A Guide To Jamaica’s Most Popular Resorts

Jamaica is nicknamed the heartbeat of the world – a colourful island in the beautiful Caribbean Sea with friendly people, dramatic scenery, exquisite beaches and endless adventure. From chilling to reggae beats with a rum punch in hand to zip-lining through luscious jungle canopies, you’ll never be bored in this tropical paradise. Come with us and take a deeper dive into Jamaica and its ravishing resorts…

Montego Bay

You’ll love it if you’re all about good times and tan lines!

Montego Bay is likely the first place you’ll see when you touch down in Jamaica – and with a runway practically on the beach, you’ll almost feel like you’re landing on water! It’s a lively part of the island, with pristine white beaches and colourful coral reefs. Many people also hail it the best place for nightlife in Jamaica, and it’s got an impressive line-up of swanky hotels to choose from on the glistening coastline. All in all, we love it here!

Things To Do in Montego Bay

There’s a list as long as your arm of exciting tours and excursions picking up from Montego Bay, along with some total gems in the parish itself. It’s home to the famous Doctor’s Cave Beach, for example, where you’ll find a long stretch of soft sand gently kissed by the clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. Utter perfection!

Another popular place to go in Montego Bay is Rose Hall Great House, a Georgian plantation house which is now a historic museum said to be haunted by its past mistress, Annie Palmer (also known as The White Witch!). The building itself is an architectural masterpiece, and as well as hearing the story of the White Witch, you’ll be wowed by the remains of the house on your visit and the stunning tropical gardens that surround it.

Our Favourite Hotels in Montego Bay

Our favourite family hotel in Montego Bay is the Holiday Inn Resort. You can check it out here!

Our favourite hotel for adults in Montego Bay is the RIU Reggae. You can check it out here!

Negril

You’ll love it if you live for the finer things in life!

Negril is the ultimate spot for total relaxation and unmatched beauty. It’s home to the most famous beach in Jamaica, the spectacular Seven Mile Beach, and has an array of heavenly hotels to choose from. If you look in one direction, you’ll see sugary white sands and amazing turquoise waters, and when you turn the other way you’ll be treated to miles of emerald green jungle palms. It’s a tropical island dream!

Things To Do in Negril

Unsurprisingly, many people choose to come to Negril for the sand and the waters. Those who like to snorkel or scuba dive could spend days on end exploring the vibrant wildlife of the Caribbean Sea, whether they simply take a few steps in from the shore or go on a catamaran cruise a little further out. On the other hand, sun-worshippers seeking their own tranquil piece of paradise to relax in will fall in love with Negril’s beaches.

Rick’s Cafe is one of the most-loved spots in Negril. This chilled-out cliffside bar attracts visitors from around the globe, with gorgeous views over the sea and the kind of fun, mellow atmosphere you’d only get in Jamaica. At Rick’s Cafe, you can expect live entertainment, a swimming pool, cliff jumpers, great music, delicious drinks and, last but not least, quite possibly the most spectacular sunset view in the Caribbean. It’s a must-visit!

Our Favourite Hotels in Negril

Our favourite family hotel in Negril is the Azul Beach Resort Negril By Karisma. You can check it out here!

Our favourite hotel for adults in Negril is the Couples Swept Away. You can check it out here!

Ocho Rios

You’ll love it if you have a real taste for adventure!

If you’ve got a thirst for adventure and you love to be surrounded by alluring nature, Ocho Rios is the place for you – it’s a sleepy fishing town turned holidaymakers’ delight. It may be known for things like horseback riding on the beach, thunderous waterfalls and intriguing grottos, but it also has a diverse range of places to shop and dine, not forgetting those spotless beaches Jamaica is so famous for. It truly is a resort that has it all!

Things To Do in Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios is the home of one of Jamaica’s most-loved tourist attractions and national treasures: Dunn’s River Falls. This excursion takes you on an exhilarating journey through tropical trees and whirling waters, starting on the beach before heading up into the mountains and finishing 180 feet higher than where you started. You might even recognise the falls from iconic movie scenes – it was a filming spot in ‘Dr No’ and Tom Cruise’s ‘Cocktail’!

Another amazing attraction in Ocho Rios is the wild rainforest playground that is Mystic Mountain. Adrenaline junkies will love it here – they’ll be able to do anything from bob-sledding through the trees to high ropes courses and zip-lines above a sea of colour and wildlife. There are different packages you can opt for at Mystic Mountain, so there’ll always be something to suit yourself and your party. Whatever you do, you’ll have the time of your life!

Our Favourite Hotels in Ocho Rios

Our favourite family hotel in Ocho Rios is the RIU Ocho Rios. You can check it out here!

Our favourite hotel for adults in Ocho Rios is the Couples Tower Isle. You can check it out here!

Trelawny

You’ll love it if you like things a little out of the ordinary!

Trelawny is a pretty parish on the northern side of Jamaica, nestled between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. It’s known for its unique excursions as well as breathtaking beaches just perfect for relaxing – those who want a touch of luxury on their holiday will love it here. You can expect dazzling historic architecture and a wave of wonderful wildlife in Trelawny, along with must-see attractions and tasty cuisine.

Things to do in Trelawny

Trelawny is an increasingly popular part of the island for tourists. One of the main attractions is in Falmouth, the capital of Trelawny, and it’s called the Luminous Lagoon. This excursion takes you on a late evening cruise into complete darkness to witness a truly unique phenomenon – the water lights up an electric blue as the microorganisms within it move and glow. You can even swim in it and make the waves light up yourself! It’s one for the books, that’s for sure.

As well as taking a dip in a light-up lagoon, you can enjoy a raft ride down the magical Martha Brae River in Trelawny. The scenes on your raft ride are so dramatically beautiful, almost as if you’ve been whisked away into the silver screen. You’ll gently meander down the river, learning about the tropical birds and fruit that surround you, for around 45 minutes to an hour. It’s an experience you’ll never forget!

Our favourite hotels in Trelawny

Our favourite family hotel in Trelawny is the Royalton Blue Waters. You can check it out here!

Our favourite hotel for adults in Trelawny is the Ocean Eden Bay. You can check it out here!

Lucea

You’ll love it if you’re seeking the perfect place to relax!

Lucea is a much smaller and quieter part of the island, but what it lacks in activity it more than makes up for in beauty. Those who visit Lucea can expect luxurious beaches with shallow, calm waters perfect for families. There’ll be a range of watersports from kayaking to banana boats, along with laidback beach bars sounding reggae through the air. What better place to switch off and unwind?

Things To Do in Lucea

Lucea is the ultimate chill resort, but when you fancy amping up the activity and having a break from sunbathing, it’s just on the doorstep of so many exciting excursions and tourist spots. Many people who stay here like to take a day trip up the road to Negril, some like to visit Dolphin Cove which is just a stone’s throw away, and others opt to take to the waters and enjoy a sunset catamaran ride. There are many ways to spice up your holiday in Lucea!

Our Favourite Hotels in Lucea

Our favourite family hotel in Lucea is the Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort and Spa. You can check it out here!

Our favourite hotel for adults in Lucea is the Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa. You can check it out here!

Runaway Bay

You’ll love it if you want a balance of thrills and chills!

Runaway Bay is a scenic town on the northern coast of the island home to a selection of luxury hotels, sprawling golf courses and private villas. It’s elegant and peaceful, but positioned in a great location to go exploring in areas such as Ocho Rios and Trelawny. You’ll love lazing the days away on the soft sands of some of Jamaica’s most-loved beaches as well as taking some time to explore enchanting caves and dancing coral reefs.

Things To Do in Runaway Bay

One of the most notable places in Runaway Bay is the Green Grotto Caves. They’re the largest on the island, and the most accessible – many tourists make the trip to see this spectacular maze of stalagmites and stalactites for themselves. There’s even an underground lake in the deepest cavern! Those who like a touch of adventure mixed in with their lazy afternoons in the sunshine will love seeing the Green Grotto.

Our Favourite Hotels in Runaway Bay

Our favourite family hotel in Runaway Bay is the Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica. You can check it out here!

Our favourite hotel for adults in Runaway Bay is the Bahia Principe Luxury Runaway Bay. You can check it out here!

Fancy Seeing Jamaica For Yourself?

Now you know all about the resorts in Jamaica, you’re in a great position to pick your favourite and get planning your Caribbean escape! Check out our best deals to Jamaica and prepare for an adventure you’ll treasure forever.