Jamaica

Late last year I was personally invited by the Jamaican Tourism Board to go on an educational trip to Jamaica, an offer I could not say no to!

It is early October when we fly to Montego Bay, arriving late in the evening we met our local guide for this trip, a representative from the Jamaican Tourism board.

For the first few days we stayed in a beautiful luxury all-inclusive resort in Ocho Rios, one of the popular spots of the island. Ocho Rios is ideal because of its central location on the long coastal strip in the North. Plenty to see and do here.

Besides visiting various beautiful hotels in the area, we travelled to Mystic Mountain, here as the true Jamaican Bobsleigh team we go down the hill with a bobsleigh, just like ‘Cool Runnings’. You first go up a ski lift and you have a beautiful view over the green tropical hills and the beautiful sea.

But there is more adventure in the area, we climbed the waterfall called Dunns River and went bamboo rafting in a wonderfully quiet place in the middle of the jungle. The tropical surroundings are gorgeous.

The following day we visited a very special place and resort, the Golden Eye resort. The reason this is so special is because the famous writer Ian Fleming, known from the world-famous James Bond books he wrote, lived here when he wrote all those books. It is a breathtaking place and I understand how he got inspiration here. You can stay there yourself, and besides Ian Fleming many other celebrities stayed here too, including Prince Harry, Tom Cruise and Beyoncé. Besides the home of Ian Fleming, they have built a resort on the grounds where you will find lovely beach or lagoon villas to stay in. I think this is my favorite place to stay on the island.

We drove to the most Eastern point, a relatively undiscovered spot, called Port Antonio. It’s beautiful here, the foothills of the Blue Mountains, the Blue Lagoon and idyllic bays at the sea, a stunning area.

Via Montego Bay, we travel south and here we come to one of my other favorite spots. An accommodation that I wanted to visit, I had booked this many times and customers were always so enthusiastic about it that I was happy that I could see it myself. Jakes's, a super nice place, small-scale and all different bungalows and houses, a bit of a hippy vibe, beautiful sea views and beautiful gardens, a great place to relax a few days.

After visiting the YS falls we made our way to Negril, this is perhaps the most beautiful beach in Jamaica, 7 Miles Beach. Powdery white sand, turquoise water and the ultimate Jamaican atmosphere. Friendly locals, reggae music in the background and good food.

Here, I recommend Rick's cafe, a famous place in Negril, where you can enjoy a drink at the terrace. Located on a cliff, you can enjoy beautiful views and a breathtaking sunset, with live music.

You can dive from the cliffs here at different levels, something the tourists like to do But it is the experienced locals who steal the show, from a high spot, the show the most beautiful and spectacular diving, really cool to see.

We also sailed the black river on a boat trip. Here we got to know a completely different kind of nature, and also meet the “friendly crocodiles”. Amazing to see these creatures in their natural habitat.

In and around Negril there is a hotel for everyone, from larger resorts to nice small-scale boutique hotels in all sorts of price ranges. Jamaica has stolen my heart and is undoubtedly one of my favorite places in the Caribbean. The relaxed atmosphere and beautiful nature make it a unique island. Besides beautiful beaches it is a very green and tropical climate, vast and hilly.

The Jamaicans are very friendly, and you can do, see, and experience so many different things, making it so much more than a relaxing / beach holiday destination.

Many people still only stay in the large all inclusive resorts and think that it is unsafe to leave your resort. But trust me that was in the past, it is a shame if you do not discover the rest of the island! Go for an adventurous fly drive or perhaps divide your stay over two areas.

If you want to know more, please don't hestitae to contact me.