Jamaica Holidays - All Inclusive, Tailor made and package holidays to Jamaica

One of the Caribbean's most inspiring and colourful holiday destinations, Jamaica with its reggae-style, laidback way of life beckons travellers to loosen up, enjoy the gentle tropical breezes and sway with the palm trees in a harmonious dance of serenity and sheer relaxation. With a wealth of tourist attractions and places of interest, including museums, historical landmarks, natural riches and cultural sights, Jamaica has plenty to offer the inquisitive traveller who can't stand the thought of lying all day long on a glorious beach.

But then again there are many who fall under the spell of Jamaica's stunning beaches and spend all their Jamaica holidays enjoying the island's crystal-clear turquoise waters doing little else but bathe and suntan....and that's perfectly acceptable too! Whether you're a beach-bum, a history lover, and adventurous traveller or nature love, Jamaica has plenty of charm and character to enchant all!

Jamaica holidays – A snapshot

If you've never been to Jamaica before chances are that after the first visit you'll want to come back again. This mesmerising island is so rich in tradition, heritage and history that a single trip may not satisfy your curiosity if you endeavour to learn as much as possible from this fascinating Caribbean island. If on the other hand you head to Jamaica to enjoy the sun and the beaches you will be more than spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing where to stay, finding pampering hotels offering extreme relaxation and enjoying nearby attractions.

Famously known as the land of Bob Marley, lush sugar cane fields, verdant plantations, spectacular mountain ranges and glorious nature you might be surprised to learn that Jamaica is not all about its beaches but that it also has a wealth of things to offer if you venture further inland. You might not know it but Jamaica's original Arawak Taino inhabitants called the island "Xaymaca", which in their language meant the "Land of Springs" referring to its many waterfalls. In Jamaica you will not only find fascinating forest trails, hikes and nature routes, but also a wealth of spectacular waterfalls and endemic flora and fauna.

The third largest island in the Caribbean, Jamaica is a true holiday haven for those in search of unforgettable encounters, pristine beaches, a laidback attitude to leisure and relaxation, soothing rhythms and a wide variety of activities that range from all kinds of water sports to intrepid forest treks and even bungee jumping. Whether it's swimming in the paradisiacal waters of Blue Lagoon or climbing up the iconic Dunn's River Falls, in Jamaica you're sure to have a blast!

With so many vibrant colours and inspiring landscapes it's hard to give a snapshot into Jamaica without leaving out some of its most amazing attributes. One thing you can be sure of, whatever type of Jamaica holidays you choose, whether you're travelling alone, with your partner, a group of friends or the whole family, this island won't certainly disappoint!

Package holidays to Jamaica

For a Jamaica holiday in which all you have to worry about is making it to the airport on time and kicking back and relaxing once you've arrived to your resort, package holidays are your best option, as they include the cost of the flights, the hotel transfers and the room rate.

We specialise in putting together perfectly crafted holiday packages to Jamaica that range from 7, 10 and 14 nights stays with a varied array of resorts and hotels to choose; from top notch luxury exclusive hotels to more affordable but equally charming accommodation at three and four-star resorts.

Many travellers opt for package holidays to Jamaica to avoid the hassle of having to look separately for flights and accommodation and doing the time-consuming task of fishing for the best deals. Here we take the hard work bit out of your holiday experience and help you put it all together in one single package that will satisfy all your travelling needs and which will also be cost effective, resulting in some big savings for you and your travelling party.

All Inclusive Holidays to Jamaica

Ideal for those in search of the most complete holiday package where everything is included (and we don't just mean the hotel and the flights), all inclusive holidays to Jamaica present a great way to enjoy the best this island has to offer while saving big on meals, activities and recreation! With an extensive list of all inclusive Jamaica hotels, we present the traveller with a varied number of options for the most laidback and hassle-free all inclusive holidays in Jamaica imaginable where everything is included!

Tailor Made Holidays to Jamaica

If your plans for your Jamaica holiday involve special activities, visits to special places or a very specific itinerary that none of our ready-made holiday packages to Jamaica are able to cover, then we're also able to easily tailor make the holiday of your dreams and will endeavour to work closely with you to help you create the trip of a lifetime, perfectly crafted to suit your specific needs and holiday dreams.

Twin-Centre Holidays to Jamaica

Bringing you yet with another option of how to make the most of your Jamaica holidays if you're an inquisitive traveller that doesn't like to stay too long in one place looking at the same scenery, we offer you with alternatives to rock your world. If instead of staying in one single resort for the whole duration of your stay in Jamaica you would rather experience another area of the country, stay at another resort or combine the holiday with another entirely different destination like Miami, then we can make that possible too.

Our expert team of holiday advisors are able to put together fantastic twin-centre holidays in Jamaica and combine them with another destination of your choice, whether that's in Jamaica or in another of the many holiday destinations worldwide that we feature.

What to Do and Things to See in Jamaica

With such varied landscapes and awe-inspiring sceneries, there are many places in Jamaica to explore if you want to venture outside the comfort of your hotel and get busy sightseeing and enriching your trip with a bit of culture, history or any taste of the authentic Jamaican heritage.

Jamaica's beaches

What would a Jamaica holiday be without a visit to its glorious beaches? Being to Jamaica and not stepping foot in a beach is simply unthinkable. But when you have so much choice of beaches to explore in this, where to go? Which are the beaches that will take your breath away? Well, to start with, the famous Seven Mile Beach in Negril is world famous for a reason, and good reason too.

This 11-kilometre-long beach stretching along the island's scenic west coast is the place to head if you want to enjoy the golden fine sands, take in the free-loving spirit and mingle with locals and tourists alike. However with this beach having many nudists patches it might not be particularly recommendable for families, unless of course, they don't mind joining in for a naturist experience.

For a more unique and unforgettable experience, Doctor's Cave Beach in Montego Bay is not only a fantastic spot for swimming and sunbathing but also a place rich in history, not least of all because it was this very beach that put Montego Bay on the tourist map.

Named by a physician who donated his beach property to a swim club, Doctor's Cave Beach Club is accessible subject to an admission fee, however due to its centric location at the heart of Montego Bay, its proximity to Gloucester Avenue and all the facilities this area offers it is a very small price to pay indeed and one that's well worth it. This is also the ideal quiet beach for families, with changing rooms and tranquil crystalline waters.

Next we have Treasure Beach, beautifully located on Jamaica's southern coast; this is the picture of isolated perfection that everyone imagines when they dream of a holiday in a secluded island paradise. If you want serenity and an escape from the large crowds, this is most definitely the place to go and get a real feel for the authentic way of life of Jamaicans away from tourist hordes. Here you can expect to find private coves, uncrowded stretches of sand, dining venues and a good nightlife scene.

To round it up we finish with Boston Bay Beach in the idyllic retreat of Port Antonio, the most exclusive of settings, renowned not only for its sparkly white sands and transparent waters but also for the amazing conditions it provides for surfing. This beach has the biggest waves in Jamaica and enthusiastic surfers will love riding them.

Jamaica's History

With a colonial past similar to many other islands in the Caribbean, there are many peculiarities about Jamaica's history that you might like to discover during your Jamaica holidays. Follow the trail of the Amerindians that originally inhabited the island, the Europeans that fought for it, the Africans that were forced to arrive to the island as slaves and the Asians and Middle Easterners that came in hope of a better life. With Jamaica only having achieved its independency from colonist rule in 1962 and soon after that becoming a Commonwealth country that recognises Queen Elizabeth II as the Head of State, there is much to explore here in terms of the landmarks that the British Empire left in the island.

Start at Port Royal, probably one of Jamaica's most history-rich cities, also known as the "sunken cities" due to a series of sunken ships and disastrous environmental events such as floods, hurricanes and subsequent fires. A living piece of history, here you can find glorious remnants of Spanish privateers and pirates. In fact the area is so well known by the many pirate ships sunken in its coast that Disney used it as a location for their Pirates of the Caribbean film series.

This parish also happens to be home of the most important archaeological site in the western hemisphere, with precious 16th and 17th century artefacts and paraphernalia as well as treasures from the indigenous Taino inhabitants predating the colonisation and European settlement on the island. For a little more history stroll along Old Harbour and Spanish Town in Kingston, also home to the western hemisphere's oldest cathedral. Stop at the ruins in Rock fort, one of the six forts that protected Kingston Harbour. Other fantastic historic sites to visit in Jamaica include the old Negril Lighthouse, the Greenwood Great House Museum and Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay.

Culture and Traditions in Jamaica

Jamaica is kaleidoscopic when it comes to its rich and colourful culture and proud heritage. To experience and absorb Jamaica's culture you only have to stroll around the areas where locals eat, try delicious local delicatessen offered by street vendors on a stall or visit the many ancient plantations (like the bewitched Rose Hall Plantation) and cultural sites of interest.

For an added touch of unique folklore you cannot fail to visit Falmouth in Trelawney, now declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is a Jamaican National Monument. Experience the local flavour in the streets markets, one of the biggest and most attended in Jamaica (especially on Wednesdays) and go on a full walking tour around this heritage-rich town of Falmouth to appreciate its picturesque beauty and peculiar character.

And of course, if talking about Jamaican culture, music has to be mentioned as the island's most internationally famous cultural asset. A visit to Bob Marley's museum is obligatory if you're a fan of his music, as is his birth place in the village of Nine Mile.

And along the lines of Bob Marley, a global icon for the Rastafarian lifestyle, for further cultural enrichment other great places to visit in Jamaica include the Rastafarian Indigenous Village, introducing visitors to the Rastafarian philosophy and culture. Here you'll be visiting a real Jamaican Rastafarian community and will be able to appreciate the peculiar way of life, traditional practices and lifestyle of this movement that first started in Jamaica and has become an iconic symbol of the island.

For something different you can go for a stroll along the picturesque neighbourhood of Titchfield in Port Antonio, a quiet residential area famous for its Victorian, gingerbread-style of houses. Here you'll get an authentic feel of the real Jamaican way of life and will be able to admire the decaying grandeur of this, once luxurious peninsula.

Visit Lover's Leap to see the cliff from which two slaves leaped, preferring death to being separated and don't forget to try the local cuisine, famous around the world for its spicy Caribbean flavours. Try the always popular jerk chicken, the curry goat, fried dumplings, "ackee" and the "rice and peas" dishes.

Jamaican Adventures and Nature

If you're the active kind of traveller who is not content with just sitting on a beach sipping a cocktail while admiring the glorious Caribbean Sea and instead you like to be out and about enjoying thrilling experiences, then Jamaica has plenty of adventures to tempt you with, with challenging trails, panoramic hikes, canopy zip lines, dune buggies, horseback rides, river tubing, ATV tours, river rafting and more waterfalls than you could probably imagine.

To start off, an unmissable destination for explorers and nature lovers in Jamaica is Dunn's River Falls, one of the island's national treasures. Comprising an awe-inspiring series of waterfalls and springs, it is famous for being one of the country's most beautiful spots. Its location next to the sea and its unique geological properties make Dunn's River Falls the only one of its kind in the Caribbean, and possibly the world.

Discover the Green Grotto Caves, saved to have been used by runaway slaves during the colonial period in the 18th century. Admire the caves' series of chambers and interconnected passageways, the stalactites and stalagmites and the light holes. The small grotto lake at the innermost cavern will simply leave you jaw-dropped in admiration.

The Bath Mineral Springs in St Thomas are famous for their healing waters, which, according to local claims, help cure or alleviate muscular aches, pains and arthritis. For the serious eco-traveller looking for the most amazing eco-friendly holidays in Jamaica, the country offers plenty in the way of eco tours and nature adventures.

For amazing zip line canopy tours go to Cranbrook and head to White River Valley for all sorts of wild adventures, from dune buggy tours, to river tubing, zip line canopy and river kayak safaris. Go horseback riding in the beautiful Sandy Bay or go on a thrilling ATV safari.

When it comes to nature and natural wonders to be admired in Jamaica, there are a wealth of sites awaiting your discovery, and if you want to visit them all you may want to make sure your trip to Jamaica is long enough.

Where to Go

Jamaica is as colourful and varied island bursting with culture and varying landscapes; and the resorts are just as charming and varied as the country itself. Wherever you choose to go will depend on the kind of Jamaica holidays you're after, whether you're travelling with the family, your special someone or a group of friends. All resorts in Jamaica are equally beautiful but they each have their own special charm. We invite you to find yours and here we list what we consider to be the top 3 beach destinations in Jamaica.

Montego Bay

Or "MoBay" as the local's call it, has long been Jamaica's number one tourist destination and the island's second largest and most important city after Kingston. Being one of the three beach resorts in Jamaica with its own international airport (Kingston and Ocho Rios are the other two), Montego Bay has an instant charm and appeal that attracts thousands of travellers to its sandy shores, excellent duty free shopping opportunities, a cruise line terminal and a gorgeous backdrop of low mountains.

A resort that knows how really party and has a lively atmosphere, expect to find colourful city streets, bustling Caribbean charm, craft markets and a genuine Jamaican feel with a laidback attitude. Suitable for families, honeymooners and groups of friends coming to party reggae-style, Montego is charming and infectious with a wide selection of attractions beyond the beachfront resorts.

Here you can choose from horseback riding, thrilling water sports, fantastic dining venues and spectacular golf courses. Head to Doctor's Cave Beach for a unique experience, this one is a family favourite. For a quiet and romantic beach escape head to Rose Hall Beach.

Negril

Yet another big favourite among tourists, the quieter and smaller, but widely dispersed beach town of Negril has a more secluded "chill out" appeal for those seeking uninterrupted relaxation. Home to what is probably Jamaica's most famous (and longest) beach, the Seven Mile Beach, Negril boasts golden sands that stretch for miles and the beach area here has managed to maintain its natural beauty thanks to the facts that no building here is allowed to rise above the tallest palm tree. With a spectacular offshore reef that offers amazing conditions ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving, Negril's West End offers the most spectacular opportunities for incredible diving adventures.

Seven Mile Beach retains its free-loving spirit with various areas of the beach being frequented by nude sunbathers (especially in the area surrounding the Hedonism II resort) and beach vendors often found along the beach strip selling their merchandise. In Negril you can also find some of Jamaica's best bars and discos as well as some of the most popular concert venues.

Head to Rick's Cafe to mingle with the locals and watch other tourists taking a plunge as they dive from the cliff top or come in the evenings to enjoy stunning while enjoying a refreshing cocktail. Having been rated as one of the world's top ten beaches by numerous travel magazines, Negril's beach is divided into two areas; while the north end of the beach is home to all inclusive resorts the south is dotted by smaller, family run hotels giving guests a more authentic Jamaican feel and experience.

Ocho Rios

Once a sleepy fishing village and now a major tourist hub, once made world-famous for its appearance in Dr No, the first James Bond film ever made; this lovely beach town is a major port of call for Caribbean cruises and exudes unique charm with its surrounding lush vegetation and fruit plantations. With plenty of attractions to seduce shopaholics, Ocho Rios offers duty free shopping, craft markets, shopping plazas and roadside stalls selling handicrafts and handmade souvenirs.

If dining out is on the agenda during your Jamaica holidays at Ocho Rios you'll have plenty of culinary choices to select from. Margaritaville is the area to go to for amazing restaurants and good nightclubs while Dolphin Cove is the place for tourists to swim and interact with the dolphins. An eclectic range of activities, from hiking, horseback riding to swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and water sports are all available from Ocho Rios. If staying in this resort don't forget to visit Dunn's River Falls, the town's most famous international attraction and one of the world's most astonishingly beautiful and unique natural sites.

Extra Tips and Other Attractions

Money and Currency

The Jamaican currency is called Dollar and its code is JMD. Most tourist places in Jamaica also accept US dollars, especially all inclusive resorts and hotels in major tourist towns such as Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios and Kingston. Most hotels and resorts in Jamaica will also have prices for extras like spa treatments and excursions in US dollars while local vendors, restaurants and bars will give you more value for your money if you pay in Jamaican dollars, as you will often get a poor exchange rate if paying in US dollars.

If exchanging British Pound Sterling into US dollars, you will get a much better conversion rate if you do it from home rather than if you do it upon arrival to Jamaica, as in Jamaica they often will apply two exchange fees to be levied (to convert your currency to Jamaican dollars and then to convert Jamaican dollars to US dollars). So our advice would be to exchange at home before setting out for your Jamaica holidays.

If, however you think that you will be using Jamaican dollars, or you want to exchange part of your money into the local currency (for example if you plan to go outside of the resort area) as the rate of exchange in Jamaica changes daily our advice is to avoid changing into Jamaican currency from the UK and wait until you've arrived to your Jamaica holiday destination to exchange your money locally.

Once in Jamaica you can change your currency at a Cambio branch, which specialises in Jamaican currency and other currency conversion. You will usually get more for your money at these exchange branches. Cambio branches can be found at the airports and the most popular Cambio dealing in the Jamaican currency is FX Traders, along with other commercial banks.

Our advice in general is to convert the majority of your money into US dollars and a smaller amount into Jamaican dollars to get the most value for your money.

Eating Out

The food in Jamaica is so tasty and flavoursome that it has been the inspiration for many restaurants the world over and its spicy flavours appeal to a wide range of diners. Jamaica's cuisine is the result of the varied influences of the many cultures that converged in this island; Spanish, African, Indian, Chinese and British cuisine have all contributed to the creation of Jamaica's unique culinary flair.

Whilst in Jamaica you cannot escape the famous "jerk spiced" flavouring used in meat and fish while the less known "Pickapeppa Sauch" is endemic to Jamaica, which means this is the only country you'll find it in, and the recipe it's so secret that not many know its actual ingredients. When enjoying holidays in Jamaica, most hotels will have Jamaican themed restaurants where you can sample the local fare but if you want a more authentic Jamaican dining experience then it's always good to escape the hotel for an evening or two and eat at local restaurants to experience those wholesome homemade flavours.

Try the local "callaloo", fried dumplings, curry goat, ackee and salt fish, the obligatory jerk chicken and other local delicacies. Stop at local street vendors for delicious pasties, roast breadfruit.

Nightlife

If you want to experience Jamaica's vibrant and fun night scene there are a varied range of dancing venues to hit the dance floor at and live music venues to enjoy live performances, from local reggae bands to excellent Jazz clubs. If you like the young vibe and to see local live music performances check out Risky Business disco in Negril where you can also participate in beach contests (bear in mind this place is for raucous hard partying individuals) or if you prefer a more laidback atmosphere Alfred's Ocean Palace is the place to enjoy live reggae performances and the occasional Jazz and country music taking the stage.

In Montego Bay head to Rick's Cafe, a very popular bar with a great party atmosphere and a pretty amazing house band. If you're in Ocho Rios head to BiBiBips to enjoy some of the island's best live tunes being performed every day in sprawling open-air patios and verandas. If you want to hit the night clubs Amnesia in Ocho Rios is a fantastic place to go to and The Jungle in Negril is simply, quite literally wild!

Celebration Dates, Events and National Holidays in Jamaica

Besides the usual Christian holidays in Easter and Christmas times and New Year's Day Jamaica has the following national holidays:

1. Labour Day – 23 May.
2. Emancipation Day – 1st August.
3. Independence Day – 6th August.
4. National Heroes Day – 18th October.

Some Annual Events and Celebration Dates in the Jamaican Calendar include:

• Polo Season – running from January to August each year.
• Accompong Maroon Festival – held on 6th January each year to commemorate the birthday of Captain Cudjoe, a Maroon warrior and hero who defeated the English army. The festival includes a Maroon feast, traditional dancing and various ceremonies.
• Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival – held annually in January or February.
• High Mountain Coffee 10k – this popular annual road race takes place in January.
• Bob Marley Birthday Celebrations – celebrated island-wide on 5th February.
• Jamaica Fat Tyre Festival – held on February each year this is a week-long mountain biking extravaganza highlighting Jamaica's vibrant culture and amazing trails.
• Fi Wi Sinting – also held in February this festival celebrates African history to help preserve Jamaica's rich traditions. Visitors can enjoy special activities, a marketplaces and costumes.

The Weather in Jamaica

Like most Caribbean islands, Jamaica's climate is humid and tropical with warm to sizzling hot temperatures all-year-round but cooler in the higher, central areas of the country. Jamaica's coast enjoys the cooling effect of trade winds, known locally as "doctor breeze". The slightly less noticeable evening breeze is known as "undertaker's breeze".

Whatever time of year you choose to spend your Jamaica holidays, you can be assured that temperatures in Jamaica are fairly constant and oscillate between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius in the lowlands and 15 to 22 degrees Celsius at higher elevations.

Rainy season in Jamaica runs between May and November or December, with the heaviest rains pouring down in September and October. As a tropical country however, rain can come at any time of year but it usually comes in short, stormy showers that are usually followed by clear skies and sunshine.

Lying in the Atlantic Hurricane belt like most other Caribbean nations, Jamaica's hurricane season runs between 1st June to 30th November with August and September usually being the peak months.