'Boasting a feel-good factor like no other, Jamaica exudes an infectious laid-back air. Tropical palms, paradise beaches, cascading waterfalls and hypnotic reggae beats combine to form one of the most enticing corners of the Caribbean."
Pop on your sunglasses and stretch out on brilliant white sands, seek shade beneath a swaying palm and let the soothing sound of the waves induce a gentle snooze, or pull up a chair in a beach bar pulsating with relaxed reggae beats and get to know laid-back locals over an icy beer. Then wake up the next day and do it all over again. One of the largest islands in the Caribbean, Jamaica is as relaxed as it is beautiful - but there's plenty more to do besides lounging on the beach. Whether you want to plunge your sun-warmed body into icy pools fed by cascading waterfalls or browse tempting market stalls laden with colourful crafts, swim with playful dolphins or explore old colonial forts, this tropical isle will provide. Of course, some of you will prefer to do nothing more than simply sink into velvet sands and inhale the smoky aroma of a sizzling barbecue until the sun melts into the sea. And who could blame you?
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Jamaica holiday resorts
Resorts in Jamaica include Falmouth, Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay.
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Looking for holidays in Jamaica? Our Jamaica holiday destinations include Jamaica.
Beaches
Sun-seekers flock here just to enjoy the simple pleasures of the divine beaches and spectacular sunsets with a glass of rum in their hand and they aren't disappointed. Along the entire coastline you'll discover an endless bounty of beach havens, where translucent waters lap lazily onto silky shores. Montego Bay is the largest tourist resort and has plenty of pristine sandy swathes dotted with beach bars and watersports shops. For something more low-key head to Negril, a growing resort with a laid-back atmosphere and Jamaica's famous seven mile stretch of pale golden sand. A short hop from the shimmering sands of Ocho Rios on Jamaica's north coast you'll find the world famous Dunn's River Falls, not to mention Dolphin Cove, a rainforest-encrusted retreat where you can swim with inquisitive bottle-nose dolphins.
Eating out
Like the country itself, Jamaican food has some strong flavours. Jerk chicken and pork is easy to come by, well spiced and barbecued on a smoky grill until crisp and brown. Curried mutton and goat is also common, as is rice 'n' peas, the island staple. Being an island, fish is plentiful - look out for yellowtail and red snapper. Broiled and served with a tangy lime sauce, the fish here is simply delicious. The national dish is ackee and saltfish, a mixture of salt cod and a brightly-coloured fruit whose cooked flesh looks a lot like scrambled eggs. Served with fried dumplings and callaloo, a leafy vegetable, it's actually eaten for breakfast! When you're feeling thirsty, enjoy a refreshing coconut cooler from roadside vendors who lop the top off the coconut so the sweet milk can be sucked out with a straw. Red Stripe is the beer of Jamaica. Light and crisp, it's the only known antidote to the island's hot and spicy jerk meats. Be sure to try the famous Blue Mountain coffee and finish off the day with a glass of smooth Jamaican rum, the perfect bedtime tipple.
Nightlife
Jamaica offers plenty of different nightlife opportunities, ranging from a peaceful 'sun-downer' at a thatched beach bar to an evening spent dancing to Jamaica's most energising reggae beats. Music is very important to the people of Jamaica, and you'll find your holiday infused with mesmerising melodies wherever you go. Seize any opportunity to join in local events, from carnivals to impromptu live music, and get carried away to the sounds of reggae, steel pan and calypso!
Shopping
For those who like to spend time hunting for gifts‚ the craft markets around Kingston's harbour are full of temptation. There's also a shopping centre where you'll find all your retailing needs, plus it's likely you'll be offered wooden carvings and other products while sunning on the beach.
Transfer time
Most transfers in Jamaica will not be accompanied by a Holiday Rep.
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