GUIDE WELCOME GummyBone / iStock / Getty Images Plus GummyBone / iStock Seven Mile Beach IRIE ISLE Did you know? The traditional cooking technique KNOWN FOR ITS known as jerk is said to have been invented by the island’s Maroons, STUNNING BEAUTY, LAND OF WOOD AND WATER or runaway slaves. FRIENDLY PEOPLE, Jamaica is a destination so dynamic and multifaceted you could make hundreds of Negril, Frenchman’s Cove in Portland, Treasure Beach on the South Coast or the VIBRANT CULTURE visits and have a unique experience every single time. unique Dunn’s River Falls and Beach in Ocho Rios, there’s a beach for everyone. Home of the legendary Bob Marley, arguably reggae’s most iconic and globally But if lounging on the sand all day is not your style, a visit to Jamaica may be AND RICH HISTORY, recognised face, the island’s most popular musical export is an eclectic mix of just what the doctor ordered. With hundreds of fitness facilities and countless THERE’S NO BETTER infectious beats and enchanting — if sometimes scathing — lyrics. It can be heard running and exercise groups, the global thrust towards health and wellness has throughout the island, and is celebrated with annual festivals such as Reggae spawned annual events such as the Reggae Marathon and the Kingston City WORD TO DESCRIBE Sumfest and Rebel Salute, where you could also indulge in Jamaica’s renowned Run. The get-fit movement has also influenced the creation of several health and culinary treats. wellness bars, as well as spa, fitness and yoga retreats at upscale resorts. THE JAMAICAN To visit Jamaica and not try jerked chicken, pork, fish, conch or sausage — or any Jamaica has dominated the destination wedding market for years. From EXPERIENCE kind of meat or seafood — is almost sacrilegious. The technique involves smoking boutique resorts to private estates and villas across the island, couples have many meat or seafood that has been seasoned with an abundance of traditional spices options. All-inclusive resorts offer an array of wedding packages, complete with OTHER THAN, and herbs either in a metal drum or barrel, or over flavoured wood. Though the dedicated wedding planners and options to customise your experience. method has evolved over time and varies by chef, the flavour remains the same: And the island is quickly building its reputation as an ideal destination for WELL… IRIE. undeniably Jamaican and unquestionably delicious. corporate retreats, meetings and incentive groups, too. Though the Jamaica Traditional Jamaican patties are also a must-try, as are curried goat, mannish Conference Centre and the Montego Bay Convention Centre remain the most water, oxtail and, of course, the national dish, ackee and saltfish. popular venues for these gatherings, many resorts have added or upgraded their Lined with powdery white sand and the most inviting aquamarine waters, conference spaces, positioning the island as a popular venue for large groups. Jamaica’s beaches are listed amongst the world’s best. From the world-famous With increasing transportation services and a newly completed highway linking Doctor’s Cave Beach in Montego Bay to the equally popular Seven Mile Beach in Kingston to the North Coast, you can have your meeting in paradise! Courtesy of Geejam Hotel Courtesy of Geejam Hotel; Island Routes Ward; Festival/Russell Yoga Courtesy of Kingston From top: 2 VISITJAMAICA.COM 3 KINGSTON Did you know? At the Bob Marley Musuem, guests can see the singer’s untouched bedroom. There are THE CAPITAL’S MOUNTAINOUS LANDSCAPE even bullet holes from a failed assassination attempt in 1976. IS A DRAMATIC BACKDROP FOR A THOROUGHLY MODERN CITY. CROWN JEWEL Nestled between the famed Blue Mountains and one of the world’s Kingston may not be known for its beaches, but locals largest natural harbours is Jamaica’s vibrant capital. A city of two flock to the shores of Fort Clarence. It features amenities like halves, Kingston will excite you with its distinct natural beauty and changing rooms, showers, toilets and lifeguards, plus two nearby cosmopolitan flair. Whether it’s cultural pursuits, nature activities, restaurants serve up fresh fish and much more. For big waves, exquisite fare or fabulous shopping, Kingston has it all. surfing enthusiasts head to Jamnesia Surf Camp in Bull Bay, just a North of Kingston, the Blue Mountains are a glorious backdrop. 20-minute drive east. It’s Jamaica’s first and only surf camp, and The majestic range is part of the Blue & John Crow Mountains it’s also home to some of the island’s top surfers. National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Best known as the Reggae music is part of the island’s DNA. To pay tribute to the source of Blue Mountain coffee, the mountains are a favourite man who started it all, fans make their pilgrimage to the Bob destination with adventure travellers and nature enthusiasts. Marley Museum, situated on the site of the legendary musician’s Back in the city, you can take in the wonders of nature at Hope home, which he purchased in 1975. It is where Marley recorded and Botanical Gardens. Laid out on 2,000 acres of land, not only is it lived until his death in 1981. Make sure to take a few selfies with the the largest open green space within the city’s urban boundaries, famous statue of the singer in the courtyard. but it’s the largest botanical garden in the Caribbean, as well as A new museum that opened in 2016 honours Peter Tosh, being home to the Hope Zoo. another iconic reggae musician and one of the founding members From top: Max Earle; Sean Murray From top: From top: Max Earle; Douglas Pearson/Photodisc/Getty Images; Sean Murray From top: 4 VISITJAMAICA.COM 5 KINGSTON Food lovers will be drawn to Also held in October is the Kingston Jamaica’s melting pot of flavours Jerk Gospel Music Festival, which TAKE IN THE WONDERS OF NATURE and spices. From the street corner to mixes traditional Jamaican fare and AT HOPE BOTANICAL GARDENS, the fanciest gourmet spots, Kingston celebrity chefs with the Caribbean’s has some of the best offerings. For a leading gospel acts. In November, AREA ATTRACTIONS THE LARGEST BOTANICAL GARDEN glimpse into the island’s agricultural Restaurant Week — which spans Blue mountain dynamic, it’s essential to start at the Kingston, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios IN THE CARIBBEAN. downhill bicycle Tour heart of it all: Coronation Market. If — features specially selected three- Tel: 876-974-7075 / 7492-3 you’re in the mood for a seaside feast, course, fixed-price dinner menus and Web: bmtoursja.com of The Wailers. Tosh was an equal rights activist who was head to the Festival Marketplace, lunch specials at dozens of Kingston’s Bob Marley Museum tragically killed in 1987. The Tosh Museum celebrates his life and right on the waterfront in downtown top restaurants at significantly Tel: 876-630-1588 accomplishments, and includes exhibits like his guitar — which is Kingston. If you are seeking out an discounted prices. Web: bobmarleymuseum.com shaped like an AK-47 — and his unicycle. authentic jerk experience, Scotchies Kingston fashion balances the Another popular attraction is Devon House, an elegant, Jerk Centre on Chelsea Avenue is trends of today with a tropical flair CRAIGHTON GREAT HOUSE & Georgian-style Great House built in 1881 by George Stiebel, the widely celebrated for jerk chicken that has become its own brand. COFFEE ESTATE TOUR Tel: 876-929-8490 Caribbean’s first black millionaire. The property — with its lush, prepared to perfection. Events like Jamaica’s Fashion’s Night Web: jnht.com sprawling landscapes — has been beautifully restored by the Kingston is renowned for its Out — during which stores offer deep Jamaica National Heritage Trust. Whilst you’re there, make sure vibrant nightlife. The Regency Bar & discounts — is a testament to the Club Kingston you stop by the famous Devon House I Scream Shop. Lounge is an upbeat lounge with chic country’s love affair with style. Tel: 876-618-6351 / 886-4144 / Venture farther east to reach the old pirate enclave of Port cosmopolitan décor. The Blend Bar & Like the fashion scene, the world of 387-1000 Web: vipattractions.com Royal, the original city of sin. Resting on Kingston Harbour, Port Lounge is also a trendy hot spot that locally made products is also flourishing Royal was once vital to Jamaica’s trade and commerce. Though could easily rival the best bars in New in Kingston. Jamaican-made soaps, Devon House the decadence and debauchery that ensued have become the York City and Miami. candles, T-shirts, jams and jellies, Tel: 876-926-0815 stuff of legend, the seaside town is now more of a curiosity. With The rooftop bar at CRU Bar sauces, and jewellery can be found Web: devonhousejamaica.com its cobblestone roads, Spanish architecture, moats and forts, and Kitchen has a more laid-back throughout the capital. They make for fort charles and the maritime Port Royal makes for an intriguing getaway, just a 45-minute ambience but offers killer views of the perfect souvenirs and unique gifts. For museum at port royal drive from Kingston. city, not to mention excellent cocktails arts and crafts, a handful of outlets Tel: 876-967-8438 and a fine selection of wine. Located such as Grosvenor Galleries, Island Art Web: jnht.com in the centre of New Kingston, Sky and Framing, Craft Cottage and the Bar also boasts stunning views and a National Gallery of Jamaica can suit national gallery of jamaica A B C D E F G H J K M N O P Tel: 876-922-1561 / 876-618-0654 must-try 50-foot lap pool.