Blessed with idyllic white-sand beaches, numerous water sports, world-class golf courses, tropical rainforest eco adventures and accommodation options to suit all budgets, Jamaica ia one of the Caribbean’s most popular honeymoon islands, and offers all the ingredients you need for the perfect Caribbean honeymoon.
Head to the gorgeous white sands, boutique hotels and lively clubs of Negril – especially popular with couples and honeymooners.
Or visit family friendly Ocho Rios, with its all-inclusive resorts and array of holiday activities from water sports to eco-tourism adventures.
Spend time at Montego Bay, a party town also known for its great shopping and excellent range of accommodation.
Discover the ‘real Jamaica’ in the charming fishing villages of Treasure Beach, Port Antonio and Oracabessa, where you can find quaint markets with friendly vendors hawking kulu-kulu rum, ackee, yam and breadfruit.
In the island’s historic capital of Kingston – the largest English-speaking city in the Caribbean – visit the Bob Marley Museum, discover local flora at the Hope Botanical Gardens and glimpse colonial life in Port Royal, which was once the hideout of notorious pirate Henry Morgan, until a third of the town was destroyed by an earthquake in 1692.
Paddle a bamboo raft down the lush Rio Grande Valley and take a rejuvenating dip in the hot therapeutic mineral waters of the Milk River Spa, where the spring-fed water temperature often reaches 33°C.
At Ocho Rios (‘eight rivers’), visit Dunn’s River Falls, one of Jamaica’s most famous attractions, a picturesque series of waterfalls that cascade over limestone terraces and form natural rock pools before flowing into the Caribbean Sea below.
Climb the 183m-high tiers for panoramic views, or sunbathe and swim from the gorgeous beaches at the base of the magnificent falls – famous for featuring in the first James Bond film, Dr No.
Surrounded by tropical rainforest, spot bottlenose dolphins in Dolphin Cove and examine the colourful collection of exotic Caribbean flora at Shaw Park Botanical Gardens, a 10ha garden set on a hilltop overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Admire a huge array of stalactites, stalagmites, overhead crags, tunnels and a subterranean lake among the spectacular limestone caves of Jamaica's north coast. For impressive sea views, visit Lover's Leap, a sheer 518m cliff just east of Treasure Beach.
Scuba dive among sponges, corals and sunken wrecks and see colourful tropical fish as well as nurse sharks, eagle rays, upside-down jellyfish and tobacco fish.
Come to Montego Bay in January for the famous Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival held at the Rose Hall Aqueduct.
With more than 1000km of coastline, Jamaica offers newlyweds a choice of gorgeous beach resorts – and more clothing-optional beaches than any other island in the Caribbean – including the following…
(Negril) – Pick your own spot to sunbathe on arguably the best beach in Jamaica – an 11km-long, palm-fringed white-sand beach that shelves gently into a wide, protected lagoon of clean aqua blue water.
Although undeveloped in places, this laid-back beach is mainly lined with a choice of open-air restaurants, bars, clubs and low-rise resorts.
Friendly (but often persistent) vendors ply a brisk trade along the public section of the beach that reaches up to the high-water mark.
Facilities include parasols and sun loungers for hire, showers and toilets.
Numerous water sport activities include scuba diving, fishing, tubing, glass-bottom boat trips, sailing, sea kayaks, water-skiing, windsurfing and snorkelling (which is best just south of Negril town).
Seven Mile Beach is excellent for honeymoon couples, however it is good to note that topless bathing is common here and there are several sectioned-off and private areas for sunbathing au natural.
One of these is Jamaica's best-known nude beach at the infamous Hedonism II resort, located at the northwest end of the beach on the promontory separating Negril Beach from nearby Bloody Bay; only resort guests or day-pass holders may sunbathe here.
Large, all-inclusive resorts fringe the northern end of the beach, while smaller family-run hotels line the southern end.
Choose from a range of low-rise accommodation options, including modest cottages, boutique-style hotels and all-inclusive resorts, none of which infringe the local building code, which forbids the construction of buildings that rise above the canopy of the coconut palm trees.
Splash out in a luxury beachside villa at the Moon Dance Villas, offering 24 hour personalised service and located in the centre of the beach strip. Or try the all-inclusive Couples Swept Away Negril, which boasts one of the finest sports complexes in the Caribbean.
Seven Mile Beach faces Long Bay and is framed by 12m-high cliffs at the southern end of Negril town, and by a lush promontory separating Bloody Bay at the northern end.
Negril is located on the western tip of Jamaica, around 89km west of Montego Bay Airport, about a two-hour drive.
(Negril) – Unwind on the white sands of this 2km-long, narrow, half-moon-shaped beach lined at the southern end with large all-inclusive resorts. Mainly private, this beach is a lot quieter than nearby Seven Mile Beach.
Stay at the luxury Riu Tropical Bay resort, which offers numerous activities including a dedicated kids centre. Or head to the eco-friendly Sunset at the Palms Resort, where you can stay in small timber cottages rising on stilts from a lush landscaped garden scattered with royal palms and mango trees.
(Montego Bay) – Unwind on the pristine white sands of this 700m-long wing-shaped beach that shelves into calm, crystal clear turquoise waters in the heart of Montego Bay.
Facilities on this family friendly beach – probably the best beach in Montego Bay – are managed by the Doctor's Cave Beach Club, which (for a fee) provides guests with parasols, sun loungers, changing rooms, showers, restrooms, a beach bar and food court. A further choice of restaurants and hotels are just a stroll or taxi ride away.
Enjoy swimming and snorkelling amid colourful rainbow-hued fish right off the beach – Doctor's Cave Beach is part of the protected Montego Bay Marine Park.
Come for a day or stay longer at the luxurious, all-inclusive, five-storey Breezes Montego Bay or the three-storey Doctor’s Cave Beach Hotel, set in 1.6ha of manicured gardens.
Montego Bay is on the northwest coast of the island of Jamaica, less than 5km from the Montego Bay Airport.
(Negril) – Relax on the golden sands of this wide beach, home to the Aquasol Theme Park, which offers a huge range of sports facilities including jet skis, glass-bottom boats and snorkelling, as well as tennis and basketball courts, a go-kart track and a children’s playground.
Facilities include parasols and sun loungers for hire as well as an attractive bar, seafood restaurant and fast-food kiosk.
(Port Antonio) – Unwind on the pristine white sands of this idyllic 60m-long beach that lies at the end of a narrow inlet surrounded by lush green vegetation.
Once the hangout of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, among other celebrities, Frenchmen's Cove offers a stunningly beautiful spot on the north coast, just 8km from Port Antonio.
Come for a day or stay longer at the Frenchman's Cove Resort, set on a scenic windswept headland. Sunbathe on the small beach or swim in the clean fresh waters that flow into the sea from a freshwater stream flanked by lush native bush.
Facilities include showers, toilets and a beachfront barbecue restaurant serving cold drinks and freshly grilled fish.
(Port Antonio) – Sunbathe on the golden sands of this small crescent-shaped beach framed by lush tree-covered headlands and shelving into clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming (and surfing, when the conditions are right).
This beach has the biggest waves in Jamaica; you can rent surfboards and have surf lessons.
Facilities include changing rooms, toilets, showers and picnic tables, as well as food and cold-drink kiosks.
Boston Bay Beach lies on the north coast amid some of the most rugged and beautiful scenery in Jamaica, 18km east of Port Antonio and 97km northeast of Kingston.
(Oracabessa) – Unwind on the golden sands of this tiny beach located beneath the villa Goldeneye – author Ian Fleming’s former home and where he penned the 13 original James Bond books.
The villa is now the centrepiece of a luxury villa complex, including GoldenEye Hotel & Resort, and offers access to this small private beach managed by the James Bond Beach Club.
Facilities include changing rooms, restrooms and restaurant-cum-bar serving grilled fish and cold drinks. A water sports centre offers snorkelling equipment, kayaking and glass-bottomed boats – perfect for admiring the underwater world without getting wet.
The beach is free for guests of the hotel, while non-guests can use all the beach’s facilities for a small fee, which includes a free drink.
James Bond Beach is located along Old Wharf Road in Oracabessa, 15 minutes drive east of Ocho Rios.
(Montego Bay) – Unwind on the white sands of this 800m-long secluded beach, located around 18km east of Montego Bay.
Swim in the crystalline blue waters and enjoy a range of beachside facilities including parasols, sun loungers, changing rooms, showers, restrooms, hammocks, beach volleyball courts and various water sport activities.
Enjoy cold drinks and fresh seafood from the beachside bar and restaurant. Come for a day and pay a small fee to use the facilities or stay longer at one of the nearby luxury hotels, including the Iberostar Rose Hall Beach (photo), Hilton Rose Hall and Ritz-Carlton.
(Port Antonio) – Although not technically a beach, the so-called Blue Lagoon is well worth a visit for its dramatic and sheltered cerulean blue lagoon, which is perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
The 56m-deep lagoon teems with marine life, including schools of colourful tropical fish.
Facilities include a changing room, restrooms, showers and a rental shop for paddleboats and snorkelling equipment. A restaurant offers fresh seafood and cold drinks.
(South Coast) – Escape the tourist crowds and discover the ‘real Jamaica’ at a choice of four beaches and several small secluded coves along this coastal area collectively named Treasure Beach.
The best time for swimming and snorkelling the offshore coral reef is in the morning; afternoon waves are good for bodysurfing - watch out for b undertows.
Facilities include beachside restaurants and cafes. The coastline between Treasure Beach and Lover's Leap is networked with trails that are ideal for hiking or mountain biking. Come for a day or stay longer at Jake's Hotel, perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean.
(Ocho Rios) – Sunbathe on this small golden-sand beach that nestles beneath lush bush and the stunning sight of the Dunn’s River Falls. Facilities include restrooms and showers.
Ocho Rios is situated on the northern coast of Jamaica, around 73km west of Port Antonio.
Jamaica offers an outstanding range of luxurious accommodation options for couples celebrating a honeymoon or romantic getaway.
Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril and Port Antonio feature some of the island's best resorts, including the following…
Iberostar Grand Rose Hall
Location: Montego Bay
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD879 per room
Description: Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, Iberostar Grand Rose Hall has a private beach area, a year-round outdoor pool and sun terrace, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant. A flat-screen TV and DVD player, as well as an iPod docking station and a CD player are provided. You will find a coffee machine in the room. Every room includes a private bathroom,with complimentary bath robes and slippers. You will find a 24-hour front desk, a cash machine, hairdresser's and gift shop at the property. Butler services are available for your comfort. Guests can enjoy various activities in the surroundings, including golfing and diving. Montego Bay Airport is 3 km away.
Round Hill Hotel & Villas
Location: Montego Bay
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD878 per room
Description: Featuring a golden sand beach and a beautiful pool overlooking Montego Bay, this resort is less than 20 minutes from Sangster International Airport. Free Wi-Fi and a choice of dining options are available. An iPod docking station and Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee are found in each modern yet exotic room of Round Hill Hotel & Villas. Air conditioning and an iron are also included. Guests of Round Hill can enjoy traditional Caribbean meals made with on-site ingredients. The Seaside Terrace, The Grill at Round Hill and pool and beach bars are open daily. Afternoon tea is also served. Water-skiing, diving, tennis and other sports can be arranged, and free shuttle service to the Tryall Golf Club is also provided. On-site spa and services are also available. Downtown Montego Bay is 14 km from the hotel. The Hanover Museum is 25 minutes away.
Sandals Montego Bay
Location: Montego Bay
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD730 per room
Description: This all-inclusive resort boasts 5 outdoor pools, 4 spa tubs, fine dining and premium brand beverages at 8 restaurants, swim-up bars, and unlimited watersports activities (including scuba diving for certified divers). Onsite food and beverages are included in the room price (some restrictions may apply). All accommodations have tile floors and offer plantation-style decor such as mahogany furniture, bright floral fabrics, and framed island art. Guests enjoy expansive king-sized beds and air conditioning. Plasma TVs with cable channels are featured in all 250 rooms, and you can enjoy free WiFi, balconies or patios, and coffee/tea makers. Refrigerators, safes and hair dryers are also available. This lively resort, just minutes from the airport, provides a long stretch of white sand for couples to sunbathe without crowding, and additional oceanfront for romantic evening strolls.
Hermosa Cove, Villa Resort & Suites
Location: Ocho Rios
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD594 per room
Description: Nestled on Jamaica’s Gold Coast amidst 12 acres of tropical gardens, 500 metres from Mahogany Beach, this Caribbean-style boutique resort features luxury villas with swimming pool, free Wi-Fi and free continental breakfast. The secluded villas offer a ceiling fan, seating area, flat-screen TV and terraces with garden views and footsteps from the beach. The bathrooms include a shower and the kitchens are equipped with all facilities for guests to make their own meals.The Cristopher restaurant serves island meats, seafood, and locally produced fruits and vegetables. Isabella’s Rum Bar offers fruit cocktails. This property can arrange activities including deep-sea fishing, snorkelling, horseback riding, golfing, biking eco-tours and helicopter tours. Hermosa Cove Villa Resort & Suites is 2 km from Ocho Rios Bay Beach and from Turtle River Park. Ian Fleming International Airport is 15 minutes’ drive away and Sangster International Airport is 97 km away.
Sandals Royal Plantation
Location: Ocho Rios
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD921 per room
Description: This hotel is exclusively for adult couples. Surrounded by luxuriant greenery and perched on a bluff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, this plantation-style resort is centrally located in Ocho Rios near Mahogany Beach. Warm Jamaican hospitality and sophisticated style are hallmarks of the historic Sandals Royal Plantation All Inclusive resort. Professional butlers are trained to anticipate the needs of every guest. Lavish ocean view suites have personalized butler service, luxury bedding and stocked minibars. Spacious living spaces extend to balconies or patios for views of white sand beaches or star gazing. As an all-inclusive resort, onsite food and beverages are included in the room price (some restrictions may apply). Overlooking the ocean, Le Papillion restaurant specializes in French cuisine and serves dinner only. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. The Terrace restaurant specializes in international cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Wobbly Peacock Pub serves dinner only. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar.
Jamaica Inn
Location: Ocho Rios
Rating: 4.5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD528 per room
Description: This small resort 3 km from downtown Ocho Rios offers a private beach and more than 2 hectares of garden and tranquility for guests 13 and older. No TVs, radios or clocks intrude between guest and rest. Low-key diversions include sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, and treatments at an on-site health spa. Air-conditioned guest suites offer spacious verandahs or large balconies designed like open-air living rooms, along with in-room safes, bathrobes, and turndown service.
SPA Retreat Boutique Hotel
Location: West End, Negril
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD278 per room
Description: Featuring spa treatments, a sun terrace with swimming pool and massage service, SPA Retreat Boutique Hotel is located 3 km from Coral Beach and 4 km from the Negril Lighthouse. The cottages offer free Wi-Fi, wooden décor with stone walls and are equipped with air conditioning, ceiling fan and a private bathroom with shower. Some of the accommodations also feature a terrace with garden views. The on-site restaurant Blue Mahoe serves Jamaican cuisine and international food. The property offers daily yoga lessons and meeting facilities as well. The complex is 5 minutes’ drive from the Norman Manley Sea Park Beach and 3 km from the Times Square Shopping Mall. The Sangster International Airport is a 90-minute drive away.
The Caves
Location: Negril
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD879 per room
Description: This 5-star couples-only accommodation in Negril boasts an Aveda spa, on-site dining and a bar made from 2 limestone grottos. Just 10 km from Seven Mile Beach, it features cliff-side guest suites and cottages with ocean views. A minibar, small fridge and coffee-making facilities are provided for each accommodation at The Caves. All stylish accommodation offers a separate seating area, and many offer a private terrace. Guests at The Caves can relax in the Cliffside hot tub or at the Blackwell Rum Bar. Free bike rentals, guided snorkelling tours and local transfer services are also available. Private Cave dining offering a 5-course meal also available at an additional cost that can be reserved upon check-in. Guests can also visit the 24-hour self-service bar or choose in-room dining options. This property is within 15 minutes’ drive of Negril Hills Golf Club and Kool Runnings Waterpark. Crocodile Reserve & Bird Sanctuary is 22 km away.
Sunset at the Palms
Location: Negril
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD531 per room
Description: Boasting 3 km of private sandy beach, a full-service spa and gourmet dining, the luxury Sunset at the Palms resort features treehouse-style rooms nestled among the 10-acre tropical garden. Every room features an open balcony with a day bed. Satellite TV, free Wi-Fi and a minibar are included. Sunset at the Palms Resort’s rooms are styled with dark-wood floors and have Asian-inspired furnishings. Guests can lounge poolside or work out in the well-equipped fitness center. Other on-site activities include tennis courts, beach volleyball and snorkeling. Sunset Resort’s Palms Spa offers massages, facial scrubs, and body and beauty treatments. Caribbean and international cuisine is served at Palm Grove Restaurant. Fine dining is offered at Lotus Leaf, while sandwiches can be enjoyed beachside at Palm Breeze Bar & Grill. Drinks are available at the pool swim-up Bamboo Bar. Negril Airport is 4.4 km from this resort and the Negril Lighthouse is 9.2 km away.
Geejam Hotel
Location: Port Antonio
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD687 per room
Description: This luxury hotel is within 10 km of Winnifred Beach, Boston Bay Beach and Blue Lagoon. Portland Parish Church and Port Antonio Square are also within 10 km. All 7 rooms feature modern comforts like flat-screen TVs with cable channels, along with free WiFi. Furnished balconies, 24-hour room service, and safes are among the other amenities available to guests. The hotel features a restaurant, an outdoor pool and a fitness centre. Free full breakfast, free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include a bar/lounge, 24-hour room service, and concierge services.
The Trident Hotel
Location: Port Antonio
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD834 per room
Description: Featuring a private beach area, gym and spa, Trident Hotel offers ocean-front villas with terraces overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Most of Hotel Trident's stylish air-conditioned villas feature a private plunge pool and bathtub. All villas have a lounge with flat-screen cable TV and free Wi-Fi. A fridge and kettle are also provided. Trident Hotel's restaurant serves à la carte breakfast and lunch, and you can enjoy dinner with live jazz music at Mike’s Supper Club. Local restaurants and bars can also be found in Port Antonio, a 7-minute drive away. Water sports guides can accompany guests who want to snorkel, take a boat ride or go kayaking. You can go rafting on the Rio Grande River, 30 minutes’ drive from the hotel. Navy Island is 6 km away. Trident Hotel is located 4.5 km from Frenchman Cove’s Beach.
The best time to visit Jamaica is during the winter dry season from December to April, when temperatures average 27°C (80°F), rising to an average high of 31°C (87°F). The north coast resorts, such as Montego Bay are best between January and March.
Renowned for balmy tropical weather, Jamaica is a popular year-round destination, with average coastal temperatures ranging between 23°C (73°F) and 32°C (89°F) over the year.
Jamaica has a hot tropical climate with two distinct wet seasons: during May and June, and from September to November. However, you can still expect a lot of sunshine even during the wet seasons.
The relatively cooler winter dry season from November to April is generally the sunniest time of the year.
For more climate info: Jamaica Weather Guide…
Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Caribbean, located in the Western Caribbean about 145km (90mi) south of Cuba and 160km (99mi) west of Haiti.
The most convenient route to Jamaica is by air to one of three international airports…
Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) Located 18km (11mi) southeast of the capital, Kingston, this airport is the better option if you're visiting Kingston, Port Antonio or heading to the Blue Mountains.
Sangster International Airport (MBJ) Located in Montego Bay, this is the primary point of entry for visitors headed to Montego Bay, Ocho Rios or Negril.
For the most convenient flights to Sangster International Airport (MBJ), Montego Bay, check getting to Montego Bay.
Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ) Located in the Ocho Rios resort area this airport is a convenient entry point to Jamaica's north coast for small aircraft.
By sea, both Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are favourite ports-of-call for several cruise lines.
Information on how to get to Jamaica…
At around 235km (146mi) long and 82km (51mi) across at its widest point, hiring a car is the best way of exploring Jamaica.
Scooters and motorbikes can also be rented, usually with the help of your hotel front desk.
Jamaica's road network covers the whole island. Roads are divided into freeways, major roads and minor roads.
Traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road. Speed limits are 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas and 80kph (50mph) outside the main towns.
The Jamaica Tourist Board offers one of the most comprehensive road maps of the island – the Discover Jamaica road map.
The map contains a detailed overview of the entire island, as well as blowups of Kingston, Montego Bay, Negril, Mandeville, Spanish Town, Port Antonio and Ocho Rios. Available from any Jamaica Tourist Board office or car-rental agency.
By car, Negril to Port Antonio (incorporating Montego Bay and Ocho Rios) takes about five or six hours, while Montego Bay to Ocho Rios takes about two hours.
More about how to get around Jamaica…
Latest update: Jamaica: 6 July, 2022
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