Jamaica holidays

Jamaica boasts some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in the Caribbean. Whether you’re kicking back, relaxing and soaking up the sun onshore or heading out onto the inviting waters on one of the many glass-bottomed boats, Jamaica’s natural beauty is sure to amaze. Bear in mind that some of the more popular spots, such as Doctor’s Cave, have beach fees, so it’s a good idea to carry a little cash with you.

Seven Mile Beach is the biggest and best-known stretch of sand on Negril’s famous strip. It does just what the name suggests, and unravels seven miles of sand backed by everything from beach bars to palm trees. Watersports are often on the cards by day (when you’re not horizontal working on your tan) and the sunset-watching credentials later on keep the crowds hanging around.

If you’re looking for somewhere less crowded than Seven Mile Beach, Bloody Bay is a little further north and still within easy reach of visitors staying in Negril. Its calm, shallow waters are fantastic for snorkelling and for families with younger children, and the palm-fringed beach has a super-relaxed feel.

While Negril’s Westmoreland area and Lucea’s Saturday market are popular, downtown Montego Bay is the shopping destination for bargain holiday buys. At the lively Montego Bay Craft Market, you can pick up everything from traditional wood carvings and handmade jewellery in bold colours to local spices and hot sauces. Haggling is a fun part of visiting the market, so don’t be afraid to set your price and strike a deal.

If you’re looking for a unique souvenir, you can’t go wrong with Jamaica’s renowned Blue Mountain Coffee. Known as the “Champagne of coffee”, it makes for a really special gift or memento. Appleton Estate rum is made by the island’s oldest distillery and goes down smoothly. Several of the island’s shopping malls sell duty-free alcohol and other tax-exempt products, too, including Times Square Shopping Mall in Negril. High-quality cigar shops can be found across the island, and there’s excellent local art at Harmony Hall, just outside Runaway Bay.

For high-end buys, we recommend heading to Main Street Rose Hall , where you’ll find luxury brands like Chanel, Gucci and Breitling. With its duty-free jewellery, it’s a great place to pick up designer watches and diamonds while benefiting from tax-free savings. Norman Manley Boulevard in Negril is another good option – you’ll find a few chic boutiques here, selling one-of-a-kind pieces.

Laidback evenings are a Jamaican speciality – imagine listening to live reggae bands in a small beach bar as you look out over the sea on a balmy Caribbean evening. Both Runaway Bay and Lucea are good bets for low-key nights out. For a memorable excursion, head to Rick’s Cafe in Negril. There, you can see wonderful sunset views while watching cliff divers jump from a staggering height into the water below.

Montego Bay is Jamaica’s main party playground. The famous Gloucester Avenue, better known as the ‘Hip Strip’, is lined with bars blaring dancehall music, while Pier 1 combines great seafood with lively nightlife vibes. Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville has locations in MoBay and Ocho Rios and is known for its all-day and all-night beach parties. In Negril, Norman Manley Boulevard is the place to be, with happy hours and reggae beats aplenty.

You can’t visit Jamaica without sampling the nation’s favourite dish – jerk chicken. Roadside jerk pans and chicken shacks are all over the island, filling the air with the smell of pimento wood smoke and slow-cooked, tender meat that’s marinated in scotch bonnet peppers for a spicy kick. If you want to try a really famous jerk spot, head to Scotchies.

Ackee and saltfish is a breakfast staple, and just as much a national dish as jerk chicken. Salted cod is paired with ackee fruit and typically served with dumplings and plantain. It’s the perfect way to start the day.

Jamaican patties are a delicious quick snack. Golden flaky pastry is packed with a spiced beef, chicken or vegetable filling, resulting in something close to a Cornish pasty. There’s a big debate over whether Juici patties or Tastee patties are the best, so make sure you try both. If you’re looking for a plainer snack, coco bread is a great alternative.

The premium coffee beans grown in the misty Blue Mountains are widely considered some of the best in the world. Their rich flavour and smooth finish make them a morning staple. Coffee plantation tours are also a great way of exploring Jamaica’s mountainous interior.

Rum is Jamaica’s spirit of choice, and the island is home to several of the world’s most famous brands, including Appleton Estate rum and Wray & Nephew’s overproof white rum. Rum punch cocktails feature on every drinks menu, but you can always go for the local Red Stripe beer if you want something a little lighter.