The musical heartbeat of the Caribbean, Jamaica conjures up images of colourful clothes, Bob Marley hits and white sandy beaches. But it’s also home to an array of natural wonders, including the 960-foot tall Dunn’s River waterfall and the Green Grotto Caves, which date back to 1655 and were used to film the 1973 James Bond hit Live and Let Die.
Shoppers and foodies alike can delight in the famous rum, creamy Blue Mountain coffee, fiery jerk chicken patties and intricate artisan handicrafts. All-year sun, glassy waters which lead to hidden mangroves and clear night skies alive with stars mean it’s an island not to be missed. Here’s how to get the most out of your visit.
Green Grotto Caves
Consider the season
Jamaica has a tropical climate year-round and rarely dips below 26 degrees during the daytime – even in December. March tends to be a more expensive month, with hoards of American spring break students descending on the island.
Low season is considered to be July to October, with humidity high and the average temperature sitting around 29 degrees. The latter months experience higher rainfall and a chance of hurricanes. And whilst these months can be a cheaper and less busy time to visit, flights with budget airlines such as Norse are affordable year-around. Founded in 2021, the low-cost, long-haul company has recently introduced direct flights from London Gatwick to Montego Bay, starting at £639 for return flights in January. Their premium economy class is an impressive – and still affordable – option, with some of the most generous legroom (43 inches) and recline measurements (13 inches) in the industry.
Couples Tower Isle
Go all-inclusive
Resorts and tourist traps on the island are aplenty, meaning cheap street food isn’t necessarily easy to come by. Look to all-inclusive resorts to cover everything from daily meals and a bottomless mini bar to an action-packed itinerary. Picturesque beach-front hotels such as Couples Resorts include 24 hour dining across multiple restaurants, as well as a coffee shop boasting the island’s famous Blue Mountain beans, a juice and cocktail bar, and a snack and ice cream corner. Free activities include dance and yoga classes, non-motorised water sports such as paddle boarding and day excursions are also available.
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