“I’ve heard that it’s not safe to leave your resort in Jamaica.” I can’t tell you the number of times honeymoon couples have said that to me. And yes, in some cases that’s true! In some areas of Jamaica, it isn’t wise to leave the resort area, however I don’t recommend these areas to clients. Realize that the island of Jamaica is over 4000 square miles of tropical paradise. It would take 12 hours to completely drive the perimeter of the island. So needless to say, we can make sure you don’t get near the questionable areas.

Or how about this one — “I stopped on a cruise once in Jamaica, and it was really dirty.” Also true! It can be down right filthy. But take this into consideration. You are docking at an industrious port, where many ships, not just cruise passenger, arrive daily. But let’s just look at the tourism aspect. Take at least 2 ships carrying approximately 3,000 passengers each, arriving 7 days per week. These people exit the ship, bringing their garbage and litter to the island. Wouldn’t your local town or city be dirty too if you had that much traffic daily? If you think about it, they’re doing an excellent job!

And one of my favorites is “My friend said they try to sell you stuff all the time”. Of course! Wouldn’t you try to sell your goods or services to the public if your well-being depended on that income? Jamaica thrives on tourism, with only a few major exports: sugar, rum ,bananas and coffee to name a few, with the most prominent being Bauxite, an iron product. However, their major source of revenue is tourism. The people of Jamaica thrive on people visiting their country.

Now that I’ve addressed the reasons why a honeymoon couple may not want to go to Jamaica, let me tell you why it’s so wonderful. I have personally visited Jamaica 7 times, with my most recent trip only a few months ago. Therefore, the information you receive here is a first hand, objective view from a professional standpoint. Let’s begin with the landscape. A truly diverse myriad of landscape from the Blue Mountains of Ocho Rios to the unending beaches of Negril. Dense groves of palm trees, waterfalls flowing into rivers, fern grottos, tropical rain forests, and some of the whitest sand anywhere in the Caribbean are waiting for you to explore. You can experience these treasures of the tropics by climbing waterfalls, soaring on a zip line through the canopy of the rainforest, biking through the beautiful blue mountains or cave tubing down a river. If you’d rather someone else do the work, enjoy a leisurely horseback ride along the beach or an escorted raft ride down the Black River.

If history and culture are your cup of tea, Jamaica is rich in these categories. You’ll learn all about the sugar mills and the famous Appleton Rum distillery, to name a few. See Bob Marley’s gravesite and walk in his footsteps, or hear about the “White Witch”, Annie Palmer, whose many spouses mysteriously “disappeared” shortly after betrothing each one. Look out guys, because some say she still haunts Rose Hall Great House today, looking for her next true love.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Jamaica is the people. Jamaica prides itself in family values. Many generations may live in the same household all sharing the responsibilities of raising children. Their outgoing friendly dispositions are sure to make you feel welcome. The Jamaican lifestyle is one of “No Worries” and “Soon Come”. They are not dictated by their watches or the stress we see everyday in the U.S.

If shopping and nightlife are more your style, Jamaica offers some unique opportunities. Buy hand carved art from the locals at the beach or in the flea market, but make certain to negotiate the price first! If you’re not the best negotiator, try the local shops in each of the towns, where prices are clearly marked. At night, Jamaica can be anything from pounding night clubs where you can dance till dawn, visiting a local reggae bar to listen to live local bands, or simply listening to the tide come in and relaxing with your sweetie on the beach.

For sports enthusiasts, Jamaica offers a playground of land and watersports to choose from. Golfers will love the Robert Trent Jones courses scattered throughout the island. Challenging yet fun, playing in the warm ocean breeze is a nice change from the Louisville area! Tennis, volleyball, basketball, and many more options are available at most resorts. Under the surface, there’s a whole new world of activities. Snorkeling, diving, sailing, and kayaking are among the many options in Jamaica. You can even go swimming with dolphins, which is an unforgettable lifetime experience.

Jamaica is a short flight with typically one connection when flying from Louisville, You can be on the beach in the early afternoon of your first day!

Where to go in Jamaica….

Montego Bay: Choose Montego Bay for quick getaways. If you can only honeymoon for 3 or 4 days,
Montego Bay and its surrounding parishes will give you the most vacation time. Montego Bay houses your primary airport and is abundant in night life and shopping. If you love the club scene, be sure to visit Hurricane’s Disco on Doctor’s Cave Beach. History buffs can visit The Rose Hall Great House. Mo-Bay, as the locals call it, offers nice beaches, although not the most expansive the island has to offer.

Ocho Rios: If you love being outdoors and enjoy beautiful scenery, you’ll love “Ochi”. The gorgeous Blue Mountains offer many exploration options. Climb the Famous Dunns River Falls here. “Eight Rivers” is the prime place to enjoy river tubing or a leisurely raft ride. Ocho Rios offers great shopping and nightlife as well in the downtown area. If you love history, here’s where you’ll walk in the footsteps of Bob Marley and visit his gravesite.

Negril: Beach lover’s paradise. You’ll have 7 miles of powder white sand on which to stroll. You can smell the Jerk Chicken and hear the reggae pouring out of the quaint little bars up and down Norman Manley Boulevard. If you’re an adventure seeker, try cliff diving at Rick’s Café or simply watch as the
locals plummet up to 90 feet to the ocean below. Watch the sunset from the best place on the island in hues of purple, orange, pink and blue. Negril’s charm and simplicity make it a favorite among honeymooners.

Southcoast: New to tourism, this unspoiled area of Jamaica is among the most secluded, and the best for water sports. Nestled into the southern-most point of the island, you’ll find gentle clear waters and miles of untouched beach. Visit YS Falls and swing from a “Tarzan Rope” into the water below, take a tour of the Appleton Rum Distillery or sail down the black river in search of crocodiles. Resorts here are few and far between, so book early if the Southcoast intrigues you.

Where to stay in Jamaica….

Choose from tiny cottages on the beach to expansive all-inclusive resorts where no stone is left unturned. There are accommodations to suit every style on this lovely island,

All-Inclusive Resorts: Some of the finest all-inclusive
resorts in the Caribbean are located here. Honeymooners have the luxury of choosing resorts designed with love in mind, like the Sandals or Couples properties. Everything is included from gourmet dining, premium brand liquors, various land sports and all tips to the elite, SCUBA, sailing waterskiing and golf. Accommodations range from the very basic to elaborate suites with your very own butler.

Boutique Resorts: Better known as the Inns of Jamaica, this collection of more intimate resorts allows you to explore the island in your own way. Small on amenities, big on charm and service, resorts like Coco La Palm and Negril Tree House are perfect for seasoned travelers.

Villas or Condos: Not as abundant as the 2 previous choices, but still a nice option for the seasoned traveler. Few amenities and typically service isn’t an issue as this is more of a residential experience. However, some villas enable you to hire out a staff for the week like Villa Rio Chico. This would be ideal for
destination weddings!

Thinking about tying the knot on the beach? Jamaica is one of the easiest countries to wed in. With a residency requirement of only 48 hours, you can expedite things quickly with even a short stay. Many resorts are even offering free weddings for a certain number of nights booked at the property. They’ll take care of all the details, from the paperwork and legal fees to the wedding cake and champagne!

As you can see, Jamaica is a diverse and beautiful spot to begin your life with your new spouse. Regardless of the “bad press” people may have given this island in the past, it is truly a gem in the middle of the
Caribbean.

Your honeymoon is the most memorable travel experience you’ll ever have. Make certain it’s perfect by
entrusting all the details to a designated Honeymoon Expert.

Jamaica is waiting for you!

E-mail questions to Kimberly and see your questions in future issues! If we choose your question to print in a future issue of Special Occasions Magazine, you receive a gift certificate for use on Honeymoon Services with Personal Travel in the amount of $50! So, ask us your best question!

About the Author:

Kimberly Kane is the President of Personal Travel, Inc, a leisure travel agency
specializing in honeymoons and romantic getaways for nearly 8 years. Kimberly is a designated Honeymoon and Destination wedding Expert, as indicated by The Travel
Institute, the is the only one in the Louisville and surrounding areas. She has also been
recognized internationally by Sandals and Beaches Resorts as being the number one Sandals agent for 7 years straight in Kentuckiana. Locally, she was recognized as “Louisville’s Woman of Distinction 2005” at the Woman Business Owner of the Year Awards. Kimberly is an expert in her field and will make certain your honeymoon is the experience of a lifetime.

Other honors include:

Sandals and Beaches Best of the Best Award: 2005 and 2006
Vacation Express Silver President’s Club Award: 2003,2004,2005, and 2006
Travel Impressions Crystal Award: 2004,2005,and 2006