Destination information
Jamaica Holidays 2012 / 2013
To say that your Jamaica holiday will be memorable doesn’t even begin to cover it. On this beautiful island time can feel as though it is standing still; nothing is hurried. In Jamaica you can’t help but relax more completely than you ever have before. That’s certainly not to say you won’t be busy! There is an impressive range of things to do here, especially if you enjoy the outdoors. Rolling hills fringed by deep gullies and the soaring Blue Mountains, the breathtaking beauty of Dunn’s River Falls and lush tropical rainforests all beg to be explored. You can go horse riding on the beach, rock climbing beside a waterfall or river rafting. Of course, if you prefer a slower pace, there are always Jamaica’s championship golf courses, excellent shopping and fabulous beaches. You really will find something for everyone on a holiday in Jamaica.
Jamaica is known for its strong musical culture, and that legacy is found everywhere on the island - Bob Marley lives on! If you’re a fan of the reggae master, be sure to visit Nine Mile, his Jamaican birthplace. You can also find excellent live performances most nights of the week at one of the island’s many bars and nightclubs.
If you’re looking for nightlife, head over to Montego Bay. There you’ll find the vibrant Hip Strip with lots of great bars and shops. Negril has a more relaxed holiday vibe, with golden beaches spread out along a gorgeous 7-mile stretch of coastline; Rick’s Cafe is the place to be when the sun goes down. Ocho Rios, one of Jamaica’s busiest destinations, has world-class duty-free shopping and the city is well situated for visiting the entire island’s most popular holiday attractions.
Read on to learn more about our fantastic Jamaica holiday packages.
Sightseeing Ideas
For a true Jamaican beach experience, make your way to Negril Beach and the ethereal Frenchman’s Cove. With its shallow reefs, coral walls and underwater caverns, this is a fantastic place for diving and snorkelling. Explore island life from a unique perspective by gliding down the Martha Brae on a bamboo raft, or venture out on a safari up the Black River. You can tour historic plantation houses, climb the Dunn’s River Falls, or swim with bottlenose dolphins at Dolphin Cove. Play a round (or two) at Manchester Club, the oldest golf course in the Caribbean. Book your holiday package with us and you can take advantage of our complimentary duty-free shopping trip, which includes transportation, some fabulous retail therapy and a stop at the popular Margaritaville bar for a free drink!
Key Events
January - Jazz Festival.
Februaray - Bob Marley Celebration.
March - Spring Break.
June - Jerk Festival.
July / August - Reggae Sumfest.
August - Independence / Emancipation cultural events.
Star Attractions
You simply can’t leave Jamaica until you’ve experienced some of the island’s best attractions and activities:
• More than 200 miles of incredible beaches
• Amazing mountain scenery
• River rafting on the Martha Brae
• Great nightlife
• Downhill trail biking in the Blue Mountains
• Sparkling rainforest waterfalls
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.
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