Where should I stay in Jamaica?
(390 Reviews)
98% Recommended
Pam MacIntyre
Maple Grove, MN
Australia & New Zealand Specialist
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, with curiosity I've asked several the question "What are your must see countries?" I was hard pressed to find one that did not list New Zealand! I mean who wouldn't wa...
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, with curiosity I've asked several the question "What are your must see countries?" I was hard pressed to find one that did not list New Zealand! I mean who wouldn't want to experience this majestic part of the world?
Recently I was able to explore several areas of this amazing country, being fortunate in visiting both the North & South Island. What I love is New Zealand can be mellow or action-packed, yet it will still always be epic!
From the endless national parks, dynamic Maori culture, to experiencing the sounds aboard a yacht while gazing upon dolphins. And let’s not forget about laying witness to the majestic beauty of a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura.
Wait, did you say you enjoy wine? They have some of THE best in the world....how do I know? Because how could I go all the way to New Zealand and not visit a winery or two. New Zealand offers the deliciousness of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnays, Pinot Noir, Merlot and many more!
I really could go on and on, but no need if you're reading this you already KNOW you want to explore this part of the world. I would love to help you create the best version of New Zealand for you!
Australia
Let me start by saying, I have been wanting to go to Australia since I was a child. Why you ask? Well to pet a kangaroo of course! And I did! Not only did I pet kangaroos, but I fed 4 simultaneously! It was a childhood dream come true, and I cannot wait to go back and repeat the experience.
I was in Sydney during the spectacular International lights and music festival, Vivid Sydney. It was their 10th year, and all I've got to say is WOW! Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. Although being from Minnesota it was more like our fall temperatures. So again, perfect! It was extra special to experience VIVID Sydney and see the iconic Sydney Opera House light up. If you travel during this time of year, it truly is a must see.
The Blue Mountains region of Australia was truly lovely to walk amongst. Then headed to Hunter Valley (to locals known as "The Hunter") where wine in this region was flowing plentifully and was quite delicious!
After making a visit to Australia I now understand why many choose to go there for 2 - 4 weeks on a vacation. It's truly hard to grasp the sheer size of Australia until you have been there yourself. To give you an idea, think about the USA. Sydney would be in Florida; Cairns (Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine; Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas; Melbourne would be New Orleans; and Perth would be Los Angeles.
If you're looking to visit the world's largest Great Barrier Reef, immerse yourself in Aboriginal communities, swim with whale sharks or gaze upon the Uluru (Ayers Rock) the possibilities really are endless in Australia!
Together we'll create your dream trip to Australia that you'll remember for the rest of your days!
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Horse on the Beach in Jamaica
Jamaica is absolutely one of my favorite islands in the Caribbean for so many reasons. Like many islands, there are resort options at varying price ranges to fit your vacation budget. You do not have to stay in the most expensive resort, to have a wonderful experience. I can help you navigate where to stay in Jamaica, and find the right resort for you.
Jamaica has been blessed without seaweed issues. It has some of the safest drinking water in the Caribbean. It's also very stringent with tourism safety. Their government has certain safety in place to ensure resort safety, including criminal background checks.
With over 150 Attractions approved by the Jamaica Tourist Board, it has the most attractions in any Caribbean Destination. Some of the MANY tours include: Rivers, Caves, Golf, Botanical Gardens, luminous lagoons, Blue Mountains Sunrise tour, Horseback riding, Kayaking, Jeep Safari, Zipline, Bobsled, Swim with Dolphins, ATV & Bird Watching. You may wish to choose an area based on the tours you wish to experience.
Montego Bay: The Complete Resort
Montego Bay is where you fly in to for your Jamaican adventure. There are dozens of fabulous resort choices right in this area within 30 minutes of the airport. You'll have shopping, central access to several tour options and a variety of various levels of resorts to choose from. You could either choose to stay here the entire time, or do a split stay with say Ocho Rios or Negril. Ocho Rios and Negril are anywhere from approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours away from Montego Bay. It makes a perfect split to end your Jamaica trip in Montego Bay to break up the drive to the airport.
Ocho Rios: The Centerpiece of Jamaica
Ocho Rios is a very lush, mountainous and tropical area with many pristine cove-like beaches. The mountains here push towards the ocean creating the cove effect. Creating a very naturally intimate feel. Ocho Rios is where the rushing waters of Dunn's River Falls flows. With tucked away stalls filled with local arts, souvenirs other fun items to bring back home such as wood carvings, Blue Mountain Coffee (tastes amazing), Jamaican Jerk Seasoning, Reggae music AND don't forget about the delicious local rum—Appleton Jamaican Rum. The craft market of Ocho Rios ranks up there in one of my more fun shopping experiences in my travels. On your way to Ocho Rios you'll drive through another resort area known as Runaway Bay/Trelawny. While they've got some great resorts here to stay in, this is more for the traveler not interested in going to a town for shopping. Runaway Bay/Trelawny is half way between Montego Bay & Ocho Rios.
Negril: The Capital of Casual
Ah Negril, the crown jewel of Jamaica! Famous for its stunning sunsets & 7-Mile stretch of sugar white sands. Couples Resorts was there very first to use the All-Inclusive Resort concept. The Seven Mile beach is the crème de la crème of beaches. The Seven Mile beach being connected to the town of Negril, you will run into more beach vendors though, which some people prefer to avoid. You may wish to consider a resort on Bloody Bay Beach (The name came from it being formally a whalers port). While you'll still have a few beach vendors, not nearly as many.
Port Antonio: Naturally
Birthplace of Jamaican Tourism, popularly stated as the most picturesque part of Jamaica. Little has changed really in 40 years. It’s very popular for bird watchers & nature enthusiasts. Home of original jerk style cooking.
South Coast: Off the Beaten Track
The perfect retreat for Nature Lovers, Soft Adventure Tours, Home to Breds Treasure Beach Foundation, Host of the Calabash Literary Festival, Community-Based Tourism and Home of Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum. Pelican Bar was listed as one of the “Top 10 coolest bars in the world (South Coast).” It has brilliant beaches and fantastic food, and is one cool place to drink. The Pelican Bar is a floating driftwood structure, is accessible only by boat. It's known for rum punches, red stripe beer and delicious lobster curry.
Kingston: The Heartbeat of Jamaica
Kingston is the most authentic destination in Jamaica. Great for bar hoping experience if that's your scene. Home of The Blue Mountains - A UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting incredible coffee! Kingston has the greatest mix of cultural and historical diversity in Jamaica.
If you're seeking a modern or Caribbean rustic resort together we will find the right resort for your next stay. Now you may have a better idea of the area(s) you may wish to explore.