The Ultimate Guide to Jamaica

After one visit, it is impossible not to fall in love with Jamaica. This exquisite gem in the heart of the Caribbean, instantly captivates visitors with its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. Jamaica’s lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and rich heritage, offer a magical experience for all who visit.

Jamaica’s natural beauty is breathtaking. The island’s boasts diverse landscapes, from the sun-drenched beaches of Negril to the ethereal misty peaks of the Blue Mountains. These mountains, which stretch across the eastern part of the island, offer some of the most incredible hiking trails in the Caribbean.

Jamaica’s beating heart is its world-famous cuisine. The island’s food is a rich blend of indigenous, African, European, and Asian influences. Dishes such as jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish, and curried goat are must-tries for any visitor.

The beauty of Jamaica is also found in its people. Jamaicans are known for their warm and welcoming nature, often going out of their way to ensure visitors feel at home. This genuine hospitality enhances the overall experience of the island, making it not just a beautiful place to visit, but a place that feels like home.

Jamaica’s beauty is multifaceted, from its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant culture to the kindess of the locals. Whether you’re lounging on a beach or hiking through the mountains, Jamaica will steal your heart.

Here is our curated itinerary filled with culture, fun and luxury for the perfect visit to Jamaica…

Stay at Sandals Dunn’s River

If you visit Jamaica there is only one place to stay, the exquisite Sandals Dunn’s River. Inspired by Jamaica’s winding rivers, lush forests, and majestic banyan trees, Sandals Dunn’s River offers guests an extraordinary home away from home in Ocho Rios. Perfectly situated, Sandals Dunn’s River provides entirely new ways to experience the natural treasures of Jamaica’s north coast, including serene water features sourced directly from the depths of the majestic Dunn’s River Falls, just moments away.

The resort features some of the most spectacular accommodations, such as the Tufa Terrace One Bedroom Skypool Butler Suite with Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub. Perched high on the opulent Tufa Terrace, this exquisite Butler Suite redefines luxury. Step onto your private balcony and be greeted by breathtaking views of the endless shoreline. Enjoy the stunning ocean panorama from your very own SkyPool, or unwind in the outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tub for two. Make the most of your SkyPool with a beautiful floating breakfast, enjoyed in the sunshine. What a way to start your day in paradise.

Inside, the spacious bedroom features a king-size bed and an HD Smart TV, while the adjoining living room is furnished with plush, modern decor. The spa-inspired bathroom is the height of indulgence, boasting a second Tranquility Soaking Tub, a walk-in shower, and a double vanity sink. This romantic retreat also includes a fully stocked bar with premium liquors, a personal butler, 24-hour in-room dining, and private in-room check-in.

For the ultimate luxury experience, stay in the Coyaba Sky Villa Swim-Up Rondoval Butler Suites with Private Pools. This intimate, one-of-a-kind Butler Suite redefines the concept of luxury accommodation. The innovative Rondoval design offers a unique rooftop hideaway that is sure to ignite romance. With direct access to a sprawling river pool, the outdoor space is perfect for soaking up the sun. Relax on the lounge chairs or enjoy a meal on the open-air terrace, which features a bistro dining set, a Tranquility Soaking Tub for two, and plush outdoor furnishings.

Inside, you’ll discover a spacious retreat with a king-size bed, HD Smart TV, and a private pool sanctuary accessible directly from your bedroom. The sitting area is elegantly furnished with modern decor, another HD Smart TV, and an in-room bar stocked with a variety of drinks, including premium liquors. The luxurious bathroom is complete with a walk-in shower, a second Tranquility Soaking Tub, and a double vanity. This indulgent experience is enhanced by 24-hour in-room dining, a personal butler at your service, and seamless in-room check-in.

The butlers are a joy and make everything seamless throughout your stay. If you are lucky, Shawn will be assigned as your butler. He is a magician, he can make anything happen with ease and a smile. For Shawn, he will go above and beyond to make your stay perfect.

With twelve exclusive culinary concepts and nine bars, the resort delivers the flavours of Jamaica and beyond. Among the wide variety of incredible restaurants, a highlight is dinner at L’Amande. It is an ode to the classic cooking techniques in France with Jamaican flair, served by some of the most wonderfully warm and attentive staff on the island. Another unforgettable dinner can be enjoyed at Edessa, named after the ancient city and meaning ‘abundant water’. Edessa serves delicious Greek dishes, particularly the succulent lamb chops that can be enjoyed with a view of the ocean.

There are such a wide variety of dining options at Sandals Dunn’s River, you can never get bored. You can enjoy breakfast at Edessa, the ackee and saltfish is heavenly or head to Saltaire for a decadent buffet style affair with a vast range of traditional breakfast items and even an indulgent brown stewed chicken. For those seeking an authentic Jamaican jerk experience, seek out the Jerk Shack for a delicious alfresco lunch or dinner. Jerk Shack’s dishes are glorious, bursting with flavour and the portions are generous. You’ll be dreaming of that meal long after you return home.

At nightfall when the sky is decorated with infinite stars, go to the Dunn’s Rum Club, where there are over 30 different types of rum to choose from. Nibble on tasty snacks such as the juicy oxtail or the slow cooked jerk pork belly with a rum cocktail in hand. There is no better way to end an evening.

Sandals Dunn’s River has it all. From spotlessly clean accommodations that are the height of luxury and set in a incredible natural beauty to a world of fascinating dining options that leave you spoilt for choice every day.

However it is the warmth and energy of the people at Sandals that work so hard to make sure you have the best possible stay that make it truly unforgettable. The team at Sandals Dunn’s River welcome you like family and treat you with love. You will want for nothing other than to return to see their wonderful smiling faces once more, as soon as you possibly can.

@sandalsdunnsriver

sandals.co.uk/dunns-river

Mammee Bay Rd, Ocho Rios, Jamaica

A seven-night stay for two adults at Sandals Dunn’s River, Jamaica in a Travertine Luxury Room costs from £2,349 per person. Price includes all-inclusive accommodation, return economy class flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow Airport and resort transfers. Price is date specific and is valid for travel on 24th November 2024 only. To book, call 0800 597 0002 or for more information about Sandals Resorts visit www.sandals.co.uk.

A seven-night stay for two adults at Sandals Dunn’s River, Jamaica in a Tufa Terrace One Bedroom Skypool Butler Suite with Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub costs from £4,395 per person. Price includes all-inclusive accommodation, butler service and 24hr room service, return economy class flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow Airport and resort transfers. Price is date specific and is valid for travel on 24th November 2024 only. To book, call 0800 597 0002 or for more information about Sandals Resorts visit www.sandals.co.uk.

All holidays are packaged with flights and are financially protected when booking through UCHL. Prices are guaranteed at the time of booking regardless of departure dates, and are secured with a £175 per person deposit, some exclusions may apply. Package holidays are ATOL and ABTA protected. All pricing is subject to change and availability.

Chukka Eco-Adventure Outpost at Good Hope

 Chukka Eco-Adventure Outpost at Good Hope is a captivating adventure destination nestled in the lush hills of Trelawny, offering visitors a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and exhilarating activities. Once a grand 18th-century sugar plantation, Good Hope has been transformed into a vibrant outdoor playground where guests can be assigned a butler, sip champagne in a private riverside cabana and go on wild adventures.

From ziplining above the treetops and navigating the beautiful Martha Brae River on a river tube to sampling rum at the historic Great House, Chukka Eco-Adventure Outpost at Good Hope provides an unforgettable mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re seeking thrills or simply wish to soak in the natural beauty of Jamaica,  Chukka Eco-Adventure Outpost at Good Hope is a must-visit destination.

@chukkacaribbean

chukka.com/jamaica

Good Hope Estate, Falmouth, Jamaica

Indulge in Luxury at Hermosa Cove

Hermosa Cove in Jamaica is a hidden gem on the island’s north coast, offering an intimate and luxurious retreat amidst lush tropical gardens and serene beachfronts. This boutique resort is an oasis of tranquillity, featuring beautifully designed villas that blend modern comforts with traditional Jamaican architecture. Each villa is a private sanctuary, complete with handcrafted furnishings, vibrant local art, and expansive verandas that open to stunning ocean views.

Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, from snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters to dining on farm-to-table cuisine at the resort’s acclaimed restaurant where the portion sizes are beyond generous, oxtail is legendary and the views take your breath away. Hermosa Cove is a work of art.

@hermosacove

hermosacove.com

Hermosa Lane, Pineapple, Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Caribbean Fine Dining and Cocktails at Half Moon

Half Moon Jamaica is a legendary resort on the pristine shores of Montego Bay. Spanning 400 acres of lush tropical gardens and a two-mile stretch of private white-sand beach, Half Moon has been adored by travellers and locals since 1954. Half Moon boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, an equestrian centre, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and the Fern Tree Spa.

Treat yourself to a beautiful fine dining experience at The Sugar Mill restaurant, set in the historic former Running Gut Estate on the Rose Hall Sugar Plantation. This award-winning fine dining restaurant is renowned for its innovative take on Jamaican cuisine, traces the journey of food in Jamaica from the countryside to the seaside.

After an unforgettable dinner, head to Lester’s Bar, named after Michael Lester, the artist whose artwork adorns the stunning space. This chic bar offers expertly crafted cocktails, a large selection of Caribbean rums and live entertainment. Try the Banana Oleo Fashioned with Worthy Park rum, orange bitters and cocoa bitters or the refreshing Roselle’75 with hibiscus, herbal tea, Bombay Sapphire, Cointreau, fresh lime, Da Luca Prosecco, West Indian jasmine and honey. Cheers!

@halfmoonjamaica

halfmoon.com

Rose Hall St James Jamaica WI, Montego Bay, Jamaica

White River Calypso Rafting

White River Calypso Rafting offers a serene way to experience the island’s natural beauty. Guests drift along the tranquil White River on a handcrafted bamboo raft, guided by a charming raft captain. As you glide through the clear, cool waters, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and the sounds of nature, you’ll learn about the rich history and culture of the area.

The experience combines relaxation with a touch of adventure, allowing you to take a refreshing swim or stop at a riverside bar for a taste of local rum. White River Calypso Rafting is an essential activity for those seeking to immerse themselves in the peaceful, unspoiled landscapes of Jamaica.

@calypsoraftingandtubing

whiterivercalypsorafting.com

Prosperhall, Exchange Rd, Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Zipline Over Dunn’s River Falls

Dunn’s River Falls is one of the island’s most iconic natural attractions. This stunning 600-foot waterfall cascades down terraced rock formations, creating natural pools perfect for swimming and wading. Visitors can embark on a thrilling climb up the falls, often hand-in-hand with fellow adventurers, guided by experienced local guides who make the journey both safe and enjoyable.

After conquering the world-famous falls, experience a whole new perspective on the Falls Flyer. Soar hundreds of feet above Dunn’s River Falls on this exhilarating zipline, a haven for thrill-seekers. Feel the adrenaline rush as you glide between the lush trees.

@officialdunnsriver.jamaica

dunnsriverfallsja.com

Dunn’s River Falls, Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Visit the Bob Marley Museum

The Bob Marley Museum in Kingston is a must-visit for fans of the legendary reggae icon. Housed in the former home of Bob Marley, the museum offers an intimate glimpse into the life and legacy of the man who brought reggae music to the world stage. Visitors can explore Marley’s personal artefacts, including his guitars, awards, and photographs, as well as the recording studio where he created some of his most famous tracks.

The museum also features a theatre showcasing rare concert footage and a gallery of Marley’s memorabilia. With its deep connection to the history of reggae, the Bob Marley Museum celebrates the life and music of one of Jamaica’s most beloved cultural icons.

@bobmarleymuseum

bobmarleymuseum.com

56 Hope Rd, Kingston, Jamaica

Dinner at Miss T’s

Miss T’s is not a restaurant, it is an institution. You simply cannot go to Jamaica and not dine at Miss T’s. The dishes are famous across the island and around the world, from succulent lobster, fish and shrimp to organic salads, sandwiches and wraps.

Miss T’s menu is full of delicious and decadent authentic Jamaican plates. Make your way through the menu where each dish is more delicious than the last. Start with the Nyammins, try the Wing Bashment, succulent wings with a fruity or spicy sauce or the Jah Know, curried ackee on crispy bammy with a fruit chutney.

The Yardie Favourites section of the menu will steal your heart. Try the Honey Garlic Chicken which is fried golden brown, rolled in honey and garlic then baked or the signature Curried Goat with Miss T’s famous blend of spices simmered in a rich curry sauce, served with rice and peas or white rice. Miss T’s offers the true taste of Jamaica.

@misstskitchen

misstskitchen.com

65 Main St, Ocho Rios, Jamaica

@visitjamaica

visitjamaica.com