JAMAICA

This is a land of imposing mountains, tumbling rivers, low coastal bluffs and long sandy beaches. Restored Great Houses rub shoulders with Caribbean shacks and the rhythms of Jamaica’s huge musical heritage are everywhere.

Negril is one of the island’s most relaxed beach resorts. Our preferred choice of accommodation is the colourful cottages that perch on the coral-fringed cliffs, away from the bustle of the main beach, with uninterrupted views of the Caribbean sea.

Treasure Beach is a delightfully friendly and undeveloped section of the south coast with local Great Houses, nature safaris, and the Appletons rum distillery to explore or a wonderfully quiet strip of sandy beach to relax on. A great place to escape
the crowds.

The Blue Mountains dominate the eastern half of Jamaica, rising to 7402 feet at Blue Mountain Peak. This is where the famous Blue Mountain coffee is produced and you can find out all about the process of transforming the berry to a roasted bean. It’s also one of the best hiking areas in Jamaica and you have a choice of luxury mountain top spa or overgrown eco-lodge to stride out from.

Port Antonio is another small, welcoming Jamaican town in a little-visited corner of the island. Hiking, rafting, waterfalls, bird-watching and botany are the chief attractions with tiny coves, golden beaches and ‘bottomless’ lagoons adding a little coastal variety.

The Oracabessa and Ocho Rios area of the north coast is host to the famous Dunn’s River Falls and Fern Gully. Ian Fleming and Noel Coward both owned homes at Oracabessa. Coward’s former residence, ‘Firefly’, commands some of the best views in Jamaica. You can actually stay at Fleming’s ‘Goldeneye’ which is one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive and comfortable small hotels.