Thursday, August 11, 2011

Top 5 For a Honeymoon in Jamaica

Top 5 for a Honeymoon in Jamaica One of the most famous, and largest, islands in the Caribbean, Jamaica is also the 3rd largest anglophone country in North America. It’s a perfect honeymoon location with some of the prettiest beaches and tallest mountains in all of the Caribbean. Here’s a list of our favorite five for a fabulous Jamaican honeymoon:
Negril
is one of the most popular cities in Jamaica because of its miles of beach and the many cliffs. Negril is home to Seven Mile Beach, a pristine stretch of beach that seems to go forever, though it’s not actually 7 miles long. There are restaurants, hotels and resorts along the beach and along the cliffs including a Sandals and Beaches resort. The Xtabi Hotel, at the West end of Negril, has one of the most popular restaurants, as well. At the end of Seven Mile Beach in the cliff area is Three Dives, a restaurant well worth checking out that offers great fresh seafood and Jamaican specialties, such as jerk chicken.
Near Negril is the Blue Hole Mineral Spring, a small tucked-away spring located in the hills and flora of Jamaica. There are hotels being built in the area to maximize your experience and time there. For now, you can drive up to the soon-to-be resort and enjoy the rum punch and other treats at the tiki cafe near the spring. Just $7 gives you full access to the spring. There are guides to take you through the underwater cave and encourage you to jump in, though there is a ladder if the heights are too daunting (just from the photos, this blogger agrees that they are).  The owners of the area and future resort are very welcoming and friendly, and as a place of lower tourist traffic, Blue Hole Mineral Spring will be a great experience for newlyweds – or anyone – and it’s truly a can’t-miss on your Jamaican honeymoon.
Mayfield Falls are evidence of Jamaica’s growing popularity of eco-tourism. For $15 per person and a $5 locker fee (per group), you can take a guide through the falls. You’ll wade through rapid waters and venture through unique plant life. Find an experienced guide native to the region and they will amaze you with their vast knowledge of the area. You can take a private taxi or some guides provide transport to the falls. The road to the falls is a rocky one, but the sereneness of the area will melt away any turbulence-induced stress you acquire. The falls themselves are fun for all ages, but if you take a private tour, you can avoid kids and family traffic. Mayfield Falls are located centrally in the Western half of the island in Cornwall County.
Montego Bay is often referred to as the tourist capital of Jamaica. With the largest international airport on the island (one of two), Montego Bay caters to everyone with duty free shopping, great beaches, great swimming, and great location. Montego Bay is home to Ocho Rios, a parish of the area famous for scuba diving, snorkeling, and other water activities, including swimming with dolphins. Ocho Rios is less than two hours from the airport by car and is a smaller destination than the main Montego area. In Montego Bay, eat at Bellefield 1794 for a less-than-ordinary dining experience in this retired sugar mill. For lodging, there are many top-name hotels, such as the Ritz Carlton, as well as perfectly lovely bed and breakfasts that offer beach-side location and the personality and comfort of a privately owned hotel. A perfect spot to wine, dine, enjoy the beach, the night life, and soak up the sun in Jamaica.

On the Eastern side of the island lie the Blue Mountains, a steep mountain range with lush vegetation and misty weather. Not too far from Kingston, you can travel by road to the mountains where you’ll find spas and hotels. You can travel to the top of the mountains to Hollywell National Park. There’s a quaint cafe, Gap Cafe, where you can enjoy Blue Mountain Coffee and there are places to rent bikes to ride through the mountain trails. You can also hike or just casually stroll and enjoy the view. Gap Cafe has recently been renovated to include a bed and breakfast, which is ideal for honeymooners. You can sleep, eat, and drink the best coffee all at one place. Another well-known lodge is Strawberry Hill, which has an adjoining luxury spa, and offers private cottages and fabulous views of Kingston and the mountains.
Jamaica has a lot to offer honeymooners looking for relaxation on the beach or in the mountains. The people are friendly, the food is good, and the sights are spectacular, all of which make Jamaica a great bet for a potential honeymoon spot.

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