3 REASONS TO VISIT JAMAICA

We share reasons to visit Jamaica; a gorgeous destination with absolutely stunning beaches. Make sure you check out these hidden gems.

Why visit Jamaica?

There are plenty of reasons to visit Jamaica. The island is rich in history, culture, has beautiful beaches and great food. Then there’s the diversity. The vibe is quite different in the various towns. You can get sophisticated, unspoiled rural, and everything in between. Go ahead, take your pick. Whatever you choose, you really can’t go wrong. 

Don’t forget the amazing food like the popular jerk chicken; you can find this all over the island so make sure to spend at least one meal enjoying it! 

Additionally, the island is full of incredible resorts from budget choices to luxury resorts that are ideal for honeymoons. 

Reasons to visit Jamaica

BLUEFIELDS

Take for example Bluefields. It’s one of the best-kept secrets, although it is the oldest settled area of Jamaica, built by the Spanish in the 17^th century. Locals and savvy travelers know it though and love this jewel on the South Coast about 40 minutes from Negril.

The beaches are not crowded and if you want to mix with locals, the weekends and holidays are good times to go. Just listen out for the reggae music and you’ll find food cooking and one big party. Bluefields is unique and when you go you’ll understand.

Hop on a boat at Treasure Beach and take a 20-minute ride to the Pelican Bar — a mishmash of pieces of wood and a makeshift hut over the water. It’s the coolest thing ever. You can have a drink and jump right in the water below. Check out the local arts and crafts in the hut, or have your name engraved on one of the wooden benches to let the world know you were there.

If you’re an adventure lover you won’t be disappointed. Explore the caverns that run through the Roaring River. Step inside and be amazed. Your eyes may trick you. You’ll swear you see engraved on the walls birds and other animals, even a mermaid. Ignore the bats flying above. You might get the feeling that you’re being watched.

Want more action? Seek out the Black River Safari. Get up close to crocodiles as you wind your way through part of one of Jamaica’s longest rivers. If kayaking, fishing, hiking, paddle boarding or birding is your forte, there’s plenty of that to be had.

For an authentic, low-key, and lovely experience, stay at Luna Sea Inn. This 9-room, the seaside boutique inn has an intimate, bohemian vibe. Come ready to eat. The chef is the stuff of legends. Locals hang out at the bar so you’ll get the cultural immersion you’re likely looking for.

ORACABESSA

Oracabessa on Jamaica’s north coast is Ian Fleming terrain. The James Bond author left his footprint on the area. If you’re looking for luxury accommodations, you’ll find one of the most fab on the island, Golden Eye, formerly owned by the Fleming estate and bought in the 70s by Island Records mogul Chris Blackwell.

James Bond Beach is a sweet spot nearby Golden Eye and the also popular Golden Clouds, an estate that is uber-luxe, overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Snorkel, dive reefs, and just gaze at amazing sunsets. As for beaches, you’re in for a treat. James Bond Beach is uncrowded, you can get some escovitch fish, festival, and other Jamaican goodies upstairs, with a rum punch, on a picnic bench staring at the blue, blue sea. James Bond Beach often has concerts and festivals. You don’t want to miss Reggae Beach either.

RUNAWAY BAY

You might miss Runaway Bay. It’s not a well-traveled hang-out like Ocho Rios or Montego Bay, but it has beaches worth stopping through town. Another plus, the Pear Tree River. Then there are the half-million years old Green Grotto Caves and Runaway Cave.

Nearby are numerous water sports and you can raft down the Martha Brae River.  If you’re looking for a special place to stay, check into the Luxury Bahia Principe Hotel & Resort, Runaway Bay. The 44-acre, all-inclusive, adult-only resort underwent a major makeover two years ago.

A new lake-style swimming pool, featuring a swim-up bar sits center stage on the resort. A host of restaurants, where romantic dinners and special occasion dining can be arranged, also have been added, as have 455 new deluxe suites with hydro massager bathtubs.

Helpful Resources

Travel essentials:

• We LOVE this camera for our travel photography.
• For a cheap, easy, and compact camera, we use this to vlog and take photographs. 
• We use this travel drone (but make sure to check drone laws in your chosen destination first). 
• This is our favorite travel insurance because it covers so many activities and travel situations that could arise on longer trips but also offer year coverage.

What to pack

• No matter where we travel to, I always take these trusty hand sanitizers and a mini first aid kit. 
• We love these toiletry bags (especially great for smaller bathrooms) and choose a laptop bag like this as our hand luggage. 
• We keep our devices charged on long travel days with these lightweight battery packs and bring these worldwide travel adaptors on all our trips. 
• I still struggle not to overpack so stick to using an expandable suitcase like these and always take my trusty luggage scales to avoid being charged at the airport.