our-jamaica-2013

Our

Jamaica 2013

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE JAMAICA HOTEL & TOURIST ASSOCIATION

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minister’s letter

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WELCOME First-time visitors to Jamaica are often struck by not only the beauty of this land, but also the warmth and pleasure that are embodied in all that is Jamaica.

From the quiet glows of a sunset and the pulsating rhythms of our reggae music, to the unique appeal of our food and natural happiness of our people, this is truly a pleasure-seeker’s dream come true. Welcome to Jamaica!

As Jamaicans, we are proud of the complex culture and heritage that is as much intertwined in this land of wood and water as it is in the hearts of the people. Even the diverse topography of our island is an intimate part of our unique signature as a nation. We are happy to welcome you to our island home, and we encourage you to get to know who we are as a people while enjoying the unspoilt beauty of our island.

And there is so much here for you to experience. Whether you are looking to enjoy the many miles of beach along your adventure trek or play the chameleon

while soaking in the magnificent mountain views; there awaits a myriad of attractions and activities for a fun-filled vacation.

Coupled with this, I am confident you will find that our range of accommodations will cater to your particular preference — from the faster tempo of some of our larger properties to the intimate and serene surroundings of a tucked-away property. Our world-class offerings and accommodations are priceless, and the high rate of repeat visitors that come to our shores is testament to this.

As Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, I take pleasure in welcoming you if this is your first visit. If you have visited us before, I am delighted to say “welcome back.” You are now a part of the great family of Jamaican visitors who can say, “Once You Go, You Know.”

Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill Minister of Tourism and Entertainment

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jhta letter

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WELCOME Welcome to our Jamaica and thank you for allowing us the privilege of sharing our beautiful island with you!

Throughout last year, world events and the global economy have created many challenges and stresses, making vacation an even more precious commodity. As we enter this year, we look forward to new beginnings and opportunities for all. We are thankful that you chose our Jamaica to recharge, refresh and, we hope, re-energise you to tackle life’s future challenges.

We know that there are many vacation choices that you could have made and we appreciate your choosing Jamaica… our Jamaica. All of our communities across the length and breadth of Jamaica join us in thanking and welcoming you! We encourage you to explore our island, taste our cuisine and immerse yourself in our culture.

We know that as you enjoy our Jamaica you will have many encounters

with the warmth and vibrancy of our people whose indomitable spirit and hospitality have made us a world-class destination. There are also events and festivals for you to enjoy!

Our members are found throughout Jamaica’s six resort areas, and all remain committed to making your vacation experience the best ever. Indeed, Jamaica has it all from luxury villas and large internationally acclaimed hotels, to quaint and cosy cottages; attractions that are eco-friendly, adventurous, historical or cultural; and a wide variety of shopping experiences that are indicative of the diversity and innovation that is found in our island. We are one fabulous destination and we know that you will find a piece to claim as your very own.

Thank you for visiting our Jamaica.

Enjoy and come back soon!

Evelyn Smith President, JHTA

contributors

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1. Max Earle is passionate about the beauty of his homeland — Jamaica — that fact goes beyond questioning. Spending more than 40 years behind a lens, and 20 years as Co-Owner and Creative Director of Frame by Frame Productions, he says there is still no shortage of spectacular scenes that unfold every day.

His images have graced the pages of numerous magazines, websites and commercial productions. His unique vision has been hailed in this way, ”Through Max’s lens we see glimpses of all elements of Jamaica... the very essence of the feel of island life.. from its boisterous nature to the quiet still moments with nature... combined with the feel of fleeting moments that make us all want to be there, at that time.” He continues to pursue his passion and is in the final stages of publishing his first book.

6. Melanie Reffes is a travel journalist based in Montreal and specialising in sunnier climes. Her Caribbean coverage has appeared in newspapers and magazines including DREAMSCAPES in Canada, The Miami Herald, Aishti in the Middle East, Caribbean Connection and Canadian Traveller. She is a contributing writer for many island-based magazines, including Experience St. Maarten/St. Martin, Chef’s Menu in Aruba, Our Jamaica and Experience Bermuda. As well, Melanie is the Caribbean editor for the USA trade publication JAXFAX. She is the humble recipient of several Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) writer awards and JTB Writer of the Year for 2008. Melanie is a long-time member of SATW. When she’s not racing to catch flights, she can be found in her backyard garden growing the hottest scotch bonnet peppers this side of Negril.

2. Kinisha Correia is a business owner and writer living in Kingston, Jamaica.

Her preferred writing focus is on holistic and eco-chic living, while her business specialises in PR, Communication and Event Planning for the niche wellness and community development industries. She’s passionate about spreading wholesome good vibes!

7. Mark Rogers’ travel assignments have taken him to 54 countries. He’s wellknown in travel trade circles for his coverage of the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, the South Pacific and Asia, as well as California, where he is based. In 2005, Mark won back-to-back awards for his writing: the CTO Worldwide Travel Writer/ Photographer Award for Best Feature Article in a Trade Publication, for his cover story on St. Lucia in Travel Agent magazine; and the Marcia Vickery-Wallace Award for excellence in travel journalism, presented by the Jamaica Tourist Board for his Hurricane Ivan coverage.

3. Roland Henry as a young boy idolised Superman, not just for his otherworldly strength and flying abilities, but for his alter ego journalist Clark Kent. Kent’s Metropolis was a heady mix of adventure and frenzy at every turn, he was always in the right place at the right time and Roland wanted every bit of that. It’s what led him to study Media and Communication — specialising in print and online journalism — at the Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication (CARIMAC) before being employed with the Jamaica Observer newspaper for seven years. While there, he amassed experience in both the advertising and editorial sides of the business, covering beats from finance to fashion. His work has appeared in the New York Post and SkyWritings, as well as several smaller publications on the island.

4. Kristi Keller is a dedicated Jamaica travel blogger based in Calgary, Canada. She has extensively travelled all of Jamaica’s parishes for nearly a decade and prefers to write about local lifestyle and hidden treasures over common tourist activities and excursions. In 2011, Kristi won two awards in Jamaica for best blog content and best overseas Jamaican travel blog. Also in 2011, she self-published her first short eBook about what it was like to leave a 10-year corporate career and jump into freelancing as a travel writer. Aside from writing, Kristi provides trip planning and consultation services, accommodation reviews and is currently in the planning stages of producing a Jamaica travel docu-series. The 2013 Our Jamaica magazine is her first published work and she aspires towards many more opportunities for publication in the future.

5. Kaili McDonnough Scott continued to suffer from Olympic fever even after the London games when she interviewed the world-record sprinter and fastest man alive, Usain Bolt. “I am a big fan of Bolt’s, so speaking with him was truly an honour.” McDonnough Scott is based in Kingston, Jamaica, and is the editor of KÚYA, a real estate magazine, and runs Market at the Lawn, a local flea market at Devon House.

8. Emma Sharp Dalton-Brown is a native Jamaican with a BA in Philosophy from the London School of Economics, a Food & Wine Diploma from Leith’s in London and a Certificate in Journalism from New York University. Emma worked in London for five years as a freelance chef, regularly appeared on a cooking show called ”Good Food Live” and wrote for BBC Good Food and Best magazines. She currently lives with her husband and two sons in Kingston, Jamaica, where she is a regular contributor for the Jamaica Observer; teaches private cooking classes; and writes menu plans and recipes for people with chronic health problems. Emma has also written extensively for MacoCaribbean.com, and has contributed to MACO and FRESH magazines. She is proud to add Our Jamaica to the list.

9. Chanize Thorpe is a travel and lifestyle writer and editor who has spent more than 15 years travelling in the Caribbean islands. Her work has appeared in publications and websites such as Condé Nast Traveler, Caribbean Travel + Life, Budget Travel and a variety of in-flight magazines. She also spent 10 years as a professional honeymoon writer for Brides Magazine, though sometimes she misses the bridal world and occasionally writes for Destination Weddings and Honeymoons.

She’s currently an editor at HotelChatter.com and plans honeymoons as one of Jetsetter.com’s Personal Travel Consultants.

10. Leisha Wong is a journalist based in Jamaica who is dedicated to bringing an authenticity to her readers, whether she is writing about art, food, interior design or architecture. She is the editor for Kingston Kitchen magazine and has written for a host of international and local publications, including Pride magazine in London; Ocean Drive and Florida International Magazine in Miami; The Daily News in New York; and the Jamaica Observer, SkyWritings, KÚYA and MACO in the Caribbean.

She is proud to add Our Jamaica to her list of magazines.

A Subsidiary of The McClatchy Company One Herald Plaza, Miami, Florida 33132 Tel: 305-376-5250; Fax: 305-995-8108 OurJamaicaMagazine.com Publisher Garry Duell Jr. Chief Operations Director Giovanna Sanchez Editorial and Design Director of Editorial and Design Vanessa Molina Santamaria Editor Desirée Vichot Art Director Jessica Becerra-Ortiz Photography J. Kevin Foltz Managing Editor Rosa Calderon Associate Editors Christine Borges, Jenny Acosta-Horta, Soledad Sastre Senior Graphic Designer Alfredo Añez Graphic Designers Carlos Martin, Edwin Cruz, Ethan Duran, Juan Parra, Rodrigo Nuño Ruiz Contributing Photographers Garry Duell Jr., Andrew Blair, Mae Mae Blair Production and Distribution Production Manager Luisa Zelaya-Morillo Distribution Manager Walter Franco Advertising Services Coordinator Ileana Sañu-Falcone Advertising Sales Sales Administration Manager Fabiana Jerez Walters Sales Representative Elena Lynch Tel: 876-469-3123 E-mail: experiencejamaica@gmail.com Marketing Online Services Susan Boley Accounting Director of Finance Thomas Bardon Accounting Supervisor Cecilia Roca Administrative Manager / Publisher’s Assistant Jeanie Schoonmaker Our Jamaica is a publication of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA).

2 Ardenne Road, Kingston 10, Jamaica 876-920-3482, 926-3635-6 / 2796, Fax: 876-929-1054 info@jhta.org Copyright ©2012 by HCP/Aboard Publishing.

All rights reserved. Reproduction by permission only.

Cover photo ©Rory Roopnarine/Alamy Boating down the Rio Grande, Jamaica

PA N E RA I. CO M

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25 Shoppes at Rose Hall, Montego Bay • Tel. 1-876-953-2242 303 Falmouth Cruise Pier, Falmouth • Tel. 1-876-952-6982

table of contents

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WHAT’S INSIDE 38 30 32

Welcome to Jamaica One People Jamaican history from pirates to independence

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Sightseeing Explore Jamaica’s six main resort areas

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Kingston

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Port Antonio

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Ocho Rios

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Discovery Bay & Falmouth

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Montego Bay

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Ocho Rios: Island V%(( #!ƫƫđƫTel: 87ćƫđƫ67Ćƫđƫ8998 Montego Bay: 24 Shoppes at R+/!ƫ ((ƫđƫTel: 87ćƫđƫ95ăƫđƫ9755 Negril: 2 Time Squar!ƫ ((ƫđƫTel: 87ćƫđƫ95Ĉƫđƫ4922 Falmouth: #106 Historic Falmouth Pier. Tel: 876.632.4875 www.casadeoro.c+)ƫđƫ%*fo@casadeoro.c+)ƫđƫFax: 87ćƫđƫ95ăƫđƫă377

table of contents

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Negril

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South Coast

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Blissful Beaches

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Take a tour of Jamaica’s many picturesque shores

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A Life of Action Exciting activities and sports in Jamaica

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Pampering is Paramount Indulge in treatments full of island-grown ingredients

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Wedded Bliss Couples can choose from a variety of unforgettable options

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Art Moves Forward The Jamaican identity is captured in the artistry of its people

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Calendar of Events Find out what events are happening now

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Useful Information Transportation, tipping, taxes and much more

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Map of Jamaica

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JHTA Members

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Welcome to

Jamaica

Steve Simonsen

historyy

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ONE PEOPLE When Christopher Columbus made his second voyage to the New World, he’d heard about a “land of blessed gold.”

He landed in Jamaica in 1494, in an area now known as Discovery Bay, in the parish of St. Ann. Incidentally, Columbus neither found the gold he was looking for then, nor on his return trip to the island in 1503.

Later, the Spanish invaded farther west and wiped out the native Arawak Indians. They called the area Bahia de Manteca (Butter Bay), as the region had become the main shipping port for the wild hogs (and their “butter”) that had been found in the surrounding hills. The British took over in 1655 and developed it as the parish of St. James, of which Montego Bay is now the capital city. The 17th century marked

Max Earle (2)

by Chanize Thorpe

Rose Hall Great House in Montego Bay

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Tryall Club in Montego Bay

the beginning of the sugarcane and banana plantation culture, which brought great wealth to the region. It was at that time that the name Montego Bay was born. The profitable cane and banana industries gave rise to sprawling personal estates with immaculate great houses at their centre, which is why Montego Bay is so rich in history and tradition.

When the sugar plantations ceased functioning, Montego Bay turned to another source of income — tourism — becoming Jamaica’s first vacation destination in 1924, with the opening of a hotel on Doctors Cave Beach. Visitors frequented the area to swim in the waters, as they were said to have health benefits.

Soon, other resorts — Round Hill and Tryall — opened in the area. In the 1940s, playwright Noël Coward and his elite friends Marlene Dietrich, Laurence Olivier and Katharine Hepburn would escape the bright lights of Hollywood in favour of the sparkling sun of the Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay areas of Jamaica along the North Coast. They stayed in private villas, some that still exist today, complete with original furnishings. Even James Bond creator Ian Fleming built a winter home here where he penned 17 of the famous spy novels. Over on the west coast, Negril became a place where those of the “let it be” culture came to kick back, and a large Rastafarian enclave settled there.

© Photononstop/SuperStock

On August 6, 1962, a new flag — with a diagonal gold cross separating triangles of green and black — was raised when Jamaica gained its independence.

Max Earle

The Lost City of Port Royal The quiet town of Port Royal on Jamaica’s southern coast is a small fishing village with a tempestuous past. Now recognised as the closest destination to escape from all the activity and commotion of nearby Kingston, it was once dubbed “the wickedest city on earth.”

Originally a Spanish outpost, in 1655 it was attacked and captured by the English, who immediately constructed a fort to protect themselves against similar attacks. The town of Point Cagway grew around that fort, and that town was renamed Port Royal in 1660. But even with a fort, the English did not have enough ships or manpower to protect the town, so they enlisted the help of pirates and privateers, such as the legendary John “Calico Jack” Rackham and Captain Henry Morgan, who were attracted to the harbour due to its location and deep waters.

With their help, the English had more ships and experienced seafarers, and the pirates themselves benefitted from a safe haven in an ideal location. Soon, taverns and houses of ill-repute opened to cater to this new clientele. Merchants sold questionable goods and smuggled items unfit for trade in other countries. The area also became a key slave-trading centre, as well as a place to stock up on goods like sugar, wood and rum. It didn’t take long for Port Royal to become the busiest port in North America.

Given the city’s free-wheeling spirit, certain unexpected aspects of society also flourished. Religious freedom, for example, was a direct byproduct of the libertarian attitude that prevailed.

The city contained a diverse mix of Quakers, Presbyterians, Catholics and Anglicans, as well as representatives of various other faiths, who worshipped openly. With a growing population and a thriving port, the region’s top merchants became comfortably wealthy and confident in their prosperity.

by Chanize Thorpe

In 1692, however, the party came to an abrupt end. A powerful earthquake struck Port Royal, destroying the city and causing most of it to sink beneath the waves. Of the town’s original 51 acres, 20 sank to a depth of 10 feet and 13 slid farther still to a depth of 35 feet. The strong currents in the harbour caused the remains to collapse even deeper. It is calculated that approximately 2,000 people died instantly as a result of the destruction of the quake, and another 3,000 died of injuries or disease shortly thereafter. In a matter of weeks, nearly two-thirds of the town’s population was wiped out and absolute bedlam ensued. Due to its bawdy reputation, the town’s misfortunes were seen as divine retribution for the unseemly behaviour of its inhabitants.

An effort was made by those remaining to rebuild, but Port Royal was once again decimated in 1703, this time by a fire.

In subsequent years, it was hit by a series of hurricanes and earthquakes, completely stamping out any attempts to return the city to its former status. The town descended into obscurity and became a sleepy fishing village where people go to enjoy simple pleasures.

It is now undergoing a modern renaissance, and if there ever was a curse, it seems to have been lifted. With theme parks and other attractions either recently built or slated for construction, Port Royal offers a unique combination of fun activities and a dynamic dose of history for those looking to visit the South Coast.

It is a true marvel that some of the original buildings have remained intact after so much destruction, and artefacts continue to be discovered in the old harbour even today. Port Royal is even a contender to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Kington’s Institute of Jamaica dates back to 1879 and showcases the life of Marcus Garvey, the famous island son revered for his political views, black consciousness and leadership skills.

The actor Errol Flynn, who played a pirate in many films, chose the equally laidback town of Port Antonio for his island sojourns. Port Antonio is near the famous Blue Mountains, home of delicious Blue Mountain Coffee and the Windward Maroons, descendants of the island’s escaped slave population. The name Maroons comes from the word cimarron, which means “wild” in Spanish. Known for their aggressive fighting style, the Maroons stayed in the hills in order to avoid capture by British soldiers and German and Scottish settlers who took up residence in the Montego Bay area, as well as on the South Coast. Eventually a treaty was signed, allowing the Maroons to live in peace. Today, instead of fighters, they’re known as gentle and skilled herbalists.

Near Port Antonio is Boston Beach, known as the birthplace of Jamaica’s famous style of jerk cooking. It is believed to have been started here by the Arawaks and perfected by the Maroons. In the 1930s, the first sidewalk restaurants cropped up offering inexpensive, smoky, succulent and allspice-flavoured pork, chicken and fish, still craved by locals and visitors today. You’ll find copycat jerk stands all around the island, but purists insist on making a pilgrimage to Boston Beach.

Farther south is Kingston, Jamaica’s largest city and home to nearly one million people. The pulse of the island, it is here that all legislation is passed, and it is also home to one of the Caribbean’s largest universities, the University of the West Indies.

Devon House, the home of the island’s first black millionaire, was built here in 1881 and still stands today as an open museum and a source of pride for the city. Another building filled with local history is Kingston’s Institute of Jamaica, which dates back to 1879. It showcases the island’s early Arawak residents, delves into Jamaicans’ love affair with carved art that can be found islandwide and details the life of Marcus Garvey, the famous island son revered for his political views, black consciousness and leadership skills.

On August 6, 1962, with England’s Princess Margaret and U.S. Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson present, a new flag was raised when Jamaica gained its independence. The flag, featuring a diagonal gold cross separating triangles of green and black, can be seen all over the island and is a source of great pride.

Jamaica’s famous Blue Mountains

Clockwise from top: © Nik Wheeler/Alamy; age fotostock/SuperStock; Max Earle

Marcus Garvey statue in front of St. Ann’s Bay Library

Devon House in Kingston

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EXPLORE THE ISLAND

by Chanize Thorpe

The six main resort areas of the island — Kingston, Port Antonio, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Negril and the South Coast — offer riveting, relaxing and romantic options for every traveller. If you have limited time or want a primer to some top must-see spots, we’ve included a three-day itinerary for you. Have a little more time on your hands? We’ve added even more options.

From left to right: © Carl & Ann Purcell/Corbis; Michael Lawrence/Getty Images

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Negril sea cave opening

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Drive or bike the Blue Mountain region for a fantastic view of the countryside.

Three-day Itinerary from Kingston Day 1: Visit the Island Son — Begin with the national breakfast of ackee and saltfish at Hot Pot Restaurant in Kingston, then head to Nine Mile, the village where reggae legend Bob Marley was born. Marley’s home is now a museum that is open for tours.

Seek a vendor that sells custom-designed leather sandals, a specialty in this area.

Day 2: Peek at Port Royal — This fishing village near Kingston is legendary for its wicked 17th-century pirate past. Drive or bike the Blue Mountain region, where the island’s famous coffee beans are grown, for a fantastic view of the countryside. Then head to tranquil Port Antonio, home of the Blue Lagoon, a natural cool-off spot. Also, check out the lighthouse near the beach.

Day 3: Pull Over for Pork — Follow the alluring scent of grilled meats at Boston Bay, near Portland, which is said to be the Jerk Capital of Jamaica. Be sure to add breadfruit and yams to your order. Then head back to Kingston for the night.

Five-day Itinerary from Montego Bay Day 1: Watch Out for Witches — Visit Rose Hall, an 18th-century mansion and sugar plantation said to be haunted by the ghost of Annie Palmer, The White Witch of Rose Hall. Then go feed, swim and play with the mammals at Dolphin Cove, in Lucea, Hanover, 20 minutes outside Montego Bay. Day 2: Ride the River — In Falmouth, climb aboard a wooden raft and glide down the gentle Martha Brae River. If you’re peckish, stop at the Tortuga Rum Cakes company in town for a rum-soaked pound cake. A stop at the new Jamaica Swamp Safari Village in the same town reveals creatures great and small, from alligators to boa constrictors.

Day 3: Tee Off — Bring both swimming and golfing gear to Negril to explore the white-sand Seven Mile Beach and well-manicured 18-hole Negril Hills Golf Club. At sunset, world-famous Rick’s Café is the place to take in a gorgeous sunset and watch cliffside divers plunge into the water.

Day 4: Ride for Rum — Climb up Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios. Need more water action? Bathe in the sulphur springs at Firewater Pond in Runaway Bay. Hop aboard the Appleton Express, an air-conditioned bus that visits the Appleton Rum Distillery on the South Coast. At tour’s end, each visitor gets a free bottle (children receive soft drinks).

There’s also a bonus stop to Ipswich Caves, noted for stalactites and stalagmites.

Day 5: Get Crafty — Look for a great variety of wall hangings, straw items and wooden sculptures at the Old Fort Crafts Market near Gloucester Avenue. Once the site of a 17thcentury fort, it now houses more than 180 vendors all licensed by the Jamaica Tourist Board.

At night, explore the Hip Strip — Gloucester Avenue’s nickname — for the club and restaurant scene, or dancing and music at Pier 1, Montego Bay’s all-in-one entertainment complex.

Mae Mae Blair

Waterfalls in Jamaica Jamaica is a land rich with breathtaking waterfalls that have inspired magical legends and lured thousands of eco-tourists annually. The waterfalls of Jamaica offer visitors a refreshing and rejuvenating way to experience the island’s diverse landscape.

Most visitors to Jamaica are familiar with Dunn’s River Falls, located in Ocho Rios. Undoubtedly one of the most visibly stunning waterfalls on the island, Dunn’s River extends up to 600 feet, yet its natural terraced design makes it incredibly climberfriendly. As it is the most famous waterfall, it receives the largest volume of visitors annually.

If you are looking for spectacular natural beauty with fewer tourists, there are a number of accessible waterfalls that deliver stunning and more solitary experiences. Located in Portland Parish and known for its beautiful untouched landscape, Somerset Falls was originally settled by the Spanish more than 400 years ago and many of the original aqueducts and dams built by them are still visible today. Hidden in the rainforest, the Somerset Falls area offers visitors a serene bamboo boat trip down the Danny River.

The YS Estate was used to supply logwood in the early 1800s. In 1992, YS Estate opened its stunning seven-tiered cascading falls to the public, inviting visitors to enjoy the wading pools fed by underground springs that have received a number of awards, including Attraction of the Year and Outstanding Environmental Stewardship.

by Leisha Wong

Reach Falls may be best known for being featured in the Tom Cruise movie Cocktail, but this intimate waterfall, located oneand-a-half miles east of the fishing village of Manchioneal, is also famous for its unspoiled beauty and deep gorges.

DUNN’S RIVER FALLS Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-2857 / 876-974-5944 dunnsriver@udcja.com; dunnsriverfallsja.com SOMERSET FALLS Portland / 876-913-0046 svmennis@gmail.com; somersetfallsjamaica.com YS FALLS YS Estate, Middle Quarters, St. Elizabeth 876-997-6360 / 876-383-7159 ysfalls@cwjamaica.com; ysfalls.com REACH FALLS Reach District, Manchioneal, Portland 876-993-6606 / 876-993-6683 reachfalls@udcja.com

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KINGSTON In stark contrast to Jamaica’s balmy shorelines, azure waters and carefree resort life, lies Kingston, a sprawling city pulsating with the rhythm of its people. Here, there’s a story at every turn and the characters are walking the streets, making it all the more exciting. Kingstonians are some of the nicest, funniest, most outlandish people on the planet, and the city’s most enduring charm. Visitors will surely enjoy all the galleries, shops and historic sites, but it’s the encounters they have with the locals that will make their stay unforgettable.

From left to right: Max Earle; © Jon Malone/Alamy

by Roland Henry

Emancipation Park

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Sightseeing Kingston, Jamaica’s capital and its largest city, is located on the southeastern coast of the island. It was founded in July 1692, by refugees fleeing the great earthquake that destroyed Port Royal. The city boasts a many-layered history that includes the grizzly, the inspiring and the whimsical. From the auction blocks at Victoria Pier, where slaves were bought and sold; to Wolmer’s, the first free school for poor boys founded in 1729; to Bob Marley’s beloved Trench Town tenement, where he must have mused over cornmeal porridge and perhaps dreamed of the fantastic musical success he would one day achieve, Kingston is a complex and riveting place.

For some, Marley’s Trench Town is the birthplace of reggae. Music rises from every corner as wide-eyed crooners openly show off their talents. Its famous sons include virtuoso artists like saxophonist Dean Fraser, rocksteady kingpins Delroy Wilson and Alton Ellis, and Marley’s former bandmate and reggae royalty Bunny Wailer, among many others. The community’s star-producing power gave rise to its 1960’s nickname “the Hollywood of Jamaica,” and that moniker continues to ring true even today. For visitors eager to track the ethos of reggae and Rasta, the Trench Town Culture Yard Museum is the ideal place to start.

Art enthusiasts will be sold on a visit to the National Gallery of Jamaica. Sitting on the downtown waterfront, this museum features pieces that date back to the time of the Taínos, as well as works that reflect both the Spanish and English influence on Jamaica, and some modern works, too. Additional services include educational programmes, lectures and panel discussions, and children’s art workshops. The gallery also operates a gift shop and coffee shop.

Beach bums can head to popular Hellshire Beach, where many locals spend their weekends. Other sun-and-fun options near Kingston include the white sands of Lime Cay and Fort Clarence, which is named for the small 18th-century fort found nearby.

Up in the iconic Blue Mountains, home to the world-famous Blue Mountain Coffee, visitors looking to get a bit more adventurous can get an up-close look at the beauty of Jamaican nature. An array of tours is available, including cycling tours, hiking tours and Jeep tours. The Holywell National Recreation Park, located in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, offers guided tours.

Venture farther east to the old pirate enclave of Port Royal, where you’ll be regaled with swashbuckling tales about the original city of sin. After invading and capturing the small port town from the Spanish in 1655, the English became acutely concerned that they could suffer the same fate. Their solution: pirates. Inviting the veteran seafarers ensured the newly minted town would have adequate numbers to ward off attack, and the pirates also benefitted from the arrangement. Resting on the Kingston Harbour — the world’s seventh largest naturally occurring harbour — Port Royal was once vital to Jamaica’s trade and commerce. The decadence and debauchery that ensued have become the stuff of legend, and now the quaint seaside town is more of a curiosity. With its cobblestone roads, Spanish architecture, moats and forts, it makes for an intriguing little escapade only a 45-minute drive from Kingston.

Aerial view of Kingston

Max Earle (2)

The Bob Marley Museum

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Must-see attractions in Port Royal include the Fort Charles Maritime Museum, which traces the island’s relationship with the sea from the time of the Taínos to the Spanish Inquisition and thereafter, and the Giddy House, a former artillery store named for the strange tilt it acquired as a result of the 1907 earthquake. Unfortunately, most of Port Royal descended below the waves after the 1692 earthquake.

The lurid tales of Port Royal are perfectly countered by the simple elegance of Devon House, an old great house owned by George Stiebel, Jamaica’s first black millionaire, during the late 19th century. Devon House offers guided tours of the mansion and the sprawling property, most of which is a tropical garden. Portions of the annex, outhouse and stables have been transformed into a modern-day courtyard complete with gift shops, restaurants and patisseries. Indulge in the famous Devon House ice cream, a refreshing treat on a hot day or a tasty dessert to enjoy on a Sunday evening after a sumptuous plate of the traditional chicken with rice and peas.

Max Earle

The Giddy House, a former artillery store, is named for the strange tilt it acquired as a result of the 1907 earthquake.

True Jamaican warmth for discerning world citizens

W W W. S P A N I S H C O U R T H O T E L . C O M 1 St Lucia Avenue, Kingston 5, Jamaica • 876 926 0000

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The Hope Botanical Gardens

Shopping “Dress to pussfoot” is a phrase Jamaicans often use to describe their penchant for fashion. On any given day, it’s not unusual to spot an array of styles — from the flashy to the classic — parading the city streets. It’s no surprise that this weakness for trends has manifested itself as a veritable goldmine for local retailers.

Max Earle (2)

The genteel Devon House isn’t the only attraction on Hope Road. Farther up the road is the Bob Marley Museum.

At this legendary musician’s former residence, visitors can get an intimate glimpse of what his daily life must have been like. Guests get to see some of his personal belongings, including his starshaped guitar, evidence of his devotion to football (soccer) and various other items fans will treasure.

Hope Road also leads directly to the Hope Botanical Gardens. Enjoy a stroll down the tranquil sunken garden or a simple picnic spread on the sprawling lawns. At 200 acres, this is the largest garden in the West Indies with over 100 species of flora, including those in a cactus garden, an orchid house, several greenhouses, a lily pond, a plant nursery and a forest garden.

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Those looking to tap into the pulse of the city should head downtown. There you’ll find stalls covered in heaps of brightly coloured fabric and eye-catching shoes lining the sidewalks, while the latest reggae-dancehall tunes blast from giant speaker boxes.

Prices are quite reasonable and the wide assortment is sure to satisfy a variety of tastes.

For a unique shopping experience, visit downtown’s Pearnel Charles Arcade, where wares are creatively displayed. Imagine shoes dangling from their laces or an impromptu fashion show. Bargains are aplenty and it’s still the best place to find a pair of Clarks desert boots, an original that is well-loved by Jamaicans.

Also downtown by the docks is the Craft Market, where you can find the best in Jamaican street art, woodcraft and interesting accessories that are certain to stir conversation. Nearby, the Coronation Market bustles with peddlers and country folk looking to sell fresh-from-the-farm produce.

The Kingston shopping experience continues in the city’s version of midtown. In Half-Way-Tree, at the edge of where downtown meets the suburbs, travellers can find a string of plazas lined with shops on Constant Spring Road. Try the Puma store in the Bend-Down Plaza for the latest in sportswear. Maybe even pick up an item or three

© Charlene Collins/Getty Images

Coronation Market bustles with peddlers and country folk looking to sell fresh-fromthe-farm produce.

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Caribbean crab cakes

from the Usain Bolt-inspired collection. The plaza also offers trendy Go West and fine jewellery at Swiss Stores.

Also worth a visit is the seasonal Market at the Lawn held at the Devon House.

This flea market offers a variety of products from rare vintage finds to provocative art and jewellery to your everyday household appliances.

The fashionista who wants to see what’s on the racks in Kingston should explore what’s on display at boutique shops like KERRY manwomanhome, Grandeur Femme, Angela’s, the fabulous Trendi Editions or OMG! along New Kingston’s Braemar Avenue. Finally, a trip to New Kingston would not be complete without a stop at the chic Bijoux. This duty-free gift shop features the timeless collections of master jewellery makers such as Roberto Coin, John Hardy and Pandora.

Dining From juicy street fare to old-fashioned high tea, the Kingston culinary scene has something for everyone. Start along Red Hills Road to get your hands on some of the famous pan chicken, an urban take on the local jerk recipes, served in quarters and wrapped in aluminum foil. Or, make a pit stop at the food court in The Marketplace

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K I NGSTON

DINING OPTIONS Ristorante Baci Italian Wyndham Kingston Hotel 77 Knutsford Blvd.; 926-5430-7 The Restaurant at Spanish Court International 1 St. Lucia Ave.; 926-0000 The Melting Pot Restaurant & Lounge International Knutsford Court Hotel, 16 Chelsea Ave. 929-1000 ext. 304 or 3010 Hotel Four Seasons Kingston Jamaican 18 Ruthven Road; 926-0682/8805 Gazebo Bar and Restaurant International Golden Shore Resort Ltd. Lot 288b Windward Drive; 982-9657 Alexander’s Jamaican / International Courtleigh Hotel 85 Knutsford Blvd.; 968-6339

Cocoro Restaurant Japanese Mayfair Hotel 40 West Kings House Close; 926-1610 Strawberry Hill Jamaican / International Irish Town, Blue Mountains above Kingston; 944-8400

on Constant Spring Road to take in the casual atmosphere at Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records Sports Bar. Indulge in the succulent jerk at Scotchies, where delicious and smoky pork, chicken and sausages are served with roasted ground provisions. For more authentic Jamaican meals, head to Norma’s Whitehall on Whitehall Avenue or the Moby Dick Restaurant downtown for some of the best Indian curry and roti (an unleavened bread similar to a flour tortilla) around.

Visitors looking for more high-end dining will be well satisfied at any one of several restaurants in Kingston. At The Terrace in Devon House, the affable Chef Mario Machado

© Matthew Wakem/Getty Images

The Venetian Room Caribbean Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel 17 Waterloo Road; 926-2211-3

and his family use only the finest local ingredients to create memorable meals. High Tea On The Terrace or Sunday Champagne Brunch at the Terra Nova Hotel offers Old World sophistication, and Guilt Trip in Orchid Village Plaza features the delicious creations of celebrated chef Colin Hylton.

Of course, no trip to Kingston is complete without an ice-cold Red Stripe or a piping-hot Tastee patty.

Nightlife If New York is “the city that never sleeps,” then Kingston is the ebullient neighbour that’s keeping it up. The sound boxes blaring by day tempt dancers at night, and every few feet visitors might be fortunate enough to stumble upon a community street party. Admission is usually free.

For paid entertainment, head to the sexy-cool Fiction nightclub inside The Marketplace. On Wednesday nights, the club hosts Brand New Machine, and wraps up the work week with Fiction Fridays. This is the place to spot local celebrities like Sean Paul, Beenie Man and Shaggy, who often party there when they’re off tour. Another popular club is the multi-level Quad in New Kingston. Dress like you’re heading to the MTV Video Music Awards to get past the velvet rope.

If the club scene is not your thing, Kingston also has its fair share of rocking bars.

Visitors might want to start at Devon House’s Bin 26, a spot where wine lovers like to

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chill out. Sports buffs may prefer the action at Cuddy’z Sports Bar, owned and operated by legendary cricketer Courtney Walsh, or the aforementioned Tracks & Records owned by Olympic gold-medalist Usain Bolt. Also try M10, a truck yard by day that transforms into a rustic restaurant and bar at night. Stop by early in the week for Tuesdays on the Rock, when you can catch the musical stylings of radio host ZJ Bambino and others.

The Redbones Blues Café is the place to connect with the underground live music scene, while the National Dance Theatre Company at the Little Theatre caters to those with an appetite for high culture. Jamaicans do love good theatre and you can catch the bug at one of several playhouses in the city, including The Pantry Playhouse.

Getting Around With so many options, you may not always know where to go first, but getting there should be pretty easy. Kingston’s sights and attractions are all readily accessible.

Some sights are relatively close to one another, making walking a convenient option if you plan ahead. Should you need to travel farther, taxi stands can be found in most high-traffic areas. You may also opt to engage a car service to chauffeur you to your destinations. Regardless of how you choose to get around town, be sure to immerse yourself in the city and you will never be the same.

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Situated along the world’s seventh largest naturally occurring harbour, the architecture on the Kingston waterfront tells a tale of Jamaica’s colonial past comingled with its commercial present.

Remnants at Victoria Pier along King Street chronicle the story of slave-carrying vessels, the rise of cruise ships circa 1940s, the old Craft Market and the once-majestic Oceana Hotel, now the site of the Ministry of Health.

Mere feet away, an open lot now sits where the happening Myrtle Bank Hotel once flourished. Only a few remaining palm trees whisper of the halcyon days when one of Jamaica’s first and most renowned hotels welcomed celebrities and royalty alike.

The Kingston waterfront was also home to The United Fruit Company — founded by Captain Lorenzo Baker, father of Jamaica’s banana industry — which is now home to the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE). But the JSE is but one of the commercial giants in the area, since the Bank of Jamaica also sits along the waterfront.

Established in 1960, the imposing multi-storey structure formed part of the government’s plan to invest in downtown Kingston after most businesses began moving north to the New Kingston area.

Its establishment led to other towering commercial centres such as the neighbouring Scotia Bank, the Jamaica Conference Centre and Kingston Mall. Usually referred to as the downtown financial

by Roland Henry

district, this area offers a serene view: a narrow strip of green space lined with park benches from which onlookers may watch ships coming into port at the nearby wharf. Part of the attraction, too, is the diving boys who somersault from the docks and into the water, eager to parade their aquatic skills.

The district’s commercial life also includes the Urban Development Corporation, the quasi-government institution responsible for the maintenance and management of the Kingston waterfront.

A couple of doors down, the National Gallery of Jamaica, outfitted with collections from Jamaica’s premier artists, awaits. Glass doors open to reveal a sleek, modern space that tells the story of Jamaica’s visual culture, from the time of the native Indians to present day.

Today, there seems to be resurgence within the area, since the harbour’s picturesque backdrop was used as the launching ground for the celebrations revolving around Jamaica’s 50th anniversary of its independence. The districts old, industrial appeal mixed with the vigour of modern trappings makes it the perfect location for the island’s leading telecom provider, Digicel. The company has built a state-of-the-art tower along the waterfront and is set to move from its New Kingston offices soon. It’s perhaps a sign that downtown is booming again.

© Anthony Pidgeon/Getty Images

Kingston’s Waterfront

Avis Rent-A-Car 1 Merrick Ave., Kingston 10, Jamaica, W.I. 876-924-8248-9 / 800-744-0006; Fax: 876-929-4998; md@avis.com.jm Mgr. Dir.: Michael DaCosta; Dir.: Joan Chin Bijoux Jewellers Ocho Rios, Taj Mahal Shopping Centre: 974-5446; Island Village: 675-8755; Montego Bay, Shoppes at Rose Hall: 953-9530; Sangster International Airport: 952-6718; Kingston, Dominica Drive, New Kingston: 926-4788. Exclusive dealers for Breitling, Hublot and Michele watches.

Also Raymond Weil, Michael Kors, Fossil, DKNY, Armani and Kenneth Cole watches.

Designer jewellery from Pandora, Roberto Coin and Judith Ripka. Diamond, tanzanite, emerald, ruby and sapphire jewellery.

Lladro porcelain, Swarovski and Waterford crystal. Duty- and tax-free prices.

Bob Marley Museum 56 Hope Road, 876-927-9152 Take an hour-long guided tour of the home of the late reggae superstar composer and singer. Memorabilia documents his work.

Includes theatre, garden, exhibit hall, shop and restaurant. Mon.–Sat., 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

US$20 adult, $10 children ages 4-12.

Budget Rent-A-Car 53 South Camp Road, Kingston 4 Kingston Airport: 876-924-8762; Montego Bay Airport: 876-952-3838; Fax: 876-759-1826; budgetjamaica.com; customerservice@budgetjamaica.com; Operational Managers: Robin de Lisser and Doneth Burnett; Directors: Richard Stewart, Diana Stewart, Jacqueline Lechler and Duncan Stewart.

Cayman Airways 91 Owen Roberts Dr., P.O. Box 10092, Grand Cayman, KY1-1001, Cayman Islands 345-949-2311 / 800-252-2746 caymanairways.com Cayman Airways flies daily between the Cayman Islands and Kingston, weekly between the Cayman Islands and Montego Bay offering 2 free checked bags and Business class.

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The Courtleigh Hotel and Suites 85 Knutsford Blvd.

New Kingston 876-929-9000 sales@courtleigh.com; courtleigh.com The only address you will ever need to make the right impression in Kingston.

The Courtleigh Hotel and Suites offers discerning guests unparalleled personalised service with deluxe rooms, suites and our ultra-luxurious penthouse floor.

Island Car Rentals Kingston & Montego Bay, Jamaica W.I. Reservations Centre: 876-929-5875; Fax: 876-929-6987; islandcarrentals.com Dir. Operations & Reservations: Dulcie Moody. Over 800 vehicles.

spanishcourthotel.com Spanish Court Hotel is located in Kingston, the “heartbeat” of Jamaica. This is a modern and chic hotel that is the home of The Restaurant at Spanish Court, The Café, The Sky Terrace and The Zen Spa. Swiss Stores Kingston The Mall Plaza, 20 Constant Spring Road; 876-926-4861; Open Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; SwissStoresJamaica.com Swiss Stores Ltd.: Time-honoured tradition of excellence and dedication since 1935.

Exclusive Rolex and Tudor dealer for more than 75 years. Swiss Stores Ltd. is also the agent for Victorinox Swiss Army, Citizen, Danish Design, Thomas Sabo, IsabelleFa, Rochet and Caran d’Ache and Cross.

Jamaica Air Shuttle Tinson Pen Aerodrome, Marcus Garvey Drive, Kingston 11; 876-923-0371-3; reservations@jamaicaairshuttle.com, jamaicaairshuttle.com Jamaica Air Shuttle is an airline operating scheduled services between Kingston’s Tinson Pen Aerodrome and Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. The airline also offers international services to Port-au-Prince in Haiti and Santiago de Cuba in Cuba.

The Wyndham Kingston 77 Knutsford Blvd., Kingston 5; 876-926-5430; wyndhamkingston.com Kingston’s premier and vibrant hotel is an oasis in the city. Located on the hip strip featuring a resort-style setting with elegantly manicured lawns includes all the amenities of a complete business resort.

The Wyndham Kingston: For Every Kind of Traveler, For Every Kind of Trip.

The Knutsford Court Hotel 16 Chelsea Ave. New Kingston 876-929-1000 sales@knutsfordcourt.com, knutsfordcourt.com The Knutsford Court Hotel offers the best of both worlds, whether you’re travelling for business or leisure. You’ll find a selection of standard, superior and junior suites, one-bedroom suites and townhouses in a lush garden courtyard.

Altamont Court Hotel 1-3 Altamont Terrace Kingston 5; 876-929-4497-8 / 5931

Spanish Court Hotel 1 St. Lucia Ave.; 876-926-0000; info@spanishcourthotel.com,

JHTA HOTEL / RESORT MEMBERS

Christar Villas Limited 99A Hope Road, Kingston 6 876-978-3933 / 7864 / 8066-71 The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites 85 Knutsford Blvd.

Kingston 5; 876-929-9000 Golden Shore Resort Limited Lot 288B Windward Drive Lyssons, St. Thomas 876-982-9657 / 734-0923-4

Hotel Four Seasons 18 Ruthven Road, Kingston 10 876-926-0682 / 8805 Jamaica Pegasus Hotel 81 Knutsford Blvd.

Kingston 5 876-926-3690-9 / 926-3100-8 Kircamp Properties / The Gardens 23 Liguanea Ave., Kingston 10 876-927-8275 Knutsford Court Hotel 16 Chelsea Ave., Kingston 10 876-929-1000 / 3407 Liguanea Club 80 Knutsford Blvd.

Kingston 5 876-926-8144-5 or 6 Mayfair Hotel 4 West Kings House Close Kingston 10 876-926-1610-2 / 929-3703 Medallion Hall Hotel 53 Hope Road Kingston 6 876-927-5721 / 5866 / 6116

“Valuing Your Time�

Spanish Court Hotel 1 St. Lucia Ave., Kingston 5 876-926-0000 Strawberry Hill Hotel & Spa Liguanea, Kingston 6 876-944-8400 Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel 17 Waterloo Road Kingston 10 876-926-2211-3 / 9334-9 Wyndham Kingston, Jamaica 77 Knutsford Blvd., Kingston 5 876-926-5430-7

Santiago de Cuba Cayman Brac

Haiti Jamaica

The fastest and easiest way to move around Jamaica and the region.

(876)923-0371

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PORT ANTONIO When you ask Jamaicans what their favourite part of the island is, you’ll often hear, “Port Antonio, mon.” It’s where Jamaicans go to decompress. Life just moves slower in Porti, as locals refer to it. People are friendly, the landscape is deep green and lush from the abundant rainfall, and the jerk cooking is considered some of the best on the island.

Port Antonio is at the northeastern end of Jamaica. Since the closest international airport is 60 miles away, most people come to Port Antonio by land, either driving east from Ocho Rios or from Kingston through the Blue Mountains. Consider the drive part of the adventure, as you’ll be treated to some of the country’s most splendid scenery.

From left to right: Max Earle; © Buena Vista Images/Getty Images

by Mark Rogers

Frenchman’s Cove Beach

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Port Antonio’s initial claim to fame was as a shipping port for bananas. One of the most well-known Caribbean tunes was inspired by Port Antonio. “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song),” sung most famously by Harry Belafonte in 1956, contained the lyrics:

PO RT ANTONI O

DINING OPTIONS Mille Fleurs European / Caribbean In the Hotel Mocking Bird Hill, North Coast Highway; 876-993-7267 Norma’s at the Marina Jamaican / Continental At the Port Antonio Marina; 876-993-9510 Panorama Jamaican / International In the Fern Hill Club Hotel, Mile Gully Road; 876-993-7374 The Old Country Kitchen Restaurant & Bar Authentic Jamaican / International At Bay View Villas Anchovy, Williamsfield; 876-993-7759 San San Tropez Italian On San San Bay; 876-993-7213 Anna Bananas Jamaican 7 Folly Road; 876-715-6533 Woody’s Low Bridge Place Jamaican Drapers just outside Port Antonio; 876-993-7888 Frenchman’s Cove Beach Jamaican Outdoor grills on Frenchman’s Cove Beach; 876-993-7270 Boston Jerk Centre Jamaican A collection of roadside stalls in Boston, east of Port Antonio Your Place Jamaican Highway A4, Drapers. No phone

Work all night on a drink o’ rum, Daylight come and me wan’ go home.

Stack banana till the mornin’ come, Daylight come and me wan’ go home.

It could be said that Port Antonio was Jamaica’s original tourist destination, with yachts gliding into port as early as the 1940s. The most exuberant visitor to be associated with the city was perhaps the Hollywood action hero Errol Flynn. Famous for both his high-adrenaline screen roles and his equally unrestrained lifestyle, he was an avid sailor who was swept away by the tiny town, famously saying, “Port Antonio is more beautiful than any woman I have ever seen.” With Flynn’s reputation as a regular Romeo, a statement like that made people take notice. Soon, the Hollywood elite, captains of business and various members of royal families were converging on Port Antonio.

Because its heyday was in the 1970s, many of the resorts in Port Antonio have a yesteryear appeal, making it easy to imagine a time before cell phones and social media. A perfect place to disconnect from modern life and reconnect with yourself, you can slow down and enjoy a cocktail on the terrace, explore a tropical garden or simply listen to an afternoon rain storm. And remember, a visit to Port Antonio doesn’t have to be exclusively about relaxation. Plenty of options for active pursuits can be found, including waterfall hikes, rafting on the Rio Grande and sailing.

Sightseeing Any exploration of the town should start at Port Antonio’s West Street. You can meander along narrow sidewalks and peer into quaint shops in buildings with Victorian architectural details. Market Square is at the heart of the town, where you’ll also find the Musgrave Market. Here you can browse through stalls flaunting bright fruits and vegetables, as well as handicrafts. Keep an eye out for Port Antonio’s Victorian Clock Tower, the red-brick Georgian-style courthouse adorned with distinctive iron verandas, and the 19th-century DeMontevin Lodge Hotel. A superb example of Victorian architecture, the hotel has been declared a Jamaican National Heritage site. Guests can stay overnight at DeMontevin surrounded by beautiful antiques and history.

Head toward the Errol Flynn Marina along the southern side of West Harbour.

Here you’ll find a ”giga-yacht” dock that accommodates vessels up to 600-feet with a 32-foot draft alongside, Coast Guard stations and 24-hour customs and immigration services. Stroll along the waterfront promenade, browse through a selection of boutique shops, take a dip in the sea or stop for a meal at Norma’s at the Marina.

If you’re in town in October, you’ll notice an unusual amount of action at the marina, as fishing vessels from around the world arrive for the Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament, the oldest competition of its kind in the Caribbean. During the tournament, the town’s nightlife is also amped up several notches.

You can also hire a water taxi at the marina to take you out to Navy Island. In the 1700s, the British Navy used it as a base to repair battered ships. Errol Flynn then owned the island for a time, and now it’s the property of the Port Authority of Jamaica.

Today, Navy Island is mainly a site for vacationers seeking out its beaches and trails.

Š Chris Mellor/Getty Images

River rafting on the Rio Grande

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One of the most intriguing places in Port Antonio is Folly Mansion, built in 1901 by American millionaire Alfred Mitchell for himself and his wife Annie Tiffany, the Tiffany heiress. The 60-room mansion was an impressive structure of Doric columns and grand stairways. Mitchell died in 1911 and his wife continued to live there until World War I. She returned to the United States and the mansion fell into disrepair. What remains are ruins that stand out dramatically in their tropical setting, making the location a favourite destination for curious visitors, photographers and directors shooting videos. It is located next to the Folly Point Lighthouse.

Another site that can’t be missed is the Blue Lagoon. This land-locked cove plunges to a depth of 180 feet. The incredible depth along with the varying angles of the sun’s rays give the lagoon its ever-changing blue tones. Originally called the Blue Hole, it was renamed the Blue Lagoon after the Brooke Shields movie of the same name. It has also served as a backdrop to several other movies, including Cocktail and Club Paradise. Swimming in the lagoon is an unusual treat as sea water from the Caribbean mingles with fresh water from natural springs.

Nature’s Bounty Port Antonio is a great place to set off in search of waterfalls. Ask about local ecotour companies that can guide you to splendid waterfalls. Some of the most thrilling and beautiful cascades include Reach Falls, Somerset Falls, Scatter Falls, Nanny Falls,

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Port Antonio’s selection of waterfalls is another reason why honeymooners and the romanceminded flock to this destination.

White River Falls, Fishdone Waterfalls, Kwaaman Falls and Tacky Waterfalls. Swim in sun-bathed pools ringed with tropical trees, with the rush of falling water as your soundscape. Port Antonio’s selection of waterfalls is another reason why honeymooners and the romance-minded flock to this destination.

One of the most romantic things to do in Port Antonio is to take a rafting trip on the Rio Grande. Trips typically depart from Berrydale and can last one to three hours, depending on the river’s level. Unlike white-water rafting excursions, the trips on the Rio Grande unfold at a much slower pace. The 30-foot-long bamboo raft only seats two, besides the captain steering the raft. As a passenger, settle back and enjoy the Rio Grande Valley scenery of forest and farmland. For a really romantic ride, book one of the nighttime trips on full-moon nights.

At the end of your rafting trip, you’ll come to Rafter’s Rest at St. Margaret’s Bay, where local women cook up some of the best callaloo soup (a spicy Jamaican dish).

A hike to the top of the 7,402-foot Blue Mountain Peak is a trek for the ambitious. At the summit you’ll be rewarded with amazing views that stretch as far inland as Kingston.

On a clear day you can even see Cuba. There’s a seven-mile trail to the top, and many hikers start before dawn to bask in the sunrise at the peak. Hiring a guide is a good idea for a trip of this nature, as it can be rigorous, especially for novices.

Port Antonio also provides a window into Maroon culture. Jamaican Maroons descended from escaped slaves who established free communities in the 17th century.

In the mountains surrounding Port Antonio, the Maroons established their own unique culture as they fought hard to preserve their freedom and their heritage. Self-governing Maroon settlements exist to this day. Travellers can get to know a little more about their vibrant story at the Charles Town Museum and Safu Yard.

Dining, Shopping and Nightlife Taxis are relatively inexpensive in Port Antonio, making an escape from your hotel to the nearby restaurants, shops and nightlife relatively easy. Head downtown for the greatest number of eateries, which serve everything from Rastafarian vegetarian cooking to Jamaican specialties like curried goat or ackee and saltfish. For the very best in jerk cooking, head to the outdoor jerk restaurants of Boston Bay. Port Antonio is too nature-oriented to become the world’s next great shopping destination, but dedicated shoppers can still find plenty. The Port Mall is a double-decker structure designed in a hodge-podge of architectural styles. Here you’ll find a variety of boutiques selling stylish beachwear, Blue Mountain Coffee, premium rum, cigars, jewellery and Jamaican handicrafts. Musgrave Market offers the best selection of local Jamaican workmanship, from woodcarvings to hand-woven straw items. To check out the local music scene, stop by the Roof Club, right in the middle of town.

Port Antonio has gained musical stature with the Geejam Recording Studio. Artists such as Keith Richards, No Doubt, Bjork and Common have recorded at Geejam Studio and stayed at its villas near San San Bay. Perhaps the biggest stars to come out of Geejam are The Jolly Boys, an international sensation from Port Antonio comprised of five musicians in their 70s, led by the charismatic Albert Minott.

JHTA HOTEL / RESORT MEMBERS Bay View Villas Anchovy, Williamsfield Port Antonio, Portland 876-993-3118 Geejam Hotel Group Ltd. San San, Port Antonio, Portland 876-933-7000 / 993-7246 Goblin Hill Villas Port Antonio, Portland 876-993-7443 / 5737 / 7549 Hotel Mocking Bird Hill Port Antonio 876-993-7267 / 7134

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OCHO RIOS

by Kristi Keller

Jamaica’s north coast is one of the most versatile tourist areas an island paradise can offer, and at the centre of it all is Ocho Rios. Ochi, as locals and frequent visitors refer to it, lies in the garden parish of St. Ann. Most people who experience even its liveliness and hidden treasures become unwavering ambassadors of the town and its undeniable charm.

What was once a sleepy fishing and mining town has evolved over the years into a major cruise ship port as well as a haven for nature lovers. It’s remarkable that a town with a single one-way street running through it has endless possibilities for discovery and adventure. Also, Ocho Rios is the only place in Jamaica that can brag about being two hours or less from other major destinations such as Montego Bay, Port Antonio and Kingston. But it also boasts some of Jamaica’s most beautiful and popular landmarks.

Andrew Blair

Exciting Mystic Mountain

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Sightseeing Among Ochi’s most renowned natural wonders is Dunn’s River Falls. You have to pass by them as you enter the town from the west, and although the falls aren’t visible from the main road, they’re clearly audible. Once you reach them, the crescendo of water cascading down 600 feet of rolling rocks is complemented by a visually stunning oasis.

While there are several spectacular hidden falls in and around Ocho Rios, Dunn’s River offers a breathtaking atmosphere that is easy to find. The cost of admission includes the opportunity to be one link in the human chain of intrepid climbers, all with the same destination in mind: the top of the falls. For the less adventurous, there are several calmer waterholes at the bottom of the falls that serve as natural pools.

Farther downstream, the river runs under the main highway and empties into the Caribbean Sea. An adrenaline-fuelled neighbour to Dunn’s River Falls, Mystic Mountain offers heart-pounding adventure to those seeking it while still catering to easygoing nature lovers. Ascend to the top of the mountain aboard a chairlift while enjoying a picturesque journey through the rainforest and a panoramic view of the ocean and town below. From the summit, there are several electrifying ways to get back down.

Andrew Blair

Mystic Mountain’s Jamaican bobsled ride

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At Dunn’s River Falls, the crescendo of water cascading down 600 feet of rolling rocks is complemented by a visually stunning oasis.

Experience an impressive combination of six zip lines that will send thrillseekers across the rainforest canopy.

If that isn’t enough to keep your heart rate up, try a gravity-driven 3,280-foot Jamaican bobsled ride. Make sure to bring a swimsuit in case you feel like gliding down the water slide into the infinity pool that overlooks the town.

Beach lovers have an ample selection of waterfront destinations to choose from in Ocho Rios. Just a few minutes east is a serene beach scene with very few vendors and tourists.

Mahogany Beach, James Bond Beach and Reggae Beach are perfect for those in search of relaxation.

Ocho Rios also invites you to revisit Jamaica’s rich colonial history through its plantations and great houses. Only 15 minutes to the east of town, Prospect Plantation provides an educational journey back to the 1800s, when the great house was built and the plantation became operational. It is said that from the back veranda of the house you can see Cuba on a clear day. The two-hour tour of the site, which can be taken on horseback, camelback or aboard a jitney, takes you through 900 acres of Jamaican agriculture and includes a sampling of fresh coconut topped with brown sugar. Visitors also learn how this working plantation still contributes to the education of some of the island’s brightest students.

If your dream vacation includes pristine white sand beaches, indulgent spa treatments for two, the finest island cuisine shared under the stars, and an endless array of world-class activities — then let us welcome you to Couples Resorts, the highest rated all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean.

Tranquil Days. Intimate Nights. Romantic Always.®

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Garden and eco-enthusiasts are afforded some of the best photo opportunities on the island at Shaw Park Gardens and Coyaba Gardens, set in the lush hillsides above the town of Ocho Rios. Inexpensive guided foot tours will introduce you to unique island flora, stunning waterfalls and perfect wedding backdrops.

You almost can’t leave Ochi without visiting Dolphin Cove, one of Jamaica’s most popular attractions. Unleash your playful side and swim alongside these delightful and lovable marine mammals. Even for non-swimmers, Dolphin Cove offers plenty of fun, including mini-boat rides, shark shows, glass-bottom boat tours and exotic animal encounters on the Jungle Trail.

Near Ocho Rios, the White River Valley offers relaxing bamboo raft rides for two or refreshing tube rides down the lazy river. However you decide to enjoy the excursion, make sure to stop by the riverbank to enjoy a cold beverage at the mini bar and jump from the pirate’s plank before floating on to the end of the ride.

Finally, you can pay homage to legendary reggae icon Bob Marley at Nine Mile, his birthplace and final resting place. Approximately an hour’s trek from Ocho Rios by car, the drive takes you through the countryside and cool hills of St. Ann. Tour guides

Andrew Blair

Unleash your playful side at Dolphin Cove, where you can swim alongside these delightful and lovable marine mammals.

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will take you through Bob Marley’s childhood home while relating a historical account of his rise to fame and his accomplishments.

Shopping The increase in tourist traffic and cruise ship visits over the years has transformed Ocho Rios into a shopper’s haven. Main Street offers duty-free shopping plazas and independently owned stores filled with a wide variety of souvenirs.

If arriving at Ochi on a cruise ship, Island Village will be your first stop. Here you’ll find everything from apparel and duty-free liquor to coffee, perfumes, cigars and brandname items. Leaving Island Village and venturing out onto Main Street, you’ll arrive at the Taj Mahal. This shopping plaza is replete with cafés and stores where you can buy liquor, jewellery, locally produced spices, clothing and traditional island artwork. From here, many tourists like to stroll through the town and eventually encounter the Craft Market, where they can purchase locally crafted jewellery, woodwork and artwork.

Continue through the town to Soni’s Plaza and its array of stores; or venture slightly east of town to the less frequented Pineapple Place Shopping Centre and its small shops.

Dining Ochi is a cultural food hub where you’ll never have to eat the same meal twice. Indulge your taste buds in an array of delectable Jamaican dishes, or opt for authentic Indian, Italian, Chinese or Mexican cuisine. The multicultural influence in Jamaica make the culinary options varied. And on days you crave familiar flavours, you’ll find plenty of restaurants offering anything you’d find on a typical menu back home.

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Jerk chicken and spinner

OCH O RI OS

DINING OPTIONS Le Papillon Restaurant Continental In the Royal Plantation, Main Street; 974-5601 Evita’s Italian Restaurant Italian Eden Bower Road; 974-2333 The Dinner Terrace Continental / Jamaican In the Jamaica Inn; 974-2514 The Jade Samurai Japanese In Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort & Spa; 972-7400 Almond Tree Restaurant Jamaican / Continental In the Hibiscus Lodge Hotel, Main Street; 974-2813 Ginger Lily Asian In Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa; 974-2200-19 The Verandah Restaurant International In Franklyn D. Resort; 973-4591-8 Ocho Rios Village Jerk Centre Jamaican Da Costa Drive; 974-2549 Passage to India Indian Main Street; 795-3182 Cardiff Hall Restaurant International In The Cardiff Hotel & Spa Runaway Bay; 973-6867-8

For those who want to make the most of their gastronomic experience, there’s no shortage of authentic local cook shops where you can pick up surprisingly inexpensive meals. The spicy-hot, tangy flavour of jerk chicken and pork dishes should be on everyone’s must-try list when visiting the island. Curried and stewed chicken and pork are also popular menu items commonly found at local eating establishments.

Seafood lovers will not want to miss a visit to Fisherman’s Beach, where the catch of the day comes in fresh each morning. Fried, steamed or escoveitched (a local take on ceviche) fish, lobster, crab and saltfish fritters are among the delicious eats you can sample at several small food huts along the beach.

Nightlife If you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, you’ll find Ocho Rios to be one of the livelier towns on the island. Ochi offers entertainment for every mood, whether you prefer dancing the night away at a nightclub or kicking back to reggae music and shooting a game of pool while mingling with locals. Several well-known clubs play a variety of music for every taste, and most offer frequent promotions, such as ladies night or an inclusive entrance fee that allows you to drink for free once inside. Head to Main Street for smaller, more intimate bars, pubs and billiards spots. A few restaurants also bring in DJs at night to energise the scene.

Other nighttime hotspots include Turtle River Park, in the centre of Ocho Rios, and select beaches, where music shows and events are often held. Look for flyers advertising these performances well in advance. Admission prices are usually quite reasonable, and it’s a great opportunity to see some of Jamaica’s best-known artistes and dance groups.

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six superb restaurants, six bars, nightclub, tennis, fitness

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Couples Jamaica Couples find their own place in the sun at this all-inclusive, with every opportunity for romance to blossom — no singles, no children, no extra charge for dining, entertainment or sports. Ideal wedding and honeymoon location offers four restaurants, four bars and freshwater pool overlooking the sea. 172 rooms.

Chukka Caribbean 876-953-6699; chukkacaribbean.com “Wanted: Thrill Seekers & Cultural Explorers.” In operation since 1983, Chukka is an international tour company offering 41 different tour packages in Jamaica, Belize and Turks and Caicos. Chukka has been awarded the Nature Adventures Excursion Operator of the Year by the World Travel Awards for the last four years and is Green Globe certified. We take pride in showcas-

An experience of a lifetime

ing the natural beauty of the Caribbean through unique and sensational experiences while providing opportunities for local residences and businesses. Chukka provides the best Adventure Tours to its clients in the Caribbean with fun-packed and safe adventures and experiences.

RIU Ocho Rios 876-972-8333; riu.com. With more than 59 years of experience, RIU Hotels & Resorts offers the best 24-Hour, All-Inclusive program in Jamaica. With RIU’s distinctive personalised service and best beach locations, you can find your RIU resort in Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.

Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort 876-974-5691; sandals.com. Set in the St. Ann Mountains, this resort spans over

Tel: (876) 974-5335 www.dolphincovejamaica.com

100 acres of a magnificent seaside estate and includes exotic gardens, babbling brooks, gorgeous beaches, the chic Ochi Beach Club and unlimited golf at Sandals Golf & Country Club. Includes 15 restaurants, 10 bars, seven main pools and 98 villa pools.

sharks and have a photo taken with friendly sea lions. Relax on 80 feet of pearly whitesand beach. Take a glass-bottom boat ride to Dunn’s River Falls. Includes Pirate’s Village with boardwalk, cafés and shops.

US$45 adult, $30 ages 6-12.

Swiss Stores Island Village; Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; 876-675-8975; swissstoresjamaica.com. Time-honoured tradition of excellence and dedication since 1935. Exclusive Rolex and Tudor dealer for over 75 years. Swiss Stores Ltd., is also the agent for Victorinox Swiss Army, Citizen, Thomas Sabo and Rochet.

House of Diamonds 11A Soni’s Plaza: 974-06161; #7 Taj Mahal Shopping Centre: 795-2921; #4 Harbour Shops: 795-2921. Finest in diamonds and rare jewellery collection. Huge selection of branded and natural colour diamonds. Swiss watches, Maurice Lacroix, Perellet, Festina Gold, Bertolucci, Chase Durer and more.

Dolphin Cove at Treasure Reef 974-5335. Swim and enjoy various activities with friendly dolphins in their natural habitat. Also feed stingrays, swim with

Nestled amidst the hills of Cardiff Hall, Runaway Bay, St. Ann is a closely-guarded secret... The Cardiff Hotel & Spa. Ideally located within 45 minutes of both the Donald Sangster and Ian Fleming International Airports, the hotel is also in close proximity to some of Jamaica’s world famous attractions. Choose from 12 Junior Suites, each with its own one of a kind décor, and 44 beautiful Deluxe and Ultra Deluxe rooms situated in 4 blocks throughout the resort - all with private balconies and ocean/garden views.

Enjoy contemporary Jamaican cuisine at the exquisite on-site restaurant, Isabella’s.

The Cardiff Hotel & Spa is the perfect hidden treasure, whether you seek a secluded hideaway, an intimate setting for your special event or a professional setting for your corporate engagements.

Come ...... BE INDULGED

Cardiff Hall, Runaway Bay, St. Ann, Jamaica, W.I. 876-973-6671-4 876-973-6867-8 (T) 876-973-4704 (F) www.thecardiffhotel.com escape@thecardiffhotel.com

Rainforest Adventures Bobsled Jamaica at Mystic Mountain This environmentally friendly attraction boasts over 100 acres of land. Great for all ages and provides ample opportunities to

FINE ITALIAN DINING OVERLOOKING OCHO RIOS

Enjoy fine dining in Ocho Rios, Jamaica in the setting of an authentic 1860's Gingerbread house with wooden floors and mahogany bar.

You can enjoy lunch or dinner indoors or outdoors, on our verandah overlooking the cruise ship piers and Ocho Rios.

Open 7 days, 11am to 11pm.

Eden Bower Rd. opposite Taj Mahal Shopping Center. www. evitasjamaica.com

876 - 974 - 2333

view and explore the unique seaside, tropical forest ecosystem through four unique and exhilarating adventure tours, including the Sky Explorer, Bobsled Jamaica, the canopy zip line and a unique water slide.

Special events are set atop majestic Mystic Mountain. Nighttime festivals showcase Jamaica’s music scene. Wedding packages lift couples up to say “I Do� at 700 feet.

JHTA HOTEL / RESORT MEMBERS Beaches Boscobel Resort & Golf Club Oracabessa, St. Mary 876-975-7777 / 7666 The Cardiff Hotel & Spa Runaway Bay, St. Ann; 876-973-6671-4 Club Ambiance Runaway Bay, St. Ann 876-973-6167 / 4705-6

Overlooking Ocho Rios Number one for Romance, Ambience, Good Food and Great Value.

Enjoy fine dining in Ocho Rios, Jamaica in the setting of an authentic 1860's Gingerbread house with wooden floors and mahogany bar. You can enjoy lunch or dinner indoors or outdoors, on our verandah overlooking the cruise ship piers and Ocho Rios.

The menu, specializing in Northern Italian food, also has an extensive selection of creative Jam-Italian fusion dishes of fresh pasta, seafood, vegetarian, and meat entrees.

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Columbus Heights (Tourism Consultants) Ocho Rios, St. Ann; 876-974-1921 Couples Ocho Rios Ocho Rios, St. Ann; 876-975-4271-5 Couples Sans Souci Ocho Rios, St. Ann; 876-994-1206-14 Crystal Ripple Beach Lodge White River Bay; 876-974-6132 Fisherman’s Point Turtle Beach Road, St. Ann 876-974-4147 / 973-4809 Franklyn D. Resort Runaway Bay, St. Ann; 876-973-4591-8 Goldeneye Oracabessa, St. Mary; 876-622-9007 Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica Hotel Salt Coppers, Runaway Bay, St. Ann 876-973-7000 / 7655

Hermosa Cove Villa Resort & Suites Hermosa Street Pineapple, Ocho Rios 876-974-3699

Mystic Ridge Jamaica Ltd. 17 DaCosta Drive, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-431-8685

Hibiscus Lodge Hotel 83 Main Street, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-2676 / 2594 / 2813

Prospect Plantation Villas Prospect, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-994-1373 / 1452

Jamaica Inn Main St., Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-2514-8

RIU Club Ocho Rios Mammee Bay, St. Ann 876-972-2200

The Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort & Spa Mammee Bay, St. Ann 876-972-7400

Rooms On The Beach Ocho Rios Main Street, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-2008 / 6632

The Jewel Runaway Bay Runaway Bay, St. Ann 876-973-6099

Royal Decameron Club Caribbean Runaway Bay, St. Ann 876-973-4675 / 6348 / 4802

Royal Plantation Golf Club & Spa 142 Main St., St. Ann; 876-974-5601-2 Sandals Golf & Country Club Upton; 876-975-0119-21 Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort Main Street, St. Ann; 876-974-5486-9 Shaw Park Beach Hotel Cutlass Bay, St. Ann 876-974-2552-4 / 795-1300 Sunflower Beach Resort Villas / Leisure Holiday Runaway Bay, St. Ann; 876-973-4809 Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort, Spa & Conference Centre St. Ann; 876-974-2200-19

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DISCOVERY BAY & FALMOUTH

by Mark Rogers

Located in St. Ann Parish, Discovery Bay holds a special place in Jamaica’s history. It is believed that this picturesque spot is the site of Christopher Columbus’ landing in 1494.

While his second voyage to the New World was motivated by the search for gold, it might have been Discovery Bay’s clear waters, green hills and perfect sands that beckoned Columbus and his crew.

Originally known as Dry Harbour Bay because of the nearby Dry Harbour Mountains, it was renamed Discovery Bay in 1947 in honour of Columbus’ landing.

While the sheer beauty and tranquility of this area is more than enough reason to spend a day here, it is Columbus Park that draws visitors from far and wide. This open-air museum

Š Eric James/Alamy

Puerto Seco Beach in Discovery Bay

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With its grand architecture and proud heritage, Falmouth offers visitors a unique window to Jamaica’s past. features a mural depicting Columbus’ arrival and many artefacts that date back thousands of years, including cannon, anchors, sugar-boiling coppers and an old waterwheel. Many of these items were excavated by the Kaiser Bauxite Company, whose Port Rhoades bauxite-loading facility accounts for much of Discovery Bay’s economic wealth. History buffs and those looking to interact directly with rarely seen treasures flock to this important spot.

Today, quaint villas dot the shoreline and one of the best spots for authentic Jamaican jerk, the Ultimate Jerk Centre, can be found on Main Street. Stop by for the ”ultimate” in Jamaican food and flavour.

Falmouth For years, Falmouth registered nary a blip on Jamaica’s modern tourism industry. At most, travellers caught a glimpse of it as they zipped back and forth between activities in Montego Bay and scenic tours in Ocho Rios.

This strategic location, within easy reach of the countryside, was the foundation for Falmouth’s initial economic growth in the 1800s. Local products, predominantly sugar and its derivative rum, from scores of nearby plantations helped the town prosper as a seat of business. Its affluent history is openly displayed by the Georgian cutstone architecture buildings that still stand, most notably St. Peter’s Anglican Church.

Ironically, it’s the inauguration of a cruise port designed to handle some of the biggest ships in the world that has put this sleepy coastal town back on the map.

The world-class Historic Falmouth Cruise Port is the result of Royal Caribbean and Jamaica’s hefty investment in a two-berth port ample enough to accommodate the company’s largest ship, the Oasis of the Seas. This cruise ship venture brought with it a renewed interest in Falmouth and gave local businesses a new shot of energy.

When cruise passengers disembark they are greeted by a large selection of shops and restaurants housed in carefully reconstructed Georgian-design buildings.

Falmouth is positioned within easy reach of many of Jamaica’s most popular destinations, and two major towns are just a short cab ride away — Montego Bay is about 30 minutes to the west and Ocho Rios is about 45 minutes to the east.

A good number of seasoned tour operators, including Chukka Caribbean Adventures and Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours, run a variety of excursions. One of the most popular tours is that of the Good Hope Great House, where the beauty of the 18th-century plantation house is surpassed only by the stunning views of Jamaica’s lush and mountainous Cockpit Country. Visitors to Falmouth can also swim with dolphins, ride catamarans, tee off at a nearby golf course or take a tranquil river raft ride on the Martha Brae.

Falmouth is also home to Greenfield Stadium. Completed in 2007, the stadium gained in popularity when it became the venue of the world-famous Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival. Notable artistes who have performed at the annual festival include Celine Dion, who rocked a 25,000-capacity crowd in January 2012.

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MONTEGO BAY

by Chanize Thorpe

There’s no doubt Montego Bay is the place to go if you want to immerse yourself in Jamaican resort life. Each year, over a million travellers make this tropical seaside town their destination of choice. The country’s second-largest city is known for its golden beaches, first-rate hotels and pulsating parties. Modern Jamaican tourism was also born in Montego Bay, or MoBay for short, so a wide variety of services is readily available here. Accommodations are plentiful and they range in size and amenities to fit just about every budget.

From modest seaside inns and deluxe private villas to sprawling five-star all-inclusive resorts, the options for lodging span the entire parish of St. James.

Sunset view from Montego Bay

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Idyllic Half Moon Beach

Active types will be thrilled with the hiking trails near the verdant, mist-ringed mountains; honeymooners seeking romance and privacy will be smitten by the scenery and the zesty fare served at beachside tables for two; and families will delight in the many activities available for guests of all ages.

Sightseeing Activities abound in MoBay. At any given time, you are only steps away from worldfamous beaches where you can doze off on the sand or play in the surf. Jamaica also lays claim to some of the best golf courses in the West Indies. You can explore 17thcentury sugar and banana plantations, and even glide down the gentle Martha Brae River daydreaming atop a bamboo raft. There are so many places to visit and things to see that often the greatest challenge is deciding what to do and when. Here are a few more ideas to round out your list.

The Aquasol Theme Park in the Walter Fletcher Beach Complex is just a few blocks away from the Hip Strip of Gloucester Avenue. It offers Jet Skiing, go-karting and other activities. Locals and tourists alike ock to Aquasol, especially on weekends.

The Bob Marley Experience in the Half Moon Shopping Village is a ďŹ lm exhibition on the life and work of the late great musician presented in a 68-seat theatre every hour on the hour from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. After the show, visitors can stop by the gift shop and buy all kinds of Marley memorabilia and souvenirs, from music to books to clothing.

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The Cage, a small brick and cut-stone building in downtown MoBay’s Sam Sharpe Square, was once a temporary 19th-century jail. Escaped slaves and drunken sailors spent the night before facing trial in this space. It has since become a tiny museum and, amusingly enough, a foreign currency exchange kiosk.

Greenwood Great House is a 19thcentury Georgian-style home built by a cousin of famed English poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning. The Barrett family’s original library is still on display, and the house boasts one of the island’s largest and most impressive collections of rare books, musical instruments and antique furniture. It is officially a national monument and has earned several awards for the integrity of its collection and its quality of preservation, including the Musgrave medal for excellence in heritage preservation, the National Association of Returning Residents plaque and the Berger Paints Heritage in Architecture award.

The Rose Hall Great House is an 18th-century mansion perched atop a hill overlooking Montego Bay and it is quite possibly the most famous, or infamous, of all of Jamaica’s great houses. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of Annie Mae Palmer, the former mistress of the plantation who was rumoured to have practised voodoo and murdered three husbands and countless lovers before being killed herself. Sign up for a candle-lit nighttime tour and see if you can catch a glimpse of the White Witch of Rose Hall. Then top the evening off with a Witches Brew rum cocktail at Annie’s Pub.

Top photo: © Belinda Images/SuperStock

The Rose Hall Great House

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Full of Good Hope A former 18th-century sugar plantation spread across 2,000 wellmanicured acres, the Good Hope estate is just a short 30-minute drive from Montego Bay. The Martha Brae River runs through the property, and on the banks you’ll find grazing sheep and ducks enjoying the Jamaican sun. While sugar — once called “white gold” by British colonists in that era — is no longer produced at Good Hope, it’s still a working farm, complete with a water wheel.

Today, the owners make use of the property’s plentiful orange and papaya groves by selling processed juices to local businesses.

Visitors can sign up for one of the many excursions available, such as an ATV Safari, horseback rides and zip line tours via operator Chukka Caribbean Adventures, which has an outpost on the estate.

If you’d rather have a more relaxing day without the adrenaline rush, you can take a walk around the vast terrain. Photograph the remaining ruins of the former slave hospital, the intricate

by Chanize Thorpe cattle mill powered by an actual donkey to juice sugarcane, or go even farther into the surrounding forest to reach the special seating area where one can watch for the more than 20 bird species in the area, such as hummingbirds and woodpeckers. David Pinto, Good Hope’s in-house artist, has an open-to-visitors pottery studio on property, and his one-of-a-kind mugs, sconces and bowls can be purchased at the gift shop.

But the pièce de résistance is the great house perched on top of a winding hill, overlooking the lush Queen of Spain Valley. The Georgian-style mansion, built in 1755, became a hotel in the early 1900s, and today visitors can visit for lunch on the veranda, afternoon tea or spend the night (as many dignitaries and celebrities have done) in the antique-filled, 10-bedroom home that recreates a historical world with classic luxury. What’s not to miss? The jaw-dropping sunrise overlooking the valley and Cockpit Country.

Sit in the immaculate garden and take in the magnificent view.

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Fine dining at Marguerites

MONTEGO BAY

DINING OPTIONS Sugar Mill Restaurant International At Half Moon Resort, Rose Hall; 953-2314 Horizons International At Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall Resort; 953-2800 Round Hill International At Round Hill Resort, Route A1; 956-7050 Great House International In Tryall Club, Hanover; 956-5660-3 Rosella Bistro Jamaican In The Wexford Hotel 39 Gloucester Ave.; 952-2854-5 The Oleander Room Jamaican / International In Sandals Montego Bay; 952-5510-5 The Vineyard Caribbean In Coyaba Beach Resort & Spa, 22 Mahoe Bay, Little River; 953-9150-3 Scotchies Jamaican Falmouth Road; 953-8041 The Seaview Restaurant & Bar Jamaican In El Greco Resort, 11 Queens Drive; 940-6116 Three Palms International Across from Rose Hall Resort; 953-2650

Dining The culinary experience in Jamaica is all about the seasoning. Many of the island’s traditional dishes boast varied flavours that mambo in your mouth courtesy of the spices that propel them. Jerk is a popular method of cooking meats like chicken and pork, and jerk dishes can be found on most menus — whether offered by awardwinning chefs at haute dining establishments or the venerable grill masters at the many roadside stands. The seasoning that coats the meats is primarily comprised of allspice (locally referred to as pimento), and was introduced by the island’s Maroon people, the escaped slaves who fled their captors and settled in the hills. Other local specialties include rice and peas (the “peas” are usually kidney beans), curried goat and escoveitched fish — either red snapper or tilapia that’s flash-fried and pickled with peppers and onions. Of course, Jamaican beef patties are the fast food of choice and you may want to weigh in on the ongoing island-wide rivalry between the two pattyproducing giants: Juici and Tastee. Try them both and decide for yourself which one is best. Then wash it all down with a nutmeg-topped rum punch or one of Jamaica’s best-known beers, Red Stripe. If you are not sure where to dine out in Montego Bay, here’s a sampling of some well-loved spots.

For more than 25 years, The Pelican has been one of the go-to dining options on Gloucester Avenue. For a hearty breakfast, try the ackee and saltfish, a national favourite, and fried dumplings.

Craving seafood? Try the Far Out Fish Hut, a tiny, open-air restaurant by the sea.

Various exotic options and culinary styles, from grilled conch to steamed parrotfish, are available. Marguerites Seafood by the Sea also offers seafood in an ideal location. Dine with views of the ocean on the seaside deck. After dinner, one step out the

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Whether you prefer to spend an evening listening to jazz at a relaxed lounge, or kick it at a rocking nightclub, MoBay has it all. front entrance you’ll find yourself smack-dab in the centre of the Hip Strip. Specialties here include a lobster and scallop dish flambéed table-side by the chef. The restaurant also provides free shuttle service to most hotels, so feel free to enjoy that extra cocktail.

At the Chill Out Hut, you can enjoy a movie with your meal. Waterfront, thatchedroof cabanas and a laid-back vibe set the mood at this day-to-night eatery that serves up fish fritters, chicken wings and other tasty bites. Come on Thursdays for movie night and watch movies play on the large screen while you eat. It’s a complete outing!

For a quick to-go meal, pull over by Scotchies, a roadside smoke pit, and opt for take-out. Watch as the grill masters cook hundreds of pounds of spicy jerk chicken and pork. Order the meat by weight, starting at a quarter-pound, and then add sides like breadfruit, festival and bammy, which all come wrapped in foil.

Nightlife When the sun goes down, MoBay heats up. Whether you prefer to spend an evening listening to jazz at a relaxed lounge, or kick it at a rocking nightclub, the city has it all.

The latest trend is karaoke. Locals can be heard crooning to the latest Top 40 hits and beloved island favourites at places along the Hip Strip. Some of these are restaurants turned after-hours singing venues. Here are some tried-and-true stops to consider.

Move to a smooth jazz groove at the intimate Blue Beat on the Hip Strip. Live shows are on Thursdays and Saturdays, and DJs get the crowd moving on other nights. Come early to watch classic concert footage on the big screen.

Club Ville is the name given to the late-night party held at Margaritaville, one of Jimmy Buffett’s chain restaurants. Locals and tourists who frequent the club are attracted by the extensive drinks menu, the outdoor setting and the tunnel-like sliding board that helps thrill-seekers fling themselves into the blue Caribbean. There are special theme nights throughout the week.

While casinos aren’t officially “allowed” in Jamaica, you can now find slot machineonly gaming rooms at several resorts. The largest of these in Montego Bay is the Coral Cliff on the Hip Strip. With more than 120 machines, customers can try their luck every night until 2 a.m.

Daily drink specials and open-stage nights are just a couple of the lures at Pier 1 On The Waterfront. Take in the pleasant view of boats bobbing in the marina as you savour the freshly caught fish or sip on one of the exotic drinks at the open-air restaurant and bar. Then join the frenzied crowd working the dance floor late into the night.

If you are lucky, you may even catch a free show. It is not unheard of for performers like reggae sensation Beenie Man to drop in and take over the stage.

Over 100 types of rum from around the world are available to sip straight or mix into one of the many delicious cocktails at the 24-hour Rum Jungle Café & Bar, located on the Hip Strip. Add live entertainment and you may not notice when the sun comes up.

Courtesy of Montegp Bay Convention Centre

Montego Bay Convention Centre The turquoise-roofed Montego Bay Convention Centre (MBCC) opened in April 2011, near the Rose Hall area, to great fanfare from area hotels and businesses. The MBCC spans 23 acres and is considered the largest convention centre in the English-speaking Caribbean.

Located just 15 minutes from the airport, bookings for events already run well into 2015 from both local and international companies. The MBCC’s buildings are made up of a 56,000-plussquare-foot exhibit hall and more than 10,000 square feet of multisized meetings rooms and breakout spaces that are available for various functions.

by Chanize Thorpe Workshops, symposiums and business training sessions are held in the MBCC space, which is completely equipped with topof-the-line technology. The Grand Ballroom, which spans 18,800 square feet, accommodates 6,000 people. It has already hosted landmark events like the 2012 Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association’s 50th Anniversary Golden Jubilee, the St. James Police Ball and the Miss Global Jamaica pageant.

No area is wasted: even the grounds are used as viable space, with the terrace and courtyard used for outdoor events like weddings. The landscaping and views are striking — and almost compete with the sea in the distance.

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Shopping A trip to MoBay wouldn’t be complete without a visit to at least one craft market for one of those handmade-on-the-premises wooden animals that are a local specialty.

Caffeine lovers should not leave without plenty of Blue Mountain Coffee, one of the most sought after varieties in the world, and rum aficionados must make room in their suitcases for a bottle or two of the island’s smooth Appleton rum. The musically inclined can stock up on tunes from island son Bob Marley or any of his reggae brethren. And the many duty-free shops selling jewellery — like tanzanite and diamonds — will appeal to those looking for something with a little more lustre. If you are using U.S. dollars, don’t bother to change them, as they are universally accepted, but don’t be surprised if smaller shops provide change in Jamaican dollars. Shopping hours vary, but business is usually conducted from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday to Friday and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays. Some stores in the resort areas may stay open later. Most shops are closed on Sundays unless a cruise ship is in port. To find some of Montego Bay’s best wares, try these popular shops and markets.

City Centre Shopping Mall is a popular shopping complex with 20 shops offering duty-free finds of the jewellery, figurine, perfume and souvenir variety. Or, head to Fairview Shopping Centre, the latest mega-shopping mall, located in what’s called the free-zone area of town. A multiplex movie theatre and clothing and shoe stores are just a few of the retail outlets available.

The Crafts Market on Harbour Street is one of the premier spots to find handmade dolls, wood-carved statues, straw baskets and leather goods. The most creative

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vendors will usually be there Mondays and Fridays selling wall hangings, hand-dyed batik fabrics and bone carvings. Haggling (called “higgling” by some) over prices is expected, but remember that if you start bargaining, you are pretty much expected to make the purchase.

Gloucester Avenue, also known as the famous Hip Strip, is lined on either side with all kinds of stores. Small shops sell local spices and sauces such as Pickapeppa, banana ketchup and Walkerswood jerk sauces. And if you are in the market for a funky T-shirt with a Rasta pattern, you’ll find that here, too.

Right outside Half Moon, A RockResort is the Half Moon Shopping Village, with over 30 boutiques and duty-free emporiums. This no-haggling, no-pressure retail complex caters to those seeking high-end jewellery, designer clothing and fine art.

At Whitter Village Centre in Montego Bay’s Ironshore, over 30 stores sell shoes, books and electronics. In the garden, you’ll find an alfresco dining area and a bandstand section available for special events and musical entertainment.

The luxurious Shoppes at Rose Hall are located near the airport, across the highway from Rose Hall Great House. The 30 stores on site include international jewellers Taj Mahal, Bijoux, Tropicana and Casa de Oro. Just in case you need that one last thing, you can buy it at Things Jamaican, located in the departure lounge at Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport. Pick up some rum-flavoured fudge, island-made Blue Mountain Aromatics scented oils or the shop’s latest offering: Man “A” Yaad product, aromatherapy designed specifically for the strong, confident man.

Where outside is in.

Naturally.

Captivating and carefree, richly appointed and steeped in tradition, Round Hill takes you away and brings you closer together. Escape to understated elegance, in Ralph Lauren-designed oceanfront guest rooms, a private villa suite or a luxury villa with dedicated staff. Make the most of each day, from engaging family programs to relaxing spa treatments. Do what comes naturally. Visit Round Hill.

reservations@roundhill.com 1.800.972.2159 | roundhill.com

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Casa De Oro Jewelers Suite 7C, Shoppes at Rose Hall 876-953-3371 info@casadeoro.com; casadeoro.com Casa de Oro has been and continues to be the pinnacle of duty-free shopping in Jamaica, selling the top names in luxury watches, jewellery and accessories. CDO has one of the largest selections of brands in Jamaica, and is the exclusive agent for top name companies, including Cartier, Tag Heuer, Vacheron Constantin, Dior and more. Visit one of our stores in Ocho Rios, Negril and Rose Hall Montego Bay. Coffee Roasters of Jamaica Unit 3, 69 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10; 876-941-3759 Coffee Roasters of Jamaica is the premier brand of 100% Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee.

A family-run business, Country Traders Ltd., has been marketing coffee for over 20 years and is recognised by the Jamaica Coffee Industry Board.

The Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton and Jamaica 876-620-0000 sales.jamaica@fiestahotelgroup.com.

The Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton and Jamaica are all-inclusive resorts totaling 1,056 spacious rooms. The resort has five pools, three private beaches, three buffets, seven a la carte restaurants, 14 bars, one sports bar and the largest Spa & Pool in Jamaica.

Iberostar Rose Hall Beach & Spa Resort Rose Hall Main Road, Montego Bay-Little River PO, St. James; iberostar.com Tel: 876-680-0000, Fax: 876-953-8019 Jewels In Paradise Montego Bay: Shop #26, Shoppes at Rose Hall: 876-953-9372; Ocho Rios: Shop #21, Taj Mahal Shopping Centre, Main St.: 876-974-6929; USA: 305-735-3076; info@jewelsinparadise.com; jewelsinparadise.com Duty- and tax-free retailers in Jamaica for over 50 years. Representing fine watches and exquisite jewellery at substantial savings. We carry: Audemars Piguet, Jaeger LeCoultre, IWC,

Corum, Bell & Ross, Oris, Citizen and Swatch.

Besides offering great deals on diamonds and beautiful jewellery, we represent the luxury brands of Roberto Coin and Carrera y Carrera.

MBJ Airports Limited MBJ Airports Limited manages and operates the Sangster International Airport (SIA). The airport is served by over 40 scheduled and charter airlines from the United States, Canada and Europe. A renovation was recently completed, upgrading the airport to international standards. SIA also boasts some of the best shopping in Jamaica! Our restaurants, souvenir shops and duty-free vendors showcase the best that Jamaica has to offer!

Montego Bay Convention Centre Half Moon, Rose Hall, St. James 876-622-9330-2; mobaycentre.com The new Montego Bay Convention Centre, with over 142,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event space, is the first of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean. It boasts an exhibit space that is divisible into two halls, accommodating up to 6,000 persons theatre style.

Round Hill Hotel & Villas John Pringle Drive; 800-972-2159 roundhill.com. Round Hill takes you away and brings you closer together. Escape to understated elegance in Ralph Lauren-designed oceanfront guest rooms, a luxury villa or a private villa suite with dedicated staff. Make the most of each day with family programs and relaxing spa treatments.

Tropicana Jewelers #3 Taj Mahal Shopping Centre: 876-974-2928; Island Village: 876-675-8774.

Our outstanding offerings include renowned watch brands such as Patek Philippe, Breguet, Chopard, Harry Winston and Panerai. Classy yet distinctive designer jewellery from David Yurman, Marco Bicego, Dmodolo, Bulgari and many others. Credit cards are welcome.

JHTA HOTEL/RESORT MEMBERS Altamont West Hotel 33 Gloucester Ave., Montego Bay, St. James; 876-952-9087 / 929-4497-8

Braco Village Hotel & Spa Rio Bueno, Trelawny; 876-632-7226 Coyaba Beach Resort & Spa 22 Mahoe Bay, Rose Hall; 876-953-9150-3 Doctors Cave Beach Hotel Gloucester Ave., Montego Bay; 876-952-4355-9 El Greco Resort 11 Queens Drive, Montego Bay 876-940-6116 / 940-6120 Gloucestershire Hotel 92 Gloucester Ave., Montego Bay 876-940-6116 / 952-4420 Half Moon, A RockResort Rose Hall, St. James 876-953-2211 / 2344-93 Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa Rose Hall, St. James; 876-953-2650 Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort Rose Hall, St. James; 876-953-2485-9 Hotel Gloriana 1-2 Sunset Blvd., Montego Bay 876-979-0669

fun

Iberostar Rose Hall Beach & Spa Resort Rose Hall Main Road, St. James 876-680-0000 Luxury Tennis Golf Villas Rose Hall, St. James; 876-953-2732 N Resort Falmouth, Trelawny; 876-973-4124 Palm View Resort & Conference Centre 22 Delisser Drive, Montego Bay 876-952-1738 / 8321 / 1800 The Palmyra Resort & Spa The Palms, Rose Hall, St. James; 876-632-8100 Relax Resort 16 Hobbs Ave., White Sands Beach 876-952-6944

sun The Holiday Inn Resort & Spa Montego Bay is a carefree getaway that has something for everyone. A beautiful beachfront location, refreshed accommodations now featuring KidSuites速 & Jr. Suites, all-inclusive packages, Jamaican hospitality and a vast array of amenities & activities are everything you need to make your family vacation, romantic getaway, dream wedding or business meeting exciting and successful!

P.O. Box 480 | Montego Bay, Jamaica | Local Toll Free: 1-888-288-6006 Hotel Phone: 1-876-953-2485 | reservations@hiresortjamaica.com www.caribbeanhi.com/jamaica * Children 12 & under when sharing accommodations with parent/adult.

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Richmond Hill Inn Union Street, Montego Bay; 876-952-3859 The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort Rose Hall, St. James; 876-953-2204 / 2800 RIU Montego Bay Mahoe Bay, Rose Hall; 876-940-8010 Round Hill Hotel John Pringle Drive, Montego Bay 1, St. James; 876-956-7050 Sandals Carlyle Kent Avenue, Montego Bay; 876-952-4140 Sandals Montego Bay Kent Avenue, Montego Bay; 876-952-5510-5

www.countrytraders.com

Always Superior Flavour JAMAICA BLUE MOUNTAIN® COFFEE

Jamaica’s Finest Coffee

Available in fine stores islandwide

Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island Mahoe Bay, Rose Hall, St. James 876-953-2301-8 Secrets St. James Montego Freeport, Montego Bay 876-953-6600 Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Freeport, Montego Bay 876-953-6600 Silent Waters Villas White Sands Beach P.O.; 876-971-9119-21 Sunset Beach Resort & Spa Montego Freeport, Montego Bay; 876-979-8800 Toby’s Resort 1 Kent Ave., Montego Bay; 876-952-4370 Tryall Club Sandy Bay Main Road, Hanover 876-956-5660-3 The Wexford Hotel 39 Gloucester Ave., Montego Bay 876-952-2854-5

Discover Jamaica’s Shining Stars

IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Rose Hall

IBEROSTAR Rose Hall Suites

IBEROSTAR Rose Hall Beach

Few destinations offer the spectacular service and stunning surroundings of IBEROSTAR. Gracing one of Jamaica’s most breathtaking shores, IBEROSTAR Rose Hall Beach & Spa Complex offers the best in gourmet dining, spacious rooms and a range of activities to please every interest. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious, romantic getaway in an adults-only setting at IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Rose Hall, or looking to please every member of the family at IBEROSTAR Rose Hall Suites or IBEROSTAR Rose Hall Beach, you’ll enjoy the all-inclusive vacation of your dreams. Sparkling pools, stunning beaches, challenging golf and a relaxing spa, it’s all here and waiting to treat you like the star you are.

Montego Bay, JAMAICA Contact your favorite travel professional or visit iberostar.com

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NEGRIL

by Chanize Thorpe

Known since the 1970s as Jamaica’s western Bohemian paradise, Negril’s kaleidoscopic landscape has long attracted the free-spirited live-and-let-live set. In the beginning, fishing was the main industry, but today tourism has taken over and it’s a well-organised operation.

There are two distinct island experiences here: staying on the lovely Seven Mile Beach, with its mega all-inclusive resorts and small well-run properties, or enjoying the more tranquil West End. You won’t find sandy strands in the West End, but instead 50-foot-high rock cliffs. This is the place of intimate, laid-back, low-rise hotels with colourful façades. Almost all

Š Jon Arnold Images/SuperStock

The stunning coastline of Negril

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Rick’s Café, the legendary restaurant and nightspot set on the rocky cliffs of West End, is a popular place to watch the sunset. provide ladders that lead into the turquoise seas below. Daring divers can find designated spots where they can leap into the sea without a care in the world.

Negril officially begins at Bloody Bay, so named for the whales that perished in the area, as well as the pirate battles that occurred there. It extends to the Lighthouse at the westernmost point of the town. In between is Norman Manley Boulevard, the town’s hub, which is filled with restaurants, shops and hotels.

Sightseeing Negril is admittedly a smaller town, with only 3,000 residents. Most of its popularity lies in the fact that many people visit the down-to-earth area as an escape from their busy lives at home. A typical day for many usually involves meandering from their room to a seaside lounge chair, lifting a drink to their lips, enjoying a fine meal and watching the intoxicating sunset. The goal? Repeat as many times as possible until it’s time to say goodbye. For others who do wish to get out and about, there are a few sights to see around town.

Families with young children looking for a fun beach alternative should visit Kool Runnings Water Park for a change of pace. There are water rides and slides, lazy rivers and even paintball gaming.

At the end of West Road, a 19th-century lighthouse once helped guide ships past the area’s rocky coastline. For a small fee, you can climb the 103 steps to the top.

Andrew Blair

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DINING OPTIONS Le Vendome French In the Charela Inn, Negril Beach 957-4648 Norma’s on the Beach International In the Sea Splash Resort, Norman Manley Blvd.; 957-4041 Rockhouse Restaurant International In Rockhouse Hotel, West End Road 957-4373 Pushcart Jamaican West End Road; 957-4373 Ciao Jamaica Italian West End Road, Negril Cliffs 957-4395 Ivan’s Jamaican At the Catch a Falling Star Resort, West End Road; 957-0390 Cosmos Jamaican Seven Mile Beach; 957-4330 Kuyaba on the Beach Jamaican Kuyaba on the Beach Resort; 957-4318 The Lodge at Tensing Pen Jamaican, International West End; 957-0387 Sherita’s International Sea Wind Hotel Norman Manley Blvd.; 957-4692

Dishes burst with colour and flavour due to the amazingly fresh ingredients used.

Dining The culinary scene in Negril varies, and can be as casual or as upscale as you’d like. The food reflects the cultural history of the region. The Spanish conquered the island first and brought escoveitched fish and other vinegary marinated dishes, while the Jamaican beef patty was inspired by the English pasty. Descendants of the island’s slaves, the Maroons cooked meat over fire made with allspice wood, which is considered the birth of jerk cooking. Later, curry was introduced to the island by Indian indentured labourers. While food trends are certainly important and recognised in many restaurants, the most important concept to note is that ingredients are amazingly fresh — fish pulled straight from the sea and vegetables and fruit plucked right from the land — which makes dishes burst with colour and flavour. Whichever type of meal you choose, chances are you’ll experience them on the beach or at restaurants along the cliffs.

Those looking for authentic Jamaican cuisine should head to Cosmo’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar. Ideally located on beautiful Seven Mile Beach, you can opt for inside or outside seating while you savour some of the best fried fish and bammy with escoveitched sauce, and curried conch and lobster (when in season).

At Sweet Spice, a small mom-and-pop clapboard-house restaurant located off the main road, you’ll be served healthy and organic food like steamed shrimp and conch steak. The menu changes frequently depending on the whimsy of the cook. No alcohol is served, but the fresh fruit juices are cool and refreshing.

International dishes are served with a Jamaican flair at Kuyaba, a casual restaurant that borders the beach. For local gourmet dishes with a French twist, dine at Le Vendome, which offers inside seating or outdoor tables on the sand.

Delicious dining at the Rockhouse Hotel

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At craft markets throughout Negril, shoppers can find deals on ceramic masks, woven baskets and handmade jewellery.

Located on the grounds of the Rockhouse Hotel, the cliffside Pushcart is known for its authentic, but gourmet Jamaican dishes like pepperpot soup and homemade jerk sausage, as well as the top-notch nightly evening entertainment. Fun facts: the 1950s movie based on the Jules Verne classic 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was shot in the cave directly below the restaurant, and the scene in Papillon when Steve McQueen jumps off a cliff was also filmed here.

Nightlife Evening entertainment outside of individual hotel and resort programmes ranges from casual beach bars to a few heart-pumping nightclubs. There’s no shortage of nighttime fun, and every day brings a different event — often with live music. Many people love to hop from venue to venue along the boulevard, checking out the night’s assorted offerings.

For those interested in a live reggae show, Alfred’s Ocean Palace, a casual beach bar, features live reggae on Sunday, Tuesday and Friday. Then hop over to The Jungle, loved by locals and visitors alike for its large dance floor and two bars.

It is almost a pilgrimage visiting the legendary Rick’s Café, a restaurant and nightspot that’s been open (and re-opened) since 1974. Set on the rocky cliffs of neighbouring West End, peak time is sunset, when busloads of visitors come to take in the amazing view. In the past, the second favourite sight was the divers who jumped into the blue abyss for the silver tossed by tourists. But that has become quite regulated in the last few years and is no longer encouraged.

Margaritaville is a popular hangout for Negril visitors who enjoy the Negril Beach location, fun atmosphere and tame Caribbean food specials like jerk taco chicken salad and lobster wraps. The restaurant/bar offers complimentary hotel pickup service at select properties.

Shopping There are ample shopping opportunities for Negril visitors looking for souvenirs to take back home. Everything from handmade crafts to high-end jewellery can be found in places from markets to shopping malls. The top must-buys? Blue Mountain Coffee, Appleton rum and animal-shaped wood carvings. Haggling (bargaining) is welcome and expected in outdoor markets, but less so in malls and brick-and-mortar stores.

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Looking for local crafts? A Fi Wi Plaza, which means “Our Placeâ€? in the local Patois and is ofďŹ cially called Vendors Plaza, is located on the way to the West End. It was created by the Negril Chamber of Commerce as a showcase for local arts-andcrafts dealers. Panama hats, straw purses and other unique items can be found here.

North of the Plaza de Negril, Negril Crafts Market houses the wares of talented vendors selling handmade pottery, tie-dyed clothing, original paintings and more.

And Rutland Point Craft Centre, located on Norman Manley Boulevard, has deals on ceramic masks, woven baskets and handmade jewellery.

Chances are you may have forgotten something back home. Well, you’ll certainly ďŹ nd it at Sunshine Village Plaza, where resort wear, T-shirts and even your favourite beauty products are on hand for one-stop shopping.

Make sure to stop by Downtown Negril. Here you’ll ďŹ nd locals doing their day-today shopping. From clothing stores selling the popular green, black and yellow Jamaican football (soccer) jerseys to street vendors hawking everything from plantains to patties, it’s worth a look around just to take in the atmosphere.

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VILLAS SUR MER Seaside Villa & Lagoon Cottages West End | Negril | Jamaica

6 Bedroom Seaside Villa & 11 Garden Cottages Escape to Villas Sur Mer, the "Gem of Jamaica" nestled atop the cliffs of Negril's West End. We invite you to relax & unwind in our elegant villas where you will experience the captivating beauty & hospitality of Jamaica.

Our reef kissed property offers excellent snorkeling along the cliffs & coves.

Celebrate your wedding, reunion or other special events on the deck overlooking the pristine waters of the Caribbean Sea, or by the Lagoon waterfall.

www.villassurmer.com | villassurmer@yahoo.com | [876] 382-3717

R o c K h o U s e H o t e l, Spa & R e s t a u r a n t

West End Road, Negril Ph; (876) 957 4373 www.rockhousehotel.com OurJamaica r Magazine.com 117

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t XXX DJBPKBNBJDB DPN Located on Negrilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s West End Road across from Samsara Resort & Spa.

=VLW]J\MLTa 6MOZQTÂź[ UW[\ MTMOIV\ T]`]Za JW]\QY]M PW\MT [Q\]I\ML on the famous white sand seven mile beach.

Toll free USA & Canada: 1-800-583-8365 <MT" ! Â&#x152; .I` !

E-mail: reservations@sandyhavenresort.com www.sandyhavenresort.com

Beaches Negril Resort & Spa 876-957-9270 sandals.com Voted â&#x20AC;&#x153;Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Hotel for Familiesâ&#x20AC;? by Travel + Leisure. Features include top-tier suites with a personal butler, a two-storey Red LaneÂŽ Spa, Pirates Island Waterpark, The Caribbean Adventure with Seasame StreetÂŽ, Xbox Play Lounge and Liquid teen nightclub. Seven restaurants, six bars and three pools.

Idle Awhile Hotel Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 877-243-5352 / 876-957-9566 stay@idleawhile.com; idleawhile.com Idle Awhile is a boutique hotel with eight rooms and six suites. On a prime location on Negrilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famous Seven Mile Beach, guests can stroll in either direction and ďŹ nd cafes, bars and nightlife. The hotel has a beach-chic ambience with gracious staff and comfortable accommodations. For action a little farther aďŹ eld, we can arrange for a taxi to the town of Negril (eight minutes) or to the West End Cliffs (15 minutes), where you can ďŹ nd a variety of restaurants, bars and shopping. Negril is one hourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drive from Sangster International Airport, in Montego Bay. Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa 876-957-5216; sandals.com Kick back, relax and enjoy Negrilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longest, best stretch of white sand. Here, no building is taller than the highest palm tree and every detail soars far beyond expectations, including the incomparable Swim-up and Millionaire Suites complete with butler service. Seven restaurants, ďŹ ve bars and three pools.

RIU Palace Tropical Bay RIU Negril 876-957-5985; riu.com With more than 59 years of experience, RIU Hotels & Resorts offers the best 24hour, all-inclusive program in Jamaica.

With RIU’s distinctive personalised service and the best beach locations, you can find your RIU resort in Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.

“Perhaps Negril’s best cuisine. . .”

– Lonely Planet

& T H E LO D G E R E STAU R A N T “Excellent cuisine, spectacular sunsets, cliffs and ocean views.”

Toll free USA and Canada: 1.800.957.0387 r Tel: 876.957.0387 r Fax: 876.957.0161 r E-mail: reservations@tensingpen.com r www.tensingpen.com

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JHTA HOTEL / RESORT MEMBERS Beach House Villas Jamaica Ltd. Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4731 / 4647 / 9162 Beachcomber Club Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4171-4 Beaches Negril Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-9270-4 Breezes Grand Resort & Spa Rutland Point, Negril; 876-957-5010-8

Grand Palladium Resort Point District, Lucea, Hanover 876-619-0000-9 Hedonism II Rutland Point, Negril; 876-957-5200 Hotel Samsara Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4395 Jackie’s on the Reef West Cliff Estates West End Road, Negril 876-957-4997

The Caves Resort & Spa Lighthouse Road, Negril; 876-957-0270

Merrils Beach Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4751 / 3122

Charela Inn Hotel Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4277 / 4648-50

Moon Dance Villas Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-9000

Cocolapalm Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4227 / 3455-7

Negril Hills Golf Club & Resort Sheffield, Negril 876-957-4638 / 4240 / 3614

Country Country Ltd. Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4273

Negril’s Idle Awhile Ltd. Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-3302 / 3303

Couples Negril Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-5960-9

Negril Tree House Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4287-8

Couples Swept Away Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4062-6

RIU Club Negril Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-5700 / 5985

Firefly Beach Cottages Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4368 / 9325

RIU Palace Tropical Bay Resort Bloody Bay, Negril 876-957-5900

Foote Prints On The Sand Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4300 / 3152

Rockhouse Hotel Lighthouse Road, West End, Negril 876-957-4373

Fun Holiday Beach Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-3585

Rondel Village Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4413 / 4651-2

Rooms On The Beach Negril Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-3500

Seastar Inn Seastar Road, West End 876-957-0553

Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-5216-7 / 5230-1/ 5254-5

Shields Negril Villas Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-3112 / 9001 / 9006

Sandy Bay Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-618-5000-1

Sunset at The Palms Resort & Spa Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-5350 / 5360

Sandy Haven Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril; 876-957-3200

Tensing Pen Hotel West End Road, Negril; 876-957-0387

Sea Splash Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4041-3

Travellers Beach Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-9308 / 3039

Seawind Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-9018

White Sands Cottages Ltd. Norman Manley Blvd., Westmoreland 876-957-4291 / 4445

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SOUTH COAST Nowhere in Jamaica defines off-the-beaten track quite like the South Coast. If you are in search of the real essence of the island, then make your way south to “catch the laid-back vibes,” enjoy the natural black-sand beaches and discover the spirit of a people who put community first.

Like its name suggests, the South Coast is located on the southernmost tip of the island and spans the parishes of Manchester, St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland. Accessing this coast is easy, as it is just a three-hour drive from Jamaica’s two international airports, though the more adventurous may want to hop on a Helitour that delivers guests to Jakes Hotel.

Max Earle (2)

by Kaili McDonnough Scott

Scenic jitney ride in YS Falls

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Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the six-mile tour down the winding Black River, which boasts 92 species of flowering plants and 42 species of migratory birds.

The South Coast is a relative newcomer to the tourism sector, but tour operators are slowly discovering its viability for guests who prefer an out-of-the-way destination. Here, you will find one all-inclusive resort, Sandals Whitehouse. Otherwise, it is quaint boutique hotels like Jakes, Marblue Villa Suites, The Treasure Beach Hotel, The Mandeville Hotel and Idlers’ Rest, and simple, yet chic villas such as Minerva, Amedis, Shakti Home and Calabash Bay. You can also find Seaweed Villa, Treasure Beach’s newest villa.

Sightseeing The most popular tour is the Appleton Estate Rum Tour, which offers an insight into the production of Jamaica’s most popular spirit, in production since 1749. The tour is located in the sugar fields near the village of Maggotty in St. Elizabeth and offers a view of the Appleton Rum Museum, as well as a taste testing. Every visitor leaves with a complimentary bottle of Appleton.

Continue learning about the island’s history by taking The Way Back When Black River Heritage walking tour hosted by resident Allison Morris. The town boasts several Georgian-style buildings and is home to many national heritage sites, including Waterloo Guest House, the first building in Jamaica to be powered by electricity. The town of Black River is also home to the Black River Lower Morass, the largest freshwater ecosystem in Jamaica and by far the most important habitat for wetland birds on the island. Nature lovers will enjoy the six-mile boat tour down the winding river, which boasts 92 species of flowering plants and 42 species of migratory birds. Tours can be organised in the town and from Treasure Beach.

Nature lovers will also delight in a drive from Lacovia to Middle Quarters by way of Bamboo Avenue, a roadway lined with bamboos that intertwine to form an intricate archway. This is quite a sight to behold. Stop to take pictures at this nationally protected area and find a spot offering peppered shrimp. Not for the faint of heart, this unique South Coast delicacy is best washed down with ice-cold coconut water!

If outdoor activity is what you are seeking, then a trip to YS Falls is the perfect excursion. YS Falls offers waterfall climbing, swimming, river tubing and zip lining in a relaxed atmosphere on the YS Estate, a farm in St. Elizabeth. Pack a picnic lunch or order from the local cook shop before boarding a jitney and they can deliver it to you at the falls.

Hop on a canoe at Parottee Beach and head out to Pelican Bar, listed in 2012 by CNN as one of the World’s 50 Best Beach Bars. Built on a sandbar and created out of bits of driftwood, visitors can spend the day swimming, snorkelling or dolphin watching before relaxing with an ice-cold Ting on a hammock or a platform over the sea.

Treasure Beach is probably the South Coast’s most popular destination as it spans a six-mile stretch of black-sand beach and is home to many small guesthouses, boutique hotels and villas. This small fishing village has four bays, each with swimming, snorkelling and picnic areas.

Laid-back Treasure Beach

From top to bottm: Max Earle; Mae Mae Blair

Get adventurous at YS Falls

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Appleton Estate caters to all rum lovers, from the most discerning of rum connoisseurs right down to those who enjoy the occasional drink. With award-winning blends that range from the 12-year to the limited-edition 50-year rum, every bottle contains a hand-selected, unique blend of up to 20 aged rums. If you’re looking to awaken your taste buds, here are a few Appleton-inspired concoctions that are worth trying.

Specialty Cocktails With a blender, some bananas, pineapples and a bottle of fruitysweet Appleton Exclusive, you can easily whip up shakes with fun, tropical names like Dirty Banana and Jamaican Smile.

Liven up any gathering with a blended Mango & Lime Fiesta using fresh mango and key lime juice with dark Jamaican rum.

by Kristi Keller

Try quenching your thirst with a Kingston Colada, which mixes coconut water, fresh pineapple juice and a shot or two of award-winning Appleton Reserve rum.

And you don’t need to wait for the end of the week to wind down with a Jamaican Sunday, a tangy-sweet medley made with Appleton VX, honey, lime juice and lemonade. No matter where you are, this signature cocktail will transport you to Jamaica with each sip.

For a more refined taste of the island, mixologists have created laid-back, creamy alternatives to fruity fun in a glass with some grown-up flavours. The taste of a Jamaican Wind will breeze through you by mixing the creamy brown-sugar taste of Appleton 12-year-old rum and coffee liqueur, or experience a Jamaican Kiss by smoothing out the Jamaican Wind with milk and ice cubes. A perfectly blended Appleton beverage is easy to make and hard to resist.

Max Earle

Appleton Inspirations

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After a day of soaking up the sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rays in Treasure Beach, playing a round of tennis may just be the way to get your circulation going again, so why not book yourself a court at the BREDS Treasure Beach Sports Park. The sports park also offers football (soccer), cricket, basketball and netball facilities, as well as a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playground.

Loverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leap is a well-known destination on the South Coast. This seaside cliff has an incredible view and was made famous by two slaves who were lovers and jumped to their death here, rather than be separated.

Dining At Jakes, everyone is invited, so stop by for a rum punch at Dougieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bar, before enjoying an evening of alfresco dining under the stars. Additionally, during high season Jakes hosts a series of sunset farm-to-table dinners on Saturday nights closest to a full moon. At a nearby farm, the meal is created from locally sourced and often organic ingredients.

Next door to Jakes is Jack Sprat, a seafood and pizza restaurant. Dining in Treasure Beach doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get more authentic than this. Enjoy local favourites such as an icecold Red Stripe, steamed ďŹ sh with okra and water crackers, or one of the best pizza slices this side of New York City.

Axel and Andrea Wichterich, owners of the charming Marblue Villa Suites, have mastered the art of German-Jamaican fusion at their seaside restaurant and were the winners

of the Jamaica Observerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Table Talk Award for best culinary destination in 2010.

Little Ochie Seafood Restaurant is hands down the crème de la crème of Jamaican cuisine. No one in Jamaica dishes up seafood quite like Blackie, the owner of Little Ochie. Locals and tourists travel far and wide to Blackieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tucked away beachfront restaurant in Alligator Pond to sample some of his specialty dishes like grilled lobster, brown stewed ďŹ sh and curried crab.

On the border of St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland is Scottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cove. Here, an array of roadside cook-shops specialise in fried ďŹ sh, steamed ďŹ sh and bammy, a delicious fried cake made from cassava. Some vendors may seem overzealous, but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be put off. They are just enthusiastic!

Nightlife You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ďŹ nd much nightlife in this part of the island, but for a night out with some local charm, head to Wild Onion, a rustic street-side bar with a dance ďŹ&#x201A;oor, located in Frenchmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bay. Get the party started by ordering a white rum and cranberry drink, but sip this slowly, as the combination is known to be potent.

YS FALLS A Jamaican Utopia Imagine cooling off in majestic waterfalls and pools, picnicking in natural gardens and ziplining over a lush paradise. Nestled in the hills of St. Elizabeth, visitors can enjoy a tractor-drawn jitney ride through a working farm and sign up for a Chukka zipline ride.

Get an intimate look at the stunning natural beauty of Jamaica with YS Falls.

Y.S. Estate. Middle Quarters, St. Elizabeth

Â&#x2021; \VIDOOV FRP Â&#x2021; \VIDOOV#FZMDPDLFD FRP Opening hours: 9:30am - 3:30pm Closed on Mondays and ALL PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

Shopping No trip to Jamaica would be complete without some retail therapy, and Callaloo Butik in Treasure Beach is the place to go if you are in search of resort wear and accessories with a bohemian twist.

Dresses in colourful African fabrics, silk kaftans, cotton baby rompers, sequin embellished cushions, key chains and much more are hand-sewn here by FrenchJamaican national Sophie Eyssautier and her staff.

Novelty T-shirts and souvenirs are aplenty at the newly opened Jack Sprat Record Shop, designed by Sally Henzell, original founder of Jakes and wife of the director behind the 1970s Jamaican cult classic ďŹ lm The Harder They Come.

Appleton Estate Rum Tour Northwest of Mandeville near Siloah.

Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

876-963-9215. Take an air-conditioned bus ride to tour the rum factory and estate. Tour explains the fermentation and distillation process. See the mini-museum, artefacts, wishing well, Italian café and gift shop. Enjoy taste samples and take home a complimentary bottle of rum. Groups of up to 150.

Lunch available on request.

ocean views from every room. Seven restaurants, six bars and three pools.

Way Back When Tour of Black River 876-530-6902; waybackwhenwalk@gmail.com YS Falls Hours: 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; 846-997-6360; Closed Mondays and public holidays. US$15 for adults, $7.50 for children.

JHTA HOTEL / RESORT MEMBERS Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa 876-640-3000; sandals.com. Sandals Whitehouse presents three distinct European villages — Italian, French and Dutch — each offering fine dining, a grand pool and magnificent gardens. Set along two miles of a horseshoe-shaped beach, this resort boasts

Mandeville Hotel 4 Hotel St., Mandeville Manchester 876-962-2138 / 9764 Marblue Villa Suites & Restaurant Old Wharf, Calabash Bay P.A. Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth 876-965-3408 / 848-0001 / 840-5772

Golf View Hotel & Conference Centre 51/2 Caledonia Road, Mandeville, Middlesex 876-962-4471 / 4474

Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa Whitehouse, Westmoreland 876-640-3000-9

Jakes Hotel, Villas & Spa Calabash Bay P.A. Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth 876-965-3000

Treasure Beach Hotel Frenchman’s Bay, Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth 876-965-0110-1 / 965-2305

“A hip boutique resort in the friendly community of Treasure Beach on Jamaica’s low-key South Coast” Tel: 876-965-3000

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BLISSFUL BEACHES

by Emma Sharp Dalton-Brown

Jamaica’s topography varies throughout: Tropical rainforest on the east end, conifer-clad slopes of the Blue Mountains, plains in Clarendon and arid stretches along the South Coast. The beaches differ as well, ranging from the whitest and finest sand to golden grains to more interesting textures like wet grey sand, black mud and pebbles.

St. Andrew/Kingston Drive 20 minutes from the capital to Morgan’s Harbour in Port Royal, where you can take a shuttle ferry to two nearby sand islands: Lime Cay and Maiden Cay. The former has plenty of shade and is great for snorkelling and swimming.

Š Denise Cresswell/Getty Images

Crystal-clear Caribbean sea off Montego Bay

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132 The island’s beaches are all different: some are known for their solitude, others for their food huts and still others for their golden sand.

Just be aware of the currents and the shallow reefs in some sections of the sea surrounding the island. Maiden Cay, on the other hand, is a stunning white-sand bank, with absolutely no shade. The swimming is divine, but again be wary of currents in heavy breeze. Locals also paddle canoes to these islands from the fishing village of Port Royal or from a little port called Y-Knot, adjacent to Morgan’s Harbour.

St. Catherine There are a string of beaches in Hellshire, about a half-hour from Kingston. The original Hellshire Beach has been a hot spot for fried fish, festival (cornbread fritters), steamed fish and bammy (cassava flatbread). Numerous vendors run well-established huts, where they cook the food in huge wrought-iron pans over open fires. More recently, a couple vendors have opened up on Fort Clarence Beach, serving up the same fare at a more low-key location. Get there early on sunny weekends to snag a bench under the almond trees.

Clarendon Jackson’s Bay, in the southern part of the parish, is a secluded, white-sand beach with an abundance of shells. The spot is well-known in the area, but most Jamaicans have never been there. It is a bit of a drive and you’ll have to bring your own refreshments, but this is a great place to picnic in peace.

Nearby, off the coast of Portland Bight (not to be confused with Portland the parish), rests a cluster of splendid sand islands: Big Half Moon Cay, Pigeon Island, Bare Bush Cay and others. Get friendly with a private boat owner or a fisherman to see these remarkable isles.

Manchester Alligator Pond fishing village is on the parish’s southwestern border. A rugged coastline is home to one of the best fish restaurants in Jamaica: Little Ochi. Embedded in the black sand are canoes with tables and seating built inside. On the menu? Items like steamed and fried fish, curried shrimp, grilled lobster (when in season), sides of bammy and festival. Patrons don’t swim here much, but it wouldn’t be frowned upon if you choose to take a dip in the sea.

St. Elizabeth Treasure Beach, on the South Coast, has seen a huge growth in popularity over the last few years. There are five beaches: Great Bay to the east, then Calabash Bay, Frenchman’s Bay, Billy’s Bay and Fort Charles Bay, farthest west. None have the typical sandy shore you’d expect to find in a tropical climate. You’ll find more of a mix of golden-grey sand in Great Bay and Fort Charles, and similar surroundings in Billy’s Bay, but shallow rocks prevent great swimming here. You can expect pebbly terrain

Š Greg Johnston/Getty Images

Alligator Pond

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Š Julien Capmeil/Getty Images

Golden sands in Jamaica

in Frenchman’s Bay and Calabash Bay, which is home to the famous Jakes Hotel. A beachside restaurant called Jack Sprat serves up delicious seafood and pizza.

Drive west to Font Hill Beach, which boasts golden sand and calm turquoise waters. Bring your snorkelling gear, as there’s a reef within a short swimming distance.

The pretty Parottee Bay is close by. Take a boat to Pelican Bar, which sits on a sand bank about a mile out to sea.

Westmoreland/Negril Negril houses Seven Mile Beach and Bloody Bay; both are the picturesque beaches one expects to find in the Caribbean. Teeming with budget and boutique hotels, as well as all-inclusive resorts, bars, restaurants and watersports shacks, there is something for everyone. For night owls, there’s a steady stream of live music at different bars in the evenings, and during America’s spring break and Jamaica’s public holiday weekends, there is a barrage of beach parties, too.

St. James/Montego Bay Montego Bay and its environs have a beautiful coastline with several beaches. Some are compact and quaint, like Reading. Others, such as the stunning white sands of Doctors Cave on the Hip Strip, are abuzz with tourists and locals, particularly on weekends and holidays.

Another popular destination for locals is Walter Fletcher Beach, which is just off Howard Cooke Boulevard heading into the centre of the city. Aquasol Theme Park, located on the white sandy bay, offers watersports, tennis and go-karting during the day, and a sports bar, restaurant and live entertainment spot at night.

North Coast The North Coast is home to countless beaches, a few with public access and some attached to private villas and hotels. Rent a car and explore. Runaway Bay Beach in Runaway Bay; Reggae Beach in Prospect, just east of Ocho Rios; and James Bond Beach farther east in Oracabessa are all worth a visit and are open to the public, with a minimal charge.

Silver Sands is one of the most stunning seashores around, with a plethora of villas varying in size and price. This private community is situated in Duncans, Trelawny, about 45 minutes from the Sangster International Airport.

Portland/East End Portland Parish is the quiet end of Jamaica, where tropical rainforests are in abundance thanks to heavy rainfall. You can expect a sunny morning, followed by afternoon showers, so plan your trips to the beach accordingly. Frenchman’s Cove Resort is a golden Jamaican secret with a river running through the property, straight into the Caribbean Sea. You can sunbathe on the yellow sand, relax under the trees, dive into the river and do some body surfing in the warm ocean. Be sure to visit the beach bar and restaurant.

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A LIFE OF ACTION

by Mark Rogers

Even with its cool mountain air and balmy tropical breezes, Jamaica will make you break a sweat. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teeing off at a championship golf course, sailing tranquil waters or tracking the footsteps of a living icon, here you can experience island lifestyle and keep your heart rate going.

The island celebrates its own sports heroes with passion and welcomes foreign athletes in search of their own personal best at exciting annual competitions. So lace up your sneakers, grab your racket or club, or just put your game face on. No matter your skill level, Jamaica wants to see what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got.

Chukka ATV Safari Tour

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Cricket may seem a mystery to some visitors, but many Jamaicans are passionate followers of the sport.

On Land Bobsled: You’d be forgiven if you thought the Walt Disney film Cool Runnings was a fantasy. It isn’t. Jamaica really did have an underdog bobsled team in the 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary. Even though they did not bring back a medal, they did capture the imagination of sports fans around the world. You can get a little taste of what it’s like to bobsled in a tropical environment at Mystic Mountain in Ocho Rios. Your bobsledding experience will start gently with a 15-minute ride up in a chairlift, but it is followed by a gravity-driven, 3,300-foot, nail-biting plunge on a bobsled coaster. So much fun!

Cricket: Cricket may seem a mystery to some visitors, but many Jamaicans are passionate followers of the sport. It’s a great experience to be travelling along and suddenly come upon a match being played in a field. If you have the time, stop and watch a game. While cricket somewhat resembles American baseball, there are crucial differences. Find a convivial local who will be more than happy to explain the finer points of the game.

Dogsled: A dogsled ride in Jamaica seems as unlikely as a Jamaican bobsled team, but dogsledding is one of the many activities available on this surprising island. Chukka Caribbean Adventures in Ocho Rios offers a Dogsled Experience. Working with a team of mutts rescued from the streets of Jamaica, the enthusiastic sled dogs pull a buggy over dry land. It’s a thrilling ride supervised by a trained Jamaican musher. And don’t worry about the dogs! Just one look at these canines will convince you that they’re having as much fun as you are. As offbeat as it may seem, Chukka’s team has even competed in dogsled competitions as far away as Canada.

Horseback Riding: One of Jamaica’s signature experiences is horseback riding along the beach, with occasional forays into the saddle-high surf. Chukka Caribbean Adventures offers a Horseback Ride n’ Swim along the beaches of Sandy Bay. A number of operators, including Double ”A” Ranch in Montego Bay and Hooves LTD in Ocho Rios, offer rides through trails in the countryside and on the beach. Or, if you’d rather watch horses from the stands, head to Caymanas Park in St. Catherine for an exciting horse race.

Amateur cricket match

From top to bottom: Š Michael Dwyer/Alamy; Mae Mae Blair

Horseback riding on Half Moon Beach

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Tryall Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s golf clinics for junior players offers just the right balance between detailed guidance and fun in the sun.

Golf: It would take several visits to exhaust all of the golďŹ ng possibilities available in Jamaica. A total of 12 courses are scattered across the island, but dedicated golfers will want to zero in on Montego Bay, where four particularly challenging championship courses await.

The British-style Half Moon Golf Course has the distinction of being part of one of the most sophisticated resorts on the island: Half Moon, A RockResort. The 7,141-yard, par-72 course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. Over the years it has been the site of some of golfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most important events, including the Dunhill Cup Final of the Americas, the Jamaica Open Golf Championship and the Red Stripe Pro-Am. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d rather tee off in a setting rich with local lore, make tracks for The White Witch Golf Course on the grounds of the 4,000-acre Rose Hall Plantation. Annie Mae Palmer, the 19thcentury mistress of Rose Hall, was dubbed the White Witch of Rose Hall for her cruelty. The course, which offers spectacular views of the sea from 16 of its 18 holes, was designed by Robert von Hagge and Rick Baril and is part of The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort.

Rounding out MoBayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s golf options are Cinnamon Hill, which is part of the Rose Hall Resort & Spa, and the course at The Tryall Club, which some call the most challenging on the island. The latter has played host to important international tournaments such as the Johnnie Walker World Championship and Shellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wonderful World of Golf. For golfers-in-training, Tryall Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s golf clinics for junior players offer just the right balance between detailed guidance and fun in the sun.

Outside Montego Bay, haul your clubs to Negril Hills in Negril, SuperClubs Golf Club in Runaway Bay, the Sandals Golf & Country Club in Ocho Rios, Caymanas and Constant Spring Golf Clubs in Kingston, or the Mandeville Golf Club in Mandeville.

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Running: Jamaicans have a rich running heritage and have been winning Olympic medals since 1948. Their latest hero, the aptly named Usain Bolt, finished the 2012 London Olympics as a triple champion for the second time and became the first man to successfully defend both the 100-metre and 200-metre titles.

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Known as the Jamaica Soccer Cup, players will enjoy seven days of soccer tournaments, waterfall excursions and trips to the Galleon Beach Fishing Sanctuary.

Few countries have embraced an athlete as completely as Jamaica has embraced Bolt, who embodies the island’s “can do” spirit. Travellers can experience this magic on the track firsthand by competing in one of the island’s annual running events. The biggest of these is the annual Reggae Marathon & Half Marathon, which takes place each December in Negril and is organised by Jamdammers Running Club of Kingston.

Soccer: In Jamaica, soccer — commonly known as football — has always been one of the most popular sports on the island. Today, the sport continues to gain in popularity throughout the world, especially among teens and adolescents. With this in mind, local foundations and committees sought to bring youth soccer players from across the United States and Canada together with local Jamaican players for the ultimate combination of friendly, tournament-style play and Jamaican sightseeing.

Known as the Jamaica Soccer Cup, tournaments will be played in St. Elizabeth Parish in the beautiful South Coast area of Jamaica beginning this summer. Games will be played in the new Treasure Beach Sports Park, which has four soccer fields touted as some of the best in the country. Chairman and founder of BREDS – Treasure Beach Foundation, Jason Henzell, together with tournament director Bert Lobo, offer players seven days of soccer tournaments, waterfall excursions and trips to the Galleon Beach Fishing Sanctuary.

Tennis: Whether you’re looking for daytime or nighttime play, on clay courts or on hard surfaces, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Jamaica. If you’re looking to improve your game, see what Half Moon, A RockResort, The Tryall Club and Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort are offering by way of special lessons.

Montego Bay offers play at Rose Hall Resort, El Greco, Holiday Inn SunSpree, Hotel RIU, Iberostar, Ritz-Carlton, Round Hill, Royal Decameron, Sandals and Sunset Beach. If you’re travelling east along the north coast, look in on Beaches Boscobel, Braco Village Hotel & Spa, Breezes Runaway Bay, Couples Ocho Rios, Crane Ridge, Goblin Hill, Royal Decameron and Sunset Jamaica Grande. In Negril, check out Hotel RIU Negril, Couples Negril, Couples Swept Away, Breezes Grand, Hedonism II, Hotel RIU Palace Tropical Bay and Sandals Negril. On the South Coast, pack your racket for a trip to Sandals Whitehouse. In Kingston, unwind on the tennis courts at the Jamaica Pegasus.

Courtesy of Jamaica Soccer Cup

Sports Hot Spot

by Roland Henry

Jamaican athlete Usain Bolt’s legendary prowess on the track continues to ignite popular culture the world over and is yet another opportunity for the island to promote sports tourism. In fact, for years Jamaica has displayed its affinity for sports through the talents of numerous cricketers, track athletes, and netball and football/soccer players who have contributed to the development of Jamaica’s sporting offerings on the world stage. Sports tourism, according to the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, has the ability to attract visitors to the island who wish to spectate and/or participate in sporting activities.

“Jamaica represents the perfect place to develop sports tourism because our people are smart, playful and fun loving, while being aggressive and fiercely competitive,” says Carole Beckford, Bolt’s publicist and a key figure in the promotion of Jamaica as a sports tourism destination. Beckford believes that the strength of the island’s athletes isn’t only cultivated through years of rigorous training, but also through the authentic foods that they eat.

Every year, the Jamaica Tourist Board endorses the staging of several food festivals across the island, namely the Jamaica Observer Food Awards, Portland Jerk Festival in Boston, Portland, the Little Ochi Seafood Festival in St. Elizabeth, and Trelawny Yam Festival, held in the parish from which Bolt hails.

The Jamaica Tourist Board also promotes the century-old Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association Boys’ and Girls' Championships (better known as Champs), the Caribbean’s oldest and largest track meet, which sees scores of high school students competing each year. The four-day event, held during the last

week before Easter in Kingston, has been considered a proving ground for many successful Jamaican athletes.

Kayon Raynor, sports journalist at Television Jamaica, adds: “The nation’s success in sports, particularly track and field, makes our island nation an ideal location for countries interested in exposing budding athletes to Jamaica’s proven system of training world beaters.”

Other sporting attractions include the annual Jakes Resort triathlon, held in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, and featuring a 500-metre swim, a 25-kilometre bike ride and a 7-kilometre run along Jamaica’s South Coast. It’s a physical challenge, but for the spectators it is an opportunity to watch and be inspired by the fierce spirit of Jamaican athletes.

To further encourage sports tourism, the Jamaica Soccer Cup (JSC) was established as a sports-oriented cultural-exchange programme. Supported and endorsed by the Minister of Tourism, Jamaica Football Federation and the St. Elizabeth Football Association, international soccer teams of boys and girls ages under 10 through under 18 are invited to Jamaica to play against local teams. “This way, we can expose [international] kids to Jamaica, while introducing local talent to international coaches,” states BREDS Chairman and Founder Jason Henzell. During their stay on the island, visiting teams will not only play soccer, they will also be treated to local sightseeing tours. Some hotels, including Jakes, will offer special package rates for JSC participants and their families. Jakes even goes as far as offering to upgrade hotel rooms in exchange for a soccer ball. For more information, visit JamaicaSoccerCup.com.

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© WaterFrame/Alamy

Grouper fish in Jamaica

One of the most magical ways to experience Jamaica is by going underwater to meet the vivid denizens of the deep.

In the Water Diving and Snorkelling: One of the most magical ways to experience Jamaica is by going underwater. Exploring its coral reefs through snorkelling and dive expeditions will give you a whole new perspective on the place. If you’re staying in Montego Bay, head over to Montego Bay Marine Park for prime snorkelling and diving options. You can rent equipment from the dive operators at Doctors Cave Beach, where you can also book catamaran and glass-bottom boat excursions. Intrepid divers can scope out Widowmaker’s Cave, whose entrance lies 80 feet below the surface.

Negril is also teeming with diving and snorkelling spots, with Negril Marine Park being one of the most popular. Ocho Rios offers the option of diving an artificial reef.

The ecosystem that grew around a scuttled minesweeper treats visitors to a lively parade of sea creatures. More experienced divers may want to try a night dive. If you are already scuba certified you should face no problems booking a dive, but those without certification shouldn’t shy away from these incomparable forays into the sea.

Many resorts offer courses that will have beginners diving some sites in a matter of days, and no such requirement exists for snorkelling.

Chartering a snorkelling or scuba excursion can also offer great opportunities for discovery out of the water. With ample time to explore secluded beaches and seldom-visited islands, visitors are treated to what amounts to a semi-private experience offering uncommon sights. Then, depending on the trip, a spirited journey back to port with a rum punch in hand and reggae blasting on the speakers makes for an authentic conclusion to one fine day of activity.

Fishing: Jamaica has been reeling in fishermen since time immemorial. Anglers make the journey to the island to try their luck landing heavyweight prizes such as dorado, wahoo and marlin. The excitement is amped up if a fishing vacation coincides with one of the island’s famed tournaments. The biggest of these is the Port Antonio Marlin Tournament, which has been held each October since 1959. The winner of this contest earns the right to represent Jamaica in the granddaddy of all fishing events, the IGFA Offshore World Championship in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, which draws 70 teams from 33 countries each May. Other annual fishing tournaments in Jamaica include the PWD Hunting and Sporting Fishing Tournament in January/February, the Royal Jamaica Yacht Club Spring Fishing Tournament in March, Montego Bay Yacht Club and James Bond fishing tournaments in October, and the Sir Henry Morgan Port Royal Kingston Tournament in December.

Non-Motorised Watersports: If you are staying at a beachside resort, you’re most likely within easy reach of a wide range of non-motorised watersports equipment.

Some are even provided as part of the resort package, so check with your concierge.

Popular sports options include windsurfing, boogie boarding, kayaking and sailing in

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a Sunfish or Hobie Cat. Be advised that some of these activities demand a higher level of experience than others. But as they say in Jamaica: no worries, mon.

There’s usually a person on the beach ready to provide basic instruction and launch you on a whole new adventure.

Yachting and Sailing: It could be said that Jamaica’s tourism industry got an early start almost 70 years ago when yachting enthusiasts sailing the Caribbean anchored at Jamaica’s numerous ports. Yacht clubs and marinas can be found virtually anywhere around the island. Three of the best known are the Errol Flynn Marina in Port Antonio (named after the adventurous silver screen star, whose yacht Zaca made frequent calls in Port Antonio), the Montego Bay Yacht Club and the Royal Jamaica Yacht Club in Kingston.

Regulations require sailors to check in with immigration and customs at Jamaican ports of entry. Offices can be found in Bowden, Discovery Bay, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, Port Esquivel, Port Kaiser and Port Royal. Sailors are also required to provide a list of the crew, ship registration, a list of ship stores and departure permission documents from the previous port of call. Each person on board should also have a passport and visa, if applicable.

But you don’t have to be a wellheeled yacht owner to enjoy the seas surrounding the island. There are a number of charter companies offering bareboat, skippered and full-crew packages. And if you just have a yen to get out on the water, there are plenty of operators offering day and evening catamaran sails.

The Pride of Jamaica After breaking a world record at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and retaining his 100-metre and 200-metre titles at the 2012 London games, there is no doubt that Usain Bolt is indeed a “living legend.” Our Jamaica writer Kaili McDonnough Scott caught up with the fastest man alive following his victories to find out what he loves about the country he so famously represents.

© Action Plus Sports Images/Alamy

Jamaica’s high school track championship (ISSA Boys and Girls Champs) attracts 35,000 spectators and is more than 100 years old. Why are Jamaicans so obsessed with sprinting?

Jamaica has a rich tradition of performance in track and field, and it gets better with each Olympic Game and World Championship. It is the ‘thing’ to represent Jamaica, and so people are inspired to run fast. I am happy to be a part of Jamaican track and field history.

Seconds after smashing the world record at the 2008 Beijing Olympics your father told reporters that among other factors, your win was attributed to Trelawny yam, which is a staple in your diet and that of many Jamaicans. What’s your favourite way to eat yam and what do you eat it with? I do eat yam, but I am more a dumpling kind of guy and I love to eat dumplings with jerked or stewed pork.

by Kaili McDonnough Scott

To the rest of the world, Jamaica’s laid-back cool seems at odds with your blistering 9.58-second 100 metre. Where would you take a visitor to see the island’s mellow vibe and its lightening quick tempo? Jamaica has a variety of clubs that have a mellow vibe in Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Kingston. But for a more fast-paced vibe, Fiction in Kingston is one of the top entertainment venues (and one of my favourite personal hangout spots). The Quad is also a good place to chill. Of course, if you want to know where to find the fastest people, just go to a local track and field meet!

Apart from your own restaurant, Tracks & Records, where would you recommend a first-time visitor to go for a great meal? Jamaica has great restaurants all over the place, but if you are driving around the island there are small roadside places like Faith’s Pen for roast corn and Hellshire for fried fish and bammy.

What parish in Jamaica would an eligible bachelor like yourself spend a romantic weekend? I would be giving away a secret now, wouldn’t I? But, I’ve heard Portland is nice.

If you had a time machine, would you rather play football with Bob Marley or race Carl Lewis in his prime? Bob Marley for sure!

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PAMPERING IS PARAMOUNT by

Melanie Reffes

From a buff and a scrub to a massage and a manicure, pampering is all the rage in Jamaica. To tone up, detox, refresh or simply relax, a day at one of Jamaica’s many indulgent spas is a tropical vacation must-do.

Mellow in Montego Bay At the Fern Tree, A RockResorts Spa® at Half Moon, a Spa Elder guides guests through the four phases of wellness while explaining Jamaican healing arts that incorporate organic herbs from the spa’s own garden. The Jamaican Bush Bath cleanses with a mystical mélange made from the indigenous herb called cerasee that is blended with lemongrass, ackee leaves, aloe and citrus.

Unapologetically sinful, the spa at The Ritz-Carlton Golf and Spa Resort, Rose Hall boasts a massage menu good enough to eat, from the Pear-fect Sugar Scrub & Body Wrap

Max Earle

Find relaxation in Jamaica

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150 to the Jamaican Coffee Body Scrub. Therapists work their magic in an 8,000-squarefoot spa that is visually spectacular.

Ooh-la-la Ocho Rios Nestled in the cliffs of Cutlass Bay, KiYara Ocean Spa at Jamaica Inn is a unique haven for rejuvenation with imaginative massages, from a Holistic Relaxation Massage and KiYara 4-Hand Bliss Massage to body rituals that utilise tried-and-true healing recipes.

The Red Lane® Spa at Sandals Royal Plantation marries European panache with Jamaican hospitality. A plush palace of marbled treatment rooms, each is infused with the scent of lemongrass for treatments like body wraps, massages, manicures and pedicures.

Nirvana in Negril The Rockhouse Spa at Rockhouse Hotel takes a holistic approach to wellness using only locally made products in treatments like The Ulitmate Coffee Scrub, which blends coffee beans with orange, cinnamon, nutmeg, a hint of vanilla and a pinch of brown sugar.

Burrowed in an old coral reef in Negril, Jackie’s On The Reef pampers the weary in comfy cabanas that face the Caribbean Sea. With the natural soundtrack of crashing waves and chirping birds, the star attractions are the holistic healing remedies that have earned the spa legions of adoring fans.

Bliss in the Blue Mountains In the picturesque hills of Port Antonio, Hotel Mocking Bird Hill is a nature lover’s nirvana. Treatments range from a Swedish massage to a reflexology session that uses beeswax, coconut oil, papaya and avocado, and a gentle scrub with sunflower oil, jojoba, patchouli, orange, grapefruit, bay leaves and allspice.

An hour away from Kingston, in the foothills of the majestic Blue Mountains, Strawberry Hill’s magnificent gardens and spa sit high atop the cliffs. At The Strawberry Hill Living Spa you can take your pick from calming Aveda essential-oil treatments to boost energy levels or the Traveller’s Foot Bath — great after a hike in the trails amongst wild ginger and multihued orchids.

Soothing South Coast A bevy of body treatments, facials, massages and a tropical nail bar are the main events at the Red Lane® Spa at Sandals Whitehouse. Enjoy hot and cold plunge pools, eucalyptus saunas and massages maximising the healing properties of seaweed and grapefruit oil, which are popular here. The real crowd pleaser is the Bamboo Polish, which leaves skin with a sun-kissed glow after a rubdown with natural aloe vera, bamboo crystals and essential oils.

In the picturesque fishing village of Treasure Beach, Driftwood Spa at Jakes hotel meshes laid-back charm with relaxation expertise. The menu includes the cleverly named Stoned Love treatment, which uses hot stones to soothe, and the Mocha Cocktail Rum wrap, which awakens and stimulates tired muscles.

Max Earle

Mother Nature Unplugged Massages, wraps, scrubs and buffs are filled with local ingredients found throughout the island. From fragrant coffee and cocoa beans to stones gathered from the sea, Jamaica is the land of natural healing.

A tropical pharmacopoeia, Jamaica’s resources are revered by skilled massage therapists that blend a picnic basket of local ingredients — honey, lime, basil, jasmine, bananas, mangoes — into essential oils.

The piquant allspice is not only Jamaica’s most exported native plant, but also one of the island’s most treasured resources. Derived from the berries and leaves of the pimento tree, allspice is coveted by herbalists who treat many ailments with the oil. It is also believed to lift the mood and reduce fatigue.

by Melanie Reffes

An alternative natural upper, Blue Mountain Coffee is high in essential vitamins. When added to safflower oil and cinnamon, it leaves skin with an enviable glow.

If you’d prefer to steer clear of caffeine, another natural resource revered for its exfoliating properties is beach sand. Not only does it render skin more supple, but it also reduces the visible signs of aging.

Stones from the ocean’s sandy bottom are a staple on many menus, often bathed in warm oils. Also a spa mainstay, raw sugarcane works naturally to buff skin cells and — when blended with coconut oil — is pampering perfection.

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WEDDED BLISS Aside from Jamaica’s sheer beauty, which in itself is a great reason to plan a destination wedding here, the island offers varied locations and excellent service providers. Many hotels have a number of wedding packages to suit your vision for the big day as well as your needs, and event planners can customise and organise your event to ensure that you and your better half get hitched without a hitch.

Travelling from overseas, you have enough details to manage without having to plan a wedding. Fortunately, a fleet of wedding coordinators and event planners specialise in the finer points of making your dream day a reality. These professionals address all the requirements for your marriage to take place legally, including the official documentation

From left to right: © Stuart Pearce/Alamy; Blend Images/SuperStock

by Emma Sharp Dalton-Brown

Dream wedding destination

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From an intimate sunset gathering on a private deck to a grand wedding bash at a luxury villa, the staff at Jakes Hotel aims to make your event extraordinary. needed in Jamaica. They also know the industry and have the relationships with local vendors that will help fulfill your wishes.

Stephanie Scott, of SSCO Event Management, offers full wedding planning services for those needing assistance with a destination wedding. “It is a customised service. My clients are those who generally do not want to take the package route.

We speak; they share with me their vision for their wedding, the budget and so on, and we work together to create something in Jamaica that meets their expectations,” said Scott. “Naturally many of those from overseas stay for more than a day, often four to seven days. I will arrange their villa, groceries, transportation, activities, etc.”

Jakes Hotel, Villas & Spa Jakes Hotel, Villas & Spa in Treasure Beach is one of the more unconventional places to stay and celebrate your wedding. The rooms, cottages and villas were all designed as an ode to the surrounding beauty by the multitalented artist and designer Sally Henzell. Each space is laid out so that the outdoor areas are extensions of the indoor living quarters, and the indoor décor is pulled together by a single statement piece not available anywhere else — the spectacular views.

The hotel offers a wide selection of options for those looking to make their wedding day truly their own. From an intimate sunset gathering on a private deck to a grand wedding bash at one of the luxury villas, the staff at Jakes aims to make your event extraordinary. An on-site wedding coordinator can ensure that everything needed is booked and that all your ideas are executed to your liking. Jakes can arrange and provide the usual wedding elements, including flowers, catering, photography, DJ, live band, bar, officiant and marriage certificate, and they can also help with any other item you may need to customise your special occasion.

The coordinator at Jakes can also create individualised packages that include bridal showers, spa treatments, honeymoon or any other combination of events you may need, depending on the size of your party. Whether it’s just the two of you, or you are arriving with a large party in tow, Jakes will work with you to meet your needs and stay within budget. That way, once you’re done planning, you can just relax and let the good times roll.

Sandals Resorts The fine folks at Sandals have been coordinating destination weddings for quite a while, and they’ve got it down pat. In fact, their 2011 Brides Magazine World’s Best Honeymoon award is just one of the latest of a series of awards and recognitions for their expert planning and stellar service. Their collaboration with Martha Stewart Weddings means they offer six signature wedding themes that provide you with expertly designed packages, taking the guesswork out of planning.

© Andrey Artykov/Getty Images

The Basics of Getting Married in Jamaica In order to get married in Jamaica, you need to make sure you meet certain requirements. Those getting married at a resort or using a wedding coordinator to plan their nuptials can ask for assistance with the following items: t :PV NVTU CF PO UIF JTMBOE BU MFBTU IPVST CFGPSF HFUUJOH married. t :PV NVTU CSJOH B DFSUJm FE DPQZ PG ZPVS CJSUI DFSUJm DBUFT JODMVE ing fathersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; names, as well as divorce documents if previously NBSSJFE PS EFBUI DFSUJm DBUF PG QSFWJPVT TQPVTF JG XJEPXFE t :PV NVTU IBWF XSJUUFO DPOTFOU GSPN ZPVS QBSFOUT JG ZPV BSF under 18 years of age. t :PV NVTU PCUBJO B NBSSJBHF MJDFOTF GSPN UIF .JOJTUSZ PG Justice (customerservice@moj.gov.jm or moj.gov.jm). t :PV NVTU m OE B NBSSJBHF PGm DFS UISPVHI UIF 3FHJTUSBS Generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department (information@rgd.gov.jm or rgd.gov.

KN JG OPU XPSLJOH XJUI B IPUFM PS XFEEJOH QMBOOFS :PV XJMM CF JOGPSNFE PG UIF SFRVJSFNFOUT t *G ZPV BSF HFUUJOH NBSSJFE JO B DIVSDI ZPV NBZ OFFE UP IBWF a letter from your local (hometown) priest to say that you

by Emma Sharp Dalton-Brown

IBWF BUUFOEFE QSFNBSJUBM DPVOTFMMJOH 5IJT EPDVNFOU XJMM CF OFFEFE CZ UIF +BNBJDBO QSJFTU t ,FFQ JO NJOE UIBU UIFSF NBZ CF DVTUPNT EVUJFT MFWJFE PO your wedding dress or any printed matter (like programmes). t ,FFQ JO NJOE UIBU BQBSU GSPN TQFDJm D QBDLBHFT QSPWJEFE CZ IPUFMT XFEEJOHT UIBU UBLF QMBDF PVUTJEF PG .POUFHP #BZ PS ,JOHTUPO VTVBMMZ DPTU BQQSPYJNBUFMZ NPSF BT JUFNT MJLF DBUFSJOH USBOTQPSUBUJPO BOE TP PO CFDPNF NPSF FYQFOTJWF t 8FEEJOH DPPSEJOBUPST JODVS UIFJS PXO DPTUT BT XFMM %P ZPVS IPNFXPSL BOE m OE PVU XIBU UIFZ DIBSHF CFGPSF QMBOOJOH your wedding. t 4PNF WJMMBT IBWF NBYJNVN HVFTU BMMPXBODFT 'JOE PVU UIF NBYJNVN CFGPSF CPPLJOH B WJMMB GPS B XFEEJOH t "MM NBSSJBHF DFSFNPOJFT NVTU UBLF QMBDF CFUXFFO B N and 8 p.m. t " DPQZ PG UIF NBSSJBHF SFHJTUFS ZPV TJHO BU ZPVS DFSFNPOZ JT /05 MFHBM EPDVNFOUBUJPO :PV NVTU BQQMZ GPS B DFSUJm FE DPQZ PG ZPVS NBSSJBHF DFSUJm DBUF UISPVHI UIF .BSSJBHF 0Gm DFS PS your wedding coordinator.

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Sandals offers a wedding registry so your guests can make contributions toward your accommodations, spa treatments or even to the Sandals Foundation.

For those who prefer more personalisation, Sandals has opened the options further by creating the Your Wedding, Your Style programme, an online wedding planner tool that allows you to design your own wedding. After visiting the Sandals wedding blog to read up on style and beauty advice, you can move on to the planner tool, which is easy to use. After selecting your resort, creating your personal wish list and deciding on one of the 10 color palettes available, you will be able to browse through nearly 1,000 ideas for wedding cakes, flowers, entertainment, décor, catering options and various other details that will help make your event exclusively yours. And with several Sandals locations throughout the island, including Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Negril, you can choose your favourite Jamaican location to host your wedding.

Sandals will continue to sweep you off your feet with one of their romantic honeymoon suites, complete with butler service, Champagne, strawberries and roses. They also offer a wedding registry so your guests can make contributions toward your accommodations, entertainment, spa treatments or even to the Sandals Foundation, a nonprofit organisation working to improve communities through educational opportunities and to protect the environment in the Caribbean.

The Tryall Club The Tryall Club in Montego Bay is a magnificent location for your wedding. Sitting on 2,200 acres of land overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the Tryall Club’s 86 villas offer their guests an array of options in terms of style, size and view. Just about any corner of Tryall makes for a stunning setting for a rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony or reception. Choose from the lawn of the 18th-century great house, which is the focal point of the whole property, the gazebo on the beach or the white sands of the beach itself. Couples are ensured a beautiful and appropriate setting for their ceremony, as each location can accommodate a different number of guests. After an unforgettable ceremony, you can move your party to the great house’s terrace, the Great House Restaurant, or the Beach Café or its terrace.

Tryall Club will arrange everything from the catering to the cake, the bouquets to the bar, and the music to the marriage certificate. All you have to do is give them an idea of what you envision your wedding to be, and they will work their magic.

More Beautiful Locations Many other locations throughout the island also offer fantastic packages and services. Some of the most popular Jamaican wedding destinations include Tensing Pen in Negril; Villa Kelso and Silver Sands Beach & Tennis Club in Duncans; Prospect Plantation Great House in St. Ann; Frenchman’s Cove Resort and Dragon Point in Portland; and Strawberry Hill and Boone Hall Oasis, where reggae star Sean Paul got married in May 2012, in St. Andrew.

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ART MOVES FORWARD

by Leisha Wong

A new generation of artists is redefining the Jamaican experience and pushing boundaries with new art forms.

Milestones always inspire retrospection — a contemplation of where we have been and where we are going. As Jamaica entered into its 50th year of independence in 2012, a sense of reflection spread across the island, inviting questions on the Jamaican identity and what it meant to be Jamaican.

Visually, nothing captures that identity better than a visual art tradition, a body of work that represents the sorrows and celebrations of a nation in transition. While the National Gallery of Jamaica is the ideal place to discover the roots of Jamaican art, Kingston on the Edge (KOTE), an annual weeklong art festival, speaks to Jamaica’s artistic future.

Max Earle

The beauty of Jamaica inspires local artists

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By creating venues and interactive spaces that move beyond the traditional, KOTE encouraged artists to also move beyond the traditional with their art.

KOTE is a series of shows created by five friends who wanted to showcase Jamaican art in a free and creative way. Carolyn Lazarus, one of the co-creators, explains that the festival celebrates the art and artists who live, work and are inspired by Kingston.

“Kingston on the Edge provides a forum outside of the traditional spaces where artists can express themselves and push the boundaries and definitions of their art,” Lazarus says. She added that it also, “offers an opportunity for artists, venues and the general public to interact creatively, with a view to developing and harnessing the incredible artistic potential of Jamaica.”

With the 2012 theme being ”The Opened I,” KOTE was dedicated to exploring the importance of Jamaican identity through artistic forms such as dance, film, poetry, sculpture, painting and performance art. One of KOTE’s most popular nights was the short film night, which presented the work of a number of filmmakers, including Peter Dean Rickards and Christopher Byfield. Storm Saulter presented his original fashioninspired film, Beyond, an experimental and thoughtful film that featured the designs of local fashion designer Lubica.

Saulter came to fame in early 2012 with his award-winning and first feature film, Better Mus’ Come. “These are exciting times for film in the English-speaking Caribbean, where there has been a recent explosion of interest and emerging talent in film,” says Saulter. “The world is watching us, and now that technology has somewhat leveled the playing field, we need to focus on developing good ideas and great stories. I believe we are in an embryonic stage and any moment now something is going to explode.”

In contribution to this explosion, Saulter co-founded New Caribbean Cinema, a collective that uses communal film-making methods to create a solid body of work from the region’s up-and-coming talent. Their first feature-length project, Ring Di Alarm, is comprised of seven different shorts directed by seven different directors, all set within Jamaica. Saulter’s contribution to the film is Watching Him Kissing Her, a poetically-inspired piece that explores the story of a woman on the edge contemplating violence as a solution to her dilemma.

By creating venues and interactive spaces that move beyond the traditional, KOTE encouraged artists to also move beyond the traditional with their art. Studio 174 in downtown Kingston is one of these alternative venues. Run by the incredibly passionate

Max Earle

Homegrown Talent Thirty-seven-year-old Jonas Hanna wishes people around the world knew the superior level of talent in Jamaica for furnituremaking. “The level of craftsmanship in Jamaica is very high.

It’s very impressive, actually. I’ve gathered a team of extremely talented guys that produce great work,” he asserts.

This, he says, was a pleasant surprise to him on his return to Jamaica almost two years ago, and has been a gift to his boutique furniture-making business called Manmade Studio, which has been growing steadily since its opening.

Despite its strides, Manmade Studio, and Hanna himself, are underground secrets in Jamaica. Still, those who have been exposed to Hanna’s work think of him as an artist, admiring his custom furniture pieces almost as if they were works of art.

Hanna, a Howard University graduate, left Jamaica after high school to pursue a degree in architecture. During one course, he was exposed to furniture-making and became enthralled. After graduating, he worked with a master craftsman before he started working at a Washington, D.C.-based architectural firm. “After work I’d be up until 4 a.m. working on a custom piece for a client.

Then I’d report to my 9-to-5 job at the firm,” he remembers.

“I liked the balance of the creativity through the design work I was doing in the day at my job, and the hands-on work I was doing on my own at night. With architecture there are so many people involved in the creative process, but with making furniture I could be in full control.”

Hanna left D.C. for Miami, Fla., some years later where he repeated that routine while working with another firm, still juggling his nighttime and weekend furniture gig.

by

Kinisha Correia

After spending many evenings watching his boss give up his family life for the company, Hanna felt the need to go out on his own. “I decided I didn’t want to spend my life that way,” he reveals. He left the company, rented a warehouse and dedicated his time to a full-fledged custom furniture business.

Business in Miami went well for a while. “At the time, there were a lot of people with money to spend; they liked flamboyant, detailed pieces. They loved that I used exotic wood from all over the world,” he says. But when the economy took a downturn in recent years, big money clients dried up and so did his business. “With a second child on the way, I knew I had to try something new.”

With his growing family in tow, Hanna’s next stop would be Jamaica. Today, the young entrepreneur still frequents Florida, where he does one-off design jobs and makes custom furniture pieces. In Jamaica he has expanded his offering to include corporate and residential production work, as well as custom pieces. “Right now, in Jamaica I am focused on building a solid reputation; to be known as reliable and to do quality work,” Hanna notes.

Hanna also boasts a progressive, environmentally-conscious business model. The company’s lumber is all imported from the United States from both certified sustainable forests that are monitored and replanted as necessary, as well as from reclaimed tree parts. He hopes to create similar programmes in Jamaica.

Aside from a unique aesthetic sensibility for furniture design, a meticulous keenness for detail, a vast knowledge base about all things wood-related, Hanna, most of all, has an undeniable love for his work.

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Statue at Bob Marley Museum

Music When the definitive documentary on Jamaica’s biggest icon opened, it did so in Kingston to an audience of over 4,000 people. Even the light rain that fell during the screening did little to stir the audience from their trance as they watched the story of the man who put Jamaica on the map.

MARLEY, a collaboration between award-winning British director Kevin MacDonald and the Marley family, has been described as the official life story of the most famous Jamaican. The movie “humanises him and brings his story to a new, younger audience,” says Cedella Marley, Bob and Rita Marley‘s first child, “but he is still mystifying.”

Max Earle

Rosemarie Chung, Studio 174 is a refuge for downtown artists, providing a space for the area’s underprivileged residents to express their creative side. The studio has been running for over six years, and works to expose inner-city youth to art, aiming to reduce the levels of crime and guiding them to discover hidden artistic talents.

The studio also offers art therapy as a healing power, using a holistic approach to solve psychological problems that affect youth and their stability. For example, following the violence in Tivoli in 2010, Chung stepped in with Studio 174 to provide some of the affected youth with an outlet to express their frustrations and sadness.

Marley died more than 30 years ago, yet is still one of Jamaica’s most recognisable global icons.

Marley died more than 30 years ago, yet is still one of Jamaica’s most recognisable global icons. And while there have been a number of biographies written on his life (official and unofficial) as well as documentaries, this is the first documentary that is endorsed by the Marley family.

With never-before-seen footage, authentic audio and original video, the documentary seeks to leave audiences with an even stronger connection to Marley. “We wanted people to know that he was a hard worker, dedicated to his task,” says Cedella. “He was on a mission, and he stood firm in what he believed in and worked hard to get his message out to the world.” That message was one of world peace and love; a message that transcends time. MARLEY is more than just the story of a man. It tells the story of a nation in transition, finding its feet as a newly independent nation, struggling to define itself on every level.

While reggae music may have put Jamaica on the map, there are new musical genres that are also producing incredible talents and drawing ever-increasing fans in Jamaica. Electronic dance music, the electrifying beat that often transcends language, is an ever-evolving genre, and one that is now gaining popularity in Jamaica. In 2008, Steve “Urchin” Wilson and Terrence “Farenzzi” Harold joined forces to host club nights that focused on promoting alternative and dance music artists and DJs on both the local and international scene. Their weekly house nights at Fiction, the popular Kingston club, spawned a global movement renamed Brand New Machine (BNM) Global in 2010 with weekly events in Los Angeles, New York and other cities.

This growing appreciation for electronic dance music encouraged Wilson to team up with Christopher “Redselecter” Edmonds to form BNM Records to take on the international dance market. Edmond explains, “There are a number of talented local producers and artistes making house music, dubstep, techno, drum and bass, and so on, and we wanted to both give a voice to this local talent, as well as show the international market that we have things going in Jamaica that are of a standard that can attract international attention.”

Moving from the clubs to the churches, it is said that Jamaica has the most churches per square mile in the world. So it only seems natural that gospel music is immensely popular in Jamaica. In fact, it is so popular that Jamaicans have spawned their own gospel genre: reggae gospel. Nicholas Eccleston, better known as DJ Nicholas, is perhaps one of the island’s most popular reggae gospel personalities.

Turning to the Christian faith later in life — at age 20 — his passion for music led him to gospel music. He was inspired by such founders of reggae gospel as Ryan Mark, Goddy Goddy and Prodigal Son, who used music to spread their message of faith on both local and international stages.

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OF EVENTS Make sure to check the calendar to see what’s happening on Jamaica during your stay. Dates and venues are subject to change without notice. For more details and events, please go to visitjamaica.com.

January Accompong Maroon Festival Accompong, St. Elizabeth 876-952-4546 Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival Greenfield Stadium, Trelawny 876-953-8282 / 929-9200-19 JSP High Mountain Coffee 10K Road Race Williamsfield, Manchester 876-963-4211 / 4319 Kingston City Run Kingston; 876-926-3635-6 National League Netball Matches National Stadium, Kingston 876-920-1534 / 926-0074 Rebel Salute Richmond Estate, St. Ann 876-934-0827 February Bacchanal / Jamaica Carnival Kingston; 876-922-3840 / 923-9138-9

March Jamaica Lifestyle & Wellness Fest Mandeville; 876-470-8536 Jamaica Orchid Society Show Kingston; 876-927-6713 JAMFEST Spring Break Concert Series Negril; 410-787-9500 ext. 230 Kingston Book Festival Kingston; 876-922-3640 / 260-0114 Royal Jamaica Yacht Club Spring Tournament 2013 Kingston; 876-924-8685 / 8686 Soul Rebellion Spring Break Party Negril; 516-850-6330 Trelawny 10K Road Race Falmouth, Trelawny 876-610-0818 / 393-6584 April Expo Jamaica National Arena, Kingston 876-922-8880-3 / 8869 Jamaica International Kite Festival Richmond Estate, St. Ann 876-974-6810 Kingston Pon Di River Kingston; 876-382-5624

Max Earle

CALENDAR

Bob Marley Celebrations Islandwide; 876-978-2991-3 Fi Wi Sinting Somerset Falls, Portland 876-913-0103 International Reggae Conference Kingston; 876-970-6217 Jamaica Fat Tyre Festival St. Mary, Ocho Rios; 876-975-3393 Jamaica Polo Association Tournament Kingston; 876-972-2762 Misty Bliss Festival Holywell, Kingston; 876-960-2848-9 The Pineapple Cup Miami / MoBay Race Montego Bay 876-979-8469 / 361-2396 Sugar Cane Ball Round Hill Resort, Montego Bay 876-956-7050-5

MBYC Easter Regatta Montego Bay; 876-979-8038 St. Elizabeth Horticultural Show St. Elizabeth Horticultural Soc. Showground; 876-965-2288 Treasure Beach (Jakes) Off-Road Triathlon Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth 876-978-9950 / 965-0635 Trelawny Yam Festival Hague Showgrounds, Trelawny 876-610-0818 May Calabash Jubilation!

Treasure Beach, South Coast 876-382-6777 Jamaica International Invitational Athletic Meet National Stadium, Kingston 876-978-7102 / 9983 Style Week Jamaica / Fashion Block Kingston; 876-969-9645 / 3829 June All Jamaica Grill Off Kingston; 876-383-4900 AMCHAM / BMW Golf Classic Montego Bay; 876-929-7866-7 Caribbean Fashion Week Villa Ronai, Kingston; 876-968-1089 Earthbound Jamaica Eco / Green for Life Festival River Falls, St. Elizabeth; 876-754-3381 Jamaica International Ocho Rios Jazz Festival Islandwide; 876-927-3544 Kingston On the Edge Urban Art Festival Kingston; 876-909-9594 Treasure Beach Jazz Escape Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth 876-571-0818 July 2nd Annual Rio Nuevo Reggae Crab Fest Rio Nuevo Village, St. Mary 954-612-2945 / 876-443-3339

Hi Pro Low / High Goal Family Polo Tournament St. Ann; 876-952-4370 / 383-5586 International Reggae Day Kingston; 876-622-5986 Jamaica Festival Kingston & Montego Bay 876-926-5726 Little Ochi Seafood Carnival Alligator Pond, Manchester 876-381-4818 Makka Pro Surf Contest St. Thomas; 876-750-0103 One Day International / Test Cricket Kingston; 876-922-8423-4 Portland Jerk Festival Folly Oval, Portland 876-322-2140 / 373-6220 Reggae Sumfest Catherine Hall, Montego Bay 876-953-2933 The Seville Emancipation Jubilee Seville Heritage Park, St. Ann 876-922-1287-8

World Tourism Day Islandwide; 876-920-4926 October 50th Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament Port Antonio, Portland 876-927-0145 / 925-0699 Lucea Across the Harbour Swim Meet & Regatta Hanover Michael Holding Masters Cricket Tournament Sabina Park, Kingston & Trelawny Stadium, Trelawny 246-228-4717 / 718-270-5300 Oktoberfest Alhambra Inn, Kingston South Coast Hook & Line Canoe Tournament Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth 876-965-0635 / 3185

August (Absolute) Temptation Isle — ATI Negril Bath Food Festival Bath, St. Thomas; 876-860-2014 The Dream Weekend Negril; 876-631-6623 International Reggae Wine Festival Montego Bay; 876-971-0814 / 899-9574 Mello-Go-Roun’ Kingston; 876-926-5726-9 Ocho Rios Seafood Festival Turtle River Park, Ocho Rios; 876-336-8563

November Annie’s Revenge Montego Bay 305-665-0557 Jamaica Triathlon Montego Bay 876-578-3581 Jamaica Open & Pro AM Montego Bay 876-906-7636-7 JMMC All Stages Rally Bog Walk to New Kingston 876-764-9904 Restaurant Week Kingston; 876-978-6245

September Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) TBA; 876-926-3635-6 Legends of Cricket T20 Carnival Falmouth; 876-362-9268 Miss Global International Pageant Montego Bay Convention Centre 876-953-9020-2

December Harbour Fest and Fireworks on the Waterfront Kingston; 876-362-6445 LTM National Pantomime Kingston 876-926-6129 / 906-4959 Reggae Marathon Negril; 876-922-8677 / 977-0049

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USEFUL INFORMATION As you get to know Jamaica, you’ll learn the ins and outs of the culture and people who call this paradise home.

But it is always good to have a little help — and a nice crash course — when exploring a new destination. Here is your guide to Jamaica to get you started on a memorable stay. Phone numbers and rates listed were correct at press time.

Airlines Air Canada

1-800-677-2485 876-924-8211 Air Europa 1-800-238-7672 Air Jamaica 1-888-359-2475 876-922-3460 Air Turks and Caicos 876-926-1762 American Airlines 1-800-744-0006 British Airways 1-800-247-9297 Caribbean Airlines 1-800-744-2225 Cayman Airways 1-800-422-9626 876-929-7778 / 7779 Continental Airlines 1-800-231-0856 Copa Airlines 1-800-234-2672 968-5330 / 926-0326 Delta Airlines 1-800-221-1212 Northwest Airlines 1-800-225-2525 Jamaica Air Shuttle 876-906-9025-30 Spirit Airlines 1-888-477-4748 US Airways 1-800-428-4322 Virgin Atlantic 1-800-744-7477 876-971-8917 WestJet Airlines 1-800-538-5696 Airports Norman Manley International Airport, Kingston 1-888-AIRPORT 876-924-8452-6 Donald Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay 876-952-3124 ATMs Most Jamaican ATMs (called ABMs on the island) accept international bank cards with Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus or Plus logos.

Buses Buses are a cheap way to get around, although it will be an unfamiliar experience to most Westerners since bus stands are rarely marked and vehicles do not follow a strict schedule. Some resorts offer bus excursions

to different tourist sites. Check with your hotel’s concierge for more information.

Climate Jamaica enjoys a tropical climate, characterised by high temperatures and humid conditions year-round. Average temperature ranges from 66 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius) to 99 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius).

Though it’s known for warmth and sunshine, the island sees two rainy seasons from May to June and September to November. Also, hurricanes may pass over the island primarily from June to September.

If it rains during your stay, don’t worry.

Most times, the short tropical showers provide a welcome break from the afternoon heat.

Credit Cards Major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted throughout the island.

Currency The currency of Jamaica is the Jamaica Dollar. Licensed “cambio” (exchange) centres and commercial banks are accessible in all resort areas. Official currency exchange rates vary daily, so it’s advisable to shop around for the best rate before converting your cash.

Customs and Duty United States residents who have been out of the country for 48 hours or more may take home items valued up to US$800 once every 30 days without incurring duty.

Adults may include 200 cigarettes, 100 non-Cuban cigars and one litre of alcohol. A second litre of alcohol is allowed duty-free if it is produced by a Caribbean Basin country. Family members who return

home together may combine their personal exemptions on a joint declaration. Visit cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/ duty_free.xml for more information.

Canadian residents who have been out of the country for more than 48 hours can claim up to CAN$400 worth of goods without paying duty if they carry the goods with them. After each absence of seven days or more, they can claim up to CAN$750 worth of goods without duty. Except for tobacco products and alcohol, they do not need to have the goods with them. Visit cbsa-asfc. gc.ca for more information.

United Kingdom residents 17 or older may take home duty-free two litres of table wine and one litre of spirits or liquors, or two litres of fortified or sparkling wine or other liquors; 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco; 60 cc of perfume and 250 cc of eau de toilette; plus other goods worth up to £145. Travellers cannot group their allowances. Visit hmrc. gov.uk for more information.

Departure Tax There is a $20 departure tax that must be paid upon departure. However, most airlines include this tax in their tickets. Otherwise, the fee may be paid only in cash upon check-in.

Driving In Jamaica, drivers must keep to the left, although some flexibility is required to avoid collisions with pedestrians, cows, goats, chickens and other domestic animals. The speed limit is 30 mph (50 kmph) in urban areas and 50 mph (80 kmph) on highways.

Given the mountainous terrain, rural roads are often winding, bumpy and narrow.

Tourists can rent cars in most major towns and cities, and, usually, clients must be no

Š Corbis/SuperStock

Catamaran on Sandy Beach

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less than 25 years old to rent. The driver and all passengers are required to wear safety belts, and children under 3 years old must travel in infant carriers or child safety seats.

All drivers are required to carry a valid license. Jamaica recognises valid international driver’s licenses, but visitors from North America may use their country’s license for up to three months per visit, and United Kingdom residents may use theirs for up to one year.

Drugs In Jamaica, the use, sale and possession of drugs such as marijuana (ganja), cocaine, crack, ecstasy, heroin and any other controlled substances is illegal. Offenders are subject to severe punishments, including arrest, fines and imprisonment.

Electricity Standard electrical service is similar to

that of the United States and Canada: 110 volts, 50 cycles AC. However, there is 220 volts service available at some hotels.

Holidays 2013 On public holidays, all government agencies, schools and most private businesses are closed, and much of the country celebrates. Please plan accordingly.

New Year’s Day Ash Wednesday

Tuesday, January 1

Wednesday, February 13 Good Friday Friday, March 29 Easter Monday Monday, April 1 Labour Day Thursday, May 23 Emancipation Day Thursday, August 1 Independence Day Tuesday, August 6 Heroes’ Day Monday, October 21 Christmas Day Wednesday, December 25 Boxing Day Thursday, December 26

Language The official language of Jamaica is English, although most locals speak Patois, a colourful dialect.

Safety As with any place in the world, you should always remember to follow basic precautions to avoid possible predicaments. Keep all luggage in view at all times and your personal effects close to your body; don’t carry large amounts of cash; and avoid wearing expensive jewellery outside of your resort.

Taxis Taxis are the most convenient mode of transportation, but not always the cheapest. All registered taxis in Jamaica are required by law to have red “PP” license plates. You are advised not to board any taxi operating illegally.

Although all taxis have metres, drivers will rarely use them and will instead negotiate a fare with you. It is best to discuss this fare with the driver before boarding the taxi.

The fastest and most economical taxis are those used by locals, called “route taxis” — cars that drive a designated course and pick up and drop off passengers at will. These are shared cabs that will usually pack several people willing to go on the same route.

Tipping It is customary to leave a 10 to 15 percent gratuity at restaurants. Please make sure to check your bill, as some establishments will have already included the gratuity in your total.

Water All piped water in Jamaica is treated and purified in accordance to international standards. You may drink it, bathe in it and brush your teeth with it.

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HOTELS/RESORTS JHTA MEMBERS

Braco Village Hotel & Spa Rio Bueno, Trelawny 876-632-7226

RIU Montego Bay Mahoe Bay, Rose Hall 876-940-8010

Charela Inn Hotel Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4277 / 4648-50

KINGSTON Altamont Court Hotel 1-3 Altamont Terrace, Kingston 5 876-929-4497-8 / 876-929-5931

Coyaba Beach Resort & Spa 22 Mahoe Bay, Rose Hall 876-953-9150-3

Round Hill Hotel John Pringle Drive, Montego Bay 1, St. James 876-956-7050

Cocolapalm Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4227 / 3455-7

Christar Villas Limited 99A Hope Road, Kingston 6 876-978-3933 / 7864 / 8066-71

Doctors Cave Beach Hotel Gloucester Avenue, Montego Bay 876-952-4355-9

The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites 85 Knutsford Blvd., Kingston 5 876-929-9000

El Greco Resort 11 Queens Drive, Montego Bay 876-940-6116 / 940-6120

Golden Shore Resort Limited Lot 288B Windward Drive Lyssons, St. Thomas 876-982-9657 / 734-0923-4

Gloucestershire Hotel 92 Gloucester Ave., Montego Bay 876-940-6776 / 952-4420

Hotel Four Seasons 18 Ruthven Road, Kingston 10 876-926-0682 / 8805 Jamaica Pegasus Hotel 81 Knutsford Blvd., Kingston 5 876-926-3690-9 / 926-3100-8 Kircamp Properties / The Gardens 23 Liguanea Ave., Kingston 10 876-927-8275 Knutsford Court Hotel 16 Chelsea Ave., Kingston 10 876-929-1000 / 3407 Liguanea Club 80 Knutsford Blvd., Kingston 5 876-926-8144-5 or 6

Half Moon, a RockResort Rose Hall, St. James 876-953-2211 / 2344-93 Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa Rose Hall, St. James 876-953-2650 Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort Rose Hall, St. James 876-953-2485-9 Hotel Gloriana 1-2 Sunset Blvd., Montego Bay 876-979-0669 Iberostar Rose Hall Beach & Spa Resort Rose Hall Main Road, St. James 876-680-0000

Sandals Carlyle Kent Avenue, Montego Bay 876-952-4140 Sandals Montego Bay Kent Avenue, Montego Bay 876-952-5510-5 Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island Mahoe Bay, Rose Hall, St. James 876-953-2301-8 Secrets St. James Montego Freeport, Montego Bay 876-953-6600 Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Freeport, Montego Bay 876-953-6600 Silent Waters Villas White Sands Beach P.O. 876-971-9119-21 Sunset Beach Resort & Spa Montego Freeport, Montego Bay 876-979-8800 Toby’s Resort 1 Kent Ave., Montego Bay 876-952-4370

Mayfair Hotel 4 West Kings House Close, Kingston 10 876-926-1610-2 / 929-3703

Luxury Tennis Golf Villas Rose Hall, St. James 876-953-2732

Tryall Club Sandy Bay Main Road, Hanover 876-956-5660-3

Medallion Hall Hotel 53 Hope Road, Kingston 6 876-927-5721 / 5866 / 6116

N Resort Falmouth, Trelawny 876-973-4124

The Wexford Hotel 39 Gloucester Ave., Montego Bay 876-952-2854-5

Spanish Court Hotel 1 St. Lucia Ave., Kingston 5 876-926-0000

Palm View Resort & Conference Centre 22 Delisser Drive, Montego Bay 876-952-1738 / 8321 / 1800

NEGRIL (WESTMORELAND) Beach House Villas Jamaica Ltd. Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4731 / 4647 / 9162

Strawberry Hill Hotel & Spa Liguanea, Kingston 6 876-944-8400 Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel 17 Waterloo Road, Kingston 10 876-926-2211-3 / 9334-9 Wyndham Kingston, Jamaica 77 Knutsford Blvd., Kingston 5 876-926-5430-7 MONTEGO BAY (ST. JAMES) Altamont West Hotel 33 Gloucester Ave., Montego Bay, St. James 876-952-9087 / 876-929-4497-8

The Palmyra Resort & Spa The Palms, Rose Hall St. James 876-632-8100

Beachcomber Club Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4171-4

Relax Resort 16 Hobbs Ave., White Sands Beach 876-952-6944 / 979-0656

Beaches Negril Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-9270-4

Richmond Hill Inn Union Street, Montego Bay 876-952-3859

Breezes Grand Resort & Spa Rutland Point, Negril 876-957-5010-8

The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort Rose Hall, St. James 876-953-2204 / 953-2800

The Caves Resort & Spa Lighthouse Road, Negril 876-957-0270

Country Country Ltd Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4273 Couples Negril Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-5960-9 Couples Swept Away Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4062-6 Firefly Beach Cottages Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4368 / 9325 Foote Prints On The Sand Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4300 / 3152 Fun Holiday Beach Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-3585 Grand Palladium Resort Point District, Lucea, Hanover 876-619-0000-9 Hedonism II Rutland Point, Negril 876-957-5200 Hotel Samsara Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4395 Jackie’s on the Reef West Cliff Estates, West End Road, Negril 876-957-4997 Merrils Beach Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4751 / 3122 Moon Dance Villas Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-9000 Negril Hills Golf Club & Resort Sheffield, Negril 876-957-4638 / 4240 / 3614 Negril Tree House Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4287-8 Negril’s Idle Awhile Ltd. Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-3302 / 3303

RIU Club Negril Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-5700 / 5985

Club Ambiance Runaway Bay, St. Ann 876-973-6167 / 4705-6

Royal Plantation Golf Club & Spa 142 Main Street, St. Ann 876-974-5601-2

RIU Palace Tropical Bay Resort Bloody Bay, Negril 876-957-5900

Columbus Heights (Tourism Consultants) Ocho Rios, St. Ann; 876-974-1921

Sandals Golf & Country Club Upton; 876-975-0119-21

Rockhouse Hotel Lighthouse Road, West End Negril; 876-957-4373

Couples Ocho Rios Ocho Rios, St. Ann; 876-975-4271-5

Rondel Village Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4413 / 4651-2 Rooms On The Beach Negril Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-3500 Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-5216-7 / 5230-1/ 5254-5

Couples Sans Souci Ocho Rios, St. Ann; 876-994-1206-14 Crystal Ripple Beach Lodge White River Bay; 876-974-6132 Fisherman’s Point Turtle Beach Road, St. Ann 876-974-4147 / 973-4809 Franklyn D. Resort Runaway Bay, St. Ann 876-973-4591-8

Sandy Bay Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-618-5000-1

Goldeneye Oracabessa, St. Mary; 876-622-9007

Sandy Haven Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-3200

Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica Hotel Salt Coppers, Runaway Bay, St. Ann 876-973-7000 / 7655

Sea Splash Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4041-3

Hermosa Cove Villa Resort & Suites Hermosa Street Pineapple, Ocho Rios 876-974-3699

Seawind Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-9018

Hibiscus Lodge Hotel 83 Main Street, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-2676 / 2594 / 2813

Seastar Inn Seastar Road, West End 876-957-0553

Jamaica Inn Main Street, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-2514-8

Shields Negril Villas Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-3112 / 9001 / 9006

The Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort & Spa Mammee Bay, St. Ann 876-972-7400

Sunset at The Palms Resort & Spa Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-5350 / 5360 Tensing Pen Hotel West End Road, Negril; 876-957-0387 Travellers Beach Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-9308 / 3039 White Sands Cottages Ltd. Norman Manley Blvd., Westmoreland 876-957-4291 / 4445

Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villas Golf Club Main Street, St. Ann 876-974-5486-9 Shaw Park Beach Hotel Cutlass Bay, St. Ann 876-974-2552-4 / 795-1300 Sunflower Beach Resort Villas / Leisure Holiday Runaway Bay, St. Ann; 876-973-4809 Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort, Spa & Conference Centre St. Ann; 876-974-2200-19 PORT ANTONIO (PORTLAND) Bay View Villas Anchovy, Williamsfield, Port Antonio, Portland 876-993-3118 Geejam Hotel Group Ltd. San San, Port Antonio, Portland 876-993-7000 / 993-7246 Goblin Hill Villas Port Antonio, Portland 876-993-7443 / 5737 / 7549 Hotel Mocking Bird Hill Port Antonio; 876-993-7267 / 7134 SOUTH COAST Golf View Hotel & Conference Centre 51/2 Caledonia Road, Mandeville, Middlesex 876-962-4471 / 4474

The Jewel Runaway Bay Runaway Bay, St. Ann 876-973-6099

Jakes Hotel, Villas & Spa Calabash Bay P.A., Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth 876-965-3000

Mystic Ridge Jamaica Ltd. 17 DaCosta Drive, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-431-8685

Mandeville Hotel 4 Hotel St., Mandeville, Manchester 876-962-2138 / 9764

Prospect Plantation Villas Prospect, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-994-1373 / 1452

Marblue Villa Suites & Restaurant Old Wharf, Calabash Bay P.A. Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth 876-965-3408 / 848-0001 / 840-5772

RIU Club Ocho Rios Mammee Bay, St. Ann; 876-972-2200

OCHO RIOS (ST. ANN) Beaches Boscobel Resort & Golf Club Oracabessa, St. Mary 876-975-7777 / 7666

Rooms On The Beach Ocho Rios Main Street, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-2008 / 6632

The Cardiff Hotel & Spa Runaway Bay, St. Ann 876-973-6671-4

Royal Decameron Club Caribbean Runaway Bay, St. Ann 876-973-4675 / 6348 / 4802

Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa Whitehouse, Westmoreland 876-640-3000-9 Treasure Beach Hotel Frenchman’s Bay Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth 876-965-0110-1 / 965-2305

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SERVICES AND ALLIED

AIRLINES & AIRPORTS AUTHORITY Airports Authority of Jamaica Norman Manley International Airport, Kingston 876-924-8452-6 British Airways Norman Manley International Airport 876-656-8961 Caribbean Airlines Norman Manley International Airport, Kingston 876-924-8318 Delta Airlines Inc. Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay 876-952-4033 Jamaica Air Shuttle Ltd. (Airways International Ltd.), Tinson Pen Aerodrome P.O. Box 50, Kingston 11 876-901-5196 / 818-8964 (c)

ASSOCIATIONS The American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica (Affiliate) Room 119, Jamaica Pegasus Hotel 81 Knutsford Blvd., Kingston 5 876-929-7866-7

Bob Marley Group of Companies 56 Hope Road, Kingston 6 876-978-2991 / 927-9152

Ventura Photo & Video Services 22 Market Street, Montego Bay, St. James 876-952-2937

Business Recovery Services Ltd. T/A Eco Tours – The Enchanted Gardens 3rd Floor, Victoria Mutual Building 53 Knutsford Blvd., Kingston 5 876-920-8128 / 974-8508

AUDITORS Pricewaterhousecoopers P.O. Box 180, 32 Market St., Montego Bay, St. James 876-952-5065 / 6151

CAR RENTALS Chukka Caribbean Adventure Tours Ltd. Shop #2, Freeport Shopping Centre Montego Bay, St. James 876-953-6699 / 684-9934 Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club White Sands Beach P.O. Gloucester Avenue, Montego Bay 876-952-2566 Dolphin Cove P.O. Box 21, Dunn’s River, Ocho Rios 876-795-2272 Falmouth Jamaica Land Company 6A Holborn Road, Kingston 10 876-954-4321 or 305-539-6071

Bargain Rent-A-Car (Jamaica) Ltd. (Affiliate) 1 Merrick Avenue, Kingston 10 876-926-8021 / 1958 / 1909 Budget Rent-A-Car / International Rental 53 South Camp Road, Kingston 4 876-759-1793 Fiesta Car Rentals (Ja) Ltd. 14 Waterloo Road, Kingston 10 876-926-0133 / 929-3832 Galaxy Leisure & Tours Ltd. 75 Red Hills Road, Kingston 2 876-925-4176 Hemisphere Car Rental Company Ltd. 51 Manchester Road, P.O. Box 299, Mandeville 876-962-1921 / 6111

Five Star Watersports Ltd. 121 Main Street, Shop #14, Santa Maria Shoppes Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-2446 / 4593 / 6838 / 795-3984

Island Car Rentals Ltd. 17 Antigua Avenue, Kingston 10 876-926-8861 / 5991

The Association of Jamaica Attractions Ltd. c/o Dolphin Cove, Dunn’s River 876-795-2272

Galleon Captain Hook Jamaica Shop #9 Half Moon Shopping Village Rose Hall, Montego Bay, St. James 876-953-8016

Sunsational Car Rental & Tours Ltd. Suite 206, Chatwick Plaza 10 Queens Drive, Montego Bay 876-952-1212

Culinary Federation of Jamaica c/o The Cardiff Hotel & Spa Runaway Bay, St. Ann 876-974-2508 / 975-5653

Green Grotto Caves & Attractions St. Ann Development Company P.O. Box 205, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-973-3217 / 2841

CONFERENCE CENTRES

Jamaica Association of Villas & Apartments Pineapple Place, P.O. Box 298, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-2508 / 975-5653

Kool Runnings Water Park Norman Manley Blvd., P.O. Box 3475 Negril, Westmoreland 876-957-5400 / 5620 / 5418

Montego Bay Convention Centre Rose Hall, Montego Bay, St. James 876-293-0393

Jamaica Automobile Association 7 Central Ave., Swallowfield, Kingston 5 876-968-6007 / 929-1200-1

Mystic Mountain Limited P.O. Box 259, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-3990 / 382-6124

Jamaica Rent-A-Car Assoc. Ltd. 31 Hope Road, Kingston 10 876-920-5289

VIP Attractions (Lost World Airport Attractions) 2A Hillcrest Avenue, Kinston 6 876-618-3651 / 3652

The Association of Duty Free Shops of Jamaica P.O. Box 538, Montego Bay 876-952-982-3 / 979-9028

Jamaica Conference Centre 14-20 Port Royal Street, Kingston 876-922-9160-9

DUTY-FREE SHOPS

National Cruise Council Of Jamaica Shop #2, Montego Freeport Shopping Centre Freeport Montego Bay, St. James 876-953-6691

Zipline Adventure Tours P.O. Lethe Estate, Hanover 876-940-7394

ATTRACTIONS

AUDIO VISUAL COMPANIES

Appleton Estate Rum Tour c/o Appleton Estate Siloah P.O., St. Elizabeth 876-963-9215-7

Jamaica Audio Visual Company Ltd. (JAVCO).

Shop #3, Half Moon Shopping Village Rose Hall, St. James 876-953-2546

B.D. Dadlani Jamaica Ltd. D/B/A Casa de Oro, Suite 7C, Shoppes at Rose Hall, Montego Bay 1 876-952-3371 Swiss Stores Ltd. 107 Harbour St., P.O. Box 171, Kingston G.P.O. 876-922-8050-4 Tropicana Duty Free Jewellers 42-44 City Centre Building P.O. Box 538, Montego Bay 876-952-6982 VVS One Limited T/A House of Diamonds, 7 Taj Mahal Plaza P.O. Box 889, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-795-2921 / 24

ENTERTAINMENT

MEDICAL SERVICES

Dream Entertainment Ltd. Unit 28, Winchester Business Centre 15 Hope Road, Kingston 10 876-631-6623

Heart Institute Of The Caribbean Ltd. 23 Balmoral Ave., Kingston 10 876-906-2105-8

Implementation Limited (Affiliate) 56 Hope Road, Kingston 6 876-978-2997-9 J. Wray & Nephew Ltd. 234 Spanish Town Road, P.O. Box 191, Kingston 11 876-923-7331-5 / 6670

Havana Club & Cigar Lounge (overseas) P.O. Box 127, Industrial Park Way/Grand Cayman BWI 345-946-5396

Hospiten Jamaica Ltd. Half Moon Shopping Village, P.O. Box 2025 Half Moon, Rose Hall, Montego Bay 876-618-0290

Headline Entertainment Ltd. 8 Haughton Ave., Kingston 10 876-754-1526

Omega Medical Services Ltd. Norman Manley Blvd., Negril, Westmoreland 876-957-9223 / 0307

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

PURVEYORS

Jamaica National Building Society 2-4 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10 876-926-1344-9

Appliance Traders Limited 35 Half Way Tree Road, Kingston 5 876-926-3371-5

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Barnaby Engineering & Testing 27 Queens Ave., Kingston 10 876-929-6111

Jamaica Spring Water Company 154 Main Street P.O. Box 335, Ocho Rios 876-974-5151

Bogues Brothers Industries Ltd. 471/2 Old Hope Road, Kingston 5 876-978-4310-4

Perry’s Manufacturing Co. Ltd. 82 Hagley Park Road, Kingston 10 876-923-4810 / 4340

Caribbean Producers (Jamaica) Ltd. Unit #2, L.O.J. Freeport Center 1 Guinep Way, Montego Bay 876-979-8725-8 / 8134-6

Rainforest Seafoods Ltd. 23-25 Coconut Way Montego Freeport Montego Bay 876-953-6688

Echos Consulting Ltd. Technology Innovation Centre, 237 Hope Rd., Kingston 6 876-512-2558

INSURANCE BROKERAGES Billy Craig Insurance Brokers 28-30 Portsville Plaza, Montego Freeport P.O. Box 214, Montego Bay 1, St. James 876-926-1140-4 / 952-5070-1 CGM Gallagher Insurance Brokers 27 Harbour St., Kingston 876-948-6995 Fraser Fontaine & Kong Ltd. Insurance Brokers 28 Pawsey Place, Kingston 5 876-926-1140-4

Cleopatra’s Collection 13 Constant Spring Road Shop 22, Pavilion Mall 876-938-7633 / 968-4781 Cool Connection Ltd. / X-Pose Services (Affiliate) 65 Red Hills Road, Kingston 20 876-924-5828 / 3436

MANAGEMENT COMPANIES Evelyn Smith & Associates 43 Orange Bay Country Club Orange Bay, Hanover 876-869-8156

Denway Corporation Suite 19, Technology Innovation Centre 237 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6 876-322-9804

Time Square Plaza Norman Manley Blvd., P.O. Box 2989, Negril 876-957-9263

Diversey Jamaica Ltd. 83 Hagley Park Road, P.O. Box 230, Kingston 11 876-926-8678

MARKETING, PROMOTION & PUBLIC RELATIONS COMPANIES Amstar DMC Jamaica 121 Providence Dr., Ironshore, Industrial Estate, Rose Hall, Half Moon, Montego Bay, St. James 876-971-9887 Caribbean World Enterprises Ltd. 28 Queen’s Drive Montego Bay, St. James 876-952-6404 Jamaica Trade & Investment (JAMPRO) (Affiliate) 18 Trafalgar Road P.O. Box 8658 C.S.O., Kingston 876-978-7755 / 3337

Earthwise Plastics, Inc. (Overseas) 2703 West 9th Street, Marion, Indiana 765-673-0308 Ecolab 6 Elgin Road, Kingston 5 876-926-0750 / 0755

Jamaica Bedding Company Ltd. 29 East Street Old Harbour, St. Catherine 876-983-0583 / 0646 Jamaica Broilers Group McCooks Pen, St. Catherine 876-943-4370

Red Stripe 214 Spanish Town Road Kingston 11 876-923-9291 Sealy Mattress Co. (W.I.) Ltd. 519 Spanish Town Road, P.O. Box 229, Kingston 11 876-923-8420 / 0363 or 765-2225 / 2233 Smith & Stewart Distributors Ltd. 2-10 McArthur Ave., Kingston 11 876-923-3020 / 5610 Sun Island Jamaica Ltd. (CM Associates) 45 Molynes Road, Kingston 10 876-926-1330-4 Therapedic Caribbean Co. Ltd. 68 Lady Musgrave Road Kingston 10 876-927-7307 / 9466 / 5439

RESTAURANTS & BARS GraceKennedy Ltd. 73-751/2 Harbour St., Kingston P.O. Box 86; 876-922-3440-9 / 3540-5

Cosmo’s Restaurant Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-9072 / 4784

Humiclima Jamaica Limited 77 Claude Clarke Ave. Flanker, Montego Bay 876-564-2959

Evita’s Italian Restaurant Eden Bower Road, Ocho Rios, P.O. Box 118 876-974-2333 / 1718 / 1012

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Margaritaville White Sands P.O., Montego Bay 876-952-4777 / 3290

Jamaica Cultural Enterprises 7 Charlton Way, Kingston 8 876-549-8570 / 373-6370

Versair In-Flite Services Norman Manley International Airport 876-924-8131-6

Jamaica Tours Limited 1207 Providence Drive, Ironshore P.O. Box 227, Montego Bay 876-953-3700

SPORTS COMPANIES Caymanas Track Limited Gregory Park P.O., St. Catherine 876-988-2523-6

Jamaica Union Of Travellers Association (JUTA) Kingston 49 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 10 876-927-4534-36

TELECOMMUNICATIONS Columbus Business Solutions (FLOW) 6 St. Lucia Ave., Courtleigh Corporation Centre, Ground Floor, Kingston 5 876-620-2200 / 3111 LIME (Cable & Wireless) 2-6 Carlton Crescent, Kingston 10 876-926-9455 / 936-2725 Strobe (E-Tech) Communications Limited Top floor, Montego Bay P.O. #1 Box 402, St. James; 876-979-0325

TOUR COMPANIES & TOUR OPERATORS

Jamaica Union Of Travellers Association (JUTA) Montego Bay 60 Claude Clarke Ave., P.O. Box 1155, Montego Bay 876-952-0813 / 979-0778 Jamaica Union Of Travellers Association (JUTA) Negril Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4620 Johns Hall Adventure Tours 26 Hobbs Ave., Montego Bay, St. James 876-971-7776

Best Travel Ltd. 121 Main Street, Ocho Rios 876-974-0653

Knutsford Express Services Ltd. 69 Gloucester Ave., Montego Bay 876-971-1822

Caribic Vacations Ltd. 1310 Providence Drive, Ironshore Estates White Sands Beach P.O., St. James 876-953-9895 / 9878

Leisure For Pleasure Holiday & Tours Ltd. (Affiliate) 9 Linstar Close, Kingston 19 876-924-7027 / 7330 / 833-6186 / 453-8117

Glamour Destination Management Company Lot 1225 Providence Ave., Ironshore Industrial Estate Montego Bay #2, St. James 876-953-3810 / 0762

Prestige Leasing & Tours Ltd. 3-5 Victory Bldg, Shop 10A Fourth Street, Montego Bay 876-952-8495 / 9363

Hola Tours & Travel Ltd. Chatwick Plaza, 10 Queens Drive, Montego Bay 876-971-1298 Holiday Services Ltd. 73 Main Street, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-2948 / 5377 / 0192 Ilandestiny Tours & Travel Ltd. Shop #1, Taj Mahal Shopping Plaza, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-6031

Sun Holiday Tours Holiday Village P.O. Box 531, Rose Hall, St. James 876-953-3144 / 2937 / 2762 Sunshine Adventure Jamaica Ltd. (Affiliate) Providence Drive, White Sands Beach P.O., St. James 876-953-2919 Tourwise Ltd. 103 Main Street, P.O. Box 17, Ocho Rios 876-974-2344 / 2323

Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours 5 Kent Ave., Montego Bay 876-684-8672

Tropical Tours Ltd. 28 Queens Drive, P.O. Box 85, Montego Bay 876-952-1126

Jamaica Cooperative Automobile Limousine Tours Ltd. 80B Claude Clarke Ave. P.O. Box 265, Montego Bay 876-952-7574 / 8277

Vacation Master Jamaica Ltd. Shop #44, Blue Diamond Shopping Mall Morgan Road, P.O. Box 394, Montego Bay 876-953-2691 / 8357

cartier.com Ocho Rios: Island Village • Tel: 876 • 675 • 8998 Montego Bay: 24 Shoppes at Rose Hall • Tel: 876 • 953 • 9755 Negril: 2 Time Square Mall • Tel: 876 • 957 • 4922 Falmouth: #106 Historic Falmouth Pier • Tel: 876.632.4875 www.casadeoro.com • info@casadeoro.com • Fax: 876 • 953 • 3377

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