So many reasons to visit Jamaica! From beaches and mountains, to music and culture, Jamaica provides a great escape for all travelers. Here are some of the reasons we love this island:
The People
Jamaica’s true beauty lies in its people. The island nation is a melting pot of rich cultures, represented by their national motto, “Out of Many, One People.” This cultural is a blend of Taíno, African, Indian, Spanish, Chinese, German, Portuguese, Syrian, Lebanese, English, Irish, French, and Welsh influences, which you’ll see reflected in the food, place names, architecture, music, dance, folklore, and language. Pretty much everything! Explore the country, experience our culture, and gain a deeper appreciation for all they offer.
Jamaica’s official language is English, so it’s easy for most people to get around, but they also speak Jamaican Patois – which is kind of descriptive creole dialect. Patois was shaped by African, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and English colonial influences, and Jamaican’s regard it as a beautiful symbol of resilience. It’s the unique expression of a people who were forced into a society with a foreign language, yet found a way to communicate in their own distinct style and give meaning to their experience. We think it sounds exotic, chill, and just fun.
The Culture, Art, and Creativity
Jamaica’s culture is rich, vibrant, and deeply rooted in music, food, history, and community spirit. It’s a blend of African, European, and indigenous influences, wrapped up in a laid-back yet passionate vibe.
Art is everywhere—from street murals to wood carvings to fine galleries.
• National Gallery of Jamaica (Kingston): Showcases Jamaican art from colonial to contemporary.
• Rasta Village (Montego Bay): A living cultural experience where you can meet Rastafarians, hear their philosophy, enjoy ital food, and see their crafts.
• Painted murals & street art (Downtown Kingston): The city walls are alive with social and political storytelling through art.
The Beaches
Jamaica is know for its beautiful beaches, with some of the most popular and well-known including Seven Mile Beach in Negril, Doctor’s Cave Beach in Montego Bay, and Treasure Beach on the south coast. These beaches are known for their pristine white sands, crystal-clear waters, and lively atmospheres.
• Negril’s Seven Mile Beach: Sunsets, Powdery White Sand and Turquoise Water
• Doctor’s Cave Beach: Excellent Snorkeling in Montego Bay
• Frenchman’s Cove: Secluded and Authentic
• Blue Lagoon: A Natural Wonder in Port Antonio (and Yes, the Movie)
• Hellshire Beach: Lively Area with Great Food
• Treasure Beach: A Laid-Back Beach on the South Coast
• James Bond Beach: Near the Goldeneye Estate where Ian Fleming Wrote his James Bond Novels
• Long Bay Beach: Natural Beauty and a Laid-Back, Less-Touristy area in Portland Parish
• Winnifred Beach: One of the last truly free and unspoiled beaches in Jamaica near Port Antonio
The Adventure!
Cultural Adventures
- Bob Marley Museum & Nine Mile Tour
- Visit the legendary reggae artist’s birthplace and resting place.
- Learn about his music, Rastafarian culture, and history.
- Luminous Lagoon (Falmouth)
- A nighttime boat tour where the water glows when you move—thanks to bioluminescent organisms.
- You can even jump in and glow!
- Local Markets & Street Food Tours (Kingston, MoBay)
- Try jerk chicken, patties, sugarcane juice, and fresh tropical fruits.
- Adventure for your taste buds and a fun way to meet locals.
Water Adventures
- Dunn’s River Falls (Ocho Rios)
- Climb the terraced waterfall hand-in-hand with a guide and a group.
- Splash in the natural pools along the way.
- River Rafting on the Martha Brae (Trelawny)
- Drift down a lush river on a bamboo raft with a local guide.
- Super peaceful with moments of excitement through small rapids.
- Snorkeling & Scuba Diving (Negril, Montego Bay)
- Explore coral reefs teeming with tropical fish.
- Famous spots: Montego Bay Marine Park, Negril’s reefs.
- Blue Lagoon (Port Antonio)
- Swim in a magical spot where warm sea meets cold spring water.
- Optional: Jump off cliffs into the blue abyss if you’re feeling brave.
Land Adventures
- Hiking the Blue Mountains
- Take a sunrise trek to the highest peak in Jamaica.
- Epic views of the island and even a glimpse of Cuba on clear days.
- ATV Safari Tours (Sandy Bay, Ocho Rios)
- Ride through rugged trails, forests, and muddy paths.
- Some tours include waterfall stops or ziplining combos.
- Ziplining in the Jungle (Montego Bay, Ocho Rios)
- Fly through lush tropical canopies with river crossings below.
- Horseback Riding in the Ocean (St. Ann, Negril)
- Ride along the beach and then straight into the Caribbean Sea—horses actually swim!
The Food
Food in Jamaica is a celebration! Tasting in Jamaica, for us, is a mouthwatering adventure. Jamaica is a foodie paradise bursting with bold, vibrant flavors influenced by the island’s diverse cultural heritage.
I like everything from the street foods to fine dining, and you can discover authentic Jamaican flavors and spices that reflect the Taino, African, Irish, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Indian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern influences. Jamaican cuisine is really a unique fusion of techniques, flavors, and spices. Delicious.
Jamaica’s national dish, Ackee and Saltfish, is a local breakfast favorite. It’s made by sautéing ackee, a fruit that looks and tastes like scrambled eggs, with salted codfish. To get the true Jamaican culinary experience, pair it with fried dumplings, callaloo (kind of like a spinach), green bananas, avocado, and plantains. Then go for some other Jamaican classics like Oxtail, Stew Peas, and Curry Goat, not to mention the iconic Rice and Peas, which I think is made with rice and kidney beans, but you’ll just have to ask someone when you get there!
No vacation is complete without sampling my favorite, Jamaica’s famous jerk dishes. Smoky, pimento wood-fired jerk meats, seafood, and vegetarian options are a point of Jamaican pride. Some of the best chicken I’ve had was from a jerk chicken hut near Ocho Rios. Just watch out for the Scotch Bonnet peppers!•
• Scotchies (Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Kingston): One of the best places to try authentic jerk.
• Coronation Market (Kingston): A bustling local market to see the real food scene—fresh produce, spices, and street food.
• Take a cooking class: Many resorts or local chefs offer them—learn how to make jerk seasoning or patties from scratch.
The Island History and Heritage:
• Port Royal (Kingston area)
- Once known as the “wickedest city on Earth” and a pirate haven.
- Take a historical tour and hear about pirates, earthquakes, and sunken cities.
• Rose Hall Great House (Montego Bay)
- A beautifully preserved plantation house with haunting legends of the “White Witch.”
• Seville Heritage Park (St. Ann)
- Site of early Taino, Spanish, and African interactions, where you can discover Jamaica’s early roots.
The Music and Dance:
Reggae, dancehall, ska, and mento are more than just music genres—they’re lifeblood.
- 📍Bob Marley Museum (Kingston)
- Once his home and now a museum, it’s packed with memorabilia and stories.
- Great place to understand reggae’s global influence.
- 📍Trench Town Culture Yard (Kingston)
- The birthplace of reggae and where Bob Marley grew up.
- Walk through preserved rooms and hear local guides tell stories.
- 🎉 Bonus:
- Jive on with a live reggae or dancehall show—check out venues like Dub Club, Rebel Salute, or Sumfest.
The Shopping:
Shopping in Jamaica food and art lovers is a flavorful, colorful experience full of local charm. From rich Blue Mountain coffee and fiery jerk spices to handmade pottery, batik fabrics, and natural skincare, the island offers a lot of shopping. I like the unique, locally-crafted products that represent Jamaica’s vibrant culture. Markets, craft villages, and specialty shops let you bring a taste (and feel) of Jamaica home—perfect for anyone looking for authentic, meaningful souvenirs.
Here are Some Unique Shopping Spots in Jamaica
- Devon House Courtyard (Kingston)
- A foodie paradise with local pastry shops, the famous ice cream stand, and boutiques selling gourmet sauces, rum cakes, and artisan crafts.
- Coronation Market (Kingston)
- Jamaica’s largest fresh market. Stock up on spices, seasonal produce, and local snacks like peppered shrimp or roasted peanuts.
- Island Village (Ocho Rios)
- Offers artisanal goods alongside locally made sauces, jams, and infused rums. Often has pop-up vendors with homemade treats.
- Ahhh…Ras Natango Gallery and Garden (Montego Bay)
- A beautiful eco-art space with hand-painted art, crafts, and natural products—all made by local artists.
- Negril Craft Market (Negril)
- Find handmade straw goods, wooden kitchen tools, and small-batch condiments like jerk marinades and mango chutneys.
- Bushy Park Farm & Market (St. Catherine)
- A hidden gem for organic produce, local honey, and gourmet Jamaican products. Perfect for eco-conscious foodies.
- Strawberry Hill Gift Shop (Blue Mountains)
- High-end artisan crafts and Blue Mountain coffee sourced from nearby farms—great for premium gifts.
The Nightlife:
Jamaican nightlife is a vibrant, high-energy mix of reggae beats, dancehall vibes, beach parties, and chill rum bars. Check out the live music, dance all night, or just sip cocktails by the sea. Jamaica has a scene for every mood. The nightlife varies by area, but the one thing you can count on is good music, good vibes, and good people. Here’s some fun locations you might want to visit:
Kingston: The Cultural Capital of the Night
Kingston’s nightlife is raw, real, and unforgettable—home of reggae, dancehall, and underground vibes.
- Dub Club
- A hilltop reggae lounge with live music, panoramic city views, and authentic Rasta vibes.
- Sundays are legendary for live dub sessions.
- Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records
- Sports bar meets dancehall lounge with DJ sets, dancing, and good food.
- Great for a fun, casual night with a local twist.
- Kingston Night Market (Wednesdays)
- Art, food, music, and creative energy all in one outdoor night bazaar.
- Features live DJs and pop-up vendors.
Montego Bay: Beach Glam Meets Club Life
MoBay blends beach party energy with upscale lounges and all-night dancefloors.
- Pier 1 on the Waterfront
- Legendary spot with seaside dining by day, massive dance parties by night (especially Fridays).
- Reggae, soca, and dancehall under the stars.
- Margaritaville Montego Bay
- Touristy but fun—water trampolines by day, dance parties by night.
- Good crowd and party atmosphere.
- Blue Beat Ultra Lounge
- A stylish jazz and cocktail lounge that turns into a dance spot with live DJs.
- Perfect for a smoother, more upscale night out.
Negril: Laid-Back, Irie Nights
Negril nightlife is all about beach bonfires, live reggae, and barefoot dancing in the sand.
- Rick’s Café
- Famous for cliff diving and sunsets, but also has nightly live bands and a party vibe after dark.
- Alfred’s Ocean Palace
- Chill reggae bar right on Seven Mile Beach with frequent live music and a strong local crowd.
- The Jungle Nightclub
- One of the few true nightclubs in Negril—multi-level dance floors and a mix of locals and tourists.
Ocho Rios: Resort Vibes & Island Rhythms
Ochi has a lively blend of tourist-friendly fun and local flavor.
- Ocean’s 11
- A karaoke bar by the sea with live music, great drinks, and a casual, friendly crowd.
- Margaritaville Ocho Rios
- Similar to the MoBay version, with a beachy vibe and night-time dance party scene.
- The Kaz Kreol Beach Lodge Bar
- Low-key, beach bar setting with live reggae and open mic nights.
The Golf
Golfing at Sandals and Beaches Resorts in Jamaica offers a scenic and upscale experience, combining lush tropical surroundings with well-maintained courses designed for both seasoned golfers and casual players. Whether you’re vacationing as a couple at a Sandals resort or with family at a Beaches property, you can tee off in paradise—with perks like complimentary greens fees, professional instruction, and luxury amenities.
Upton Estate Golf & Country Club (Ocho Rios)
- Location: Near Sandals Ochi, Sandals Royal Plantation, and Beaches Ocho Rios
- Course Info:
- 18-hole, par-72 course nestled in the hills of Ocho Rios
- Scenic fairways, narrow greens, and lush mountain views
- Suitable for all skill levels with some exciting challenges
- Perks for Guests:
- Unlimited complimentary greens fees (for Sandals & Beaches guests)
- Complimentary round-trip transfers from nearby Sandals/Beaches resorts
- Club rentals and carts available (cart and caddie are mandatory but not included in the fee)
- PGA-certified instructors for private lessons or clinics
Resorts with Direct Golf Access/Privileges
Sandals Ochi (Ocho Rios)
- Closest to the golf course (about 15 minutes away)
- Includes free transportation and tee time booking assistance
- Offers a stylish stay for couples with 16 restaurants and 100+ pools
Sandals Royal Plantation (Ocho Rios)
- A more intimate, all-butler, all-oceanview experience
- Golf-inclusive, with private, luxury transfer to the course
Beaches Ocho Rios
- Perfect for families who want to include a round of golf in their vacation
- Kids can try junior golf clinics while adults enjoy their round
Extra Fun: Golf Clinics & Tournament
- Resorts often host weekly golf clinics and friendly tournaments
- Great for beginners or guests wanting a social game
Whether you’re looking to play a casual round in paradise or sharpen your swing in a tropical setting, Sandals and Beaches in Jamaica deliver a world-class golf experience—lush, laid-back, and luxurious.
Want help planning a golf-focused itinerary or figuring out the best resort combo for both beach and golf time? Just ask, or book the best deals available here.
No responses yet