I’m just back from my very first trip to Jamaica. When the Jamaica tourist board invited me to visit, friends and family almost unanimously asked me: “Is it safe?”. Well, I could not have felt safer and more welcome during my week in Jamaica and I have learned so much and quashed many myths about this vibrant and friendly island.
Firstly, I was often reminded that Jamaica is a country and not just another Caribbean island. It is big, cosmopolitan, with lots of contrasts, from the lush interior where some of the world’s finest coffee is produced, to the coastal resorts, some with iconic hotels full of history in Ocho Rios to the large resort hotels of Montego Bay.
Reggae music is everywhere and the island moves to the reggae beat. Bob Marley is like a god here and so you’d better get with the rhythm! We visited the famous Golden Eye Hotel where Ian Fleming had a house and wrote some of the Bond novels. The lobby is full of photos of the rich and famous who have stayed there as well as various actors who have played Bond. The hotel is owned by Chris Blackwell, who discovered Bob Marley and countless other famous musicians. A little further up the coast is the tiny Geejam hotel, with its own recording studious where artists go to record their next albums. It’s all very exciting!
I stayed at the Jamaica Inn, another hotel steeped in history, whose walls are covered with photos of famous actors from the Golden Age of film who have stayed at this elegant but relaxed hotel. Winston Churchill stayed in one of the suites. Jamaica Inn would probably suit clients looking for something more traditional.
I also visited the new Eclipse section of the Half Moon Resort. This is one I would definitely recommend to my luxury clients. Built-in colonial style, but with light, bright furnishings, it is very classy and set on a lovely white sand beach.
My second stay was in a villa at Round Hill Hotel and Villas. This resort is breathtaking and among the finest hotels I have seen anywhere. Within my villa, I had my own living room, huge bedroom, indoor and outdoor bathrooms and private pool. I felt like a celebrity and can add my name to the countless jet-setters who have stayed here. The spa, the food and the service were all superlative and yet the resort has a real atmosphere and is friendly, not stuffy. An outstanding resort.
There is so much to see and do in Jamaica and I have only scratched the surface. From water sports to climbing Dunn’s Falls waterfall, horseback riding in the sea, mountain and e-bike riding, hiking, visiting historic buildings, such as Rose Hall, a former sugar cane plantation estate with a very dark history and a sobering reminder of years of evil during the time of slavery.
So, to sum up, Jamaica is not just for backpackers in flip-flops. There is plenty for the luxury traveller and I am glad I was able to experience this amazing island!
Feeling inspired? Book your next escape now. Get in touch with Lizzi by emailing [email protected] to book your dream trip!
by net effect