Where should I stay in Jamaica?
(425 Reviews)
99% Recommended
Pam MacIntyre
Maple Grove, MN
Australia & New Zealand Specialist
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic part of the world?
I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.
The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!
Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!
Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!
Australia
Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.
While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.
And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.
Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.
Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.
Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!
Can Be Reached At
1-763-231-8893
Horse on the Beach in Jamaica
Why Jamaica Should Be at the Top of Your Caribbean Travel List
Jamaica is absolutely one of my favorite Caribbean islands—and for many great reasons. Like many islands, it offers resorts at a range of price points to fit your vacation budget. You don’t need to stay at the most expensive resort to have an incredible experience. I can help you navigate where to stay in Jamaica and find the perfect resort tailored just for you.
Safe, Scenic, and Tourist-Friendly
Jamaica has been fortunate to remain free from seaweed issues that affect some Caribbean destinations. It also boasts some of the safest drinking water in the region. The government is very committed to tourism safety, with strict measures in place, including criminal background checks to ensure resort security and peace of mind for visitors.
A Destination Full of Experiences
With over 150 attractions approved by the Jamaica Tourist Board, Jamaica has more approved attractions than any other Caribbean destination. The options are vast, including rivers and caves, golf, botanical gardens, luminous lagoons, Blue Mountains sunrise tours, horseback riding, kayaking, jeep safaris, ziplining, bobsledding, swimming with dolphins, ATV tours, and bird watching. Many travelers choose where to stay based on the experiences they want to have.
Montego Bay: The Complete Resort Experience
Montego Bay is where most visitors fly in to begin their Jamaican adventure. It offers dozens of fabulous resorts within 30 minutes of the airport. Here, you’ll find plenty of shopping, easy access to tours, and resorts to fit every budget. You can choose to stay in Montego Bay for your entire trip or split your stay with other popular areas like Ocho Rios or Negril. Both Ocho Rios and Negril are about 90 minutes to two hours away, making Montego Bay an ideal place to finish your trip and break up the drive to the airport.
Ocho Rios: Jamaica’s Lush, Tropical Heart
Ocho Rios is a lush, mountainous area known for its stunning, cove-like beaches formed by the mountains meeting the ocean. It has a natural, intimate feel, and is home to the famous Dunn’s River Falls. The town features local craft stalls with wood carvings, Blue Mountain Coffee (which tastes amazing), Jamaican jerk seasoning, reggae music, and delicious local rum like Appleton Jamaican Rum. The craft market in Ocho Rios is one of my favorite shopping experiences anywhere!On your way to Ocho Rios, you’ll pass through the resort area of Runaway Bay/Trelawny. This area is great if you prefer a resort without the bustle of a town nearby. Runaway Bay is conveniently located halfway between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.
Negril: The Capital of Casual
Negril is the crown jewel of Jamaica, famous for its stunning sunsets and its seven-mile stretch of sugar-white sand beaches. Couples Resorts was the first to introduce the all-inclusive resort concept here. The main Seven Mile Beach is beautiful but can be busy with beach vendors, which some travelers prefer to avoid. If you want a quieter beach experience, consider a resort on Bloody Bay Beach (named for its history as a former whaling port). You’ll still find a few vendors, but far fewer than on Seven Mile Beach.
Port Antonio: Naturally Authentic
Known as the birthplace of Jamaican tourism, Port Antonio remains one of the most picturesque parts of the island, with little change over the past 40 years. It’s a favorite among bird watchers and nature lovers and is considered the home of authentic jerk cooking.
South Coast: Off the Beaten Track
The South Coast offers a peaceful retreat perfect for nature lovers and soft adventure seekers. It’s home to the Breds Treasure Beach Foundation and hosts the Calabash Literary Festival. Community-based tourism thrives here, and it’s also where you’ll find the Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum. One of the coolest spots is Pelican Bar—a floating driftwood bar accessible only by boat, famous for rum punches, Red Stripe beer, and delicious lobster curry. Pelican Bar was even named one of the “Top 10 Coolest Bars in the World.”
Kingston: The Heartbeat of Jamaica
Kingston is the island’s most authentic urban destination. It offers a vibrant bar scene and is home to the Blue Mountains— a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its incredible coffee. Kingston has the richest mix of cultural and historical diversity in Jamaica, making it a must-visit for those looking to experience the island’s soul.
If you’re looking for a modern resort or a Caribbean rustic retreat, I can help find the perfect place for your stay. Now, with a better idea of the different areas and what they offer, you can start to plan the Jamaican experience that’s right for you.