Honeymoon in Jamaica

Known for its tropical beauty, Jamaica is an island nation in the Caribbean Sea. Miles of lovely beaches and its vibrant culture, especially music, beckons couples from across the world who like to bond with each other amidst its scenic environs. If all this sounds your idea of the perfect honeymoon, here are a few ways of planning one in Jamaica.

Beautiful Beaches

Located in the midst of the Caribbean Sea, Jamaica is blessed with natural beauty. Its sun-kissed beaches are particularly popular with honeymooners especially those like the Doctor’s Cove Beach in Montego Bay. This beach is famous for its Powdery white sand and amazingly blue water which though gets deep very quickly. This is an ideal beach for swimming for those days when you wish to do something more with your beloved other than lazing about in the sun. Then again, No matter what part of Jamaica anyone chooses to stay at, a day on Negril, Jamaica’s Seven Mile Beach is a must. Just the sheer beauty of it makes this a romantic beach. There are miles of awesome white sand that seems to stretch forever – the white sand on the bottom of the sea here reflects the sky, making for an especially lovely early morning or evening walk. Since Negril is nestled in the volcanic cliffs, you can also take time out to explore secluded caves and coves. Here you can stay in a private cottage with airy, louvered windows. However if you are looking to indulge yourselves, head for the Montego Bay which has premium golf courses, health resorts and luxury hotels all to attract the well-heeled visitors. Another favorite with honeymooning couples is the Parottee Beach which stretches picturesquely to Parottee Point. Stroll or swim undisturbed along a wide, scenic beach, with a view of the town of Black River in the distance and best of all, it is only a short boat ride away from the popular Pelican Bar. For a location steeped in mystery and romance though, head for the Frenchman's Cove which nestles in the deep green parish of Portland. This enchanting cove with a river running along one side and White sands bordering lush tropical vegetation seems straight out of a romance novel.

Fascinating Nature

Though Jamaica is mainly known for its lovely beaches, its varied topography ensures that there are other scenic attractions too. Enthusiasts of nature would also be attracted by the Blue Lagoon with its enigmatic many-hued waters as well as the picturesque Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios. The 600 feet cascading falls are gorgeous and you can actually climb right up the falls. If both you and your beloved are the active type, Hike through the 200,000-acre Blue Mountains National Park, home to many exotic plants and animals indigenous to Jamaica. Alternately head for Mayfield Falls which sits in the more untamed area in Western Jamaica. There are five acres available for camping, or you can just go hiking and have a picnic. For adventurous couples, there is cliff jumping and cave diving but if you wish to take it easy, you can simply relax in a natural Jacuzzi with your new spouse and get massages later. Because of Jamaica’s scenic locations, Water sports abound, everything from deep sea fishing to river rafting, and the island also has a handful of internationally known championship golf courses. Jamaica’s RIVER RAFTING TRIPS are famous too with couples - You ride on a bamboo raft poled along by a friendly raftsman. Don’t forget to take along some munchies and drinks before you board and just lie back and share the thrill of discovery as you steal a kiss and enjoy the beautiful scenery. At the Mystic Mountains you can speed through the rain forest on a high tech bob sled ride or you can opt for a trip above the treetops on a state-of-the-art chairlift – both experiences guaranteed to give you and your beloved a romantic high.

Capital attractions

The capital city of Jamaica is Kingston and it has a rich store of historical and cultural attractions. Devon House is a good place for couples to partake in a quiet evening cocktail and a romantic stroll. Tour the National Gallery together and view a complete collection of Jamaican art from the 1920’s to the present. Alternately, you can ramble hand-in-hand with your beloved along the waterfront in downtown Kingston and visit the craft market set up on the docks for your choice of local arts and crafts. Spend the evening attending one of the cultural events Jamaica is so famous for. Enjoy the sounds of the Symphony Orchestra, the rhythms of the Jamaican National Dance Company or the Jamaican annual pantomime.

Dine at one of the many first-rate restaurants overlooking the harbor. The magnificent Blue Mountains and coffee plantations as a backdrop add to the ambiance of any dining experience. Jamaican CUISINE reflects the rich island culture. Try local treats like ackee (salted codfish), spicy curried lamb, meat patties, pepperpot soup and other delicacies. They can be found everywhere from restaurants to roadside stands. For a true culinary excursion, you can head to Hellshire, a beach in St. Catherine which is widely known for its seafood. "Festival", the famous side dish which accompanies Jamaican fried fish, originated here. For a casual outing, choose a waterfront table at one of the cafes along the harbor and sip on a cup of the regional Blue Mountain Coffee.

Explore the nightlife

Jamaica is known all over the world for its culture of music and indeed this is the birthplace of various forms like reggae, ska and rap; thus is no wonder that Jamaica has a one of the most happening nightlife in the region with nightclubs and bars playing music and inviting couples to groove to the rhythms. For a happening night out, you and your partner can tour the upscale nightspots and one of these is the Quad. This is a multi-faceted club catering to lovers of all kinds of music – be it Jazz, Disco or Trance. Then there is Pier One on the Montego Marina which is as much famous for its waterfront location as for its varied choice in drinks and entrees. However if you are looking for a more select ambience which feature only exclusive guests, head for the Redbones Blues Café, secluded spot in the heart of New Kingston. Along with a fully stocked bar, the place offers its guest the best in contemporary-Jamaican cuisine. As the name implies, jazz and blues is the music of choice. The cosmopolitan setting is complete with an on-going art exhibition, and gift shop. If you and your spouse are sports enthusiasts, you can hang out at the Cuddy’z Ultimate Sports Bar – owned by former West Indian cricketer Courtney A Walsh, no less – while those interested in live entertainment can be found heading for the Coral Cliff which is reputed as the Hip Strip’s hottest destination.

Accommodation and transport

One of the reasons why Jamaica is a popular honeymoon destination is that citizens of the USA do not require a visa though visitors, including those visiting by cruise ship, need a valid passport. Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay are two international airports in Jamaica, each of which receives vast numbers of international flights daily.

Visitors in Jamaica usually get around in Jamaica by tourist taxis but remember to take those with red PPV plates and settle on the fare BEFORE you get in. You can also hire a car but driving in Jamaica is an adventure in itself because of unpredictable local drivers and uneasy road conditions. If you do decide to drive yourself, it is best to go through an established major car rental company. For an unusual travel experience within Jamaica, you can take the Clarendon Express, A Tourist Railroad in Clarendon which runs on Alcan Railroad tracks. Jamaican local buses are another preferred mode of travel —they're cheap and you are spared the headache of negotiating with tourist taxis. Be prepared to offer a tip to the luggage handlers that load your luggage into the bus. In fact many resorts offer excursions by bus which can turn out to be a pleasant way of sightseeing. If money is no object, you can fly between the minor airports on the island on a small charter plane; Kingston and Montego Bay are connected by a few domestic shuttle flights.

Accommodation options for honeymooners are varied in Jamaica – if you are in the mood to splurge, you can opt for hotels like the Iberostar Rose Hall, the Sunset Beach Resort at Montego Bay, the Club Hotel Riu in Negril or the Bosobel Beach Resort. The seafront of the most beautiful locations like Discovery Bay and the Silver Sands Estates on the northern coast of Jamaica also have several luxury villas which are periodically taken by wealthy honeymooners from around the world. At the same time there are mid-range and budget hotels too in case you would much rather spend money on food and sightseeing rather than on lodgings.