JAMAICA

INTRO TEXT JAMAICA WAS OUR FIRST DESTINATION WHEN WE STARTED CARIBTOURS BACK IN 1979, AND IT REMAINS ONE OF THE MOST WELCOMING AND HOSPITABLE PLACES THAT YOU’LL EVER VISIT.

COURTESY OF JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD

From the music of Bob Marley and the Bond novels of Ian Fleming to the record-breaking exploits of Usain Bolt, the island of Jamaica has produced some of the most defining cultural and sporting icons of our time. Start off your morning with a breakfast of saltfish and ackee, spend the day sunbathing on stunning beaches and swimming in sapphire seas, then dance into the night to the sounds of intoxicating soca. This is the real Caribbean, where a unique and effervescent culture sits beside magnificent natural beauty and a compellingly carefree yet feisty spirit.

Hit the beautiful white sand beaches on the north coast, visit coffee plantations, explore thick rainforest, swim in the astonishing Dunn’s

River Falls and explore the verdant peaks of the Blue Mountains. Golf courses are blessed with stunning ocean views, the Appleton Estate lets you sample Jamaican rums and sugar cane juice, and the island’s delectable cuisine will tempt your taste buds with exquisite smoked marlin, scorching jerk chicken, fresh lobster and the most succulent shrimp, best enjoyed dining al fresco by the edge of the beautiful Caribbean Sea.

In energetic Ocho Rios you can swim with dolphins, take an aerial rainforest canopy ride, bobsled down Mystic Mountain or kayak through the 300-acre hidden paradise of the White River Valley. The more bohemian Negril will treat you to Jamaica’s finest beach, quirky boutique hotels and spectacularly daring displays from the local cliff divers. Head east to Port Antonio and you’ll discover an altogether slower pace of life, a region of beautiful, unspoilt scenery that has somehow remained off the beaten tourist track. Sleepy fishing villages and friendly, laid back locals take you back to a time before tourism; this is the place to relax, explore and discover the real Jamaica.

ACTIVE JAMAICA

CLIMB DUNN’S RIVER FALLS There are many spectacular waterfalls on the island and various trips to get you there, but the most visited are the Dunn’s River Falls, one of Jamaica’s national treasures. We love these falls as you can climb them right to the top, but we strongly recommend that you avoid busy cruise ship days. If you pick your time carefully, it’s possible to enjoy the falls in peace.

BOBSLEDDING ON MYSTIC MOUNTAIN If you’re a thrill seeker looking for a rush, you’ll love this exhilarating ride on Mystic Mountain. Inspired by the famous Jamaican Olympic bobsled team, this high tech, custom-designed sled will whizz you down a 1,000-metre-long track, driven entirely by gravity. Hold on to your hat!

LAID-BACK JAMAICA

SAMPLE THE RUM ON THE APPLETON ESTATE Located in the picturesque Nassau Valley in St Elizabeth, a tour of the Appleton Estate will take you on a journey through time to learn about the history of rum and to give you an inside look at how the finest rum in the world is made. You’ll also get to taste the quality rums which have been distilled here for over 250 years.

RAFT THE MARTHA BRAE For a wonderfully relaxing day out, take to a bamboo raft on the picturesque Martha Brae River. This is not white-knuckle, white-water rafting but an altogether more leisurely experience. You’ll learn about the legend of Martha Brae as you drift peacefully along the tranquil three mile stretch of river, and you’ll have ample time to take in the scenery and enjoy a refreshing swim in the calm, clear waters.

ON LOCATION...

THE JAMES BOND CONNECTION Jamaica is where the Bond legend started, with Ian Fleming crafting his first novel, Casino Royale, at his GoldenEye estate in 1952. And Jamaica was set to reappear many times over the next 60 years. It was the key location in both the book and the film of Dr No, including the iconic scene featuring Ursula Andress emerging from the sea.

GETTING THERE

Flying time from the UK to Montego Bay or Kingston is approximately 10 hrs and all flights are non-stop.

Virgin Atlantic Departures from Heathrow to Montego Bay two or three times per week. British Airways Departures from Gatwick to Kingston and Montego Bay up to three times a week. Note: All our inclusive holiday prices are based on British Airways World Traveller or Virgin Atlantic Economy flights.

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Montego Bay 5 6

1. Couples Swept Away (p107) 2. Round Hill Hotel & Villas (p104) 3. Sandals Montego Bay (p106) Zoëtry Montego Bay (p106) 4. Half Moon (p103) 5. Jamaica Inn (p102) 6. GoldenEye (p105)

JAMAICA

KINGSTON