Whatever your definition of relaxation, you’re sure to find it here in Jamaica. Beautiful beaches, blue waters, smooth reggae vibes, laid-back Rasta culture and fantastic cuisine make up this incredible island. Here, you can snorkel on Monday, zipline on Tuesday and relax in a private beach cabana all day Wednesday.
The Ocho Rios – Runaway Bay region is packed with history, culture and eco-adventure. Hiking waterfall trails (visit Dunn’s River Falls) is practically a national pastime here. And, as the birthplace of reggae legend Bob Marley, this area is also the pulse of the Jamaica’s spiritual heart. Tour the region Marley once called home and ascend the stairways to Zion – the location of Marley’s mausoleum and one of the most sacred spots on the island.
In Montego Bay, visitors get an authentic taste of Jamaican life. Visit Market Street on Saturday and explore the bustling outdoor market filled with exotic goods and foods. Nearby, the Hip Strip offers unique shops, restaurants and bars. Or, if it’s history you’re after, take a tour of the Rose Hall Great House – a massive plantation home said to be haunted by its former mistress.
An hour away, you’ll find the town of Negril. This small resort area is considered one of the most laid-back places in Jamaica – and for good reason. The tourism industry didn’t hit Negril until the 1960s, when the first road to Montego Bay was built. Today, luxury resorts dot the town’s famed Seven Mile Beach, with spectacular snorkelling, swimming and diving only a short walk away.
But here in Jamaica, it will likely be the friendly locals that make a lasting impression on you.
