Jamaica lies in the heart of the Caribbean Sea around 100 miles south of Cuba. Though just 146 miles long and 51 miles wide, the landscapes in Jamaica range from high mountains and rainforests inland, to white sandy beaches at the coast - this is a lush tropical island that has delighted visitors from afar for hundreds of years.
The most surprising aspect to this idyllic island is the totally relaxed pace of life. It's true that the Jamaican hotels carefree way is world-famous; it's just that it's impossible to understand just how laid-back everyone is until you've actually visited! It's a wonderful moment when you realise that this stunning island is going to live up to all your expectations.
Of course the main reason people come to Jamaica is for those breathtaking tropical beaches. All of the main resorts are on the coast, and all offer great facilities, lots of activities and friendly locals. Imagine a tropical beach scene with shallow waters, gentle waves and palm tree-fringed sands... well, that's Jamaica!
Montego Bay
Perhaps the most famous of Jamaica's resorts. Nowadays in Montego Bay you'll find mostly modern developments with an excellent range of international jamaican hotels, bars and restaurants - though you'll often turn a corner and encounter some breathtaking 18th and 19th century architecture from those turbulent historical times.
Negril
There's less bustle here than in some of Jamaica's resorts, because Negril has traditionally attracted artist and musician types. So the rural feel has been maintained, apart perhaps from modern developments at the rugged West End, where you'll find a fine selection of bars, jamaican hotels, restaurants and clubs. Beach lovers will find the Seven Mile Sands aptly named.
Ocho Rios
A well-established, purpose-built resort, right in the middle of Jamaica's north coast makes Ocho Rios a perfect base if you want to explore many of Jamaica's attractions. Added are a good range of international restaurants, low key nightlife attractions and a variety of craft markets and duty free shops.
Runaway Bay
This truly relaxing resort is set on a quiet stretch of coastline, with an easy going atmosphere. There are a number of sandy beaches nearby
Falmouth
A typical Jamaican holiday guide village set on white sandy beaches with a selection of craft stalls and souvenir shops and a weekly market. Falmouth was designed by British settlers, based on the UK town of the same name.
Braco
Attracting beach lovers and sun worshippers, Braco stretches along the water's edge between Falmouth and Runaway Bay - putting both within easy reach for shopping and sightseeing. With no 'centre' as such, its sandy shoreline is hemmed by quality hotels offering varied facilities for sport and leisure. A good choice for watersports enthusiasts.
Caribbean holiday guide are everything you want them to be...from luxury sunshine paradise to unforgettable rainforest adventure
From diving to honeymoons, cruising to golf, wedding to eco-adventure, music to history, Caribbean holidays has it all
The men, women and children who arrived from Europe, Africa and Asia have also contributed to the creation of humanity’s richest melting pot. The renowned Caribbean culture of peace and aversion to war is the result of our mutual understanding of others' beliefs, lifestyles and ability to adapt. The Caribbean today is one of the few places free from internal agression.
The results of this unique meld of history and culture can be seen in our faces, our buildings, our languages, our food, our museums and our monuments.
At the highest levels of achievement, there are Nobel prize winners including St Lucians Derek Walcott, the poet, and economist Sir Arthur Lewis, along with Mexicans Octavio Paz, the writer, and economist Alfonso Garcia Robles.
The Caribbean has also produced some of the world's most renowned artists, musicians and novelists, such as Trinidad's V S Naipaul.
Travellers to the Caribbean made a further contribution by finding inspiration and insight here. Famous incomers include Gaugin, Hemingway, Graham Greene and Nöel Coward. You can see their retreats today.
Wherever you are in the Caribbean you are likely to find something or somewhere that will remind you of your homeland – and always something more to expand your horizons.
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Destination-skipping or “island-hopping” is easy within the Caribbean as the islands lie close together. There are inter-island ferries, ranging from old-fashioned schooners where visitors rub shoulders with islanders, fresh produce and crates, to modern hydrofoils that whisk you between islands in air-conditioned ease.
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Holidays are a time for relaxation – but they are also the best opportunity to get a little adventure into your life. The Caribbean offers an extraordinary range of exciting activities on foot, on horseback, by boat or land transport.
Bring some sturdy walking shoes and hike through the stunning scenery. In many Caribbean countries, you can join a free organised hike, follow one of the many marked trails or hire a guide. Trails vary in difficulty from leisurely 20-minute walks to a full day’s journey up steep and difficult terrain.
Hiking or walking brings you closest to the unique beauty of our region. Go on a flamingo watch or join a birdwatching hike and thrill to the sight of some of the most colourful and rare birds in the world. Ask your guide about the exotic plants and animals. Then, after a hard descent, cool off in a whirlpool at the foot of a cascading waterfall.
If exploring by boat is more your style, take your pick from kayaking upriver, through a mangrove swamp or in the sea. Join an expedition in dugout canoes that will take you through wild rapids and falls – and allows time for fishing, camping or mountaineering.
Take the opportunity to explore labyrinthine underground caves with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, bat colonies, rock paintings and underground waterfalls. You may even be able to swim – we have some of the world’s longest subterranean waterways.
Caribbean Holiday Guide
