Destination overview

The word Jamaica is derived from the local Taino Native American and means ‘Land of Wood and Water’, or ‘Land of Springs’. Today, Jamaica still has its water with beautiful waterfalls and the crystal clear Caribbean sea, and its wood, which comes from the Blue Mountains. But Jamaica today also has a rich cultural heritage and history, modern cities such as the capital, Kingston, and a people who are inviting and welcoming to visitors. Kingston is the largest city in Jamaica and was founded in late 1692 as a place for refugees to live following an earthquake.

Kingston now has a diverse population of over 650,000. The majority of residents are of African descent, but there are also a large minority of people originally from China, Europe and India. These influences all merged together to help form the sound of Jamaica, reggae music. The music pulsates through the streets of Kingston, especially Knutsford Boulevard, also known as the Kingston Strip, and hub to Kingston nightlife. There are also plenty of places to eat and shop, including boutique stores and restaurants in the New Kingston Shopping Centre.

Towering over Kingston and taking up much of the eastern third of Jamaica are the Blue Mountains. From the highest point, Blue Mountain Peak, at 2,256 metres (7,402 feet), you can see both the northern and southern coasts of the island. The mountains are home to over 500 species of flowering plants, many of which can only be found in Jamaica. The mountains are also home to the largest butterfly found in the Americas, the Homerus swallowtail and more than 200 species of birds.

On the lower slopes of the mountain is where the world famous Blue Mountain Coffee is grown, which is said to be some of the best beans in the world for brewing. There are plenty of hiking, biking and horse riding tours offered on the mountains and Blue Mountain Coffee has a small gift shop for souvenirs and of course, coffee.

The most notable feature of Jamaica has to be the sand and sun. The beaches are so beautiful that it is said even the locals cannot get enough of them. Ocho Rios, Turtle Beach and Mallard Beach are popular tourist spots with plenty of food choices and activities. Also close by is James Bond Beach named so because it was home to the Bond Series author Ian Fleming. In Negril, Seven Mile Beach was the Caribbean home to the Hippie movement, and while it caters more to tourists, the beach still stays close to its roots with several clothing optional areas.

Montego Bay's beaches of Cornwall Beach and Walter Fletcher Beach offer incredibly calm waters and are great family spots. And in Port Antonio is Frenchman's Bay, said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and Blue Lagoon, made famous by the movie of the same name. Montego Bay is also booming with shops, restaurants, clubs, championship golf courses and the legendary and beautiful Colonial great houses. The juxtaposition of natural beauty and man-made luxury make Montego Bay a beloved destination for everyone who visits the island.

While in Jamaica, other must-sees are the Coyaba River Garden and Museum which starts with pre-Columbian history and follows the development of the island. The real splendour of the attraction, however, lies in its beautiful gardens. Stroll through the gardens past natural springs and waterfalls. You’ll also see small pools filled with colourful koi and turtles. There’s also a good shop for history and botanical buffs.

A trip to the Rockfort Mineral Bath, sitting at the foot of the imposing Long Mountain in East Kingston has been refreshing Jamaicans and visitors alike since its discovery in the aftermath of the Great Earthquake of 1907. Another fun trip is to the Nature Village Farms where you can have a picnic and try your hand at fishing in one of the pools. Or just relax in a hammock under the shade of a tree.

For eco-tourism lovers, definitely go and visit the Cranbrook Flower Forest and River Head Adventure Trail. This unique attraction is situated on 130 acres of tropical forest including 40 acres of landscaped gardens. Cranbrook offers a hiking trail along the Little River that leads to a cathedral-like source of the river with the water rising from a 14-foot deep pool. You’ll see dozens of tropical plants, flowers and birds and can relax by the river or roam on the four large lawns. Nature lovers won’t want to miss this.

From its days as the ‘banana capital of the world’, Port Antonio was once one of the best-kept secret holiday spots of the Hollywood set, but now the word is out. Port Antonio’s eclectic heritage and majestic landscapes make it the perfect place for travellers seeking a piece of authentic Jamaica.

More must-sees in Kingston include the Bob Marley Museum for all reggae lovers, and the Devon House Heritage Site, which sits on 11 lush acres. The stately Devon House mansion was the home of Jamaica’s first black millionaire, George Stiebel. Built in 1891, Devon House is a national landmark and heritage site, with its manicured lawns and sprawling grounds making it a popular recreational spot.

Fifteen minutes by boat from Port Royal is Lime Cay, a small, low-lying island cay with one of the most beautiful beaches in Jamaica. The largest of the many small cays off the coast of Port Royal, Lime Cay is uninhabitable by humans because it is occasionally submerged when the tide comes in.

Now, on to the food! Jamaican cuisine is as diverse as its people who arrived from all corners of the globe bearing favourite ingredients. But on a small island, nothing stays the same for long, and necessity dictates that everything be modified creatively, with great flavour and a little bit of life in every bite. The Jamaicans use cassava from the native Arawaks, pickled meats and fish brought by the Europeans, yams and bananas by the Africans and curry by the East Indians. Pit it all together, add some more spice and you have typical Jamaican cuisine.

If you want to spend your mornings sipping great coffee, your days at pristine beaches and dance your nights away to the sounds of reggae, then Jamaica is your paradise holiday destination. And while you’re there, don’t forget to stop and enjoy the uniqueness of the mountains and get to know the people.