Jamaica holiday | The highlights of Caribbean Jamaica

Idyllically located south of Cuba in the warm Caribbean Sea, rests the lush, tropical island of Jamaica. The island has more to offer than just the rasta, reggae and rum for which it is internationally renowned. It has a fusion of various African, Spanish, British, Indian and Chinese influences, reflected in the national motto 'out of many, one people'. This exotic hybrid culture offers adventurous cuisine and the world's most friendly and laid-back locals. Blessed with golden sandy beaches, year-round sunshine, verdant rainforests and misty mountains, Jamaica is an absolute paradise in the Caribbean. From Negril's glorious Seven-Mile Beach with the majestic Blue Mountains as a backdrop, to the noisy party scene and grand colonial architecture in Montego Bay and to the vibrant capital city of Kingston, Jamaica is a remarkably diverse and beautiful country that is likely to enchant you every time.

Located on Jamaica's north coast and once a small, sleepy fishing village, Ocho Rios has developed into a bustling port town with a popular cruise ship port and a lively beach. The name Ocho Rios, meaning 'eight rivers', is somewhat of a misnomer, as the town does not have eight rivers, but the lack of rivers is more than made up for by spectacular natural attractions. The highlight is undoubtedly the terraced, 180-metre-high Dunn's River Falls, which are surrounded by trees and have some beautiful lagoon pools. Other notable attractions in the area include the Shaw Park Botanical Gardens, the Coyaba River Garden and Museum and a lovely little amusement park where families can enjoy ziplining, a bobsled-themed roller coaster, abseiling and whizzing down a water slide.

Port Antonio, situated on the north-eastern coast of the island of Jamaica, is a secluded seaport that remains well off the beaten tourist track. The area is renowned for its remarkable natural beauty and is popular with nature lovers who gather here to experience the array of natural wonders. The highlight is undoubtedly the magnificent Blue Lagoon, made famous by the film of the same name starring Brooke Shields. Other notable attractions include: the Blue Mountains; the Rio Grande Valley; numerous waterfalls; and Frenchman’s Cove, home to what is perhaps one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. The town itself, nestled between two harbours, is relatively unspoilt, with no high-rise buildings and a number of well-preserved historic buildings, such as Portland Parish Church and the Portland Parish Courthouse.

The UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains dominate the eastern third of Jamaica and are the longest mountain range in the country. With stunning views of both the north and south coasts and the island of Cuba, the mountains are a huge draw in Jamaica. Visitors can look forward to hiking the many trails that traverse the foothills and peaks. Thick, green forests, rushing rivers and sparkling waterfalls cover the mountain passes. Other highlights include: Daley's Horticultural Farm, which is full of lush tropical foliage; the Mavis Bank Coffee Factory, which makes the aromatic world-famous 'Blue Mountain Coffee' and offers demonstrations to the public; and the Flamstead Lookout, where Nelson watched ships approaching the harbour two hundred years ago. The area is also a convenient base to explore the famous Jamaican city of Kingston.

On the south-east coast of the remarkable tropical island of Jamaica lies the vibrant capital and home to the island’s thriving music scene. This enchanting, rugged city is brimming with intriguing contrasts: cheerful soca rhythms fill the streets alongside magnificent stately Georgian squares packed with countless theatres, museums and galleries; and exotic jungles coexist with bustling business districts. Must-see attractions include Bob Marley’s house, now a museum housing Marley’s personal belongings and countless memorabilia; the National Gallery of Jamaica, with a number of impressive historical and contemporary Jamaican artworks; a sumptuous mansion called Devon House, perhaps one of the finest examples of Jamaican architecture; and the Hope Botanical Gardens, the largest and most impressive botanical gardens in the Caribbean. You really have to experience the incredible, pulsating hustle and bustle of this city to believe it. As one local Jamaican put it: “You don’t really know Jamaica until you know Kingston.”

Jamaica's beautiful south coast, also known as 'Treasure Beach', is one of the island's most tranquil and least developed areas. The area includes four beautiful bays: Frenchman's Bay, Calabash Bay, Billy's Bay and Great Pedro Bay. Treasure Beach is the perfect destination for travellers looking to escape the crowds and relax in a spectacularly scenic and remarkably laid-back environment. What the area lacks in large, all-inclusive resorts and noisy nightclubs, it more than makes up for with deserted beaches, hammocks between two palm trees and warm and welcoming locals. Visitors can look forward to exploring the pristine jungle with waterfalls, strolling along an idyllic beach otherwise inhabited only by fishermen, or visiting the unusual Floyd's Pelican Bar built on stilts on a sandbank almost a kilometre and a half out to sea.

The sunny resort of Negril, also called the 'capital of the informal' for its laid-back island vibe, is located on Jamaica's beautiful west coast and known for its sandy beaches on shallow bays with calm, azure waters. The town's famous Seven Mile beach, especially the part overlooking Long Bay, offers lively bars, excellent restaurants and a number of world-class international resorts. Long Bay has a beautiful lagoon protected by coral reefs, providing an ideal setting for a range of water sports, including some of Jamaica's best snorkelling and scuba diving. Negril is also known as a musical hotspot with a vibrant reggae scene and daily live music events that give visitors a taste of Jamaican culture. Travellers looking for casual sun on beautiful beaches, luxury boutique hotels and colourful reggae joints need look no further than Negril's hedonistic haven.

St Ann's Parish, located on the north coast of Jamaica, is often called the "Garden Parish" because of its lush, tropical landscape and rich history. It is the largest parish in Jamaica and one of the oldest, founded in 1661. St. Ann is known for its beautiful beaches, impressive waterfalls and important historical sites, including the spot where Christopher Columbus set foot on land in Seville in 1494, near St. Ann's Bay. The area is a popular destination for nature lovers. One of the most famous attractions is Dunn's River Falls. This beautiful waterfall, which cascades down 183 feet of limestone steps, offers visitors the unique experience of climbing up from the beach along the refreshing waters.