6 things you can only experience in Jamaica
Jamaica has long been known for its sparkling white sand beaches, turquoise waters and relaxed vibe, but there’s a lot more to experience on your vacation to this breathtaking destination. Whether you’re visiting the home of legendary musician, Bob Marley, or zooming down the Olympic bobsleds at Mystic Mountain, we rounded up six things you can only experience in Jamaica. This list might just help bring the Home of All Right to the top of your vacation bucket list.
One of Negril’s most famous attractions is Rick’s Café, a bar and restaurant nestled on a 35-foot cliff overlooking the sparkling Caribbean waters. The Café is world-renowned for its breathtaking sunset views and cliff diving shows, where brave locals dive off the cliffs into the waters below! Visiting Rick’s Café is a must for those exploring Jamaica – you might even work up the courage to jump off some of the shorter cliffs yourself!
Where to stay: When you’re not watching the cliff divers at Rick’s Café, you can kick back and relax by the pool at the newly-renovated Riu Palace Tropical Bay. By night, grab a cocktail at the Reggae Lounge Bar and soak in some lively reggae rhythms.
Want an unforgettable experience in Jamaica? Look no further than the glistening waters of the Luminous Lagoon. This natural phenomenon is the largest of only four luminescent lagoons in the world where the water produces a mystical glow when disturbed. On your evening tour, you can hop in the lagoon and watch as the water lights up around you as you swim!
Where to stay: You can see this wonder for yourself when you stay at Royalton Blue Waters, which is located nearby the lagoon. The resort also offers plenty of its own splash-worthy fun, with a sprawling lazy river and exciting water park on site.
No name is more synonymous with Jamaican culture than that of the legendary musician Bob Marley! In Jamaica, you can see the artist’s home country through his eyes on a Reggae and Culture Tour. You’ll visit the quaint village of Nine Mile, where the “King of Reggae” was born and laid to rest and learn all about his life, music and impact on Jamaican culture. You can even visit his home in Jamaica, where he wrote one of his most popular hits “Iron Lion Zion” and where he founded his record label, Tuff Gong.
Where to stay: After a day spent learning about one of Jamaica’s greatest icons, you can enjoy some rest and relaxation at Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort and Spa, where you can soak up the sun by one of four sparkling pools – including the largest pool on the whole island!
One of Jamaica’s most renowned products is their smooth delicious rum, with the most famous brands being produced at Appleton Estates. The Appleton Estates distillery also happens to be the second oldest rum distillery in the Caribbean, where you can sample some of the most delicious rum in the world! Take a tour of this historic distillery that dates back to the 17th century where you’ll learn how rum is made and try several smooth samples!
Where to stay: Want to have your own personal rum tasting? Stay at the adults only Riu Palace Jamaica, where each room features liquor dispensers so you can make your own cocktails! Or you can head to one of the resort’s three bars to sip on a refreshing cocktail and soak in the rhythms of live music.
While Dunn’s River Falls is the most famous waterfall in Jamaica, there are plenty of other picturesque falls located across the island. One of these hidden gems is Blue Hole, a serene natural pool and waterfall located just 15 minutes outside of Ocho Rios with picturesque landscapes you won’t find anywhere else. The Blue Hole is surrounded by lush jungle foliage, unbelievably blue waters and rushing cascades with a hidden cave located under the falls.
Where to stay: After a day spent exploring Blue Hole, you can enjoy some pampering at Jewel Grande Montego Bay’s world-class spa, which was recently voted the Best Spa in the Caribbean by the Caribbean Journal.
You’ll feel like you’re in the movie Cool Runnings (1993) with a visit to the bobsleds at Mystic Mountain. After taking a chairlift ride high above the treetops to the top of the mountain, you’ll climb on board custom-made bobsleds that were inspired by the famous Jamaican Olympic Bobsled Team. Then it’s off to the races as you zoom down the 1,000-metre track that twists and turns through the tropical forest!
Where to stay: If you’re looking for even more adventure you can stay at Melia Braco Village, which is home to its very own on-site Adventure Park. The park includes exciting activities such as ziplining, an obstacle course and a rock-climbing wall – all included in your stay at the resort.