jamaica holidays

about jamaica holidays

 

Jamaica is loved by visitors for its natural beauty and wonderful laid-back atmosphere. A holiday here is about taking things easy, forget your watch and spend your days relaxing on a sandy beach. For the more active, there are wealth of activities on offer, swim at the famous Blue Lagoon, try one of the exciting water-sports, explore the cool Blue Mountains or make your way to the top of Dunn’s River Falls. This island of spectacular mountains, lush cane fields and stunning beaches also has a diverse cultural heritage. European influences are visible in the colonial buildings and plantation houses while the Rastafarian influence fills the air with the sounds of reggae. The popular resorts of Montego Bay and Negril offer endless entertainment options. With fabulous restaurants and nightclubs, you can enjoy the island’s local delicacies and dance the night away to sultry Caribbean rhythms. However you choose to spend your Jamaican holiday, you are sure to return home with a smiling face and maybe even a few new dance steps.

important holiday info

Climate:	Tropical	Time Zone:	GMT(-5)
Language:	English	Current Times:
Currency:	Jamaican Dollar	jamaica: 9-May-08 3:16 PM
Temperature:	25C/35C	UK: 9-May-08 8:16 PM

montego bay holidays

our hotels in montego bay

Montego Bay - known to the locals as Mo Bay, is located on the north of the island, towards the western side of the coast. The town is second in importance to Kingston, the capital and has an international airport of the same name, where the majority of tourists arrive. Montego Bay is the most established resort in Jamaica and has three main beaches, Walter Fletcher Beach, Corwall Beach and the most famous in the area Doctors Cave. Montego Bay's hotels have developed along the coast road and in the wooded hills above, both east and west of the town. They vary in standards from the luxurious to the more affordable but rustic and charming hillside properties. Montego Bay has an array of shops, both in the centre and also at Ironside, where there is a variety of goods from local handicrafts and souvenirs, to duty-free perfumes, jewellery and porcelain. Most hotels also have their own shops and boutiques.

There is plenty going on in Mo Bay, from golf, tennis, horse riding and of course a wide choice of watersports. Yacht charters and deep sea fishing are a popular pastime and in April visitors can welcome the winner of the Maimi - Montego Bay Yacht Race. Night life in Montego Bay is centred around the hotels, particularly at the all- inclusive properties. There are many excursion on offer for visitors to Montego Bay, from an island tour that visits Kingston, to the fine old plantation houses and coffee plantations, a visit to Dunns River Falls in Ocho Rios, or a day trip to Negril that ends with a majestic sunset.

negril holidays

our hotels in negril

Negril lies at the western tip of Jamaica, along a 7-mile stretch of soft sandy beach that continues to West End, a rocky headland with cliffs. Most of the hotels in the area, are located on the seaward side of the road, that links Negril to the resorts and towns further east. Building restrictions have meant that Negril 's hotels are built below a specified height, usually the height of a palm tree which has helped the area to retain its natural beauty. The clear water shelves gently to the offshore reef which is a haven for diving and snorkeling. Negril's West End offers some of the best diving in Jamaica as well as a haunt for music lovers and artists. It is also here, that the most popular bars, discos and live music venues are located, where reggae pulsates till the small hours and is home to the famous Rick's Cafe where you can watch tourists and locals cliff dive and then see the sunset.

For authentic local snacks there are many tiny roadside stalls to buy from. Shopping in Negril is in the centre where there is a selection of small shops and a plaza. There are also many roadside stalls selling local handicrafts and souvenirs, or hotel shops and boutiques. Excursion from Negril are mainly connected to the sporting activities available at sea, although some hotels do have transport for guests to Montego Bay, where the more serious shopper can browse. Many visitors to Negril also hire bicycles to get around the resort whereas some prefer to hire a car to venture further afield.

ocho rios holidays

our hotels in ocho rios

Ocho Rios on Jamaica's north coast, stretches some 18 miles around a beautiful bay with the beaches are reputed to be the best on the island and ideal for swimming and all watersports. Ocho Rios is also a popular call for cruise ships, where passengers can easily disembark to visit the local attractions. The bay is flanked by lush tropical vegetation of palm trees, sugar cane, coconut and fruit plantations. The town of Ocho Rios(as shopping plazas, craft markets and roadside stalls selling local handicraft and souvenirs. There is also duty free shopping in the plazas in Ocho Rios town and the larger hotels have a range of boutiques and shops, also having the major fast food chains and local Jamaican eating places, for those who want to sample spicy local dishes.

Just west of Ocho Rios is where you will find Dunns River Falls, one of Jamaica's most popular and famous natural attractions, other popular excursions are Fern Gully, once a river but now a fern covered road that forms part of the main road to Kingston & Shaw Park Botanical Gardens all of which are well worth a visit. Daytime and evening cruises are also popular around the stunning bay.

runaway bay holidays

our hotels in runaway bay

Runnaway Bay, the site where Columbus first landed, lies between the two resorts of Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. The beaches are good for swimming and excellent for watersports, in particular wind surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Runaway Bay is quieter and more relaxed than the neighbouring resorts and caters well for families and couples of all ages. Most hotels at Runaway Bay are located either by the beach or above, in the gently sloping hills that lie behind the coastal road. Beyond the renown resorts and golf courses of Runaway Bay , there's horse riding nearby at the equestrian centre of Chukka Cove, that features polo matches. horse riding lessons and trail rides through neighbouring plantations.

Runaway Bay's proximity to Ocho Rios means that the attraction of duty free shopping and Duns River Falls are easily accessible. The area is also a mecca for music fans. The tiny village of Nine Miles, close to Runaway Bay, celebrates the most famous of all Jamaica's sons, Bob Marley who was born and is buried in the village. Further inland, fishing, boating and horseback riding are part of an excursion to Goshen Widerness Resort, set in forested green hills and further east in the town of Oracabessa, is Goldeneye, the former home of author Ian Flemming . Runaway Bay is in the heart of the north coast and an excellent base for those who are looking for a little more than a beach holiday.

trelawny holidays

our hotels in trelawny

Trelawny, once part of the parish of St James, was separated to become a parish in its own right in 1770 and named in honour of Sir William Trelawny, the then Governor of Jamaica. The parish was wealthy from the sugar estates and the resulting export of sugar and rum to England. The parish of Trelawney became the centre of commerce in western Jamaica and boasts of having piped water before New York. Sadly Trelawny's wealth weakened with the demise of sugar in the 20th century, however it is undoubtedly one of the most historic parishes in Jamaica. Falmouth, named after the town in Cornwall where Sir William was born, is the parish capital and well worth a visit. The town is said to be the best laid out town in Jamaica, its beautiful if now faded architecture, unfolds the past glory of this quiet town. The Town Hall dates from1815 and was the focal point of the islands elite. It was here they gathered to dine and dance at Stately Balls under the resplendent glitter of huge chandeliers.

Today Trelawny is an ideal choice for a wonderful holiday; its beautiful stretch of soft sandy beach on the island's north coast is ideal for families and couples alike. Here the water is crystal clear and ideal for bathing, enjoying water and nautical sports or simply soaking up the sun in a relaxed atmosphere.