Destination information
To say that Jamaica holidays are memorable doesn’t even scratch the surface. This is the island where time stands still, so expect to relax more completely than ever before. Not that you won’t be busy! There’s a phenomenal range of things to do here, especially if you like to be outdoors. Rolling hills contrast with steep gullies and the towering Blue Mountains beg to be explored. Dunn's River Falls is also breathtaking – both the view and the climb! Your holiday in Jamaica could just be about lying on the beach or it could include trekking through tropical forests, horse riding on the beach, rock climbing up waterfalls, rafting upriver… Or else how about a relaxed round of golf on a championship course, or just some great shopping and a nice lunch? There's really something for everyone here.
The island’s strong musical culture is everywhere too – Bob Marley's legend and music really does live on here, and if you’re a fan, be sure to visit Nine Mile - his birthplace in Jamaica. Holiday makers who like things a bit lively choose the Montego Bay resort – it has a vibrant 'Hip Strip' with a good selection of bars and shops. Negril is more laid-back, spread out along a beautiful 7-mile stretch of golden beach. Ocho Rios is a world-class destination. Larger than Negril, its duty-free shopping is very popular and it's well situated for visiting all the major attractions.
Read on to find out more about our fantastic range of Jamaica holidays.
Sightseeing ideas
Key Events
Jan - Jazz Festival.
Feb - Bob Marley Celebration.
Mar - Spring Break.
Jun - Jerk Festival.
Jul or Aug - Reggae Sumfest.
Aug - Independence/Emancipation (cultural experience).
Star attractions
- 200 Miles of Beautiful Beaches
- Spectacular Mountain Scenery
- River Rafting
- Great Nightlife
- Downhill Biking in the Blue Mountains
- Tumbling Waterfalls
Postcards from... Top ideas from our travel experts
Our Top 5 hotels
Lying on a beautiful, long stretch of beach, this newly refurbished resort offers 40 acres of space. There’s a main swimming pool with swim-up bar, but everyone (kids especially) loves the Sugar Mills Water Park – grab a tube and float down the ‘lazy river’ or try one of the slides.
Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa is a firm favourite with Virgin Holidays and it’s not hard to see why! A complete all-inclusive resort, it occupies a prime location on the longest beach in Ocho Rios and offers a wide range of lavish amenities in an atmosphere that combines grandeur with excitement.
Couples Negril is an attractive, contemporary hotel right on the sugar-white sands of Bloody Bay and surrounded by 18 acres of lush, tropical gardens. There's plenty to do for those who enjoy more than just soaking up the sunshine: you can play tennis, work out at the fitness centre and even water-ski or scuba-dive – it's all included!...
This really is a lovely resort that exudes British colonial charm through the gracious Georgian great house to intimate gardens and courtyards. Just offshore is the private island, Sandals Island, home to the delectable Royal Thai restaurant and offering shady, secluded beaches for peaceful relaxing.
Drenched in romance, Couples Swept Away is the perfect tropical hideaway, combining peace and tranquillity with an impressive range of amenities. Gourmet dining, lively bars and regular evening entertainment are all on offer, as is a 10-acre sports and fitness complex with a fantastic 7-lane training pool.
Additional info
Beaches and Diving
Jamaica has some magnificent beaches, including Negril Beach, which stretches for miles, and the sublime Frenchman's Cove. Water sports abound, and with shallow reefs, walls and caverns, it makes for superb diving.
Island Life
Glide down the Martha Brae on a bamboo raft or safari up the Black River. There are also plantation houses with colourful histories, Dunn's River Falls to climb and Dolphin Cove to swim with bottlenose dolphins.
Lively Nightlife
The nightlife is extensive in Jamaica. Although low-key in Negril, Rick's Cafe is a popular place to be at sunset. In Montego Bay, 'Hip Strip' is known for its bars playing reggae long into the night, and Ocho Rios boasts some lively bars and restaurants.
World-class Golf
Jamaica is home to several world-class golf courses, including the Caribbean's oldest at Manchester Club. Most are located in and around resort centres, making them easily accessible. All abilities are catered for.
FREE Island Experience
For those in need of a bit of retail therapy, Virgin Holidays is running a FREE duty-free shopping trip, including a stop at the ever-popular Margaritaville bar, and a COMPLIMENTARY drink to get you in the Jamaican mood!
Total Flexibility
Tailor-make your ideal Caribbean holiday by combining hotels we feature in different destinations. Try a twin- or triple-centre holiday across the different resorts of Jamaica or combine with a US city or theme park visit.
Weather and climate
Getting there
Flight details - You fly direct from London Gatwick to Montego Bay on Virgin Atlantic's award-winning service. Alternatively, if you are staying in Ocho Rios, Virgin Atlantic now offers flights from Gatwick to Kingston.
Flight time - Approx 9 hours 45 min.
Time difference - GMT -5 hours.
Language - English.
Currency - Jamaican dollar J$.
Handy stuff
Local Living
Small beer - £1.50.
Can of coke - £1.30.
Loaf of bread - £1.50.
Bottle of wine - £15.00.
The above are approx local supermarket costs.
Check In Chill Out is our fantastic service that allows you to soak up the sun right until the last minute.
This service is available at selected hotels in Barbados, Antigua, Tobago, Grenada and St Lucia. Check with your rep in resort if you aren’t staying at one of the participating hotels as you may be able to use a location nearby. Simply look for the Check In Chill Out icon on participating hotel pages.
Read more about our Check In Chill Out Service...