Whether you’re planning to honeymoon, elope, or just escape to the beach, the warm sands and ocean breezes of Jamaica make it a luxe and tropical island trove. For optimum spoils, check yourself into the Round Hill Hotel & Villas in Montego Bay (considered one of the most romantic destinations in all of the Caribbean) or the stunning Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios (situated on the island’s most beautiful beach). Indulge in the spectacular lodings and services offered by these hotels (you know you deserve it!) and immerse yourself in the island’s incredible charm. Still need persuading? Here’s 10 more reasons to start packing.
1. The royal treatment. Whether you choose to rest your head at the Round Hill Hotel & Villas (roundhilljamaica.com) or the Jamaica Inn (jamaicainn.com), prepare yourself for five-star service from the moment you land – you’ll be greeted by a chauffeur at the airport and welcomed with a bottle of champagne in your private villa (which comes complete with your own personal wait staff). Activities range from swimming with dolphins and kayaking in the ocean to sipping tea on your private balcony and unwinding with a couple's massage.
2. Honeymoon packages. The best part about prepared packages is that all the details are taken care of, so you can enjoy Jamaica stress-free. Instead of co-ordinating your flight, hotel, car rental and meals, opt for the convenience of an all-inclusive package. For a lump sum price (ranging from $3,500 to $6,000 per week), you’ll spend less time fretting over costs that add up between various expenses, and more time enjoying the sun and sand with your man.
3. Delightful day trips. Jamaica is alive with culture and history, so take a break from tanning and explore! Take a trip to Falmouth, an 18th-century port town near Montego Bay where the architecture boasts the riches of sugarcane exporters. Ocho Rios is famous for its stunning waterfalls (Dunn’s River) and gardens (Shaw Park Garden). For an island history lesson, visit Prospect Plantation, once owned by Brit Sir Harold Mitchell who established a school for underprivileged Jamaican boys.
4. Delicious dining. The mouth-watering flavours of Jamaica range from pepper pot soup and jerk chicken to sweet potato pudding and glazed bananas. Steel drums echo in the air while dining at Montego Bay’s Day O Plantation. If you’re craving traditional Jamaican dishes, try Dolly’s on Sunset Boulevard. If you want the star treatment, try Town House, a fave among celebrities like Dustin Hoffman and Goldie Hawn. In Ocho Rios, meals are accented by stunning settings at Evita’s (perched atop a hilltop), The Ruins at the Falls Restaurant (overlooking a 40-foot waterfall) and The Almond Tree (a two-tiered patio with a tree growing through the roof).
5. Electrifying nightlife. After a strenuous day of sunbathing, relax at a quaint local bar or dance the night away with your hubby. Montego Bay’s Time ‘n’ Place bar (an authentic hut overlooking the beach) is the place to be. Famous for their daquiris, this bar has even been the location for many fashion magazine photoshoots. If you’re in Ocho Rios, check out local hot spots like Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville or Jamaic’N Me Crazy. For more local flavour, head to Club Strawberry or The Roof for real Jamaican flair.
6. Breathtaking beaches. Do you prefer lively games of beach volleyball or shady spots for reading a good book? There’s a Jamaican beach waiting for you. Ask your concierge where to go – certain beaches are known for water sports, family activities or romance. No matter where you unpack your beach bag, expect crystal clear waters, a warm breeze and white sand between your toes.
7. Cool music. From calypso tunes to steel drums to reggae beats, Jamaican music can be relaxing, lively and anything in-between. Check out the Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay (July) or the Sunsplash festival in Ocho Rios (August), both of which have earned reputations as the world’s best reggae events, attracting big-name artists Elephant Man, Wyclef Jean and Maxi Priest.
8. Shop till you drop. You won’t find 5th Avenue labels, but you will find unique treasures in local markets. Jamaican must-haves include rum, cigars and some extra-hot jerk seasoning to spice up your newlywed kitchen.
9. The stress-free place to be. We don’t want to stereotype but their motto is “Don’t worry, be happy!” Jamaica is the ideal location to kick back and unwind after the business of planning a wedding. Learn to relax, mon!
10. Destination “I do.” While it might be an ideal honeymoon destination, Jamaica can easily translate into a dream wedding destination. The Round Hill Hotel & Villas has over 30 romantic ceremony locations on their 110-acre property. Or consider tying the knot in a private cove at Jamaica Inn. Both offer spectacular wedding packages and you’ll never have to pay extra to have the stunning Caribbean sun as your backdrop.
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