Jamaica Resorts Towns

Secluded at the lush north-eastern tip of Jamaica, this formerly bustling banana port has long been popular with Hollywood stars and other luminaries, but has remained small, secluded and not commercialized which is just great for locals and visitors alike. Offbeat Port Antonio is a center for bamboo raft trips and hiking into the Rio Grande Valley along with beautiful isolated white sandy beaches . It has an intriguing historic core of an architectural style unique on the island, but its highlights are its lush tropical setting, intensively marvellous ocean views from hilltops and its fully staffed, upscale villas and deluxe resorts tucked into coves east of town. Learn more: »

Jamaica's liveliest resort, Negril also boasts the longest (and one of the most stunning) beaches on the island. It's far enough from everywhere else to have its own unique unique, fun-in-the-sun appeal. Live reggae shows, spectacular sunsets, and a let-your-hair-down attitude make this a favorite of budget and college-age travelers. Some of the finest all-inclusive resorts are also here, including Hedonism II (the wildest resort in Jamaica) and Swept Away (the island's pre-eminent fitness resort). Negril is also renowned for scuba diving and water sports and is an evolving center for ecotourism based on the Great Morass, a wetland harboring crocodiles and fabulous birdlife. Accommodations run the gamut. Learn more: »

The nation's bustling capital is more of a business locale than a tourism center. However, it is the center of the island culture and is surprisingly - believe it or not - sophisticated. Most of Jamaica's museums and art galleries are here. as well as some important historic buildings. Kingston receives few tourists and gives visitors a strong sense of reality.

Spanish Town, close by, also has a fabulous wealth of historic buildings in various state of decrepitude. There is St. Thomas in the east normal used by Jamaicans and returning residents to the area. Learn more: »

Situated along the north coast of Jamaica, 'Ochi' is the main destination for cruise ships. The resort town of Ocho Rios itself has undergone much development over the years. There are plenty of historic sites, botanical gardens, and other attractions within a few minutes' drive. Accommodations range from budget guest houses to some of Jamaica's finest all inclusive and old-style resorts. Like Montego Bay, it has received a recent facelift. Learn more »

Most of the beaches along the south coast are long gray-sand beaches, less pretty than their northern visitors neighbours, but appealing for their isolation and a lifestyle that still revolves around fishing. The best selection is around Treasure Beach, an in-vogue spot for travelers seeking an off-beat experience. Nearby Whitehouse has one of the few white-sand beaches along the south coast's first true resort: Beaches (part of the Sandals Chain). Near at hand lie the Great Morass (a swap area good for crocodile spotting safaris), the YS waterfalls, Appleton Rum estate, Lover's Leap, an ostrich farm, and interesting forays into the Cockpit Country. Other beaches can be found at Morant Bay, Alligator Pond and Bluefield. Learn more: »

This small secluded resort town, midway between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, is famous for its coral reefs and polo facilities. Here you'll find nice beaches and many hotels and all inclusive s, including family resorts. There is not much to do in the one-street town itself . It is hoped that with the opening of the new Hedonism III, the town will get a new boost. Learn more: »

This historic agricultural and residential town lies in the cool upland interior, appealing to visitors who shun the beach resorts in favor of birding, scenic mountain drives, hiking and interactions with local families. Mandeville is the center for community-based tourism.

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The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has divided the island into seven 'resort' areas: Kingston, Mandeville, Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio and Runaway Bay. (Mandeville and Manchester parish are marketed by the JTB together with Treasure Beach and St. Elizabeth parish as the 'South Coast', a which can be a misleading term.

It is important to note that what a hotel offers and what a town offers are two separate things. For example a hotel with a nude facilities most times is not situated in a resort town that has a active night life. A town with an active nightlife and pulsating clubs does not mean that there is a beach readily available unless you you are staying at a hotel that has a beach front.

The second largest resort city in Jamaica, Mobay as Montego Bay is popularly called, has more hotel rooms than any other part of the island. It's the principal gateway to Jamaica and the main tourist center, with several modest public beaches and a good choice of hotels and all-inclusive resorts, concentrated in a touristy strip north of the historic city core (the downtown is of modest interest unless you are interested in seeing more of local life). Most of Montego Bay's four to five star hotels are located in Rosehall area Further along in Trelawny there are larger all inclusive family resorts. Learn more: »
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