Jamaica is a vast island by Caribbean standards and one that because of its fertility became one of Britain's wealthiest colonies in the West Indies. Today Jamaica fascinates many a visitor, entranced by the spectacular, lush scenery, the dramatically long coastline of sandy beaches and bays and the quaintness of ancient plantation houses and faded grand old buildings. The Blue Mountains contain Jamaica's highest peak and produce the famous Blue Mountain coffee, reputed to be some of the best in the world. There are numerous excursion possibilities from the hotels we feature in Jamaica to plantations, caves, waterfalls, botanical gardens, arts and crafts centres and beautiful Port Antonio. A variety of scenery and pace of life can be found on the seashore from popular beaches with a full range of water sports and beach bars to more secluded small coves surrounded by mountains that seemingly drop into the sea. Jamaica is one of the most vibrant, captivating and fascinating islands in the Caribbean, perfect for a luxury holiday.
Facts
Capital
Kingston
AirportMontego Bay airport.
Size 146 miles by 51 miles
Currency Jamaican dollar (£1 = JA$58)
Population
About 3 million
Temperature
27 degrees Centigrade on the coast (much cooler in the mountains in the winter months).
Local highlights
Red Stripe is the local beer and Appleton Estate produces Jamaica`s most famous rum. The doctor bird is native to Jamaica and one of the most outstanding of all species of hummingbird. Jerk is a Jamaican way of cooking seasoned meats over a wood fire set in the ground and ackee and saltfish, once the staple diet of the plantation slaves, it is now a Jamaican national dish. Blue Mountain coffee at the end of your meals is not to be missed. Rose Hall Great House is an imposing Georgian mansion near Montego Bay. Ricks Bar in Negril - great for sunsets and waiting for the legendary `green flash` whilst sipping a Planters Punch.
Getting out and about
For short distances or dining out, use a taxi. It`s well worth hiring a car for at least part of your stay to have independence and flexibility. There are numerous places of interest throughout the island, without your ever having to go into Kingston if you don`t want to venture into the capital. Appleton Sugar Estate, Rockland Bird Sanctuary, Belvedere Plantation, Rose Hall Great House and Greenwood Great House are all near Montego Bay. Ocho Rios is a major centre for tourism with some of the island`s best beaches and numerous waterfalls, gardens and plantations nearby to visit (eg Dunn`s River Falls, Prospect Plantation and Harmony Hall). One famous place of interest is Firefly, Noel Coward`s house set at 1000 ft and enjoying one of the finest views in the Caribbean. Port Antonio is a beautiful old town in an extraordinary setting.
Travel arrangements
Flying time London to Montego Bay is approximately 10 hours non-stop. Virgin Atlantic has direct flights from London Gatwick to Montego Bay and to Kingston. British Airways has direct flights from London Gatwick to Montego Bay and Kingston.