- Cliff-jumping

Why Ochi Rios, Montego Bay and Negril Are the Top Three Resorts In Jamaica

The northern resorts of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, and the western resort of Negril enjoy a year round tropical climate, with the mountains providing protection from the worst of the wind and rain.

Montego Bay:

Affectionately tagged MoBay, Jamaica’s second largest city is the ideal way to settle into the Jamaican groove. Travel to Jamaica and join fellow travellers as they revel in the fun vibe at the ‘Hip Strip’ (Gloucester Avenue). You can eat, drink and dance the night away at Margaritaville, famous for its water slides, or soak up some live music at the Blue Beat jazz bar or down on Doctor’s Cave beach. Jamaica’s motto is ‘out of many, one people’, and nowhere is this more apparent than Montego Bay, where friendly locals and tourists get down and party side by side.

When the sun comes up, you can book the morning pirate cruise, if you dare, taking to the seas in a breathtaking 70 foot schooner as you learn about the exploits of infamous Calico Jack and his lady pirates. And no visit to Montego Bay would be complete without a trip back in time to the 19th Century splendour of Greenwood Great House.

You can order quality Jamaican food online but for the authentic Caribbean food experience, follow the giddying scent of pimento to one of the plentiful street-side jerk stands, where you can gorge yourself on aromatic jerk chicken or beef. Perhaps you would prefer to sample a home-made beef pattie, an ice-cold ‘Red Stripe’ in your hand. Whatever your taste, local and international food is everywhere in Jamaica.

Negril:

Driving southwest from Montego Bay, you will pass the enchanting ruins of sugar estates, as you head towards the legendary seven-mile beach at Negril. Here, on the western tip of the island you can indulge yourself by staying in the luxurious resort hotels on the north side or booking a room in one of the smaller cliff hotels on the south side. Wherever you stay, a trip to the spectacular cliffs will certainly be on your agenda, perhaps to watch the exhilarating cliff-jumping displays, while listening to live reggae at Rick’s Cafe. At the end of the day you won’t want to miss one of the world’s great natural wonders – the legendary Negril sunset.

Ocho Rios:

From deep rocky gorges to crashing waterfalls, stunning Ocho Rios is definitely worth a visit. Let an experienced local guide take you up the impressive Dunn’s River falls, where crystal waters crash 600 feet below you, before exiting via the colour and bustle of a local market.

Whether it’s for the balmy climate, relaxed vibe, thumping reggae beat or mouth-watering Caribbean food, there are so many reasons to travel to Jamaica.