DISCOVER JAMAICA

Jamaica has a national motto of “Out of Many, One People” and unofficial motto of “One Love.” No matter where you decide to stay, you’re sure to fall in love with one of the six unique resort areas. Whether you come for the reggae, the jerk chicken, the rum (or something else), Jamaica has what you’re looking for.

• Kingston, the capital city, is known for a mix of night life, gastronomy, and art. But Kingston is most famous for its birth of reggae music, celebrated every February. The city has the most recording studios per square capita in the world and received recognition in 2015 as a UNESCO Creative City of Music. Be sure to check out the Bob Marley Museum! For those that like to enjoy culture through cuisine, plan a visit around the Blue Mountain Culinary Trail - a combination of about 15 eateries, coffee farms and mountain views. After a perfect lunch, consider stopping into the National Gallery. This museum is the largest public art museum in the English-speaking Caribbean.

• Port Antonio is defined by nature and locals affectionately refer to it as “Portie.” Established for its coconut and banana exports along its rivers, this area is lush with foliage. The area is also where much of Jamaica’s history with the Maroons (descendants of escaped slaves who established free communities in the mountains) began. You can learn more about their history at the Charles Town Museum and Asafu Yard. After, ponder all that history on a boat tour to the Blue Lagoon. This magnificent lagoon is breathtaking, with a perfect blue color caused by its near 200-foot depth. Another beautiful Instagram-worthy spot is Reach Falls on Driver’s River. Adventurous surfers staying in the quaint town can enjoy the waves off Long Bay Beach.

• Ocho Rios is where most of the adventure options are located between the Caribbean Sea and the Blue Mountains. Bob Marley fans can participate in a tour of Nine Mile, the small village where he was both born and buried. Adventure-seekers can zipline or bobsled down Mystic Mountain, while the curious can go underground to see the Green Grotto Caves full of hidden waterfalls, stalagmites, and stalactites. This cave was even once used as hideouts by Spaniards and then by smugglers running arms to Cuba. Of course, the must-do activity in Ocho Rios is Dunn’s River Falls… form a human chain to help each other up the falls, before you relax for the afternoon.

• Montego Bay is a resort city that some call Mo Bay. This area is most known to visitors looking for great all-inclusive resorts with white sandy beaches, or a great golf course. History buffs will enjoy a visit to Rose Hall Great House, where infamous Annie Palmer lived to torture her husbands and slaves; Johnny Cash fans can visit his home at Cinnamon Hill Great House; or swing by Sam Sharpe Square to see the statue of the man that helped lead the Christmas Rebellion of 1831 in the fight for slaves’ freedom. For those that are looking for a simple, relaxing way to connect with nature, a ride down the Martha Brae River on a guided bamboo raft may be the perfect activity.

• Negril, on the western tip of the island, is where people go for romance and relaxation. This area became a popular place for backpackers and hippies to visit beginning in the 1960’s and their lifestyle stuck around the area for decades to follow. Negril is home to the famous Seven Mile Beach, which offers the quintessential white sandy beach and clear water. Lovers enjoy the perfect island sunset on the west end cliffs, while more adventurous visitors can try cliff jumping from eight to forty feet. This is also the best place on the island to plan your scuba, snorkel, and deep-sea fishing excursions.

• South Coast is the most low-key section of the island and is considered to be “off the beaten path.” Consider this part of the island if you want to disconnect from the hustle of everyday life. South Coast is mostly defined by its mountains and quaint villages, which work hard to protect their wildlife with the Galleon Fish Sanctuary, and Fonthill Beach Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. Connect with wildlife on a safari tour on the Black River or enjoy seven different cascading waterfalls.

Jamaica is an island with so much to offer. You could have a great 10-night vacation that covers each of the six distinct areas. Prefer a long weekend getaway that focuses on just one? I would love to help you determine which area best fits your travel style.