Sway your way to Jamaica!
DREAMING of swap- swapping the daily grind for a brilliant world of absolute bliss, where you can sip cocktails on white sands and swim in warm, turquoise waters?
Then it has to be the Caribbean — where captivating Jamaica could be your most inspired choice yet.
The beat of reggae, the searing smell of jerk over the fire. The swizzle of rum in your glass. No place on earth shines quite like this magical sunshine island — the home of rhythm and sway.
From each morning’s glorious dawn until the sea swallows the sun amid a fiery blaze of red, Jamaica presents a magnificent palette of experiences, a kaleidoscope of colours and sounds — and the warmest of welcomes.
What’s more Jamaica features big in 2020, as Daniel Craig returns to the island in the 25th Bond film, No Time To Die. Fans of the franchise will know that Bond creator Ian Fleming lived on the island and his former house, Goldeneye, is now a stunning resort.
It is only around 90 minutes from Montego Bay, where Virgin Atlantic flies up to three times a week, direct from London Gatwick.
And Jamaica’s favourite son, Bob Marley, would have been 75 this year. Reggae fans can explore the life of this legendary artist at his former home in Kingston, today a museum.
NATURAL WONDERS
RINGED by amazing luxury resorts — many set on soft, creamy stretches of sand fringed by leaning palms and lush banana groves — and offering year-round sunshine, Jamaica is a fantastic adventure playground for couples. In Montego Bay, the coral reefs are spectacular and well worth a day’s diving or snorkelling.
Nearby, the Luminous Lagoon sparkles with bioluminescent light at night, thanks to millions of dinoflagellates. Enjoy the light show from a nightly boat tour, or an evening swim in the lagoon to illuminate yourself and the waters around you.
Near Ochos Rios, cool off in the water at Blue Hole, a turquoise swimming hole you can jump into, or at Dunn’s River Falls, a waterfall terraced like giant natural stairs, which is popular for climbing.
And you don’t have to be as fit as Usain Bolt to enjoy a hike in the Blue Mountains, home to amazing plants and birdlife — as well as some of the world’s finest coffee producers.
Or climb aboard a 30ft captained bamboo raft as nature floats by on the White River. Legend has it that Hollywood star Errol Flynn first had the idea and it’s now a top activity.
There’s far more to enjoy, from rum estate and wildlife tours to carnivals, food festivals, golf courses, shopping and waterparks — not to mention the delicious local specialities.
Jerk chicken or pork is a must — and do sample the freshly caught seafood, as well as Jamaican patties stuffed with lobster or chicken and seasonings, available at food stands.
LUXURY HIDEAWAY
JAMAICA boasts some of the Caribbean’s best and most luxurious adults-only and all inclusive resorts.
These stylish hotels are designed to pamper guests, from swim-up bars in lagoon pools, to professional spas and an array of fine-dining restaurants.
For an all-inclusive holiday with fantastic watersports and dining options, stay at Moon Palace, Couples Swept Away, or Secrets Wild Orchid. Or experience a luxury hideaway retreat with stunning views at Strawberry Hill in the Blue Mountains, where city stresses evaporate in a moment.
Pair this with Goldeneye, where you can paddleboard on turquoise waters, zone out in the spa, or just sit back and wiggle your toes in soft sand while drinking from a giant coconut. Pure Jamaican bliss!