telegraph travel jamaica

Accessibility Links

20 of the best hotels in Jamaica

From beach resorts in negril to all-inclusives in ocho rios and boutique hotels in port antonio, these are the top places to bed down in jamaica.

F rom remote, jungly lodges via laid-back beach bungalows to blockbuster all-inclusives, Jamaica runs the full gamut of hotel options. Most of the big, all-singing, all-dancing beach resorts — as well as some of the most historic luxury hotels in Jamaica — congregate on the long stretches of sparkling white sand around Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, with a huge choice of restaurants, bars, nightlife and activities. Negril, on the west coast, is a little more relaxed, with hills perched up on the cliffs and along the striking Seven Mile Beach. Port Antonio, in the northeast, is a whole different kettle of saltfish, with lush, rainforest-covered hills dropping down to sleepy little coves, where the hotels are boutiquey and the nightlife laid-back. For a break from the coast, cool off in the misty heights of the Blue Mountains. These are the best hotels in Jamaica.

Main photo: Sandals Royal Caribbean, Montego Bay

This article contains affiliate links which may earn us revenue

1. Geejam, Port Antonio

Jungly, laid-back and far from the madding crowd, GeeJam offers a gloriously low-key place to stay in Jamaica , with wooden cabins, stylish whitewashed rooms and luxury villas set high in the rainforest above sleepy Port Antonio. A favourite with musicians, the onsite recording studio has drawn Snoop Dogg, Rihanna, Katy Perry and Amy Winehouse among others. There’s the hip outdoor Bushbar (where you might catch local band the Jolly Boys), an infinity pool and access to a tiny beach down the hill.

Spa N Pool Y Price ££

Advertisement

2. Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios

Opened in the 1950s by the locally well-known Pringle family, Jamaica Inn’s easy Caribbean glamour quickly gained the attention of Hollywood stars, attracting Marilyn Monroe, Alfred Hitchcock, Grace Kelly and the Kennedys in its heyday. That intimate, high-end feel remains, with light, bright and breezy suites overlooking the sea, pretty cottages with plunge pools and a private beach.

Spa Y Pool Y Price £££

3. GoldenEye, Oracabessa

Located in the grounds around Ian Fleming’s former villa, where he wrote his Bond novels, is this celebrity favourite that’s now part of Island Outposts. It’s owned by Chris Blackwell, the founder of Island Records who signed Bob Marley, and you can rent the villa itself, or opt for one of the beach villas, cottages or wooden beach huts dotted along a private, golden beach and a calm lagoon. There’s a spa and various bars and restaurants, and the vibe is low-key and laid-back — shoes are always optional.

4. Round Hill, Montego Bay

This is another 1950s classic that has been attracting Hollywood heavyweights for decades. Located west of Montego Bay on an Instagram-ready arc of golden sand, lapped by perfectly turquoise waters, is Round Hill. Sea-facing rooms designed by Ralph Lauren and secluded villas dot impeccably manicured grounds and there’s a lovely spa, tennis courts and club for children and teens.

• Best hotels in Montego Bay

5. Half Moon, Montego Bay

This is an all-inclusive, but not as you know it. One of the smartest hotels in Montego Bay, Half Moon has 210 rooms and 27 villas spread across three areas: Eclipse, with two restaurants, three bars and its own spa; Founders Cove, the original hotel, with cottages centred around Sunset Beach; and Rose Hall Villas, featuring large butler-serviced villas with private swimming pools, aimed at groups of friends and families. The facilities are as you’d hope, with a whole Children’s Village, a golf course, various restaurants and bars, and the Fern Tree Spa.

6. Sandals Royal Caribbean, Montego Bay

Sandals has no fewer than six resorts in Jamaica and this hideout was the first to bring overwater villas to the Caribbean, all angled off its own private island. Although large, with nine restaurants, this adult-only all-inclusive feels smaller than its nearby monstrously large sibling — to which there are free shuttles throughout the day. With everything from English afternoon tea and croquet to Thai food and Balinese design, Royal Caribbean is not exactly authentically Jamaican, but the overwater villas do exactly what they should, with endless ocean views, baths big enough for two and private infinity pools.

7. The Caves, Negril

With just 12 individually-designed clifftop cottages, the Caves, another of Chris Blackwell’s properties, is a low-key, colourful affair, close to all the action in Negril. Two of the caves themselves, in the cliffs below the resort, are used for private dining, filled with candles and a hit with honeymooners, while another has been transformed into a rum bar. This place has a casual, laid-back feel to it, with lots of lush nooks and crannies and a breezy bamboo-built restaurant, while the brightly painted cottages have front-row sea views. And — whisper it quietly — this place is all-inclusive.

8. Trident Villas, Port Antonio

This slick, minimalist number is a villas-only hotel, with just 11 dotted in ten acres of seafront gardens. It’s cutting-edge contemporary, with a big infinity pool set right above the waves; each villa comes with its own plunge pool and terrace and is sleek at every corner. Expect huge headboards, Danish designer furniture and standalone baths big enough for a party. The open-air Veranda is the main restaurant, and, come sundown, the speakeasy-style Mike’s Supper Club is the place to be.

9. Kanopi House, Port Antonio

The treehouses here are locally designed and sustainably built, hidden away in the lush rainforest canopy. Not a single tree was felled in the construction; instead, the trees — including 100ft-tall banyans — grow beside, below and often through the treehouses, blending in perfectly with the wood-and-white decor. The location is top-notch, too, with direct access to the famous Blue Lagoon. The Bar does a seriously good rum cocktail, while lighter takes on Jamaican classics are on offer in the Living Room restaurant.

Spa N Pool N Price ££

10. Jakes, Treasure Beach

Laid-back, bohemian and off-beat, Jakes is a local, family-run institution, embedded in the community in a way that so many other hotels in Jamaica aren’t. The location is offbeat, too, far removed from the built-up beaches of the north and west coasts, but its local feel makes up for the lack of “big bucks” resort amenities. The design is whimsical, with winding mosaic-studded pathways leading to a string of cottages — brightly painted, with outdoor showers built with local stone, shells and recycled wine bottles. Meanwhile, the restaurant features locally sourced ingredients and there’s a rum bar, saltwater pool and a spa that makes its own products from the tropical gardens.

Spa Y Pool Y Price £

11. Sandals Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios

Another all-inclusive by Sandals, Royal Plantation is the smartest of the bunch and the only one where all the rooms — 74, which is not many by Sandals standards — are suites serviced by private butlers. The emphasis here is on old-fashioned, bow-tied service, and the interiors are similarly traditional, with glossy furniture, sumptuous fabrics and marbly bathrooms. Guests have access to the thrills and spills of high-octane Sandals Ochi next door, or they can stay put on the private beach, stroll between five restaurants or play a round of golf at the Sandals course.

• Best villas in Jamaica • Best things to do in Jamaica

12. Sandals Dunns River, Ocho Rios

Sandals Dunns River offers plenty of variety at mealtimes, with 12 restaurants serving its 260 rooms. Of the accommodation options, perhaps the most indulgent are the Mammee Bay Beachfront Butler Suites, which have sunset-facing balconies. Complimentary green fees are available for any golfers, but of more universal appeal will be the direct access to the shimmering white stretch of beach.

13. Royalton Negril, Negril

With 407 suites, the Royalton Negril is a family favourite in the far west of Jamaica that’s known for its vast all-inclusive offering. There are swimming pools and a small water park for kids, while the seven bars will provide refreshment for adults. A selection of water sports and instructor-led fitness classes are also included in the all-inclusive packages, though treatments at the Royal Spa cost extra. It’s close to Negril town and much-loved Seven Mile Beach.

Spa Y Pool Y Price ££

14. Catcha Falling Star, Negril

Also located out in Negril, but operating at a completely different level to the surrounding corporate behemoths, Catcha Falling Star has clifftop suites and cottages a stone’s throw from its nominal rivals. There is some remarkable value to be had across the five room categories, and while the on-site restaurant, Ivan’s, has plenty of admirers, the property is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the famously hedonistic Rick’s Café, one of Jamaica’s best loved spots, and perhaps the island’s greatest location for enjoying sunset.

Spa N Pool Y Price £

15. Sandy Haven Resort, Negril

This upscale, privately owned resort in the centre of Seven Mile Beach is small enough to offer personal service and an intimate setting — there are just 35 rooms — yet you’re only ten minutes from the hard-partying heart of Negril. Relaxing comes easy thanks to Sandy Haven’s beach cabanas, pool and a spa offering wellness therapies from herbal scrubs to a “Jamaican sun-smoother” treatment. There’s mellow dining at Bongos restaurant, which includes a piano bar, while the smart, wood-floored guest rooms have garden or ocean views with restful contemporary interiors enlivened by colourful cushions and throws.

16. Strawberry Hill, Blue Mountains

Strawberry Hill, part of Island Outposts, is the place to spend a few days cooling off high in the Blue Mountains after a holiday basking on the coast. The setting is dreamy, with plantation-style houses, complete with four-poster beds and wrap-around verandas, set in lush gardens overlooking the rolling, jungle-smothered mountains. There’s a small spa, a bar and a restaurant (which does a good turn at Jamaican fusion cuisine), set in the Great House. Mornings are hazy, best enjoyed with a cup of homegrown coffee overlooking those views, and afternoons are lazy in the infinity pool, which looks out all the way to the capital, Kingston.

17. Spanish Court Hotel, Kingston

This contemporary four-star hotel in uptown Kingston is a smart and well-run base for exploring the Jamaican capital. Two top attractions, the Bob Marley Museum and Devon House (a stately mansion with shops and restaurants), lie close by in Hope Road. Appealing to both business and leisure travellers, Spanish Court has 125 neat and unassuming rooms while the Rojo restaurant serves comforting dishes like crab cakes and pork chops with guava sauce. When it’s time to unwind there’s a 15m infinity lap pool, spa and gym, while the alfresco Sky Terrace bar is open until midnight.

18. S Hotel Jamaica, Montego Bay

Lipstick-red sun loungers and umbrellas set the mood in this 120-room all-inclusive resort that opened alongside Doctor’s Cave Beach in 2019. Sangster International Airport is five minutes away and you’re bang in the Hip Strip where Montego Bay loves to party. The interiors celebrate Jamaican culture with murals, art and music references and the rooms and suites have a crisp, white style. Dining options include two restaurants, an all-day café and a poolside grill. The Irie Baths and Spa come with plunge pools and four treatment rooms — plus there’s a small rooftop pool as well as a main one.

19. Rockhouse, Negril

As the name suggests, this cool little boutique hotel is perched right on the rocky cliffs of Negril’s West End, with the sapphire-blue waters lapping right below. Winding paths lead through extravagantly lush tropical gardens to the 20 thatched, rustic-chic bungalows, built from wood and local limestone, with private balconies overlooking the sea. There’s a swimming pool built into the rock, a fine-dining restaurant overlooking the waves, a colourful jerk joint called Pushcart, and a gorgeous spa with treatments in cliff-edge cabanas. There may be no beach, but guests are regularly shuttled to sister property Skylark, right on the sand.

rockhouse.com

20. Skylark, Negril

Set on Negril’s Seven Mile Beach, this laid-back eco-resort, sister to Rockhouse, is a colour-popping addition to Negril’s hotel scene. There’s a retro 1960s vibe to the place, with colourful vintage posters, mid-century furniture and bright splashes in the rooms. There’s no pool, but Skylark is steps from the beach, and Negril’s bars and restaurants are a quick, sandy walk away. There’s a little spa, a lively bar, and the restaurant, Miss Lily’s, also has an outpost in New York.

Spa Y Pool N Price £

skylarknegril.com

Additional reporting by Jamie Lafferty and Nigel Tisdall

Take me there

Inspired to visit Jamaica but yet to book your trip? Here are the best packages from Virgin Holidays and British Airways .

Sign up for the Times Travel Newsletter here .

Related articles

21 things to know before traveling to Jamaica

Apr 18, 2024 • 10 min read

Be ready for your vacation to Jamaica with these top tips on health, safety and etiquette © Peter Phipp / Getty Images

Pulsating reggae and dancehall beats aside, Jamaica ’s natural beauty – gorgeous beaches, jungle-covered mountains and tropical waterfalls – and  world-renowned culinary scene , are what set it apart from other islands in the Caribbean . 

Learning the nation's unspoken rules and etiquette goes a long way toward helping you understand what makes Jamaica such a remarkable place and manage any travel concerns you might have. Here's everything you should know before you go.

1. Choose where to stay wisely

Jamaica is one of the largest islands in the Caribbean, so where you decide to stay depends on what you’re into. For beaches and water sports, Negril and the north coast are your best bets. 

Montego Bay and Ocho Rios combine excellent dining scenes with proximity to natural attractions and buzzy nightlife, though when it comes to the Jamaican music scene, Kingston – the capital – reigns supreme.

Treasure Beach (south coast) and Port Antonio (north coast) offer a taste of low-key, laid-back Jamaica, while those interested in traditional Maroon culture can visit Charles Town on the northeastern coast.

Hiking up Blue Mountain peak and trekking in remote Cockpit Country are best organized from Kingston or Falmouth, respectively.

2. Bring a mosquito net (just in case)  

Jamaican mosquitoes do not carry malaria but there are occasional outbreaks of dengue fever. Some of the guesthouses and hotels don’t provide mosquito nets, so bring your own. 

The best repellent for no-see-ums (midges) – tiny biting insects that live near water, whose bites are extremely itchy – is Avon Skin So Soft.

3. Carry some cash

In upmarket hotels, shops and restaurants credit cards are almost universally accepted. Elsewhere in Jamaica, cash (Jamaican dollars) is king, though in touristy destinations you can largely get by with US dollars.

ATMs and currency exchanges are plentiful in Montego Bay, Kingston and Ocho Rios, though currency exchanges ( cambios ) give you the best rates. A

irport rates are not great, and you’ll get hit with ATM charges if you withdraw cash. Small change is best for buying from street vendors and using public transport. 

4. You can travel during hurricane season

Jamaica is vulnerable to hurricanes during the Atlantic hurricane season (early June to late November); most storms occur between August and October. Timing your visit to Jamaica during hurricane season is possible if you follow a few basic rules:

• Take out travel insurance that covers hurricanes.
• Download a hurricane tracker app.
• Decide (as soon as possible) whether you’ll try to catch an early flight home (which may be expensive/difficult) or hunker down in case of a hurricane.
• Find out whether your hotel/guesthouse has a hurricane shelter, and whether it’s likely to be affected by flooding or landslides, bearing in mind that only hotels with private generators are unlikely to get hit by power outages.
• Charge your electronics and make sure you have a flashlight, first aid kit, and a supply of food and water.
• Comply with evacuation orders.
• Consider relocating closer to the airport in Kingston or Montego Bay to make it easier to get help/get out after a hurricane.
• If Jamaica is hit by a hurricane, have plenty of patience and be prepared to extend your trip.

5. You don't need to hire a car

The main towns in Jamaica are served by a combination of comfortable, air-conditioned buses, crowded minibuses and route taxis.

It’s entirely possible to get around Jamaica using public transportation, though for exploring more remote destinations, you’ll need either ample time and patience or your own set of wheels.

If you plan on  taking a road trip , car hire is available at airports in Kingston and Montego Bay.

Planning to travel around the island? Here's what you need to know about transportation

6. Feel free to let loose on a night out

Casual summer wear is perfectly acceptable for most occasions, though some upscale resorts and pricier restaurants expect smart casual attire. 

At nightclubs in Kingston and Montego Bay, “batty riders” (skin-tight shorts) and similarly figure-hugging tops are a popular choice for women, while men tend to wear jeans and shirts. Remember, the vibe is laid-back and nonjudgemental so staring or judging is unacceptable. 

If something casual and low-key is more your fashion speed, come as you are. It’s a party after all. 

If you’re a newcomer to the dancehall scene , it can be a real eye-opener. The dancing can be pretty suggestive and locals try to outdo each other when it comes to “whining” – gyrating hips and waists to the music.

You’ll likely get pushed into the melee, and then it’s sink or swim time! You’ll get a lot of good-natured remarks from regulars if you give the dancing your best shot, and they might even offer to teach you to dance.

7. Stay up for the nightlife

Jamaica never sleeps. At least, that’s true for Kingston, Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. Negril is best for beach parties while Kingston has the slickest nightclubs, the best music events and street dances.

Things rarely get going before midnight and revelers party until sunrise. Overnight reggae and dancehall concerts involve at least a dozen performers, with the audience expressing their enthusiasm with shouts of “bullet bullet,” and two-finger gun salutes. It’s raucous, but typically all in good fun.

Dancehall is more than just music. Learn more about this Jamaican way of life  

8. Do talk to strangers

Unlike many other big cities where striking up conversations with strangers is a massive faux pas, in Jamaica, the opposite is true.

Some Jamaicans will talk with you in the hopes of doing business (see “How to handle hustling and harassment”). Still, many are genuinely interested in learning more about you, and find standoffishness offensive. You’ll find yourself saying “good morning” “good afternoon” and “good night” (in greeting as well as farewell) a whole lot.

Elders are treated with extra respect. An exchange of friendly banter with vendors trying to sell you fruit or souvenirs is infinitely preferable to coldly ignoring people just trying to make a living.

9. Respect Rastafarianism

Around 1% of Jamaicans practice Rastafarianism. This religious and political movement combines Biblical teachings with seeing Ethiopia as the Promised Land, using ganja in order to commune with Jah (God), and living a “natural” lifestyle involving I-tal food (free from artificial additives), and the growing of locs and beards for men.

Some Rastafarians live in small, secluded and self-sustaining communities – outsiders may only visit if they contact the elders in advance to request permission. The Rastafari Indigenous Village outside Montego Bay is a more accessible (and much more touristy) experience.

10. Gentle bartering over prices is common in markets

Gentle haggling is common and expected when you’re buying souvenirs from individual sellers or shopping in local markets.

Elsewhere, you’re expected to pay the stated price. As always, be respectful of the fact this is someone's livelihood and if you're not happy with the price, walk away with a smile.

11. Jamaica is not an LGBTIQ+ friendly country

Jamaican society is largely homophobic and the gay scene in Kingston is firmly underground, with public displays of affection between gay couples strongly inadvisable – sexual acts between men are illegal and punishable by up to 10 years in prison. 

That said, in popular tourist destinations, there are hotels (including some all-inclusive) that welcome LGBTIQ+ travelers.

12. Clean public bathrooms are not easily found

Shopping malls, cafes and restaurants charge for the use of their facilities, which don’t always meet basic hygiene standards, and woe betide you if you need the bathroom away from the hospitality sector.

13. Jamaican tap water is generally drinkable

Jamaica’s tap water is generally safe to drink in most parts of the island. Avoid faucet water in far-flung rural areas, and steer clear of ice, sold at street stands as "bellywash," "snocones" or "skyjuice" (shaved-ice cones sweetened with fruit juice).

While bottled water is readily available, recycling plastic is an issue, so it’s best to bring reusable flasks with you.

14. Vegetarian and vegans can eat well in Jamaica

Plant-based I-tal ("vital") food, an essential tenet of Rastafarianism, is widely available and delicious.

Expect freshly squeezed fruit juices, plantain fritters, steamed callaloo (Jamaica’s answer to spinach), tropical fruit and much more. In non-Rasta eateries, rice ‘n’ peas (rice with kidney beans) is the most common accompaniment to most dishes.

15. Expect hustlers to hustle and sometimes harass

Travelers are extremely likely to encounter constant sales pitches from hustlers, particularly around the major tourist centers or Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios.

Some may be aggressively persistent in the hopes that you’ll buy whatever it is they’re selling just to be left alone; be firm yet polite in your refusals.

16. Avoid common payment scams when taking tours

Common scams involve young men offering transportation to a popular tourist attraction (waterfall, swimming hole) and then claiming that you only paid a one-way fee.

Self-appointed “guides” may come up with various add-ons at the end of tours, so in both cases, be absolutely clear as to what the agreed-upon fee covers before accepting their services.

17. Gang violence doesn't target tourists

Organized crime in Jamaica revolves around gang violence. In the 1970s, Jamaica’s two rival political parties armed their supporters in Kingston’s neighborhoods and set in motion deadly feuds lasting generations.

Today, neighborhoods are controlled by local dons who are no longer reliant on politicians for guns or money.

Gang violence does not target visitors unless you happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Opportunistic muggings and pickpocketing do occur, however, so it’s best to take common sense precautions (taking a taxi back at night, carrying as little cash as possible). 

18. Female travelers have reported assaults

If you’re a single woman, you may well find yourself on the receiving end of anything from flirting to blunt propositioning – constant come-ons can be wearying. Be polite yet firm if you are not interested.

There have been a number of assaults on female tourists by staff at some of Jamaica’s top beach resorts over the years, with the allegations mishandled, covered up or with trips refunded in exchange for signing non-disclosure agreements. 

19. Smoking ganja (weed) in public is still illegal

Smoking “di holy herb” is an integral part of life not just for the Rastafari but also for a substantial number of Jamaicans. Weed is ubiquitous and cheap, and you are very likely to be approached by vendors selling joints.

Since 2015, ganja has been decriminalized, and while smoking weed in public is still illegal and punishable with a fine of J$500, you may have up to two ounces for personal use without it going on your criminal record.

Exceptions are made for religious and medical purposes. Several medical dispensaries have opened up around the country (in Kingston, St Ann’s Bay, Falmouth and Montego Bay) where visitors may legally purchase marijuana with a doctor’s prescription, and make use of on-site smoking rooms.

But if you try to take some ganja home at the end of your vacation, you’ll find your Jamaica stay extended by two years in Fort Augusta prison (for women) or Spanish Town prison (for men).

Weed might be decriminalized, but there are still rules.  Here's the situation in Jamaica

20. Other drugs and law enforcement

Besides ganja, cocaine is also widely available (Jamaica is a major trans-shipment point for the Colombia–US route), along with hallucinogenic “tea” made from wild mushrooms.

The global drugs trade helps to fuel gang violence (particularly in Kingston and Montego Bay) and penalties for possession of hard drugs are severe.

You may encounter roadblocks and random car searches, performed by police in combat gear; occasional extortion to supplement wages is not unheard of. Don’t accept drinks from strangers in nightclubs since date rape drugs are a concern.

21. Driving in Jamaica is not for the fainthearted

In contrast to their typical laid-back attitude, many Jamaicans drive hard and fast, especially around cities and along winding mountain roads.

Watch out for drivers overtaking around blind corners and swerving onto the opposite side of the road to avoid ubiquitous potholes. Drive on the left, and perhaps avoid Kingston and Montego Bay if you’re a first-timer.

This article was first published Oct 26, 2022 and updated Apr 18, 2024.

Explore related stories

Public Transport

Apr 20, 2024 • 5 min read

Jamaica is one of the Caribbean's larger islands. Here are the best ways to travel around it.

Apr 19, 2024 • 6 min read

Apr 17, 2024 • 8 min read

Apr 15, 2024 • 10 min read

Apr 13, 2024 • 5 min read

Apr 6, 2024 • 7 min read

Mar 24, 2024 • 5 min read

Mar 5, 2024 • 4 min read

Mar 4, 2024 • 10 min read

Feb 27, 2024 • 6 min read

The 10 best beaches in Jamaica

Sun, sand, surf and spirit, this Caribbean island boasts some of the most sought after beaches in the world

It’s a bold boast, we know, but nowhere does beaches quite like Jamaica. The compelling Caribbean island boasts some of the most sought after beaches in the world, with a stretch of sand for every occasion and character – one to party, one to play sports, one for families, one for romantic strolls – you get the gist. Soak up the sun, sand and spirit of Jamaica at one of the beaches below.

For further Jamaica inspiration, see our guides to the island's  best hotels ,  restaurants ,  nightlife ,  things to do  and  beaches . Use our  insider guide  to plan your trip.

Find a beach by area

Montego bay and northwest coast.

• Ocho Rios, Port Antonio & North Coast

Negril and the West Coast

• Kingston, Blue Mountains & Southeast Coast

South Coast and Central Highlands

Doctor’s cave bathing club, montego bay.

It would be criminal to visit Montego Bay without spending at least one day topping up the tan at Doctor’s Cave Beach Club. Consistently hailed as one of the island’s best beaches, Doctor’s Cave is named for the healing properties of the water and attracts locals and visitors alike. Despite the $8 (£6.50) admission fee (which also helps keep out the beach hustlers), the beach can become as busy as a Bookies on Grand National Day so arrive early to select your spot. Aside from sugary sand and azure waters dotted with floating dive platforms, it offers a decent restaurant, Sand, serving tasty Jamaican and American fare as well as cold Red Stripe beers.

Ocho Rios, Port Antonio & North coast

Boston beach.

Boston Bay may be best known for its highly spiced traditional jerk recipe (cooked by digging a hole in the sand on the beach, lighting a fire and slow cooking for hours on end) but it’s equally famous for its cute beach, with its golden sands and surfer-friendly waves. If you’re in the mood for a surfing lesson, stop by Boston Bay Surfing and say Telegraph Travel sent you. Boston Bay is a private beach, meaning you’ll be charged a small entry fee, but it features an adequate restaurant, showers, changing rooms and a lifeguard.

Frenchman’s Cove, Port Antonio

Is this the prettiest beach in the entire Caribbean? We think so. Sun sybarites can look forward to a small strip of postcard-perfect white sand ringed by miniature, forested headlands and flanked on one side by a perfectly turquoise lagoon in which you can swim. Little wonder then that Frenchman's Cove Beach featured in the film Knight and Day. This tiny cove is owned by Frenchman’s Cove Resort, a Jamaican grande dame that has been entertaining celebrities for decades, who charge guests $2,000JMD (approx £10) per day to access the beach.

James Bond Beach

Located on Jamaica's northeastern coast, within easy driving distance of Ocho Rios, the spectacular James Bond Beach is surrounded by crystal-clear water on three sides and juxtaposed against the backdrop of the lush St Mary’s mountains. This charming strip of white sand is where Sean Connery watched Honey Ryder (Ursula Andress) stride in from the sea in Dr No. Ian Fleming wrote the novel in early 1957 at his  Goldeneye estate  (now a stylish resort) which lies directly opposite the beach, although it’s partially hidden by a lush tropical forest. As Jamaican beaches go, James Bond Beach is a quiet one, although it does come to life a little more at weekends.

Winnifred Beach

Winnifred Beach (also known as Fairy Hill Beach) is one of the last remaining free public beaches in Jamaica and is hugely popular with local families who famously embarked on a five-year legal battle ( Free Winnifred ) with a government agency, who had hoped to hand the beach over to a hotel developer and thereby threatening the beach’s public access. Used as the setting for the Robin Williams movie Club Paradise, Winnifred’s clear, calm waters make it perfect for snorkelling – but you’ll need to bring your own equipment. There are food and drink stands and music at the weekends and on public holidays. Unpaid locals currently manage and clean the beach.

Puerto Seco beach

If you’ve got kids in tow, you need calm waters, soft, clean sand, toilets, and plenty to entertain toddlers and teens alike. Enter Discovery Bay’s Puerto Seco beach park which delivers on all of the aforementioned in, buckets and spades. You’ll have to pay a small entry fee but it’s worth it for the water park alone: expect slides, trampolines, and rock climbing features. Elsewhere the on-site Santa Maria restaurant serves up reasonable beach fare – read fries, burgers et al. Telegraph Travel tip: Puerto Seco is packed with (wealthy) locals come the weekend but, visit during the week, and you’ll have your very own private beach.

Seven Mile Beach, Negril

Any tour of the island is bound to include a visit to Seven Mile Beach, a gorgeous four-mile (don't ask) stretch of sand that glints in the sunshine with the sparkle of a newly wed’s solitaire. Back in the 1960s, the beach was a hippie hang-out. Fast forward to today and it has been developed – it’s lined with nightclubs, restaurants, bars and water sport outfits – but the white sand remains as stunning as ever. Enjoy a gentle stroll along the water before watching the sunset at Rick’s Café, a Negril institution perched atop rocky cliffs near the southern end of the West End Road. Make no mistake: visitors are bused in from as far away as Ocho Rios to watch the nightly sunset show, before flinging themselves off the cliffs 60ft down into the water. 

Kingston, Blue Mountains and Southeast coast

Looking to learn to surf? Make a beeline for Bull Bay, aka the birthplace of Jamaica’s surfing scene. In Bull Bay, a small town approximately half an hour’s drive east of the capital, you’ll find Jamnesia surf camp. Jamaica's longest running surf school is run by the charismatic Billy Wilmot, who will have you standing and surfing by the end of your first lesson. As well as lessons, Jamnesia offers board rental (half price if you stay at the hostel) and summer camps such as #SurfLikeAGirl. Regardless of which package you pump for, surfing at Bull’s Bay is a great way to get the blood flowing early in the morning before you plug into the Kingston vibe. 

Want to escape the craziness of Kingston? Lime Cay , a small, low-lying island cay that’s 15 minutes away by boat from Port Royal, provides the perfect respite. Immortalised in the final showdown of the movie The Harder They Come, it tends to be calm during the week but comes alive at the weekend when Kingstonians descend in their droves. Sundays in particular positively buzz with music, laughter and good vibes. Note there are no facilities on the cay so bring your own food, drink and sunscreen. Trips can be arranged from Morgan’s Harbour, close to the Norman Manley International Airport.

Treasure Beach

For darker sand, head to Treasure Beach – the umbrella term for four coves: Billy’s Bay, Frenchman’s Bay, Calabash Bay and Great Bay – where the beaches are the antithesis of their north coast counterparts. And unlike its northern siblings, the community at Treasure Beach does a good job of keeping the temptations of development in check (you won’t find any high-rise hotels or all-inclusive resorts lining the beaches here). One caveat: the sea on the south coast of the island is known to be rough with heavy undertows – this is where writer Decca Aitkenhead’s partner, Tony, tragically died rescuing their son from a riptide – so swimmers need to take care and not to venture too far from the shore.

The best hotels in Jamaica

The Trident Hotel

9 Telegraph expert rating

Jamaica Inn

• printable ncaa bracket The 10 best beaches in Jamaica | Telegraph Travel

Two Sisters Abroad

two sisters exploring the world

12 Essential Tips for Planning an Epic Trip to Jamaica

Considering planning a trip to Jamaica and wondering what to expect? You’re in the right place. Jamaica is a popular Caribbean tourist destination for good reason; it has beautiful beaches, wonderful food and fantastic weather. 

However, when planning a trip to Jamaica, there are several things travelers should know and consider. In this guide you’ll find everything you need to know when planning a trip to Jamaica!

1: Carefully choose your accommodations

Many travelers choose to stay in all-inclusive resorts when they travel to Jamaica and these types of hotels are certainly some of the most popular accommodations. There is usually a lot to do, they’re considered to be very safe and you don’t have to worry about planning as many activities or meals – it’s all taken care of.

While I’m personally not a huge fan of all-inclusive resorts, I did choose to stay in one while in Jamaica and I think it was a good option. While it is possible (and safe) to leave the resorts, I honestly only recommend doing it with a guide or if you’re going to a major tourist area. Because of this, all-inclusives are a great option to (likey) be beachfront, have activities on property, and also be able to go on tours when you want to.

All Inclusive Resort Options in Montego Bay and Negril: 

• Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall – Montego Bay
• Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort and Spa
• Azul Beach Resort – Negril

If you want to stay in a hotel, but don’t want to pay the elevated price for an all-inclusive, or if you’re planning on eating off-property most of the time, then a “regular” hotel is a good option. While in many touristy parts of Jamaica, like Montego Bay and Negril, many accommodations are all-inclusive, there are certainly traditional hotels as well. 

Some of these are also beachfront and will also be able to arrange tours and activities for you off property. 

Hotel Options in Montego Bay and Negril: 

• semi-remote location, not beachfront
• Sandy Haven Resort – Negril
• The Cliff Hotel – Negril
• Travellers Beach Resort – Negril

If you’re looking for the most budget friendly option, or if you really want to immerse yourself in the local community, an AirBnb is a good option. However, read the reviews carefully and make sure the place you’re staying is safe to walk around and also is close to major tourist areas – especially if you’re not renting a car.

2: All inclusive resorts can be great, but they can also be not so great…

While there are many great all-inclusive resorts with amazing amenities, food and beaches, not all are so wonderful. Read the reviews carefully, think about what amenities you’d like to have during your vacation and compare different properties. 

I stayed at the Hilton Rose Hall , and although the rooms were fine and there were activities available, it didn’t really live up to my expectations. Additionally, I should have listened to other vacationers’ reviews when they mentioned the low quality food. 

Some all-inclusive resorts are great for families, others for couples and others for groups of friends. It’s important to make sure the resort you choose fits the vacation vibe you’re hoping to have.

3: Book Excursions instead of renting a car

Driving in Jamaica is not something I recommend unless you’re an extremely confident and experienced driver. In Jamaica, the driving is more aggressive than in the US and you also drive on the opposite side of the road, like in the U.K.

While many travelers do rent cars and it’s totally fine, it would have been very stressful for me to drive in Jamaica – and I’ve driven in many countries. After being in several taxis and going on guided tours, I am so relieved I didn’t try to rent a car. It would have been highly anxiety inducing and probably dangerous for me to attempt it.  

Instead of renting a car, go on guided tours. This way, you still get to have amazing experiences without the stress of driving, and you also get a tour guide to share information with you.

4: Definitely plan to leave the resorts on tours or with a guide

While an all-inclusive resort can have great amenities, definitely try to get off the property at least a couple times to see some of the incredible natural sites in Jamaica. There is so much to do and see in Jamaica. It’s filled with beautiful natural wonders, gorgeous landscapes and wonderful people to meet and get to know.

If you’re staying in or around Montego Bay, where many travelers choose to vacation, there are so many incredible things to do nearby! 

A few of my favorites include: 

• If you’re brave, take the nighttime ghost tour 
• ATVing in the countryside  
• Swimming in the Luminous Lagoon (bioluminescent bay)

5: Plan transportation to and from the airport in advance

When you arrive in Jamaica, at Montego Bay airport specifically, it will be quite chaotic when you walk outside to the taxi pickup area. While you can definitely get a taxi to your hotel upon arrival in Jamaica, and it’s totally safe, it’s nice to have someone there waiting for you. 

I booked my pick up and return airport transportation online in advance through Viator and it was seamless and stress free. Someone was waiting for me outside with a sign with my name on it. I was able to pay online through Viator, and the price was the same (if not less) than a taxi would have been. 

While some hotels will have their own shuttle to the airport, others don’t. Some also charge a huge fee ($50+ per person). Instead of relying on this, pre-book your transfers.

If you’re flying into Montego Bay and staying in a hotel n Negril, check out this transfer .

6: Don’t plan on taking Ubers

Ubers operate (kind of) in Kingston and Montego Bay, however, I wouldn’t plan to rely on them. In Montego Bay, specifically, every time I looked for an Uber (just to see how expensive they’d be), there were none available. 

This may change in the future, but for now, definitely plan your transfers and transportation in advance.

7: Carry some Jamaican dollars

While most tourist areas in Jamaica accept USD, you will get a way better deal if you pay with Jamaican dollars. 

As soon as you pay with USD, expect to pay double what you would with local currency. For example, a fresh juice may cost you $5 USD – but if you’d paid with local currency, with the conversion, it would be around $1.50-$2.00 USD maximum.

Often, prices will only be shown in Jamaican dollars, which makes sense, however, this means you won’t know the price in USD until it’s time to pay.

8: Bring small bills for tips (USD)

While I do recommend getting some local currency, you’ll still certainly want to carry USD. I specifically recommend small bills for tips both at your hotel and for tour guides. 

Something I noticed with all the tours I went on in Jamaica, is that there are several different guides you’ll interact with during the tour. Usually, a driver will pick you up and then you’ll have a tour guide for the activity you’re partaking in. However, on several occasions, there were more than one guide for different sections of the tour. Sometimes there would even be several guides with you the whole time. 

In many cases, it felt like there were way more guides than necessary, but hey, it’s great that companies are employing lots of people! The only downside to this is that it can be very confusing who to tip. Instead of tipping one person $20, for example, I started carrying $5s so that I could tip everyone individually.

9: Jamaica is vegetarian/vegan friendly

Many people think of Jamaica and immediately think of Jerk Chicken – which makes sense, it’s super popular. While there are many meat-focused dishes in Jamaica, there are also tons of great vegetarian options. 

In addition to the vegetarian dishes, the fresh fruit (and juices) in Jamaica are amazing. I recommend trying as many of these as possible. 

Must try vegetarian dishes:

• Jamaican chickpea curry
• Rice and peas (kidney beans) 
• Jamaican veggie patties 
• Fried sweet plantains  

10: Marijuana isn’t legal

Interestingly, marijuana is still illegal in Jamaica, although it’s decriminalized. Medical marijuana is permitted and there are dispensaries around the country. 

I have absolutely no experience with weed in Jamaica – but I know it’s something many travelers are interested in. With the understanding that a small amount of marijuana is decriminalized, but possession of large amounts can result in arrest, I would proceed with caution. 

Additionally, smoking in public is still considered illegal and it’s never advised to buy marijuana from strangers.

Note: For obvious reasons, never try to take marijuana out of the country with you.

On an ATVing tour we went on with RastaSafari , they showed us some of the plants they were legally growing now that cultivating a small number of plants is decriminalized. A tour like this is a great way to learn more about the history of marijuana in Jamaica and the current restrictions and uses of it in the country.

11: Jamaica isn’t necessarily a budget destination

There are several islands in the Caribbean that are considered to be excellent for budget travel. Jamaica isn’t necessarily one of them. Although Jamaica can certainly be very budget friendly if you stay outside of resorts, go to local restaurants and shops and avoid guided tours, this is not the experience most vacationers will have. 

Most travelers who visit Jamaica will stay in resorts, eat at more touristy restaurants, and go on guided tours. Because of this, the prices will be much higher. Plan to spend around the same amount as you would on vacation in the US. The one exception is that restaurants may be slightly cheaper. 

Besides that, hotels are relatively expensive, tours can be expensive and the tourist shops are on the pricier side as well. 

This isn’t to say that you can’t visit Jamaica on a budget, you will just need to plan carefully and be aware that most services set up for tourists will be expensive.

12: While Jamaica is fairly safe for tourists, be cautious

Jamaica often finds itself on the US State Department’s list of countries where tourists should “Reconsider Travel,” usually due to violence. While Jamaica is usually safe for tourists, especially in tourist hotspots like Montego Bay, be cautious. This is especially true if you’re outside of popular tourist areas. Don’t walk alone at night and avoid secluded areas. This is true for almost anywhere you travel. 

Research exactly where you plan to go and make sure that the town isn’t on the list of Parishes that the US State Department has marked as “Do Not Travel.”

I still visited Jamaica with the travel warning, however, I stayed at a resort, only left the property on tours and only visited tourist-centered areas.

Now it’s time to book the trip! Now that you’re planning a trip to Jamaica, be sure to check out my outfit guide and packing guide . 

If you have any questions about planning a trip to Jamaica or anything to add to this post, let me know in the comments. 

Be sure to also follow us on Instagram, @twosistersabroad , for tons of travel inspo and mini guides! 

Note: This guide with tips for planning a trip to Jamaica includes affiliate links. Read our disclosure  here .

You may also like

The Ultimate 7 Day Road Trip Around Puerto Rico

Essential Curacao Vacation Guide for the Best Holiday

Travel Tips and Advice for Havana, Cuba

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  Notify me when new comments/replies are added to this post.

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Explore The Island Guide

Subscribe to e-newsletter, book your trip, entry requirements, good to know.

Entry requirements differ for travellers depending on your country of citizenship and/or residency.

U.S. Citizens traveling to and from Jamaica must present a valid passport when leaving and or re-entering the United States.  Residents must present their Alien Resident Card (Green Card) together with passport of country for which they hold citizenship.

Canadian Citizens: Valid passport or a government-issued identification with photograph, along with an official birth certificate. Canadian residents must present a Canadian Permanent Resident Card and a passport showing country of citizenship.

All visitors are required to travel with a return ticket or onward ticket for entry into Jamaica.

For more information on the specific documents needed to travel to Jamaica visit the Travel Documents  page on the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency's website  Visitors traveling via airlines can also go to  www.iatatravelcentre.com  to review travel document requirements.

Unconditional Landing: Unconditional Landing is a facility offered to foreign nationals to stay in Jamaica. The Unconditional Landing is a type of extended stay which allows persons who are Jamaican by birth, by descent, or naturalization to work and attend school in Jamaica. This stay is also offered to CARICOM Nationals. Applications can be submitted to the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency with the requisite documentation.

Travel Requiring Visas The Jamaican Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates are happy to assist travelers to Jamaica for business and leisure purposes. You may connect with the nearest office, from the links below, to apply for your travel documents for Jamaica. 

Jamaica Embassies and High Commissions

Consulates and Consulates-General

Online Passenger Declaration (C5) Form

Island guide, experiences in jamaica: blue hole.

Blue Hole is one of those breathtaking water attractions in Jamaica that’s a favorite for…

Experience A Jamaican Oasis Fit For The Entire Family

Something For Everyone Awaits in Jamaica According to findings from the American Academy of…

Adventure in the Sun at Chukka Ocean Outpost at Sandy Bay

Longing for vast open-air spaces, gorgeous views, and fast-paced adventure to fling me from what has…

Adventures at Blue Hole in Ochos Rios, Jamaica

To the south of Ocho Rios, hidden in the looming mountains, lie pools of crystalline turquoise…

The Secret to True Jamaican Jerk

Jamaica. The name instantly evokes an image of pristine waters embraced by immaculate sandy shores…

Jamaica is Just as Awesome Beyond the Beaches

Whilst the world may be most familiar with Jamaica through a sun-drenched lens of lazy, beach…

Jamaica’s Diverse Attractions Offer Something for All Cruisegoers

From Montego Bay to Ocho Rios, Kingston to Port Antonio, cruise passengers disembarking in Jamaica…

Experience Jamaica Beyond the All-inclusives

(via The Planet D) The Jamaican vacation you know is the one with the four S’s. You…

How to Experience Jamaica’s Living Maroon Culture

Image by: Joshua Cogan Looking to experience something new on your next vacation to Jamaica?…

Jamaica’s Rare and Endemic Species—and Where You Can Find Them

Image by: Joshua Cogan Did you know that Jamaica Ranks 5 th among the world islands in terms of…

Five Great Nature Hikes with Community Guides

Image by: Joshua Cogan Are you seeking an excursion through the rainforest of Jamaica with a…

Explore Rastafarian Culture at Rastafari Indigenous Village

Do you seek an authentic cultural experience or ways to immerse yourself in the community and…

• Visit Oyster on Facebook!
• Visit Oyster on Pinterest!
• Visit Oyster on Instagram!
• Visit Oyster on Twitter!
• Subscribe to stay up to date!

Yes, send me expert tips and deals!

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

• Subtract one room 1 Rooms Add one room
• Subtract one adult 2 Adults Add one adult
• Travel Tips

11 Important Things Every Traveler Should Know Before Visiting Jamaica

See recent posts by Lara Grant

Offering stunning beaches, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and warm locals, Jamaica is unsurprisingly a favorite Caribbean destination for many travelers. Tourists can feast on jerk chicken and fresh mango, cliff jump into snorkel-worthy water, take a coffee or rum tour, or head to the Bob Marley Museum and Good Hope Plantation to learn a bit of Jamaican history. Whatever visitors choose, here are the 11 important things every traveler should know before going to Jamaica.

Hotels in this story

1. The tap water in Jamaica is safe to drink.

Shanti Restaurant at the Jamaica Inn/Oyster

Unlike Mexico, tap water in Jamaica is safe to drink. Travelers need not spring for bottled water when eating out, worry about brushing teeth with water from the faucet, or avoid raw veggies for fear of getting sick . Unless visiting a very remote area with questionable water filtration, go ahead and drink the tap water.

2. Getting around Jamaica is expensive.

Unless staying at a resort where airport transportation is included, getting around Jamaica is expensive. Taxis cost a hefty amount, particularly for travelers needing to take the 90-minute or two-hour drive from the international airport in Montego Bay to Ocho Rios or Negril, respectively. If you’re planning on spending most of your time at the resort, stick to a taxi, or hire a driver for the odd excursion, as driving on rural, interior roads can be difficult due to windy, narrow, and pothole-filled roads. Tourists looking to explore much of the island will likely be better off renting a car . For those who choose to drive, be aware of potholes and aggressive drivers, plus note that cars drive on the left side of the road. Buses present a cheap alternative, though stick to reputable companies (we saw some close calls of bus drivers passing cars on two-lane highways that had us rethinking this as an option).

3. You can use U.S. dollars in Jamaica.

Fruit stand, South Coast, Jamaica/Oyster

Typically when traveling to other countries, we recommend using a local ATM to withdraw local currency, or exchanging money at a bank beforehand. However, in Jamaica, Americans will likely not need to do either of these things, as U.S. dollars are accepted nearly everywhere. On a recent trip to Negril , Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios, we were always quoted prices in USD. Particularly at hotels and tourist-friendly restaurants, you’ll find menus and excursions with prices listed in USD. If you’re traveling to less touristy areas, or planning on spending cash at supermarkets or street vendors, it’s best to have some local currency. Additionally, it’s wise to have both currencies on hand in case of a poor exchange rate.

4. Homophobia in Jamaica is rampant.

LGBTQ travelers to Jamaica should be extremely cautious, as sexual acts between men is illegal and highly frowned upon by most Jamaicans. Oddly, it is not illegal for women to engage in homosexual acts. Violence towards openly gay individuals is common, with numerous documented assaults, harassments, and even murders. Additionally, LGBTQ Jamaicans are often kicked out of their family homes. LGBTQ travelers can and do vacation in Jamaica, but it is advisable to refrain from public displays of affection and expressing sexual orientation to strangers.

5. Marijuana in Jamaica is illegal.

Beach at the Hermosa Cove – Jamaica’s Villa Hotel/Oyster

Despite its well-earned reputation for being a weed haven, marijuana is considered illegal in Jamaica. However, possession of small amounts (up to two ounces or 56.6 grams) was reduced to a petty offense in 2015. Known locally as ganja, marijuana has been tied to the Jamaican culture, primarily due to Rastafarianism and reggae music. Also thanks to the 2015 law, medical marijuana, the cultivation of up to five plants, and the use of cannabis in religious ceremonies by Rastafarians are all legal. Tourists will have no trouble procuring marijuana, from roadside “brownie” stands to a constant stream of (occasionally pushy) hawkers on the beach. If you’re not interested, a simple “no, thank you” should do the trick.

6. Local food in Jamaica is delicious.

While most hotels — especially the large resorts — will cater to tourists with cheeseburgers and pizza, visitors should absolutely try the local fare. Jamaican food is delicious, if not the healthiest. Jerk chicken, curried goat, and oxtail stew are common dishes, and ramshackle jerk shacks on the side of the road often produce the most mouthwatering grub. Rice and peas (kidney beans), fried plantains, sauteed callaloo (spinach-like greens), and bammy (cassava flatbread) are typical sides found at most buffet stations and low-key eateries. Be sure to try the national dish of saltfish and ackee (a fruit) for breakfast. Wash it all down with a strong cup of Jamaican coffee. A cheap meal of Jamaican patties (pastries filled with meats or veggies) and the locally brewed Red Stripe beer is also a must.

7. The beaches in Jamaica are beautiful.

No matter where travelers choose to stay along the coast, there will be a beautiful beach nearby. Arguably the most famous stretch of sand is Seven Mile Beach in the west coast town of Negril, which spans two bays lined with small family-run properties, big all-inclusive resorts, and dozens of bars and restaurants. Montego Bay also has some attractive beaches, though they’re prettier in Ocho Rios . For something different and more rustic, head to the South Coast for Treasure Beach, a unique stretch of black sand. Locals tend to rave about Port Antonio ‘s lush landscape and stunning beaches — Frenchmen’s Cove is a small, intimate favorite.

You’ll Also Like: The Best Beach Hotels in Jamaica

8. Tourist areas in Jamaica feel safe.

The U.S. Department of State currently has Jamaica at a Level 2 travel advisory, which means to exercise increased caution. Other countries with this designation include France, Denmark, the United Kingdom, and Belgium. The primary areas to be cautious in are downtown Kingston and Montego Bay, and Spanish Town, which is a 30-minute drive west of Kingston. Jamaica has one of the highest murder rates per capita, coming in at number five. The majority of violent crime is Jamaican-on-Jamaican, though 2017 saw six U.S. citizens murdered, 20 robbed, 12 raped/sexually assaulted, and six victims of aggravated assaults. Visitors should stick to heavily populated locations and avoid some areas at night, but those within major tourist destinations will likely feel perfectly safe.

9. Hotels in Jamaica run the gamut.

Travelers wanting an all-inclusive vacation often think of Jamaica (or Mexico) for its abundance of both adult-only and family-friendly resorts. However, hotels here run the gamut, from luxurious boutiques to budget beach spots and everything in between. The seven-room Geejam is a luxe boutique in Port Antonio, Secrets St. James is an adults-only, all-inclusive in Montego Bay, and Catcha Falling Star is an affordable, rustic property in Negril. So no matter your needs and travel style, there’s a hotel to suit your tastes and budget in Jamaica .

10. Hurricanes in Jamaica do occur.

Royalton Negril/Oyster

As with other Caribbean destinations, Jamaica is susceptible to hurricanes between the months of June and November. The peak hurricane period for the Caribbean is from early August through the end of October, and Jamaica typically receives its heaviest amount of rainfall in October. However, recent hurricanes such as Irma, Maria, and Dorian, have largely avoided Jamaica, and the island has primarily been subject to storms with heavy rain and wind. Nevertheless, travelers should keep an eye on weather reports and avoid peak hurricane months if they’re worried. On the other hand, these months often see fewer tourists and thus are more affordable for flights and hotels.

11. The vibe in Jamaica is laid-back.

The Pool at the Rockhouse Hotel/Oyster

Regardless of where you choose to lay your head, you can expect a laid-back atmosphere. Whether it’s a luxury resort or budget property, Jamaicans have a naturally relaxed personality. And given that the country operates on island time, travelers will quickly have to loosen their expectations on wait times and punctuality. That’s not to say that service doesn’t often rival the best of the best, but the “ya mon” spirit, ubiquitous drum circles and dancing, and sweet rum punches create an overall easygoing vibe.

Some of Our Favorite Jamaica Hotels:

Our pick for a hotel in montego bay: round hill hotel and villas.

Set in a secluded area not far from the airport in Montego Bay, Round Hill Hotel and Villas is a stunning luxury property with its own small beach. It manages to be both romantic and kid-friendly, and all-inclusive rates help keep things affordable. There are 36 elegant hotel-style rooms here, though we particularly love the 27 individually decorated villas, most of which have private pools. A public infinity pool, stellar restaurant, full-service spa, and excellent service are provided here.

Pricing for Round Hill Hotel and Villas

Our Pick for a Hotel in Negril: Couples Negril

All-inclusive, adults-only, and couples-only, Couples Negril has a gorgeous location along the beach and plenty to keep relax-minded and activity-focused guests. The 234 rooms are modern and well-outfitted, all with outdoor spaces. An extensive all-inclusive package covers 24-hour dining, top-shelf liquor, water sports (even scuba diving!), daily activities, evening entertainment, and offshore excursions such as catamaran cruises.

Pricing for Couples Negril

Our Pick for a Hotel in Ocho Rios: Moon Palace Jamaica

Set on a private beach, the 705-room Moon Palace Jamaica is a sprawling all-inclusive resort offering all types of travelers a luxury getaway. In addition to the beach, there are four outdoor pools and a water park, as well as a spa, fitness center, water sports, surf machine, and area for guests to swim with dolphins (fee). Several restaurants and bars, a 24-hour cafe, and 24-hour room service are all included, as are in-room liquor dispensers.

Pricing for Moon Palace Jamaica

You’ll Also Like:

• The Best Bang-for-Your-Buck All-Inclusives in Jamaica
• Jamaica vs. Mexico: Destination Face-Off
• The Best Time to Visit Jamaica

All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. If you buy something through our links, Oyster may earn an affiliate commission.

Top Stories

Top 11 Las Vegas Hotels on the Strip for Every Type of Traveler

By Christina Vercelletto

12 Cheap Alternatives to Expensive Vacation Destinations

By Kevin Brouillard

• Tips & News

Escape to the Florida Keys: Win a 4-Night Vacation, Including Air

By Caroline Morse Teel

The 16 Most Stunning Coastal Destinations in Europe

By Lara Grant

• Captiva Island

The 10 Cutest Beach Towns in Florida

By Neil Gladstone

Update May 10, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Share this page:

Jamaica Travel Advisory

Travel advisory january 23, 2024, jamaica - level 3: reconsider travel.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to crime and health information

Reconsider travel to Jamaica due to  crime and medical services . U.S. government personnel under Chief of Mission (COM) security responsibility are prohibited from traveling to many areas due to increased risk. Please read the entire Travel Advisory. 

Country Summary:  Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts.

Local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a conclusive sentence. Families of U.S. citizens killed in accidents or homicides frequently wait a year or more for final death certificates to be issued by Jamaican authorities. The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica has for several years been among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. U.S. government personnel under COM security responsibility are prohibited from traveling to the areas listed below, from using public buses, and from driving outside of prescribed areas of Kingston at night.

Emergency services and hospital care vary throughout the island, and response times and quality of care may vary from U.S. standards. Public hospitals are under-resourced and cannot always provide high level or specialized care. Private hospitals require payment up front before admitting patients and may not have the ability to provide specialized care. Ambulance services are not always readily available, especially in rural areas, and are not always staffed by trained personnel.

We strongly encourage you to obtain traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling to Jamaica. The Department of State does not pay medical bills.

Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. U.S. citizens with medical emergencies can face bills in the tens of thousands of dollars, with air ambulance service to the United States in the range of $30,000-50,000.  Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Jamaica.

If you decide to travel to Jamaica:

• Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition.  This includes stray rounds, shells or empty casings . The penalties for carrying firearms and/or ammunition, even inadvertently, are severe, and can include lengthy prison sentences.
• Avoid walking or driving at night.
• Avoid public buses.
• Avoid secluded places or situations.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Jamaica.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

Violence and shootings occur regularly in many neighborhoods, communities, and parishes in Jamaica. 

U.S. government personnel under COM security responsibility are prohibited from traveling to the following areas of Jamaica due to crime:

St. Ann’s Parish—Do Not Travel - Steer Town and the Buckfield neighborhood near Ocho Rios

St. Catherine’s Parish—Do Not Travel

• Spanish Town
• Central Village
• Areas within Portmore, including: Naggo Head, New Land, Old Braeton, Portmore Lane, Gregory Park, and Waterford

All of Clarendon Parish—Do Not Travel

All of Clarendon Parish, except passing through Clarendon Parish using the T1 and A2 highways.

St. Elizabeth’s Parish—Do Not Travel

Vineyard District Community, between the communities of Salt Spring and Burnt Savanna, St. Elizabeth

Hanover Parish—Do Not Travel

Logwood and Orange Bay

St. James Parish/Montego Bay—Do Not Travel

All of Montego Bay on the inland side of the A1 highway and The Queen’s Drive from San San to Harmony Beach Park

Kingston and St. Andrew Parish—Do Not Travel

• Cassava Piece
• Downtown Kingston, defined as between Mountain View Avenue and Hagley Park Road, and south of Half Way Tree and Old Hope Roads. Downtown Kingston includes Arnett Gardens, Cockburn Gardens, Denham Town, Olympic Gardens, Seaview Gardens, Trench Town, and Tivoli Gardens.
• Duhaney Park
• Swallowfield
• Elleston Flats
• August Town

Manchester Parish—Do Not Travel

Green Vale, Gray Ground, Red Ground, and Vineyard neighborhoods of Mandeville

St. Thomas Parish—Do Not Travel

• Black Lane neighborhood in Seaforth
• Grands Penn
• Church Corner neighborhood near Yallahs
• Town of Yallahs, except when driving through on the main highway

Trelawny Parish—Do Not Travel

• Clarks Town

Westmoreland Parish—Do Not Travel

• Russia community in Savanna-la-Mar (The Southeastern quadrant of Savannah la Mar east of Darling Street and south of the A2 highway/Barracks Road)
• Kings Valley
• The Whitehall, Bethel Town, and Red Ground neighborhoods of Negril

If you do decide to travel to the above-listed Do Not Travel areas, please visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, jamaica map, search for travel advisories, external link.

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

• Caribbean Travel Advisor
• Advertising

Marriott Just Opened a New Hotel in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

In Jamaica, the Travel Boom Continues 

A tourism renaissance that began largely in the summer of 2021 in Jamaica is showing no signs of abating. That’s what the latest numbers show about the high-profile Caribbean destination. 

So faro this year, Jamaica has welcomed 1.7 million visitors, including 1.016 million stopover arrivals and more than 700,000 cruise passengers. 

For stopover arrivals, that represents a 4.6 percent increase in stopover visits; it also means a 23 percent jump in cruise arrivals compared to the first four months of 2023. 

“We are grateful to see continued growth in our arrivals and earnings, which speaks to the confidence our tourism partners and visitors have in the destination,” said Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett. “To hit the 1.7 million arrivals mark is an outstanding feat.”

Jamaica “remains a premier destination that is highly sought after for its authentic experiences,” said Jamaica Tourism Director Donovan White. 

“Whether it’s our food, music or entertainment, there is a vibe that only comes alive in Jamaica,” he said. 

The bigger goal is to reach 5 million visitors, a milestone that is not farfetched, Bartlett said. 

“We are in a good position to make it happen,” he said. 

From Anguilla to Aruba, the Best Caribbean Beaches to Visit This Summer

Forget the Hamptons, forget Santorini. And Florida? There’s a reason snowbirds go home in the summer. If you’re looking for a summertime beach getaway, the Caribbean is it. The water is deliciously warm, the trade winds keep you cool and […]

The Winners of the 2024 Caribbean Green Awards 

With almost 20,000 votes, the winners of the Caribbean Green Awards 2024 Presented by E-Finity have been crowned.  From state-of-the-art marine conservation projects to hotels that are redefining sustainability, the Green movement has never been stronger in the Caribbean.  “This […]

Curacao’s Newest All-Inclusive Resort Reinvents the Beach Bungalow

Hyatt’s Dreams brand first debuted on the Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao back in 2019, a transformation of what had been the Hilton Curacao. In many ways, Dreams’ debut helped change the game for the island, helping to kick off […]

Jamaica’s Cruise Industry Is Growing, Buoyed by Royal Caribbean and Disney 

Jamaica’s cruise industry is showing strong signs of growth, according to new numbers released by the country’s Ministry of Tourism.  Last year, the island welcomed 1.26 million arrivals, up 48.3 percent compared to the previous year, according to Tourism Minister […]

Caribbean Photo of the Week: The Blue in Negril

The latest Caribbean Photo comes from Caribbean Journal reader Robert Mand, who sent in this sparkling photo of the blue water in Negril, Jamaica. Have you taken a great photo in the Caribbean? Send it to [email protected] with CPOTW in […]

The Ultimate Island-Hopping Vacation in The Bahamas

Island-hopping across places like Green Turtle Cay and Great Guana in The Abacos. Taking your dinghy to pristine sandbars and islands with swimming pigs in the Exumas. Journeying through history in Hope Town. The undersea coves of Manjack Cay. A […]

Sign up for Caribbean Journal's free newsletter for a daily dose of beaches, hotels, rum and the best Caribbean travel information on the net.

Jamaica’s ‘dark tourism’ drive will turn colonial buildings into slavery monuments

Jamaica will preserve British colonial sites as slavery monuments to boost the “ dark tourism ” industry on the island.

Local activists have led Caribbean demands for reparatory payments for centuries of slavery but figures in government believe that the country’s economy can benefit from the remaining physical legacy of the empire.

Jamaican ministers want to preserve the crumbling architecture of Georgian plantation houses and slave infrastructure left over from British rule to use as sites for “dark tourism”.

This style of travel is characterised by visiting places associated with death and suffering. As part of Jamaica’s strategy, the suffering under Britain’s 300-year rule will be explained at sites that have been saved.

The plans come amid an intensifying campaign to secure reparations for the Caribbean, led in large part by Jamaican academics. But Edmund Bartlett, the minister for tourism, has his own vision for how the legacy of the slave trade could generate cash.

Mr Barlett said: “We are interested in what is called ‘dark tourism’, it is something that we are building.

“We are working closely with the ministry of culture and the Jamaica National Heritage Trust, in conservation work and restoration for historic sites and monuments.

“The built heritage is very, very important, because it tells a story in stone and sticks and mortar. Jamaica, being a confluence of so many cultures and peoples and so on, has a story that you need to connect with, because a little piece of you (the British) is really here, a piece of your history, your past.”

Mr Bartlett is an author and theorist of the tourism industry, who hosted a Global Tourism Resilience conference in Montego Bay earlier this month which was attended by formerly colonised Caribbean nations, who could follow his lead.

While Mr Bartlett is keen to preserve monuments to slavery, others in Jamaica have demanded their demolition.

His Labour Party colleague Alando Terrelonge, the minister of state for trade, called for Caribbean nations to “tear down those monuments of old” last year and remove “certain colonial names as well from our buildings and our streets” so that we are not “telling the stories of the oppressors”.

The demands came amid a wave of historical revision happening in Britain followin g the toppling of the Edward Colston statue in Bristol in 2020, with monuments to slave traders including Robert Miligan and John Cass also removed. The process became so contentious that then-culture secretary Oliver Dowden devised a strategy of “retain and explain” which insisted that controversial monuments be preserved and their stories told.

Mr Bartlett envisions that Jamaica’s “dark tourism” sites will be popular with descendants of both the enslaved and the slavers, as well as those curious about Britain’s slave economy.

There has been a boom in dark tourism in recent years, with Unesco designating places including an Argentine torture centre and memorials to the Rwandan genocide as protected world heritage sites.

Jamaica may offer many potential sites. Britain took Jamaica from the Spanish in 1655, and after a boom in piracy, sugar plantations worked by enslaved Africans became central to the island’s economy until abolition in 1834. Colonial rule continued until independence in 1962.

Across the island, rare examples of particularly Georgian colonial architecture were left behind by the wealthy plantocracy, including mansions, townhouses, courthouses and hospitals, but many have been allowed to decay.

However, conservation projects for colonial sites are now in the pipeline. These will include the residence of John Tharp (1744-1804), who was once the largest slave and landowner in Jamaica. It will be turned into a period museum explaining his sugar business in the one-time slave port of Falmouth.

Tharp’s House may get funding through a £12 million fund managed by the Commonwealth Heritage Forum, a private charity based in London, which may also fund work on the old colonial-era Railway Station in Kingston.

A new museum is planned in the former colonial capital of Port Royal, which will eventually see the conservation of a 200-year-old Naval Hospital.

The Morant Bay courthouse, central to the execution of Jamaican national hero Paul Bogle, who led a rebellion in 1865 which was brutally quashed by the governor at the time, is also set for renovation to turn it into a museum.

Preserving the architectural treasures of the enslaving administration has not been a priority. A reparations campaign has been at the heart of the political focus on colonialism, led by Prof Verene Shepherd, who has demanded European powers pay £26.5 trillion in reparations to the Caribbean, and who acts as vice chair of the Caricom Reparations Commission.

The Commission steers policy on reparative justice for the 15 Caricom (Caribbean Community) member states. The Telegraph revealed last year that countries were planning to formally request reparations from institutions linked to slavery, including the Church of England and the Royal family.

In 2022 the Prince and Princess of Wales completed a difficult trip to the Caribbean during which they were met with anti-royal protests in Belize, and told by Andrew Holness, the Jamaican prime minister, that the island nation would seek to “move on” and become a republic.

Discover Telegraph Wine Cellar’s new wine club. Enjoy expertly chosen bottles at exclusive member prices. Plus, free delivery on every order.

Enjoy luxury hotels and holidays at lower prices. Provided by Secret Escapes

Access and book our deals using just your email

Forgotten your password?

New deals start and end every day

Our deals move fast - our emails make sure you don't miss a trip.

See the newest deals and biggest discounts first

Receive announcements and deal summaries only

Our site needs JavaScript enabled to work properly.

Click this link from Google to see how to enable JavaScript.

Then you will be able to see our lovely holidays.

Our site needs first party cookies enabled to work properly.

Click this link from Google to see how to enable cookies.