Where to Stay in Jamaica

Our Favorite Jamaica Hotels

• Five-Star Hotel: GoldenEye
• Boutique Hotel: The Cliff
• Cheap Hotel: Lighthouse Inn 2
• Family-oriented Hotel: Round Hill
• Adults-Only: Couples Negril
• Osa Lodge Hotel phone: +506 2735 5921 • The pool at the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall is considered one of the best.
• • Las Vegas Accommodation Chart

• Near the airport: Sandals Montego Bay

a house with a balcony overlooking a body of water

The Best Area to Stay in Jamaica

As the third largest island in the Caribbean Sea, Jamaica undoubtedly offers plenty of pristine white-sand coastlines, but there`s significantly more to experience: spectacular mountains and waterfalls; Blue Mountain coffee; great cuisine (jerk chicken, curry goat and Jamaican pastries are merely the beginning); excellent rum; and a dynamic culture that birthed ska, reggae, ragga, and the great Bob Marley, Jamaica’s most famous son.

For most visitors the choice of where to lodge comes down to one of the “big three” seaside resort areas: Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios. This makes sense for initial visitors (or those primarily interested in the beach), but for the more adventurous, the island offers much more.

Of the three chief resort locations, Montego Bay (MoBay) is the most advanced – it’s in actuality the second largest metropolitan region on the island, with hotels and golf courses lining the shoreline, as well as an enormous variety of bars, restaurants, and shopping centers that vary from upscale duty-free centers to local craft markets. Covering the far western end of Jamaica, Negril is younger and more relaxed than MoBay, with dramatic cliffs folding into 7 miles (11km) of white sand – easily one of the island’s finest beaches. Negril also has a well-earned reputation for partying and nightlife. Some 60 miles (97km) east of MoBay, but also on the Jamaica’s north shore, Ocho Rios is the smallest of the three, with its beaches enhanced by a huge array of extreme sports and natural attractions that include the Blue Hole, Dunn’s River Falls, and the Mystic Mountain adventure park. To really gain a feeling for the country and its history, you’ll need to at minimum visit Kingston, Jamaica’s pulsating capital and cultural hub. All the country’s biggest monuments and museums are here (including those dedicated to Bob Marley), and the city’s nightlife, culinary and arts scenes are unmatched. With more time Jamaica offers a wealth of even more rewarding experiences, from hiking among coffee plantations on the Blue Mountains and rafting on the Rio Grande, to beach-hopping along the sleepy East Coast.

The news regarding accommodations in Jamaica is largely positive, in that unlike numerous Caribbean islands, the range of lodging choices is incredibly diverse, extending from many budget-friendly options to bed and breakfast establishments and five-star resorts. The island was the birthplace of the modern all-inclusive resort concept within the Caribbean region (Sandals opened its inaugural resort location here back in 1981, and Couples and Hedonism are also major players today), so visitors who have no intention of venturing away from the beach are well provided for. For those preferring self-catering, the island is overflowing with rental properties, from beachside chalets to grand villas – nearly all of these can now be reserved online, but unless the location is central, you’ll need to factor in the cost of a rental automobile.

Jamaica Travel Tips

  • The busiest airport located in Jamaica is the Sangster International Airport, approximately 3.2 kilometers east of downtown Montego Bay, though it is possible to walk to the closest beach hotels from the terminal. This airport is also well-suited for travelers headed to Negril, the East Coast, and Ocho Rios, though the latter destination is closer to the Ian Fleming International Airport, which presently only services American Airlines flights from Miami. Kingston`s Norman Manley International Airport represents another significant entry point, and is preferable if one is journeying to Port Antonio or the Blue Mountains.
  • The official currency used in Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar, abbreviated as J$. US dollars in the form of cash notes are widely welcomed at major resorts, where tourist services often list their prices in US currency. However, in rural areas and the capital city of Kingston, relying on US dollars is less common. Unless visiting an all-inclusive resort, you are likely to receive change back in Jamaican dollars if using other forms of payment. Employing US dollars will also result in losing around 10% on the conversion rate compared to withdrawing Jamaican dollars from an ATM machine. Credit cards see wide acceptance too, yet cash is needed for local eateries and shops, especially beyond major tourist spots.
  • If you plan to do a lot of exploring beyond the resorts (or Kingston) it makes sense to hire a vehicle – all the major rental companies have representation in Jamaica, and driving is relatively easy (though Jamaica drives on the left, like the UK and Australia). You don’t need to rent a car if you intend to spend most of your vacation in one location or on the beach, as local taxis or tour buses frequently shuttle between the airport or local attractions.
  • Jamaica experiences a tropical climate meaning warm weather year-round, but the peak tourism season runs mid-November to April, when it tends to be drier and slightly cooler (and less humid) than in summer. September and October tend to be the most humid months, and also the main time for hurricanes – hotel rates are subsequently cheapest at this time.

We`ve covered our favorite places to visit and stay in more depth below, but with additional time (or on a second or third trip to Jamaica) these other areas are also worth exploring.

  • Treasure Beach: Situated away from the more commercial south coast destinations (60 miles/97km from Montego Bay), this assortment of intimate bays and hamlets offers an exceptionally leisurely beach retreat – tourism here remains small-scale and locally run, lacking major resorts. The beaches themselves remain charmingly natural, primarily composed of fine black sand. Some of our preferred lodging options include KuDehya Guesthouse,Beyond Sunset Resort & Villas, and Jake’s Hotel.
  • Bluefields Bay: Jamaica’s southwest coast features this breathtaking bay and lively village (33 miles/53km from Montego Bay), sprinkled with charming guesthouses, bars, and friendly locals. There’s great Jamaican cuisine as well as a memorial to local hero Peter Tosh, legendary band member of the Wailers. Our favorite hotels here include Shades Cottage Guesthouse and Wilton House.

The Best Places to Stay in Jamaica

Where to Stay in Jamaica for…

    • Negril presents the most romantic atmosphere.

While romantic resorts and boutiques can be explored all throughout Jamaica, Negril represents a solid choice for couples, with some of the loveliest beaches on the island, captivating sunsets, and an abundance of stylish boutique hotels and luxury resorts to select from. All-inclusive and for adults only, Sunset At The Palms on Seven Mile Beach features intimate treehouse-style villas in a remote setting, while Skylark Negril Beach resort is a boutique hotel directly on the sand, with a retro tropical scheme and an excellent spa. In Negril’s West End area, the rustic-chic bungalows at the Rockhouse Hotel rise above volcanic cliffs overlooking the ocean, offering spectacular perspectives – there`s another high-quality spa on site, and visitors can be ferried to the beach at Skylark (its sister property). Alternatively, there`s always Hedonism II or Couples Swept Away; it`s possible for non-guests to experience the lavish Oasis spa at the latter hotel, which offers packages for couples. For an enchanting dinner it’s difficult to outdo The Caves, which has two private dining selections literally located in a sea cave, plus the atmospheric Blackwell Rum Bar

    • Top Place For Nightlife: Kingston and Negril
      As the administrative center of Jamaica, Kingston offers visitors the island`s most vibrant nightlife, ranging from all-night clubs and cocktail lounges to weekly road celebrations. Sample the mixed drinks at the Regency Bar & LoungeOr travel into the hills to enjoy reggae music at the legendary Dub Club (7b Skyline Drive). In town there`s Fiction, the ever-popular CRU Bar and Kitchen, a rooftop lounge with great cocktails, the Mahogany Tree Bar at Devon House, one of the few open-air bars in the city, and Usain Bolt`s Tracks & Records, the restaurant and sports bar dedicated to Jamaica`s track and field legend. Note that nightlife is quite dispersed across the city, so taxis are always the best way to get around Kingston at night. Negril offers an entirely different nightlife experience – it`s a lot more relaxed, with beach bars and outdoor terraces taking in the waves and stunning sunsets. The seaside cliffs in the West End give the best views so tend to be busy at dusk, while late night partying tends to focus on Seven Mile Beach. This is where you`ll find The Jungle, Negril`s only real nightclub (on Normal Manley Blvd), while everyone goes to Rick`s Café in the West End at least once – it`s a tourist attraction but fun night out, with live bands and local cliff divers providing entertainment. We also like the Canoe Beach Bar,Drifter`s Bar, and Boat Bar on Seven Mile Beach
    • Prime Place For Eats And Restaurants: Kingston
      Sampling the cuisine of Jamaica is one of the most enjoyable experiences for visitors to the island, ranging from upscale restaurants serving fresh seafood like lobster and conch to beloved street vendors cooking their version of jerk chicken. The vast majority of international guests first experience Jamaican dishes at the major resort areas near Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios, where the options are excellent. However, the capital city of Kingston boasts an even greater diversity of choices, including Chinese, Middle Eastern and authentic Jamaican favorites alongside good vegetarian and vegan alternatives such as the well-reviewed Cheffing Don and Marianna`s Kitchen restaurants.Some of the notable options include the cheese and charcuterie offerings available at Uncorked, the baked goods provided at Eleni’s Bakery Jamaica,Chilitos Jamexican Food which combines Jamaican and Mexican cuisine, the inventive small plates presented at Broken Plate, brunch served at CRU Bar and Kitchen, the tasty crêpes featured at Tea Tree Crêperie, the patties sold at Devon House Bakery adjacent to the upscale Steak House on The Verandah, and renowned Gloria’s Seafood located over in Port Royal. Of the resort areas, Negril presents the best cosmopolitan dining landscape, with popular establishments like Flag City Seafood & Grill,Kool Vybes Bar And Jerk Center and Ivan’s although Montego Bay also has top-notch restaurants in its major resorts.
    • Best locale for procuring items: Kingston and Montego Bay
      Though the majority of Jamaican resorts attract local souvenir sellers as well as larger craft markets and shops catering to tourists, you will find the most authentic goods and the best prices in Kingston. Avid fans of reggae music have a truly special experience in store in the capital city, where some of the last remaining record and music shops can still be discovered, especially on Orange Street: Rockers International, Prince Buster Record Shack (127 Orange St), and Derrick Harriot’s One Stop among them. You`ll find bargain souvenirs at Carby’s Souvenir and Craft Village, and at nearby Craft Cottage; local fashion at Sun Island; and candles and aromatherapy products at Starfish Oils. It is also worth checking out the weekly Kingston Night Market (on Tuesdays at 8 Hillcrest Ave), showcasing local artisans and craftspeople, as well as the Coronation Market, the capital’s premier fresh fruit and vegetable market. For works by contemporary Kingston artists, visit the Olympia Gallery.Montego Bay is known for stores free from taxes – it’s a good place to shop for the usual gems, perfumes, bags, high-end fashion and leather goods. St James Place Shopping Plaza, Baywest Shopping Centre, and the upscale Whitter Village are good places to begin exploring. The central Sagicor Montego Bay Commercial Centre (aka the “LOJ”) has a couple clothes shores, pharmacies, and souvenir shops, while locally owned stores along St James and Barnett streets in Downtown MoBay offer a variety of goods. There are also a couple markets selling handicrafts here: the Old Fort Craft Market (on Fort St), and the slightly more affordable Harbour Street Craft & Cultural Village (between Harbour St and Howard Cooke Blvd). All kinds Jamaican goods are sold here, from wickerwork and jewelry handmade to T-shirts and woodcarving. Stores also worthwhile exploring include Henderson’s Bookstore (27 St James St), Island Perfume & Gift Shop, and Sangster’s Book Store.
    • Top Beaches: Ocho Rios and Negril
      .

Though the entire coast of Jamaica offers fabulous beaches, Ocho Rios stands out as our preferred location for beach hopping. Starting at Ocho Rios Beach, a more laidback atmosphere can be found at Mahogany Beach, while Dunn’s River Falls Beach and the Mammee Bay region just west offer an easy short drive. For added seclusion we prefer Pleasure Cove Beach just east of town, while Bamboo Beach (also called Reggae Beach) serves as the spot for relaxed beach bars and Friday reggae music. Further afield in Oracabessa Bay lies “James Bond Beach” showcased in the Dr No film (near Ian Fleming’s GoldenEye, now a hotel complex with its own gorgeous cove). Alternatively, if staying in one place is preferred, Seven Mile Beach in Negril undoubtedly presents arguably Jamaica’s most stunning stretch of sand.

  • Finest Area for scuba diving and snorkeling: North Coast/Negril
    The most suitable locations for scuba diving and snorkeling in Jamaica tend to focus along the northern coast, essentially the whole stretch involving Negril and Ocho Rios (like Montego Bay) – the transparency of the water is best here, there are numerous reefs, trenches (like the Cayman Trench lying off the North Coast), overhangs, and wall dives, plus a few ship and aircraft wrecks to explore (for example the SS Kathryn off Ocho Rios is most popular). Negril is probably the top place for diving overall owing to areas such as the “Throne Room”, which is exceptionally wealthy in coral and marine life, and “Frenchman Hole”, which has ledges and a cave; Surprise Reef is fantastic for beginners
  • Best off the beaten path: Cockpit Country
    Anyone wanting a more authentic experience away from the standard tourist sites should consider renting a vehicle to explore Cockpit Country, a largely untouched zone of forests, ridges, and hills in the northwest section of the island (inland from Montego Bay). Some of the villages there are inhabited by descendants of Africans who were enslaved and escaped in the 18th century, engaging in a series of conflicts against the British (Accompong Town still retains a degree of autonomy). Just south of Cockpit Country itself lies the surprisingly isolated Appleton Estate rum distillery, where tours of the facilities and sampling of the finished product can be done. Contact Traveler’s Rest @ Maroon Town, which provides bed and breakfast in the area
  • Safety in Jamaica
    Jamaica is much safer than sometimes depicted in headlines. The major resort areas are usually well policed, and the vast majority of Jamaicans are warm and welcoming. Drug-related crime is an issue in Jamaica, but primarily affecting parts of Kingston and Spanish Town you most likely will never be near. Take the regular precautions at night and you should be fine. One thing you may encounter at some point is what`s called “hustling” – mostly funny but sometimes aggressive sales pitches from (generally young men) Jamaicans while you are otherwise peacefully walking the street or relaxing on the beach – selling anything from jewelry to guided tours, “ganja,” and massages. Though this can be irritating (or just tiring after a while), it`s really not dangerous (the erstwhile salesmen do not seek any trouble with police). There`s not much you can do about it, so try and stay civil (with a polite yet consistent “no thanks”) and retain a sense of humor – it`s the reality of earning money in a developing nation.

The 7 Best Places in Jamaica for Tourists

1. Kingston

The capital city of Jamaica is unlikely to match the version of Jamaica most have come to experience initially. It is clearly not a beach resort location, and it is certainly an edgy urban area, but truly appreciating modern Jamaica requires spending time there. All major events in Jamaican history took place there – it is the lively heart of Jamaica`s primary cultural, artistic and musical scenes, and boasts a dynamic nightlife and culinary scene.

Kingston is suited for brief visits – one could spend around a week here, but possibly two days is adequate to get a taste, especially if you also want to explore some beaches during your vacation. The major sights fall into two regions: the older Downtown near the waterfront, and Uptown (most of Kingston’s hotels and guesthouses are situated here), which encompasses the more upscale business and residential districts approximately a mile farther north. The primary attractions downtown include the National Gallery of Jamaica, which holds the finest collection of Jamaican art; National Museum Jamaica, which contains over 19,000 artifacts dating from the pre-Columbian era to contemporary times; and the Natural History Museum, which centers on Jamaica’s ecology. Marcus Garvey, the Jamaican political activist, is commemorated at Liberty Hall, site of the Kingston headquarters of Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association (Garvey is buried in National Heroes Park, just to the north). Uptown, there’s the Peter Tosh Museum,Hope Botanical Gardens, and Emancipation Park, a memorial to the 1838 end of slavery in Jamaica. For Bob Marley fans, there’s the Trench Town Culture Yard Museum, where the legend grew up; the Bob Marley Museum, his beautiful home from 1975 until his death from cancer in 1981; and Tuff Gong Recording Studios.

In addition, there’s the historically significant Port Royal and the white-sand beaches at Lime Cay within a short drive or boat ride. Finally, Hellshire Beach is considered a rite of passage for any visitor to Kingston; it’s the location Kingstonians traditionally go to let loose (especially on weekends), and is best known for its lively party scene and famous Hellshire lobster and fried fish. Note, however, that the beach itself has experienced extreme erosion in recent years (mainly due to climate change), so there’s not much to do here besides eat.

Do not worry – wandering the downtown Kingston streets during the day is safe and the best way to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere. Taking taxis is recommended for getting around, especially if you`re unfamiliar with the city; taxis should always be taken at night.

    • The Best Hotels in Kingston
      AC Hotel – Hotel contact number: +1 876 750 3000
      The hyperlink ” Courtyard Kingston” connects to a property named Courtyard Kingston in Jamaica that can be reached at “+1 876 618 9900 Jamaica Pegasus Hotel phone: +1 876 926 3691
      The next accommodation is the ” Four Points Gatineau” which is in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. You can reach them at +1 819 778 6111.
      The second mention was ” Terra Nova” in Jamaica with a contact phone number of +1 876 926 2211
    • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
      Eventuality B&B contact number is +1 876 649 3325
    • Best Hostels
      Backpackers Jamaica provides their guest services at +1 876 543 6289
      Zula Inn • Phone number for the hotel: +506 2640 0940

The hyperlinked text ” Ragamuffin” leads to the Ragamuffin hostel webpage. The phone number provided is +1 876 332 9873

2. Montego Bay

Jamaica’s second-largest city, Montego Bay was the first of Jamaica’s major resorts and it remains well-liked for good reason. It`s easily accessible – the airport is within walking distance of the shore – and it offers a wide range of lodging, from budget-friendly to all-inclusive five-star luxury. Additionally, the city is large enough to offer a taste of authentic Jamaican culture – restaurants and bars – though most businesses are oriented towards foreign tourism. The location, with lovely shores and offshore reefs, all backed by a low-lying ring of hills, adds to the appeal. The city can broadly be separated into two sections: Downtown and the northern section of Gloucester Avenue, aka the “Hip Strip”, though the grandest and most lavish resorts line the coast even further east, beyond the airport. Visitors seldom stray into Downtown Mo-Bay, though historic Sam Sharpe Square contains the Montego Bay Cultural Centre, which hosts enlightening exhibits on Jamaican history, and shoppers will find the best deals here. Just outside town, the Rastafari Indigenous Village is the best place to learn about Jamaica’s most misunderstood spiritual community. Up on the “Hip Strip” you’ll find private shores such as Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club, which despite the charge (US$6) are not poor – featuring powdery white sand and no shore “hustlers”.

Simple day-trips from MoBay involve a couple intriguing outdated plantations: the Rose Hall Great House, most renowned for the story of Annie Palmer, the “White Witch of Rose Hall”; and eighteenth-century Greenwood Great House, which is a bit more atmospheric. Montego Bay is also home to Jamaica’s major summer reggae gala, Sumfest, typically ensuing from mid to late July.

  • The Best Hotels in Montego Bay
    Half Moon Hotel phone: +1 800 626 0592
    Contact the Riu Palace at +1 876 940 8022 Hyatt Zilara Hotel – Hotel phone: +1 876 618 1234
    Iberostar Grand Rose Hall • Hotel phone: +1 876 680 0000
    Jewel Grande • Hotel contact number: +1 833 325 3935
    The Hilltop Hotel phone: +1 876 956 7050
    Sandals – Hotel contact number: +1 888 726 3257
    S Hotel Jamaica – Hotel contact number: +1 876 979 0000
  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
    Here is a rephrased version of the original line while retaining the HTML elements and links: ” Castlevue The hotel can be contacted by telephone at +1 876 866 5450
    Learn more about the Cedar Ridge Lodge, available by phone at +1 876 383 9068 Polkerris – Hotel contact number: +1 876 877 7784
  • Best B&Bs
    The Blue Orchid – Telephone number: +1 876 979 7531
    Mynt Retreat • Hotel contact number: +1 876 622 5530
  • Best Hostel
    Five Gables • Hotel contact number: +18763123472

3. Negril

Some 80 kilometers west from Montego Bay lies the significantly smaller town of Negril with less than 7,000 permanent residents, despite tourist development. Everything revolves around its spectacular stretch of white sand coastline, sometimes referred to as Seven Mile Beach though the exact length is disputed. Once a hangout for hippies, it is now one of Jamaica`s most popular destinations, with sunbathing, swimming and partying still the primary activities.

Negril occupies a reasonably widespread area, with three chief regions. At its core is the small Downtown, just south of the Negril River, housing most services and shops (like fresh food markets) around or near the town’s primary traffic circle/rotary (also called Negril Square). The three key roads intersecting here are Norman Manley Boulevard (also titled “the Beach Road”) running parallel to Seven Mile Beach; West End Road (also named One Love Drive), trailing along the cliffs southwest; and Nonpariel Road, extending east toward the nearest sizable town, Savanna-la-Mar (also SavlaMar).

Seven Mile Beach comprises Long Bay to the south, and the smaller Bloody Bay further north, separated by a small headland – you’ll find most of the larger (and all-inclusive) lodgings such as Royalton Negril,Couples,Hedonism II, and Riu Palace on Bloody Bay, while Long Bay features a blend of condominiums, intimate hotels and smaller, family-run guest homes. The beach is squarely the main attraction here (and all the nighttime fun, eating and drinking that goes with it). Not far to the east of the beach strip lies the Great Morass, a gigantic swamp and wetland reserve you can explore on a boat trip (expect herons, egrets, and salt water crocodiles).”

South of Downtown Negril is known as the West End, which has a different landscape; the shore here is commonly made of rock and bordered by cliffs, with the resorts along the shore generally calmer places – many offer access to the water and are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving excursions. West End Road/One Love Road winds along the coast for roughly (5km) to the 19th-century Negril Lighthouse, a popular spot for taking photos (though Jamaica’s most westernmost tip is actually South Negril Point, 2km farther north). The coast road is thereafter called Lighthouse Road, continuing along the shore to increasingly remote and natural areas.

out-of-the-way villages and guest lodgings. The West End is where you’ll get to see the most spectacular sundowns in Jamaica, best experienced at one of various clifftop bars.
• Negril offers some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Jamaica, with abundant coral reefs, year-round warm waters and excellent visibility. Try Negril Adventure Divers,One Love Scuba, or Scuba Dive Today.
• West End Road featured jerk shacks, bars, and the renowned attraction Rick’s Café south of the lighthouse that has been open since 1974. It is most famous for spectacular views of sunsets, daring cliff diving demonstrations reaching heights up to 35ft by local boys mimicking Acapulco performers, and live music. However, it can become crowded with tour groups. Staff usually permit enthusiastic visitors to try the jumps themselves, beginning around 10ft and working up to the maximum of 35ft after first clearing 25ft.

Hedonism II The hotel`s telephone number is +1 855 400 9514
The strongly emphasized ” Nirvana on the Beach” hotel`s contact number is +1 941 708 0203 Riu Palace Tropical Bay • +1 876 957 5900
Royalton Negril • Hotel contact number: +1 876 632 7401
The strongly emphasized ” Rockhouse Hotel & Spa” hotel`s contact number is:+1 876 957 4373 Sandals – Telephone number: +1 888 726 3257
Skylark • Hotel phone:+1 876 957 4364
The Grand Lido Au-Naturel can be reached at telephone number +1 876 619 2303
Tensing Pen Hotel phone number: +1 800 957 0387

4. Ocho Rios and the North Coast

The North Coast of Jamaica, anchored by Ocho Rios, offers a vast array of activities ranging from the standard beaches and watersports to adventures in Jamaica`s untamed hinterlands. Thanks to improvements and new, fast highways, it`s feasible to drive here from Kingston (52 miles/84km) in just over an hour; from Montego Bay (62 miles/100 km), it`s just under 2 hours.

Ocho Rios itself, sometimes called “Ochi”, is a small yet lively coastal town with a pleasant beach along the bay, a cruise ship terminal, and many shops, hotels, services, and excellent local craft and food markets. This makes it a good base for exploring the surrounding region. The Island Village mall is a popular destination for shopping, with stores offering souvenirs, clothing, and jewelry. Just north lies Mahogany Beach, a beautiful cove with a small lagoon and restaurant. It`s worth the small typical admission fee of $5 USD to access this scenic area. Numerous beaches and coves spread out east and west of Ocho Rios, but it`s the range of activities available that sets it apart. Mystic Mountain, just over a mile to the west, provides breathtaking views via chairlift through the forest canopy along with ziplining, a thrilling bobsled ride, and an infinity pool. Nearby Dolphin Cove allows guests to swim with bottlenose dolphins and observe sharks up close, while the cascading waters of Dunn’s River Falls remains one of Jamaica`s most stunning natural attractions despite tourist development in the surrounding area. The waterfall park features an appealing white-sand beach with a reef just offshore. Outside Ochi lies the lushly forested Turtle River Falls and Gardens (Eden Bower Rd), beautifully preserving some 14 waterfalls along the Turtle River alongside flower gardens and a walk-through aviary experience. The nearby Konoko Falls offers a similar environment encompassing botanical gardens and an impressive multi-tiered waterfall that forms swimming pools within its cascades.

With a rental vehicle, there is also much to discover along the shoreline on either side of Ochi. To the east are the tranquil coastal communities of Oracabessa and Port Maria, separated by the residence of Noël Coward now known as Firefly House, currently an insightful museum devoted to the British playwright; Coward lived and is interred in the garden there. Oracabessa itself is home to GoldenEye, once the abode of James Bond author Ian Fleming, and now a lavish five-star lodging. This section of the North Coast is incredibly picturesque, with just a few guesthouses and boutique accommodations. Beyond Port Maria, the best base to explore this stunning, less visited coastline is Robins Bay, known for its laid back, eco-friendly lodgings and Rasta-oriented community of Strawberry. West of Ochi, the primary resort hubs are Runaway Bay and Discovery Bay, but the remainder of the shoreline is sprinkled with a handful of relaxed guesthouses, boutique hotels, and unspoiled beaches.
• While the beaches may be better in Negril and Montego Bay, Ochi offers the most variety of activities.
• Note that Ochi is a popular cruise ship port, so the town and its major attractions can get overcrowded (mainly between December and March). Most ships depart by early afternoon.
• The vacation rental market is booming in and around Ocho Rios, with a vast array of properties available from luxury mansions to simple apartments or chalets.These can be excellent value, but you’ll usually need to rent a car to make the most of them.

    • The best hotels are in Ocho Rios & the North Coast.

 

    • The

Horizontes de Montezuma

    • has a phone number of +506 2642 0625

Couples Sans Souci

    • • Hotel contact number: +1 876 994 1206

Excellence Oyster Bay

    • • Hotel phone: +1 876 617 0200

Golden Clouds

    • • Hotel phone: +1 877 682 7999

 

    • At

GoldenEye

    • in Jamaica, you can contact the property by calling +1 876 622 9007 Those seeking a relaxing beach getaway could consider

Almonds and Corals Lodge,

    • which can be reached at +506 2271 3000

Riu Ocho Rios

    • • Hotel phone:+1 876 972 2200

Jamaica Inn

    • Hotel phone number: +1 844 209 6751

Jewel Paradise Cove

    • Hotel contact number: +1 833 325 3935

 

    • The

Hermosa Cove

    offers scenic ocean views and amenities in Jamaica, and their telephone number is +1 876 974 3699

  • Best B&Bs
    Pink Rock Inn – Hotel contact number: +1 876 974 4208
  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
    Bailey’s Hotel – Hotel phone: +1 876 808 7321
    The Firefly Sunset hotel contact number is +1 843 492 4337
    For Jamaica vacations, consider the GC Resort. Reach them at +1 876 627 6010

5. Portland & the East Coast

The northeast coastline of Jamaica is among the most scenic parts of the island, much of it located within Portland Parish. It possesses extremely picturesque scenery – though it may be a bit more difficult to access than the three major resort areas, there are plenty of places to stay and visitors will be rewarded with magnificent beaches backed by jungle-smothered hills that rarely become crowded. The parish capital, Port Antonio, is around 56 miles (90km) from Kingston, and is full of historic charm, while inland there are waterfalls, rainforest trails, and rafting trips on the serene Rio Grande. Of the beaches, Long Bay and Boston Beach are renowned for surfing (Boston is also famous for its jerk stands), while Frenchman’s Cove and Winnifred Beach are wonderfully secluded strips of sand (with good snorkeling just offshore). Other highlights of the region include the harborfront Port Antonio Craft Village (Allan Avenue), where you’ll meet genuine artisans and craftspeople; pretty Turtle Cove just east from Port Antonio, home to the incredibly luxurious Trident Hotel and its event venue, Trident Castle, which truly does look like a faux European fortress; and San San Beach, just under 2 miles (3km) east of Frenchman’s Cove, a magnificent strip of bone-white sand with excellent snorkeling.

The Coral Reef Surf Hostel hotel contact number is +506 2653 0291 The Luna Lodge located in Costa Rica can be reached at +506 4070 0010

6. The Blue Mountains

For an authentic departure from beach time, take into consideration remaining in, or no less visiting, the Blue Mountains, the lush, elevated backbone of eastern Jamaica. Here you`ll uncover neat forests, excellent hiking and small-scale travel. Highlights embrace the climb up Blue Mountain Peak, Jamaica`s maximum at 7,402ft (2,256m), which takes anywhere from 3 to 6 hours round-trip (relying upon your physical condition level), and trips of plantations cultivating the famed Blue Mountain espresso; the Mavis Bank Espresso Manufactory, the Craighton Espresso Estate (owned by Japan’s UCC), Devon’s Espresso Plantation, and Holywell Espresso Plantation all offer fantastic trips. There’s also the distant Cinchona Botanical Gardens, based within the 19th century round 4800–5200 ft above sea degree, and identified right now for its orchids and amazing views. Holywell Public Park is simply accessible from Kingston, and popular for its 5 walking trails, tropical vegetation, and Jamaica’s nationwide tree, the Blue Mahoe. It’s part of the Blue & John Crow Mountains National Park, which encompasses most of the Blue Mountains, plus the Port Royal Mountains to the westward, and John Crow Mountains to the eastward.
• Bicycle tours provide sightseeing around the Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountain Bicycle Tours feature three-hour downhill trips

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

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