Jamaica is one of the closest tropical escapes to the U.S. mainland, with just 90 minutes of flying standing between it and Miami. Rich in culture, food, and unspoiled scenery, the island is home to some of the top resort towns in the Caribbean.
Whether you’re the type of person that never wants to leave the resort or you want to explore all the island has to offer, Jamaica’s anything-goes vibe makes for the perfect getaway.
We’ve rounded up some of the best features of the island to help you start planning your journey.
Where to Stay in Jamaica
Jamaica is home to the Caribbean’s first over-the-water resort, taking a page from the playbook of the famous Maldives. The Sandals Royal Caribbean is an adults-only, all-inclusive paradise that values solitude and scenery in a single experience. Inside each of the over the water villas, you’ll find a clear pane of glass that gives you direct views into what’s swimming below you.
For a more personalized experience, Half Moon Jamaica in Montego Bay offers upscale homey vibes that might just make you want to move right in.
Things to See and Do
Like other islands in the Caribbean, Jamaica features some of the most breathtaking natural scenery, both on land and in the water. But there’s also a lot more to the area than beaches and palm trees. Take a look at some of the top activities to experience while you’re here:
Dunn’s River Falls
This world-famous waterfall is one of the only sets of falls that empty directly into the ocean. The unique step-style foundation attracts climbers and other adventure seekers who want to climb to the top.
Dolphin Cove Ocho Rio
Interactive water activities abound in Jamaica, but none are as popular as Dolphin Cove in Ocho Rio. Here you can get up close with dolphins, stingrays, and sharks in their natural habitat, and encounter other species like iguanas and snakes along the Jungle Walk.
Mystic Mountain, Rainforest Adventures
Adrenaline junkies will love the variety of activities at Mystic Mountain. Take a skylift to the top for the best views of the island, then coast down the mountain on a zipline or bobsled to do it all over again.
Green Grotto Caves
As if the name weren’t intriguing enough, the Green Grotto Caves are one of the most scenic icons on the island. Jamaica’s underworld is a labyrinth of winding caverns surrounded by vegetation and a secret lake. It’s one of the island’s crowning jewels everyone traveling to Jamaica should visit at least once.
What to Eat
Jamaica is known for its Caribbean-infused fair, especially when it comes to jerk seasoning (jerk cooking originated here, after all). If you’re in Montego Bay, the Sugar Mill Restaurant is a must-visit. This fine dining eatery is situated on the historic Rose Hall Sugar Plantation and offers some of the best seafood and country cooking on the island.
If you travel to the west end, you’ll want to make it a point to eat at Zimbali’s Mountain Cooking School, one of the most remote and most unique dining experiences you’ll find anywhere. Think of it as a mountain retreat designed for the foodie. This one of a kind, farm to table experience is eco-friendly, organic, and features some of the best views of Jamaica’s mountains. They greet you with a welcome drink of pineapple and ginger juice before taking you on a tour of their farm. From there, you’ll settle in to a multi-course meal complete with wine and transportation back to Negril.
When to Visit Jamaica
There’s no such thing as a bad time to visit the island. Temperatures hover between 75 and 88 degrees year round, with a brief hurricane season that could put a damper on your plans. For the best deals on hotels, you might want to plan for a November getaway. January through March is considered the island’s dry season, though some rainfall is common.
Whether you’re planning to escape to Montego Bay, Kingston, or even a whole different island in the Caribbean, Access Jet Group can help you get there in the best possible way. Our team has access to some of the world’s top private jets that offer unparalleled comfort and luxury, so you can get more from your travels. Contact us today for pricing and reservation information.
