Hidden Jamaica Honeymoon
If you are looking for white sand beaches, lush mountains, delicious ethnic foods, colorful dancing, crystal-clear seas and friendly faces, look no further than Jamaica for your honeymoon. But to avoid tripping over all the other tourists who flock to Jamaica's charms, you'll want to seek out hidden Jamaica–romantic getaways without the crowds.
|
Jamaica Overview
 |
|
 |
| |
|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
Frolic in Dunn River Falls on your honeymoon....
|
|
|
The third-largest of the Caribbean islands, Jamaica is both geographically and culturally diverse. You'll find most of the major cities on the coasts, because the interior is dominated by rainforest-covered mountains and the unique, uninhabited "Cockpit Country," a limestone plateau marked by ravines and unexplored caves. Most resorts huddle along the north coast, with its secluded coves and white sand beaches. You'll find music and dancing practically everywhere on the island–the reggae, calypso, and ska that tourists have come to expect, but also newer Jamaica's own twist on more contemporary sounds. Although the island is dominated by people of African descent, the culture–including its cuisine–has been shaped by native Indian, Spanish, Middle Eastern, Chinese and British influences as well. Jamaicans speak English, as well as a local patois blending a variety of languages reflecting its long and varied history.
The majority of couples who honeymoon in Jamaica choose the island's many all-inclusive resorts; if you're looking for lots of pampering and minimal hassle, an all-inclusive resort may be the route to take. But if you would like to actually see the island, meet its people and get a taste of its culture, here are some alternatives you may want to check out:
Treasure Beach: Otherwise known as "Jamaica's best-kept secret," it's a good escape if it's solitude that you want. A string of (mostly) quiet fishing villages along four isolated coves with coral-colored beaches make up the Treasure Beach area, which is largely undeveloped by tourism–although you can still find plenty of accommodations in Treasure Beach's guest houses and nearby resorts and hotels.
The Caves Resort: If you'd like to stay somewhere in leisure but still want to see more than just beaches, then you may want to check it out. The Caves boast spectacular views of lush vegetation, bronzed cliffs and beautiful beaches, all looking over the Caribbean. Ten hand-crafted cottages are nestled between the caves, which have sea views–or get cozy in one of their large furnished caves, where you can have a romantic dinner or just watch the waves come in.
Great Huts: If you're open to "roughing it" (read: no air conditioning or TV), consider staying here, a private oceanfront vacation village that "blends a dramatic cliff-side seascape with the art, culture, and building styles of Africa and Old Jamaica." As the name implies, you might find yourself staying in a hut–or a tent, yurt, or treehouse. Every dwelling (even the permanent tents) features bamboo and driftwood beds with comfortable king- or queen-size mattresses. The cuisine is all natural and local: vegetables, fruits, Blue Mountain coffee, bread and fresh fish. Sabbath services are offered every Friday (guests of all religions are welcome), and a portion of the profits go to local charities.
Port Antonio: In Portland Parish on the island's rainy, less-traveled northeast coast, the locale offers a relatively quiet, genteel ambience nestled in the protective Blue Mountains. In the early part of the twentieth century, luminaries such as J.P. Morgan, William Randolph Hearst, and Errol Flynn all escaped to Port Antonio; you can even book a stay at Flynn's retreat on the 60-acre Navy Island. The mile-long white beach at Long Bay may very well be nearly deserted when you visit.
Is this honeymoon idea for you?
As with almost anyplace, Jamaica has its dark side: impoverished shantytowns and relatively high crime rates (especially in certain areas of Kingston), widespread drug use, and plenty of scammers and hustlers. For all that, Jamaica consistently ranks as one of the most popular honeymoon destinations; most couples manage to avoid the island's darker side in order to enjoy its many charms.
|
Activities and Attractions
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Jamaica offers more than just sandy beaches, if you're willing to get off the beaten track.
(Photo courtesy of Jamaica Tourism Board)
|
|
|
Cranbrook Flower Forest. Jamaica is rife with beaches, but for something different, check out Cranbrook Flower Forest, a privately owned ecotourism attraction near Mamme Bay and Ocho Rios that boasts exotic tropical gardens, lawns, water pools and a tropical rain forest.
Dance the night away. Jamaicans take their partying very seriously! The island boasts a vibrant nightlife, as well as a multitude of street festivals.
Feed a hummingbird in your hand. At the Rocklands Bird Feeding Station, visitors are invited to feed dramatically colored tropical hummingbirds with a little bottle of nectar–the birds might perch on your finger, or take millet out of the palm of your hand.
Raft down a river. In Port Antonio, you can take a two-hour trip down the Rio Grande from the Blue Mountains to the sea–on a bamboo raft.
Ride down Bamboo Avenue. Speaking of bamboo, drive down Bamboo Avenue, several miles of giant bamboo that arch over the South Coast Highway between Middle Quarters and Lacovia.
Go cliff-jumping. Add a little extra thrill to your honeymoon at the Caves Resort by jumping off the cliff into blow holes or the sea.
Mayfield Falls. One of the island's most spectacular views is Mayfield Falls, just a two-hour drive from Negril. Count on an all-day trip–and bring a waterproof camera.
Taste the local "likkle bickle." "Likkle Bickle" is the local cuisine-jerk (slow-roasted meat), ackee and salt fish (fruit, vegetables, and cod all fried together), johnnycakes (biscuits), bammy (a starchy bread), cold coconut milk, mangos, pickled meats, crawfish, and fresh fish.
|
Cost
Flights to Jamaica vary dramatically depending on the time of year. During the
peak winter season, expect to pay about $500-$800 for non stop flights from the
major hubs. During the late spring until fall, prices will come down a couple
hundred dollars. Air Jamaica, the country's national carrier, services the
most number of non-stop routes. Like every Caribbean island, accommodation
prices range dramatically. Before you select a hotel, determine if you prefer
an all inclusive resort, hotel, or a smaller inn or bed and breakfast. Also
consider the possibility of renting a private luxurious home. These often come
with a private beach; wait staff, chef, maid, and gardener. The luxurious
accommodations on the island of Jamaica, such as Half Moon, will fulfill even
the most selective honeymooners. Whether it is a bungalow on a beach or a
luxurious beachfront villa, you will find that the charm of the Jamaican people
will continue to bring you back to their island years after your honeymoon.
|
|
Destination Guides
