Jamaica Holidays

Spotlight on Jamaica Holidays

Jamaica is like a beautiful young woman - proud and headstrong with a wild beauty and a darker untamed side. Its lush mountain scenery, powder sand beaches and the raw vibe give it an atmosphere like nowhere else on the planet.

As the third-largest island in the Caribbean, there is much to explore whether it's the misty Blue Mountains, with their beautiful landscapes of rivers and waterfalls, or the rocky cliffs and wide open sandy beaches of Negril on the north-west coast.

This laidback haven is the place to chill-out, sit back and spend long evenings with a rum cocktail in hand while watching the beautiful sunsets for which Negril is famous. Further east along the north coast are the lively resorts of Montego Bay and Ocho Rios and Jamaica's most famous - and unique - attraction Dunn's River Falls. This tempts tourists by the bucket-load for the invigorating 600ft climb, scrambling over large boulders and wading through clear pools to stand in the crystal warm waters as they tumble down.

At the heart of Jamaica's north-east coast, where the Blue Mountains sweep down to the sea is the historic coastal town of Port Antonio, less touristy and more unspoilt than other resorts. As a former haven for film stars and celebrities, its stunning setting prompted swashbuckling movie star Errol Flynn to describe it as “more beautiful than any woman I have ever seen”.

Across the mountains, in the south of the island is the capital Kingston, sitting at the head of a large natural harbour which in years gone by was home to buccaneering pirates.

As well as its tough reputation, it is the largest English-speaking city in the Caribbean and the place from where reggae legend Bob Marley planted his distinctive beat on the world. No visitors to Jamaica can escape the country's proud reggae heritage and the former homes and final resting place of its famous son are now popular tourist stops.

Jamaica's local dishes are fragrant and spicy and centre around fresh fish, chicken, fruits and vegetables.

The national dish is Ackee (a local fruit resembling scrambled egg) and Saltfish, usually eaten for breakfast.

Jamaican meat or vegetable patties are delicious and a popular lunchtime dish on the go, as is the spicy jerked pork or chicken, barbequed slowly over a fire in an outdoor pit. Jerk is best accompanied by an ice cold Red Stripe, the favourite local beer.

Despite its large population and vast number of hotels, Jamaica does not have a huge restaurant scene, and aside from Kingston which has a good range of places to eat out, in other towns dining out is thin on the ground. That said, there are a scattering of decent restaurants worth a visit and the Jamaican's love their street food, so there are even more local eateries serving simple Jamaican fare, often cooked at the roadside or on the beach.

Jamaica has a strong tradition of music and this is central to the nightlife with some excellent bars and clubs, popular with locals and tourists alike. Some are even world famous - drinkers have been jumping off the cliffs at Rick's Café in Negril for 30 years - but there is an excellent variety on the island, from upbeat bars in tourist towns to local bars and rum shops that come alive after dark and are where some of the most fun is to be had. There is even a bar out at sea, on a sand-bar off Treasure Beach.

In Montego Bay, the 'Hip Strip' is lined with bars and clubs among the many hotels, although Negril is probably the coolest area for bars, with several dotted along the cliffs and along the beach as well. Ocho Rios is quite spread out, and whilst there are some bars on the main street, others are in the outlying districts. Over in the capital Kingston, the nightlife caters for a mixed crowd, professional, arty, younger and older, whilst further out in the countryside, many bars double as small restaurants and snack joints serving simple grilled fish and beer.

Alfred's Ocean Palace

Norman Manley Boulevard, Negril

876-957-4669

Negril's best live music venue hosts bands every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday night on a beachside outdoor stage. A favourite with the locals, it also welcomes guests from nearby hotels for beers and dancing on the sand.

Coral Cliff

165, Gloucester Avenue, Montego Bay

876-952-4130

Located above a casino are two of the best bars in Jamaica. The Chilling Bar is a cosy tavern-style space, and above that is the jumping Rum Jungle Bar, which plays host to live reggae bands several times a week. Drinks are half price if you gamble!

Amnesia

70 Main Street, Ocho Rios

876-974-2633

Mix it up with the locals at this top nightspot, where guests party to live and DJ-spun reggae, dub, soul and R&B. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Jungle

Norman Manley Boulevard

Negril

876-957-4005

The elaborate décor at this sprawling nightspot includes potted plants, painted animals on the walls, and even a few live ones (there's a resident caged snake and also a fish pond). Steady crowds of locals and visitors flow between the two floors, where there are pool tables, a sports bar with a stage for live bands, a chill-out martini lounge and a thumping disco with DJ-spun beats and a packed dance floor. This is the place for serious party-goers, and often goes on until six in the morning.

Asylum Club

Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston

For wild nights, check out the outrageous fashions at Dancehall night each Thursday.