GUIDE TO

INSIDER GUIDE TO JAMAICA Jamaica Picture Jamaica. Can you hear the twinkling steel drums and reggae beats? Are you walking across those white sands, bright blue waters gently lapping at your feet? Tasting a mouthwatering jerk dish, morsels covered in that exquisite sweet, fruity, spicy sauce?

Wherever your mind wanders to when you picture Jamaica, welcome to our mini destination guide to this adventurous and laidback Caribbean paradise. With miles of coastline, brilliant green flora as far as the eye can see, and a rich and fascinating culture, Jamaica is a Caribbean destination that constantly surprises travellers.

Population: 2.6 million Capital: Kingston National Anthem: Jamaica, Land We Love National motto: Out of Many, One People Currency: Jamaican dollar Official Language: English

Climate Jamaica has a tropical climate, with a wet and a dry season, but is generally warm and sunny all year round. Hurricane season usually runs from June to November.

Average Monthly Temperature: Jamaica

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Jamaica is home to the largest Christopher Columbus landed in Jamaica on The mongoose was botanical gardens in the 5th May 1494 and the first Spanish colonists introduced to the island, from Caribbean, Hope Gardens, at arrived in 1509. On 10th May 1655, Britain India, to kill snakes in the 200 acres in size defeated the Spanish, granting Jamaica sugar cane fields independence in 1962

The first James Bond film, Dr ‘Negril’ is thought to be named after the Ian Fleming wrote the Bond No, released in 1962, was large amount of black eels along the novels from his home, filmed in Ocho Rios, and Negril coast or the black cliffs south of the GoldenEye, in Jamaica and it’s Cocktail, starring Tom Cruise, area. The name is a shortened version of now part of 52-acre GoldenEye was filmed in Port Antonio ‘Negrillo’, which means ‘little back ones’, Resort & Spa and was given by the Spanish in 1494

There are 290 bird species in Jamaica has mountains! Although it’s often Jamaica’s national flower Jamaica, more than on any thought of as a flat tropical island, Jamaica’s is the Lignum vitae, meaning other island in the Caribbean highest point is at 2,256m ‘Tree of Life’ (7,402ft) above sea level Try something different

Gaze at hidden waterfalls Hike to the highest point on the island Jamaica’s mountainous interior, along with plenty of Lace up your hiking boots and set yourself a challenge rainfall, have created magnificent waterfalls for visitors to – to hike up the Blue Mountain Peak to Jamaica’s highest marvel at. point. This giant peak stands inside the dramatic Blue and National Park, awarded Head just nine miles outside of Kingston to discover UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2015. Cane River Falls, nestled inside Cane River Falls Park. This secluded waterfall is popular with locals and was At 2,256m (7,402ft) above sea level, it takes about four reputedly frequented by Bob Marley who would go hours to make the seven-mile climb to the top of Blue there to wash his dreadlocks! Mountain Peak - plus another three or so for the journey In Ocho Rios, take a trip to Turtle River Falls and Gardens. down. The path is narrow, rugged, and steep but the Located within the 15-acre tropical garden lies Turtle view at the top is unbeatable, not to mention the River Falls, a combination of 14 cascading waterfalls incredible scenery you’ll clamber past. Make sure to surrounded by an abundance of exotic birds and plants. keep your camera handy as you walk through the brilliant green canopy, it’s a perfect opportunity to spot a For panoramic views of Ocho Ricos and the Caribbean Jamaican Tody or swallow-tailed hummingbird. Sea, visit Mahoe Falls. Situated within the spectacular Coyaba River Gardens, it’s a delightful spot to head to after taking a relaxing swim in the sparkling pools.

Explore underground caves Head off the beaten track and explore Jamaica’s scenic northern coast and its intriguing underground world. Delve into the Green Grotto Caves, which take their name from green algae that covers the walls, and learn about their fascinating and diverse history as shelter, hideout, and rum storehouse! Located near Runaway Bay, on a trip to the caves you’ll be guided through a maze of stalactites and stalagmites, passageways and chambers until you reach the grotto, where you’ll find translucent water in the mesmerising underground lake. TC Recommended: Jamaica

Take a look at some of our Travel Counsellors’ recommendations for a unique, once in a lifetime experience in Jamaica

“My family and I visited Jamaica in January 2016. We absolutely loved it! The beauty that is Jamaica, the culture, the music and the food is not to be missed. It’s a wonderful part of the world.

My absolute must-do is a visit to the Blue Hole in Ocho Rios. It’s not overrun with tourists as yet as the cruise ships don't include it on their shore excursions, and you’ll find pristine waterfalls amidst a beautiful tropical backdrop. The guides at the Blue Hole are brilliant and will ensure that you take the best memories with you. They are also great with helping younger children make their way up the waterfall climb.

My other recommendations? Montego Bay would have to be on the list. Dr Caves beach has a cover charge, but is certainly beautiful, and Rose Hall is also an interesting visit.”

Travel Counsellor Donna

“We stayed at Sandals Negril Beach Resort and “My top tip is to make sure you visit Dunn's River Spa and had a great time. Negril is located on the Falls – it’s a must for everyone, as well as great fun! west of the island and we were based on seven I also recommend the Jamaica Bobsled Tranopy, mile beach. Pristine white powdery sand that which is not for the fainthearted!” leads to a beautiful turquoise calm sea…picture- postcard stuff!” Travel Counsellor Joanne

Travel Counsellor Derek To share your special holiday memories, please upload your images to your social media account using #TCexperience 6 must-try flavours of Jamaica

Here, we’ve compiled our six favourite nibbles and tipples to inspire you to take a foodie journey around Jamaica. If you don’t have time to sample all of the specialties this Caribbean island has to offer, make sure you taste the tingling, mouthwatering flavours of jerk chicken!

1. JERK CHICKEN Of course, we couldn’t indulge in Jamaican cuisine without covering the infamous dish that is jerk. Jerk is a style of cooking originating from Jamaica in which meat is dry rubbed or marinated in a special blend of jerk spices, including Scotch bonnet peppers and allspice. This seasoning was traditionally applied to pork and chicken but can just about be added to any meat or fish. We definitely recommend sampling this vibrant delicacy during your stay and it’s available at traditional jerk shacks as well as restaurants all around the island.

2. ACKEE AND SALTFISH Jamaica’s national dish, ackee and saltfish, is a mouthwatering concoction of salted cod and ackee, a fruit originally imported from Ghana but cooked and used as a vegetable. This is a delicious sweet and salty treat that can be enjoyed both at breakfast and dinner!

3. CURRIED LOBSTER What better way to have a true Jamaican experience than sampling fresh flavours straight from the sea? From fine dining to the quirky and authentic marketplaces, Jamaica’s seafood dishes are aplenty. Infused with local spices, we recommend trying curried lobster or coconut shrimp. Bursting with flavour, these dishes are a perfect blend of fresh crustaceans and seasoning.

4. RUM First distilled on the sugarcane plantations of the Caribbean in the 17th century, Jamaica holds great pride in the divine rum available across the island, and rightly so. From light to gold, dark to spiced, you are guaranteed to find a flavour you love. Whether you sip rum neat or in a cooling cocktail on the beach, you’ll probably find yourself seeking a rum souvenir to take home!

5. BREADFRUIT The name is something of a giveaway with this unusual yet delicious fruit. One of Jamaica’s most versatile fruits, this exotic delicacy actually tastes of bread! The potato-like consistency of this carbohydrate means breadfruit can be used in all sorts of dishes. You’ll see it baked, fried and boiled, making breadfruit chips, puddings, and even porridge!

6. JAMAICA BLUE MOUNTAIN COFFEE Caffeine fiends will delight in the chance to sample the most expensive bean in the world - Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee. With a mellow, sweet, aromatic and mild flavour, the blue-green bean is extremely rare as it’s only grown in the and the prestigious plantations produce very small quantities, regulated by the Coffee Industry Board of Jamaica. If you love a cup of joe, don’t miss the chance to sip this exceptional coffee in its native environment. Our favourite sights

Dunn’s River Falls, Ocho Rios Slip on your trainers or water shoes, grab the hand of the person in front of you, and get ready to slowly clamber up the waterfall’s slippery rocks, through rockpools and cascading water. 180m (600ft) of clear (and cold!) mountain water runs down the rocks, and climbing up through the waterfall is an experience in itself.

Negril Beach (Seven Mile Beach) If you dream of dazzling white sand stretching as far as the eye can see, escape here. Seven miles of glorious white sand awaits, gently sloping into an azure blue sea that’s so clear you won’t want to leave. The beach is always busy as it’s popular with locals and tourists – it’s a popular choice for families - but the buzzing atmosphere adds to the charm of this tropical paradise.

Hope Royal Botanical Gardens Known as Hope Gardens, this delightful 200-acre site was established in 1873, on land from the estate of one of the original English colonisers of Jamaica, Major Richard Hope. Queen Elizabeth II visited in 1953 and permission was granted to change the name to include Royal Botanical Gardens. Wandering around these gardens, you’ll come across rare and tropical plants and trees, including cacti, orchids and the Hibiscus elatus (blue mahoe), the national tree of Jamaica.

Greenwood Great House Step back in time to the 19th Century and explore Jamaica from over 200 years ago at this fascinating sugar plantation. Perched on a hill, Greenwood Great House was owned by poet Elizabeth Barratt-Browning’s family and the house is surrounded by beautiful grounds. Learn about life on a sugar plantation, explore artefacts that have survived the years (including the library filled with rare books), and sip a drink in the quaint pub in the gardens. Spending money

Wondering how much spending money you’ll need for your travels? To help you plan your trip, here’s a rough guide to the cost of some of the things you might be buying whilst you’re there!

J$12,000 Meal for two in a fine dining restaurant

J$1,200 Plate of jerk chicken J$900 Rum cocktail

J$300 A single, short taxi ride

J$2,600 Guided tour of Greenwood Great House

US dollars are widely accepted in Jamaica COUPLES RESORTS, JAMAICA

Couples Sans Souci in Ocho Rios is a romantic clifftop jewel in Jamaica, with secluded pavilions and luxurious suites giving the resort an air of old-world glamour.

Couples Negril lies in 18 acres of tropical gardens. With an idyllic setting, this opulent resort is a perfect blend of tranquillity, romance, and elegance.

Couples Swept Away in Negril is a sumptuous, secluded resort on the brilliant white, seven-mile-long sands of Negril beach.

HALF MOON, JAMAICA

Nestled in a crescent-shaped beach in Montego Bay, this boutique-style resort stretches over 400 acres of a private estate. Emerald green, landscaped gardens and two miles of private beach, an 18-hole championship golf course, fine dining, and an equestrian centre all await at this renowned resort.

BEACHES, JAMAICA

Designed for everyone in the family, the all-inclusive Beaches resorts in Ocho Rios and Negril offer family-friendly activities and picture-perfect beaches alongside Caribbean charm. Expect a waterpark, sports, children’s clubs for little ones to teenagers, and plenty of facilities to delight parents! TRAVEL YOUR WAY...

For over 30 years, Virgin Atlantic has been one of the world’s favourite longhaul airlines. Every year, they fly over six million passengers to over 30 of the world’s favourite destinations. The secret to their success is making the journey memorable for all the right reasons, providing innovative products and friendly service in every cabin.

VIRGIN ATLANTIC UPPER CLASS Upper Class is the ultimate way to travel in luxury with a chauffeur car transfer service available at most destinations with selected Upper Class fares, Private Security Channel, exclusive Clubhouses around the world, the longest flat bed in its class and much more that makes flying as much of a pleasure as the holiday itself.

VIRGIN ATLANTIC VIRGIN ATLANTIC PREMIUM ECONOMY ECONOMY There’s a big, wide leather seat with 38in pitch, a complimentary You can enjoy tasty, seasonal meals, glass of welcome bubbly and in-seat power that keeps your complimentary drinks, an amenity kit and our gadgets going throughout the flight. Premium Economy is ideal award winning inflight entertainment system. for customers who like a little extra flexibility, space and comfort. There are extra legroom options too.

Here, we’ve chosen a few of the things we think you should see, do and eat while you’re in Jamaica. We hope it inspires you to journey to Jamaica time and time again.

Get in touch to build a bespoke itinerary, tailor-made just for you! We’d love to see your photos and stories on social media so please share your memories using #TCexperience