One of Ocho's premier attractions, Dunn's River Falls has you climbing waterfalls from bottom to top!
The potpourri of beaches, mist-laden mountains and cascading rivers that stretch from Negril to Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, are, in a word, matchless. Reggae is still king and the glittering club scene sparks jasmine-filled nights when there’s always a great table waiting at a “just perfect” restaurant or romantic bar. The ‘no problem’ temperament of your Jamaican hosts will soon have you relaxed and ready to take in all the sights and action.
And speaking of action, 2010 is the tenth anniversary of the Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K, Jamaica’s premier International Marathon Event. It kicks off in Negril on December 4 and is open to marathoners, sports enthusiasts and beginners, and features pulsating reggae music at each mile.
Folklore has it that Adam and Eve left Eden to stir it up surrounded by the unspoiled, uninhibited life at Negril, seeking its 7 miles of delicious white sand beach, superb diving in caves and grottos, award-winning restaurants, and the incredible snorkeling and swimming at Negril Cliffs, home to internationally renowned Rick’s Café, perfect for smart drinks, romantic rendezvous, and counting your blessings.
Consider Negril’s Blue Jeep Safari, where your drive through rugged terrain via 4x4 Land Rover is designed to highlight much of Jamaica’s great beauty, culture and history. Time too for a river walk to hidden waterfalls and a swim in the clear waters of the rain forest riverhead.
Ocho Rios (“Ocho” to old Jamaica hands) is an eyeful where flawless beaches see-saw between lazy and exuberant as sunworshippers, watersports devotees and sportfishers practice their own personal passion. A half dozen excellent golf courses compete for your attention, while stunning restaurants of all stripes - serving everything from pizza and scrumptious island faves to French haute cuisine - welcome you to settings which surpass even the food!
How ‘bout boarding a chairlift and taking in breathtaking views of Ocho? At the top of Mystic Mountain you can zip-line and actually bobsled through the jungle. A real, and unique, thrill.
In ‘Mo-Bay’, festive umbrellas dot Doctors Cave Beach where the electric holiday atmosphere is blessed by dozens of outdoor clubs rocking to the local beat. Duty free shops are flush with gold, watches, fragrances and leather and five championship golf courses pretty much guarantee Nirvana for links afficianados. Montego Bay is also home to a number of ‘great houses’, former plantation homes from an era when sugar was king and Jamaican landowners lived like them. Have a look.
One of Mo-Bay’s most popular experiences is the canopy tour which has you flying across six unique traverses each with intermittent nature walks. The “Inter-Parish” Express carries you 280 metres at over 56km an hour.
There's an extensive resort selection in Ocho, Mo-Bay, Negril, Runaway Bay and Trelawny, including famous brands such as Sandals, Beaches, Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, RIU Hotels & Resorts, SuperClubs Breezes and Hedonism, Iberostar, Couples, Secrets and both the Sunset Jamaica Grande and Sunset Beach Resort on the list.
All wonderful beachfront beauties offering a terrific range of accommodation for island guests whether honeymooners, families, groups or couples on a lovey-dovey run away-getaway.
As to destination weddings: well, if all you want in your wedding is everything, you’ll soon discover that resort weddings in Jamaica offer very affordable prices, can often be free, and include an on-site wedding coordinator – a wonderful advantage and just what a bridal couple needs to ensure their wedding day is as magical as the island dream they share.
As island son Bob Marley’s inspiring lyrics affirm, Jamaica is “One Love, One Heart”… and it is guaranteed to melt yours, just before it sweeps you right off your feet!
For more information on the island of Jamaica, visit www.visitjamaica.com; to book your next getaway talk to your Bel Air Travel Agent or book online.
Explore Jamaica's countryside on a Blue Jeep Safari with Chukka Tours!
Doctor's Cave Beach in Montego Bay.
