Have you ever dreamed of visiting the Caribbean? Perhaps you’ve been inspired by films like Pirates of the Caribbean, or maybe you’re just looking to get away on your next vacation. Either way, if you’re interested in Jamaica, the rich and fascinating island nation situated off the southeastern coast of Cuba, you have plenty of options when it comes to travel planning! In this article, we explore some of the best places to visit in Jamaica, including how to get there and what to do when you arrive.
Jamaica Amazing Places
Ocho Rios
The Ocho Rios area is Jamaica’s biggest tourist destination and with good reason. You’ll find many restaurants and bars here, as well as attractions like Dunn’s River Falls and breathtaking scenery from a cable car ride up El Moro Mountain. While Ocho Rios can get crowded, it offers a wide variety of attractions for any visitor. Couples looking for relaxation will love sunbathing on Seven Mile Beach, while thrill-seekers can enjoy cliff diving or water skiing at Rick’s Café.
Negril
Sure, Negril is known for its small-town charm and its famous 7-mile beach (one of only three Blue Flag beaches in Jamaica). And you can spend your days snorkeling on Negril Reef or taking a sunset horseback ride through town. But don’t miss out on nearby sites like YS Falls—the second largest freshwater falls in Jamaica—and Dunns River Falls. Both are less than an hour from Negril and offer incredible views while still providing plenty of time for beach lounging. If you have extra time, consider taking an excursion to local attractions Ocho Rios and Port Antonio, which feature lush rainforests and cliffs for hiking or sightseeing.
Runaway Beach Club, Runaway Bay
This is a dreamy little crescent of sand known for its beach volleyball and snorkeling. Guests have access to a private stretch of powdery, white sand that curves into clear, calm waters perfect for swimming. Day beds dotted along with the shore offer respite from sunbathing or reading on your Kindle; at night you can indulge in full dinners as waiters serve drinks by candlelight. While Runaway Bay is a family-friendly resort, there are enough activities and amenities (such as parasailing and banana boat rides) available for everyone to enjoy. It’s located about 10 minutes from Montego Bay Airport, so you don’t have far to go after landing before you’re lounging on a water chair sipping from a coconut.
Bluefields Hotel & Spa, St. Ann’s Bay
Bluefields is an eco-resort overlooking St. Ann’s Bay, featuring an on-site spa with a boutique shopping arcade, beachfront pool, and light meals served under seaside canopies. The hotel’s secluded gazebo overlooks a shallow lagoon that teems with exotic marine life, making it one of the best places to visit for snorkeling.
Iberostar Rose Hall Suites
Many travelers consider Iberostar Rose Hall Suites one of their favorite hotels in all of Jamaica. This adult-only property, run by luxury hotel company Iberostar, is located on a sprawling piece of land near Rose Hall Great House (where Annie Palmer, an alleged witch who lived in the late 18th century was rumored to have practiced). The resort’s 392 beachfront suites feature balconies with ocean views and are filled with modern furnishings. There’s a spa here as well as several restaurants serving international cuisine that cater to everyone from vegan dieters to meat lovers.
Sandals Grande Ocho Rios
For those looking for a wide range of activities and amenities, Sandals Grande Ocho Rios is one of only two hotels in Jamaica with direct access to a white-sand beach. The resort has two seawater pools and five other pools, including an infinity pool overlooking Negril’s reef. Rates begin at $1,200 per night. Just a few minutes away is another all-inclusive resort, Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay. Rates begin at $600 per night and you get 10 percent off when booking on their official website.
Secrets Wild Orchid Runaway Bay Resort & Spa
Wild Orchid Runaway Bay Resort & Spa is an all-inclusive resort that’s grown into a five-star operation thanks to its location on Runaway Bay, just northwest of Montego Bay. The sunsets here are breathtaking and it’s easy to see why Caribbean royalty used to retreat here. You can take advantage of watersports like snorkeling, parasailing, and windsurfing or you can head into town for more shopping or sightseeing. And don’t miss out on some jerk chicken at one of Negril’s best jerk stands Ting Island Food Village. For more information about what makes Wild Orchid Runaway Bay Resort & Spa so great and how you can enjoy it for only $143 per night, visit their website.
