Caribbean Pleasures Await

Jamaica gained independence from Britain in 1962, after nearly 500 years of European occupation. Today its culture is a mixture of influences from Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. This Caribbean island nation is home to exotic cuisine, interesting local culture, and superb beaches including Seven Mile Beach, Doctor’s Cave Beach and Treasure Beach.

The thumping sounds of reggae can be heard throughout the island. Fans of reggae legend Bob Marley can visit the Bob Marley Experience & Theatre in Montego Bay, the Bob Marley Mausoleum in Ocho Rios, and the Bob Marley Museum located in Marley’s original studio in Kingston.

Guests in Montego Bay can choose from five championship golf courses, explore the well-preserved historic town of Falmouth, bargain hunt in the vast array of duty-free shops, and enjoy the nightlife on the hip strip. The Aquasol Theme Park offers a variety of activities, including water sports, go-cart racing and tennis.

In Kingston you can experience breathtaking views, world-famous coffee and cool breezes. Cultural attractions include live theatre, the fine art collection at the National Gallery, the historic Spanish Town Square, and the lush Royal Botanic Gardens at Hope. Each Easter season, Carnival turns the town into one big party.

Negril visitors will find pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Leap off cliffs into the warm Caribbean, listen to live reggae nightly, soak up the sun on Seven Mile Beach and zip around town on a rented moped.

There are plenty of diversions for guests in Ocho Rios. Don’t miss the 600-foot climb to the top of spectacular Dunn’s River Falls. Swim with the dolphins at Dolphin Cove, shop for gifts at the craft market, go horseback riding on the beach, visit the lush Shaw Park Botanical Gardens, explore the Green Grotto caves, or see 500 species of ferns in Fern Gully. James Bond Beach is set against the backdrop of the lush mountains of St. Mary.

Guests in Port Antonio can enjoy the gorgeous beaches, hike in the Rio Grande Valley, surf, fish, or float down the Rio Grande on a bamboo raft. Don’t miss the gorgeous Blue Lagoon, with its mysterious blue depths.

On Jamaica’s South Coast, visitors can take a boat ride on the Black River, marvel at the sparking black sand of Treasure Beach, learn how rum is made at Appleton, and see a variety of colorful tropical birds in this peaceful setting.