Indian, Ocho Rios).
Jamaica Accommodation
Jamaica has many fine hotels, resorts, inns and B&B's.
If you're looking for a place to stay with your family try: Beaches Boscobel Resort & Golf Club (Boscobel Beach), FDR Pebbles (Trelawny), or Franklyn D. Resort (Runaway Bay).
If you're looking for a romantic hotel or resort try: Sandals (Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios), Half Moon Golf Tennis & Beach Club (Montego Bay), Grand Sport Villa Golf Resort & Spa (Ocho Rios) or Breezes Runaway Bay (Runaway Bay).
Inside Advice - If you want more freedom, privacy, or tranquility than a resort or hotel atmosphere can offer, your ideal solution is probably to rent your own vacation home or villa. Find a vacation rental within easy reach of the amenities you are interested in and then come back to your own private space any time you feel like it. A typical villa rental will give you plenty of space to spread out in, cooking facilities, TV/Audio system, your own pool... Your entire vacation will revolve around your agenda!
Things To Do On Jamaica - Recreation & Entertainment
Take Your luxury vacation on Jamaica and experience "The Jewel Of The Caribbean":
Jamaicas' Beaches & Waters
Jamaica is a large Caribbean island, with well over 600 miles of tropical shoreline. The sea is warm and clear, lapping onto soft white or golden sand beaches - some with big surf, most more placid and ideal for family fun, and even some where you can bare it all! Some are secluded and entirely unoccupied, others have beach bars, and those at the major resorts can get incredibly busy and are a great place to watch people.
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Jamaicas' calm clear waters and balmy trade winds make it a great place for watersports. You can fish, swim, snorkel, sail, windsurf, or waterski, right from the beach.
Take a dive boat and 'be divin' on the shallow reefs and wrecks. Rental equipment, PADI-certified instructors and divemasters are available. |
Charter a sail boat or powerboat, or rent a sail boat or glass bottom boat. Charter a crewed deep-sea fishing boat and angle for large gamefish such as Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Dorado, Barracuda and Kingfish.
Ashore On Jamaica
Great restaurants, friendly people, reggae bands, an astounding natural habitat from mountains to coastline, and lots more will keep you entertained.
Jamaica offers several excellent golf courses and tennis facilities in both the Montego Bay and Ocho Rios areas. Go shopping or visit a spa. Alternatively, go on a swamp safari at Black River, swim in surreal rainforest rock pools at Somerset Falls, or visit the subterranean world of stalagmites, stalactites and boat on an eerie grotto lake at Green Grotto Caves. Go rafting on the Rio Grande or hiking in the Blue Mountains - All On Jamaica!
Come ashore on Jamaica and experience "The Jewel Of The Caribbean".
Transport On Jamaica
Jamaica is a big island to get around, but the public transportation system leaves a lot to be desired. For short trips, the licensed 'JUTA' Taxis, recognised by red plates, are available for tourist use, but avoid unlicensed taxis which often do not carry insurance. If you plan to tour the island, there are trains and some internal flights, but your best option is probably to rent a car (or motorcycle).
Inside Advice - If you take a cab, make sure you agree on the price up front, the meters seem to be unreliable. Rental cars are expensive, but you will get the best rates from the major car rental companies at the airports rather than at hotels. To rent a car in Jamaica, you will need a drivers licence, must be at least 25 years of age, and must post a bond to meet insurance requirements. The service stations generally only accept cash.
Jamaica Electricity
Mains electricity on Jamaica is provided at 110V alternating at 50Hz.
Jamaica Size
Jamaica is a relatively large Caribbean Island, about 146 miles long and 51 miles across at its' widest point, covering about 4,410 square miles in area.
Jamaica Population & Demographics
Jamaica is home to about 2,715,000 relaxed and welcoming people. For Jamaica population demographics click here.
Jamaica Economy
With tourism as the major contributor of foreign revenue, 70% of the Jamaican GDP is accounted for by their service Industry.
