There’s never a bad time to book a holiday to Jamaica. In fact, it’s one of the most sought-after places to visit. This Caribbean island is full of culture and tradition, fantastic picture-perfect beaches, a laid-back vibe and deliciously spicy cuisine.
There are a whole host of reasons why Jamaica is the ideal place for you to visit on holiday, but let’s focus on just seven, to give you an overview of this popular sun-kissed island.
1. The hotels are divine
If you’re eager to escape from the stress of everyday life Jamaica is sure to be your perfect relaxation getaway. Jamaican hotels are all about luxury, pampering yourself, and slowing down to enjoy the beauty that surrounds you. The hotels here are luxuriant and almost all monopolise the gorgeous outstretch of beaches by locating themselves right on the sand.
The 5* hotel Secrets St James Montego Bay is what holiday dreams are made of, and is located on a quiet peninsula with over half a mile of private beach. Beyond the tropical setting, this adults-only resort has a huge pool, gourmet restaurants and a world-class spa, you may never want to leave.
Royalton White Sands in Trelawny is another 5* resort, located on the edge of a sugar white beach and backed by a tropical forest. This family hotel has five restaurants to choose from, an open-air theatre and a kids’ club for all ages. The pool has its own array of waterslides and fountains, sure to put a smile on any kid’s face.
2. The weather is fabulous
Jamaica’s tropical weather is a huge reason this island is so popular, especially since it has almost no seasonal variation in humidity and temperature. The weather is hot year-round, so you won’t have to worry about holidaying just during the summer months.
The temperature varies across the island but the average daily temperature usually is in the high 20s °C, ideal for basking on your sunlounger.
All this beautiful weather means there’s plenty of time for some outdoor pursuits, with golfing, watersports, scuba diving, beach volleyball and horseback riding all on offer. It also means the sea is warm, and you can snorkel to your heart’s content, swimming through a vibrant coral reef full of colourful and tropical fish.
3. The cuisine is out of this world
Jamaican food cannot be beaten – with the classic jerk seasoning on most fish and meats, your mouth will be watering as soon as you get off the plane. Jamaican’s love spice, and put it in pretty much everything, often courtesy of the fiery scotch bonnet peppers.
There’s also plenty of rice, peas, yam and beef patties that make up the cuisine if you don’t like things too spicy.
If you’re venturing outside the resort gates, seafood is where it’s at. Because of its island location, Jamaican restaurants serve a fresh catch of the day, cooking up spicy, well-seasoned fish. You won’t be disappointed.
4. The beaches are second to none
When you think Jamaica you think beach holidays. Jamaica is home to over 50 public beaches as well as private hotel beaches, all with brilliant white sands and clear warm water. Seven Mile Beach in Negril is dotted with kiosks and stands selling an assortment of snacks, sandals and cold drinks. You’ll hear reggae music coming from the beach bars with dancing spilling out onto the sand.
And over in Montego Bay, Doctor’s Cave Beach is another lively option, running parallel with the resort’s so-called ‘Hip Strip’ of bars, restaurants and shops. Activities from the beach include jet skiing and parasailing or heading off on a glass bottom boat. As it faces west you get a top sunset view from the sand or sitting at a beachside bar.
5. The nightlife is always buzzing
Jamaica is known all over the world as the home of reggae music and when the sun sets this music comes alive in clubs, bars and anywhere they play live music. Cosy up with a rum cocktail or find your spot on the dancefloor and enjoy an evening of fantastic jamming music.
Margaritavilla in Montego Bay is one of the most famous restaurants in Jamaica, and when day turns to night its groove turns into an exciting nightclub with house DJs spinning the decks. They even have a 36-metre waterslide that winds its way directly into the Caribbean Sea. With 52 types of Margaritas to try, you’ll be coming back night after night.
6. The wildlife is beautiful
If you’re a nature lover Jamaica is definitely the holiday for you, as it’s home to more endemic species than any other Caribbean island. Jamaica has 27 reptile species and 21 amphibian species living on it, including the rarest lizard in the world, the Jamaican Iguana. It’s also home to the endangered American crocodile and more than a dozen different frogs and non-venomous snakes.
Of course under the sea is where it’s at, and on a scuba diving or snorkelling trip you’ll be able to spot plenty of colourful reef fish including the princess parrotfish, fairy basslets, giant eagle rays and tuna. Deeper into the water you’ll find nurse sharks, dolphins and sea turtles.
7. It’s a holiday for all
Whether you want to relax on the beach or enjoy the exhilarating watersports, Jamaica is a holiday for everyone. Honeymooners tend to flock here for the quiet private beaches and 5 star All Inclusive holidays and resorts. Families are also well catered for with waterparks in the resorts, fun activity-filled beaches and the Bob Marley Museum. No matter who you’re travelling with, and whatever the ages, there’s a hotel or resort here for you in Jamaica.
There you have it, seven reasons why Jamaica is a fantastic place to go on holiday. Are you planning a trip to this Caribbean island any time soon? Let us know why you chose Jamaica in the comments below.