Sandals Resorts International has announced that the Beaches Ocho Rios in Jamaica will close on May 31 In a statement posted on the resort's website Sandals said that unlike other properties in the Beaches portfolio the Beaches Ocho Rios is owned by a third party and the owner is planning a major renovation the resort has stopped accepting new reservations and is contacting booked guests to provide other options Sandals' family-focused Beaches brand will be down to two all-inclusive resorts: the Beaches Negril in Jamaica and Beaches Turks & Caicos The closure announcement, however, comes after Sandals said it plans to pour nearly $1 billion in growing the brand Projects in progress include the Beaches Runaway Bay on Jamaica's North Coast and the Beaches Barbados as well as the conversion of the Sandals Emerald Bay in the Bahamas to the Beaches Exuma Sandals also recently opened reservations for the 101-room Treasure Beach Village at the Beaches Turks & Caicos The Treasure Beach addition will begin welcoming guests on March 1 This report was updated on the afternoon of April 30 with a statement from Sandals saying there's a "possibility of a continued relationship" with the property owner when a resort renovation is completed Sandals Resorts will permanently close its Beaches Ocho Rios property on May 31 executive vice president of sales and industry relations made the announcement in a message to travel partners on Thursday writing that as the brand continues its rapid expansion it will part ways with the Ocho Rios resort—currently the only property in the company’s portfolio owned by a third party “We know how deeply many of your clients cherish the memories created at Beaches Ocho Rios There is a possibility the resort could return to the Sandals portfolio Sadler said the group that owns the property—whose identity has never been publicly disclosed—is planning a major renovation and has indicated “the possibility of a continued relationship.” Still it is bittersweet news for Sadler and Sandals The resort originally opened in 1959 on the Boscobel Beach section of Ocho Rios as the Playboy Club It later joined the Beaches portfolio as Beaches Boscobel Resort & Golf Club it reopened in 2012 as Beaches Ocho Rios Resort & Golf Club That includes the additions of Beaches Barbados along with Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos “Although this change may be a surprise please know that Beaches Resorts is growing and getting ready to deliver even more exceptional experiences for families We are fully committed to supporting you every step of the way to ensure that your clients have unforgettable vacations,” Sadler said in Thursday’s message to partners “Your trust and partnership mean the world to us and we are excited to continue working together to create unforgettable memories for your clients,” he added Subscribe to TMR and more – here’s what’s new in the hotel scene this month The Hilton luxury brand has signed on Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country NoMad’s new director of sales and marketing JW Marriott Resort Costa Rica will launch as the brand’s first all-inclusive in the country knowing what to order at a high-end bar can be an unexpected but valuable skill Ombi has introduced floating bungalows for two in Key Largo Former People’s National Party (PNP) councillor for the Ocho Rios Division which he had been battling for over four years Williams served as councillor for the Ocho Rios Division from 2012 to 2016 on Main Street in Ocho Rios for over 20 years said the news of Williams’ passing has left him in disbelief but described his friend as a humble and kind man “He never turned his back on those who needed his help; he was a humble man,” Haughton stated former Jamaica Labour Party councillor for the Ocho Rios Division Neville Williams stated the family is shaken up by the loss of his brother and we asked that people keep us in their prayers at this time of bereavement,” he said Williams leaves behind his wife and three children Airlines Cancel Flights to Israel After Missile Strike Near Airport Bowman’s Travel Brief: Avoid Newark Airport Mastering the Art of Group Travel Bookings Fiesta Americana Travelty Celebrates Travel Advisors The Top 24 Most Powerful Travel Agencies of 2024 The Strategic Art of Pre-Planning Luxury Vacations: A Perspective for Travel Advisors For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter Collette - Expertly Crafted Tours for the Modern Traveler Cross Border Xpress Mexico: What Travel Advisors Need to Know Brian Major is Managing Editor for Digital Publications & Guides/Caribbean The crime has shaken the once-quiet community and residents are calling for an increased police presence and more significant efforts to ensure public safety In Ocho Rios, Jamaica, on Saturday morning the body of 72-year-old Luris Murray was discovered in her home a retired nurse who had spent decades working in the United States had returned to Jamaica hoping to enjoy a peaceful retirement Instead, she became the victim of a heinous crime that has shaken her family and others who sought to repatriate to the Caribbean nation after living abroad Murray’s hired help discovered her body in the living room An electric cord was wrapped around her neck Police reports suggested that criminals broke into her home on Friday night Two vehicles belonging to Murray were stolen during the attack but were later recovered in separate locations around Ocho Rios Senior Superintendent of Police Dwight Powell described the incident as deeply disturbing and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice “Her death is a tragic reminder of the challenges we face in tackling violent crimes,” he said Murray had returned to Jamaica hoping to reconnect with her roots and enjoy a tranquil retirement She had purchased a home and additional lots in Pyramid Heights where she planned to invest in farming and raise chickens Her daughter, speaking to CVM TV, shared her devastation and disbelief “She had a genuine love for Jamaica and its people,” she said “It’s just unbelievable that after working leaving your country to search for the American dream this is what happens when you come back to your own birthright country.” The tragedy has left Murray’s family not only grieving but also questioning the safety of returning to Jamaica Her daughter warned members of the diaspora to think carefully about the risks involved “It makes somebody like me not want to return,” she said Murray’s murder has reignited fears among Jamaicans living abroad about the dangers of retiring on the island Returning residents are often perceived as wealthy after years of working overseas making them prime targets for violent crime Despite reassurances from local authorities Senior Superintendent Wayne Joseph of the Westmoreland Police sought to reassure returning residents; victims of crime these statements have done little to ease the diaspora’s anxiety especially in the wake of high-profile cases like Murray’s The Jamaica Association for the Resettlement of Returning Residents has long warned of the dangers retirees face has repeatedly discouraged Jamaicans abroad from returning describing the country as “a fertile place to commit murder.” Murray’s neighbors in Pyramid Heights are struggling to process the tragedy hardworking woman who loved Jamaica deeply and was firmly committed to her community Ann Police has launched an intensive investigation into Murray’s murder and are urging anyone with information to come forward Senior Superintendent Powell emphasized the importance of community cooperation in solving the case “We are following all leads and working tirelessly to ensure the individuals responsible are held accountable,” he said but the circumstances of her death compound the pain of their loss Her daughter called on authorities to take more decisive action against violent crime and it breaks our hearts that this is how her story ends.” The murder has sparked widespread discussion on social media with members of the Jamaican diaspora voicing their reluctance to visit or resettle in their homeland Many have expressed fears that returning to Jamaica could make them targets of violence regardless of their contributions to the community “This isn’t just one incident—it’s part of a pattern,” one U.S.-based Jamaican wrote in a Facebook group for returning residents “How can we feel safe coming back when these crimes keep happening?” The hesitancy among the diaspora poses a challenge for Jamaica as returning residents are vital to the country’s economy and social fabric Their investments and contributions significantly impact local communities and their absence could have long-term consequences As the investigation into Murray’s murder continues her family hopes her story will serve as a wake-up call They want more substantial measures to protect returning residents and locals ensuring that no one else must endure such a tragedy Murray’s death is a heartbreaking reminder of the challenges Jamaica faces in addressing violent crime Returning residents’ dream of retiring in their homeland is increasingly overshadowed by fears for their safety they remain determined to honor her legacy by advocating for change but for every family affected by these senseless acts of violence,” her daughter said Murray’s story is not just a personal tragedy—it’s a call to action for a nation grappling with the balance between its potential and its challenges and her family will ensure her story is told hoping to inspire a safer future for all Jamaicans RELATED CONTENT: Robert Brooks Was Beaten To Death At Marcy Correctional Facility, 13 Officers And 1 Nurse Responsible: Shocking Video Released (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=b9508bae-07bd-46ea-a7a2-5c4267ac7d86&cid=2b3b1cf8-11b9-409d-a906-ab6746c50467'; 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All Rights Reserved. Norwegian EscapeNorwegian EscapeNorwegian EscapeNorwegian EscapeNorwegian Escape14 Nights 14 Nights  Caribbean - AllCaribbean - Other ProductLeaving from: New Orleans →+10 ports 2026Norwegian Cruise LineNorwegian JewelNorwegian JewelNorwegian JewelNorwegian JewelNorwegian Jewel6 Nights 6 Nights  Caribbean - WesternWestern Caribbean - MiamiLeaving from: Miami →+4 ports 11 Nights  Panama Canal & Central AmericaPanama Canal - MiamiLeaving from: Miami →+8 ports 2026(2)Norwegian Cruise LineCruise Critic FavoriteNorwegian PearlNorwegian PearlNorwegian PearlNorwegian PearlNorwegian Pearl11 Nights 11 Nights  Panama Canal & Central AmericaPanama Canal - MiamiLeaving from: Miami →+7 ports Norwegian PrimaNorwegian PrimaNorwegian PrimaNorwegian Prima7 Nights 7 Nights  Caribbean - WesternWestern Caribbean - Port CanaveralLeaving from: Port Canaveral (Orlando) →+5 ports 2026(4)Norwegian Cruise LineNorwegian JoyNorwegian JoyNorwegian JoyNorwegian JoyNorwegian Joy16 Nights 16 Nights  Panama Canal & Central AmericaRepo - Panama CanalLeaving from: Los Angeles →+9 ports 1fr));}@media screen and (min-width: 576px){.css-vz9jrm{grid-template-columns:repeat(1 1fr));}}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.css-vz9jrm{grid-template-columns:repeat(2 1fr));}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.css-vz9jrm{grid-template-columns:repeat(3 1fr));}}@media screen and (min-width: 1284px){.css-vz9jrm{grid-template-columns:repeat(4 Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site Our partners who list cruise pricing on Cruise Critic are required to provide prices for cruise only or cruise packages and are based on specific cabin types and sailing dates and may not be available for all cabin types/sailings Rates are in GBP and valid for UK and Ireland residents only please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices Cruise Critic makes no guarantees for availability of prices advertised on our site Cruise Critic is not responsible for content on external web sites Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of 6th May 2025 In order to provide you with the best online experience this website uses cookies.By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more Sandals Resorts International has announced that Beaches Ocho Rios will close on May 31 to undergo major renovations by its third-party owners “We’re focused not on saying goodbye, but on making the Beaches experience you know and love even better,” the company said in a statement on its website “This is the beginning of something new and bold.” The update comes amid the group’s US$1 billion investment in its Beaches brand READ MORE: Five new Beaches & expansion in St. Vincent? One-on-one with Sandals’ Adam Stewart in NYC As previously reported the company has confirmed new resorts and major expansions across the region including; Beaches Runaway Bay on Jamaica’s north coast; Beaches Exuma in the Bahamas; a new Beaches Barbados and Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks & Caicos Beaches Ocho Rios is the only property in the company’s portfolio owned by a third-party group “It will undergo a major renovation as part of their future plans with the possibility of a continued relationship,” Sandals said in a statement “As we prepare for this next chapter of growth our focus will be on developing and enhancing resorts where we can have the greatest impact on shaping the guest experience at every level.” The company says it is no longer accepting new reservations for guests at Beaches Ocho Rios at this time Additionally, more than 300 of the 400 employees who work at the resort have been reassigned to other properties in Jamaica and at Beaches Turks and Caicos, sparing many from job displacement, reports the Jamaica Gleaner For those with upcoming reservations at the property “rest assured—we’ve got you covered,” the company said “Our team will be in touch with exclusive options to ensure your next Beaches vacation is just as amazing as you’ve always dreamed.” The company added that the news may feel “bittersweet.” “But the Beaches experience you trust isn’t going anywhere it’s only getting bigger and better,” wrote the brand “Thank you for making Beaches Ocho Rios such a special place We can’t wait to welcome you to new destinations and new memories that will last a lifetime.” “While we will always cherish the unforgettable memories made at Beaches Ocho Rios we look forward to continuing to welcome guests and new families to our expanding collection of world-class Caribbean resorts and we remain committed to providing exceptional experiences across our portfolio.” Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook. Receive the best travel industry news every day JamaicaChevron Ocho RiosChevron “a resort that was really popular in the 1950s with Hollywood people like Errol Flynn “I couldn’t tell if [it was that] I was just a child or this was actually the coolest wedding I would ever go to That stuck in my head as the type of wedding where people can let loose and enjoy.” Years later, Caitlin grew up to be a film and TV producer. She got engaged to John G. Santoro—now a criminal defense attorney with the public defender's office—who she met in college in New York City. And the vision of Jamaica loomed large for the now Oakland, California-based couple: The island means a lot to the bride’s family and is a significantly more affordable place to get married than big US cities in the Northeast (John is from Connecticut) and California where the couple have friends and family So they opted for the bride’s ancestral Jamaica, marrying in Ocho Rios in February 2024 how the couple planned an Old Hollywood-themed celebration complete with a pig roast Caitlin visited her mother's native Jamaica annually as a child Tropical flowers like anthurium and birds of paradise plants While Caitlin’s Jamaican family members are based around the northeastern city of Port Antonio the couple worried that it was too far from the country’s major airports—and thus inconvenient for most of their guests “The places I’d grown up going to were ultimately not going to make sense so we looked at estates and hotels that were within a two-hour range from the airport and could give us the bespoke experience we were looking for,” she says Resorts around Negril were vetoed for being a bit too small and public; some towns also had noise ordinances the couple didn’t want to worry about Most properties in that area offered standardized event packages which the couple felt were too cookie-cutter as both the wedding venue and their home base and we could have the most privacy and the most free reign,” John says 17th-century fort-turned-villa still had historical details throughout the property including a cannon and a former schoolhouse on the grounds with six bedrooms “It feels like you’re on this deserted island and we were able to have the run of the place,” says John A group of musicians played mento music—a type of Jamaican folk music Local food served at the weekend's events ranged from simple hors d'oeuvre to a whole pig roast because as a filmmaker the visuals of the wedding were high priority for her: From the stationery and textiles to the florals and food Katie was “instrumental” in bringing it into being and Chalene assisted with all the details on the ground like local vendors and set-up in the days leading up to the celebration A welcome party for guests was hosted on Friday at the Great House a historic home also owned by Frankfort Villa “We made sure to focus as much as we could on utilizing local vendors so we could keep things really in touch with the island,” Caitlin says but a “retro tropical maximalism” inspired by Jamaica’s Hollywood-elite heyday in the 1950s: Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller had honeymooned in Ocho Rios while Ian Fleming wrote all of his James Bond novels here in the same decade The couple’s own style choices reflected this era and cigar-rolling at the reception tied it all together Caitlin and her American planner Katie sourced all the textiles in the US and flew with them to Jamaica for the wedding: “Many people [warned] me that linens are incredibly heavy and that is indeed true,” the bride laughs now “but it felt like it was all worth it in terms of bringing the vision to life.” John wore a cream tuxedo jacket with a black shawl lapel and suspenders to evoke Hollywood glamor Caitlin opted for a custom Hannah Van Bridal Studio corset gown there was one logistical hurdle that was tough to cross: local transportation guests staying at multiple villas across the area the couple struggled with scheduling pickups and making sure everyone arrived at their various events on time “It was like running a subway train: once you have a delay at the first stop it’s going to have ripple effects,” Caitlin says And with just one road into and out of the estate One branch of the bride’s family was staying an hour away and missed the beginning of the ceremony when their bus got lost en route the Wi-Fi connection went down at a crucial moment making it difficult to keep people updated about the schedule or answer any questions but the couple learned throughout the planning process that they needed to turn off their type-A American mindsets whenever possible and adopt a more relaxed approach “The thing I really like about Jamaica is that no one is that pressed,” Caitlin says The couple arrived to Jamaica on the Tuesday before their Saturday wedding and settled in at GoldenEye Sir Ian Fleming’s former home-turned-luxury-hotel they had the run of their ceremony location and had planned a boat cruise followed by an offsite rehearsal dinner for an intimate group of family and friends the weather on Thursday proved to be too windy for the catamaran excursion so they pivoted to a pre-rehearsal pool party back at the villa instead embracing the turn of events for a more relaxed setting “It felt like a house party where we had everyone over for the day to hang out and catch up or get to know each other if they didn’t already,” John says And as the home base of the couple and their immediate friends and bridal parties the villa wound up hosting after-parties as well as “recuperation and relaxation days,” particularly the day after the wedding The villa the couple chose for their event felt like a private home that they could have “full reign” over so that newcomers could enjoy the local cuisine a tradition from Caitlin’s family celebrations that she knew had to be included While the wedding itself was a bit more formal Jamaican flavors and ingredients were still front and center—oxtail bites during cocktail hour and jerk pork and langoustine as main courses at dinner Caitlin changed into a shimmering vintage Gene Shelly party dress from the 1960s for the evening A champagne tower and cigar rolling tied Hollywood nods into the natural surroundings Amid the palm trees and bottles of Red Stripe beer, the couple created two moments that spoke to their love story and family: At the wedding, the bar area was inspired by the legendary Bemelmans Bar in New York The cocktail bar’s whimsical children’s book illustrations inspired the bar area’s menus And because the bride’s mother—the native Jamaican herself—sits on the board of the Salvador Dalí Museum in Florida Surrealists elements were thrown into the mix on the reception dance floor: guests were handed neon wigs and funny glasses with the aim of kicking the party up a notch “It was this descent into chaos and surrealism as the night stretched on,” Caitlin says The black-and-white checkered dance floor for the reception was feet from the ocean While the couple and their planning team carefully considered every detail there was one happy accident that sticks out in the groom’s memories “We had a checkered dance floor installed right on the beach people were going swimming in the warm water His loved ones had the time of their lives in such a gorgeous setting which made all the hiccups worth it: “There's nothing to be underestimated about having an incredible view and a beautiful sky as the background to the happiest weekend of your life,” he says Want to be the first to know? Sign up to our newsletters for travel inspiration and tips A Guide to Korčula, Croatia Why Everyone Will Be Going to Osaka in 2025 A London Local’s Melting-Pot Itinerary for Food This New Eco-Cruise Through the Galápagos Takes Passengers On a Safari at Sea up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world Sandals Resorts International has announced that Beaches Ocho Rios will officially close on May 31 The company said it has managed to reassign over 300 of the 400 employees to its other properties in Jamaica and at Beaches Turks and Caicos The announcement comes amid the group’s US$1 billion investment in its Beaches brand the company confirmed new resorts and major expansions across the region Beaches Runaway Bay on Jamaica’s north coast; Beaches Exuma in the Bahamas; a new Beaches Barbados and the upcoming Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks & Caicos “This is part of our ongoing commitment to offering even more exceptional experiences for our guests,” the company said in its official statement “We’re truly grateful for the trust families place in us to create unforgettable memories," Jeremy Jones is the only resort in the Beaches portfolio not owned directly by Sandals Resorts International The decision to close was taken by the third-party owners to carry out substantial renovations with Sandals noting the possibility of a continued relationship once the upgrades are complete In a letter to team members Thursday morning Sandals Resorts International’s regional managing director acknowledged the emotional impact of the announcement “Beaches Ocho Rios holds a special place in our hearts We have already re-accommodated approximately 300 team members.” Jones also emphasised that the company is providing tangible support to its team during this transition “There will be employment opportunity events for team members including resume writing and job interview skills as a well as a grand job fair,” he said Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com View the discussion thread. The Ocho Rios Cruise Terminal has been closed since February 2024 when strong winds pushed a docked cruise ship into the pier Copyright © 2025 Multimedia Jamaica Ltd 2024 at 7:30 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Ocho Rios Grill located on Union Street near the intersection with Ward Street CT — A mother-daughter team has brought the taste of Jamaica to the Rockville section of Vernon Ocho Rios is the creation of daughter Shelly-Ann Wright and mother Joy Falconer "Mom is basically the Number One chef in the family," Wright said The family is originally from Jamaica and the recipes are from the family "My mom was always told her food is very good," Wright said "So it's always been a dream to open a place up but it's our chance to share our food with the community." curry fried and barbecue chicken; red rice and peas; fried and steamed fish; curry goat; and stewed oxtail Jamaican sodas include ginger and pineapple The meat was not overwhelmed by the spice but the spice is just enough to keep one honest The shell is light and flaky but does not fall apart The restaurant is open every day but Sunday from 10 a.m Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. This is why we constructed a month-by-month guide to help you pick the best time to visit Jamaica based on the weather Read on to find out more on when you should cruise to Jamaica While this is the coldest month of the year along with February Jamaica weather in January is still lovely particularly for those escaping colder regions in the U.S you can leave your heavy jackets at home and opt for a windbreaker and a couple of thin layers instead as rainfall is minimal during this time of year but the weather in Jamaica in February is far from unpleasant Daily temperatures rarely dip below 78 degrees F with low humidity levels and mostly clear skies February is the perfect month for hiking, horseback riding and ATV tours even in the late morning and early afternoon Most visitors will be comfortable wearing just a T-shirt and shorts Hiking Jamaica's Dunn's River Falls (Photo: Aaron Saunders) Low humidity, abundant sunshine and average daily temperatures around 86 degrees F make Jamaica weather in March ideal for outdoor activities, such as bamboo rafting, kayaking March is the best time of the year to visit Jamaica The island is typically in full bloom by the middle of the month Towards late March, the wind begins to pick up slightly, especially at higher elevations, but it rarely becomes uncomfortable. Beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the gentle breeze Rain is also unlikely to cause any problems but make sure your windbreaker is waterproof If you want to avoid the busiest months of the year while still enjoying pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall April is a great month to travel to Jamaica the weather in Jamaica in April is still relatively mild with average daily temperatures just below 90 degrees F Rain comes in short showers in the afternoon but they are unlikely to disrupt your plans There will be plenty of opportunities to buy an outfit upon arrival eye-catching items ahead of the festivities April is also the best time of the year to visit Jamaica for intermediate and advanced surfers the beach areas around Negril and Kingston are more sheltered from the wind Looking out over the Caribbean Sea (Photo: Aaron Saunders) May is a good month for those who don’t mind a little bit of rain alongside their seven hours of sunshine per day Rising temperatures are somewhat less comfortable than in previous months of the year but the weather in Jamaica in May is perfect for those eager to spend their days swimming and sunbathing Sea temperatures are pleasant at around 82 degrees F May marks the beginning of the shoulder season in Jamaica Crowds start to thin out towards the end of April and don’t pick up again until after the end of hurricane season in November Fewer crowds mean you won’t have to wait your turn to take a dip in the waterfalls or stand in line at Mystic Mountain for more than a few minutes The weather in Jamaica in June is not as hot as later in the summer but temperatures and humidity levels begin to rise as the month progresses This is the first of the four hottest months of the year with an average of 90 degrees F during the day Although June also marks the beginning of hurricane season, storms are rare this time of year. Rain, however, is common, so pack a breathable rain jacket for the occasional downpour and be flexible about your plans. Research indoor activities, such as rum or estate tours, and museums. If you’re in or around Kingston, the Bob Marley Museum is a must Beach excursions are a great way to cool off in Ocho Rios July is, along with August, the hottest month of the year. Temperatures rarely drop below 90 degrees F, with humidity levels that can be as high as 79 percent. While this can make outdoor activities somewhat uncomfortable during the central hours of the day, the weather in Jamaica in July is ideal for water-based activities tubing and swimming in the waterfalls are all top activities this month Higher rainfall rates mean rivers carry lots of water the island is also at its lushest this month -- ziplining and hiking are other great outdoor activities in July July is also the month of the famous Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay this event is an excellent way to learn more about Jamaican culture While most concerts take place in the evening there are plenty of other activities during the day Chances of a direct hurricane impact are slim this time of year but you might get caught in strong downpours Pack a light rain jacket or poncho along with your swimwear While June marks the official start of hurricane season it's not until mid- to late August that chances of tropical storms hitting Jamaica become more significant This makes the beginning of the month a great time to visit the country It's quieter and lusher than in the spring and fewer visitors means you’ll get a better glimpse of local culture and lifestyle The weather in Jamaica in August is hot and humid with lows that rarely drop below 72 degrees F There’s likely to be some rain almost every day but this doesn’t translate to overcast skies throughout the day The mix of sun and clouds this month also make the heat somewhat more bearable This is a good month to hit the beach in the morning and late afternoon but plan to spend time either indoors or in the shade after lunchtime we recommend taking refuge in a bar or restaurant; showers typically only last a couple of hours at a time Weather in Jamaica in September mirrors that of August with high temperatures and increased chances of rain bringing with it unpredictable weather that can take a turn for the worse in a matter of hours Our tip: Be flexible about your plans in case your itinerary changes October is prime time for hurricanes in Jamaica. While direct impacts are not guaranteed, tropical storms often prompt itinerary changes throughout the Caribbean, including Jamaica. While this may sound discouraging, those who can plan a last-minute cruise or are flexible about their itinerary will get great bang for their buck Our recommendations for September remain for October: Get travel insurance and familiarize yourself with your cruise line’s cancellation policy Aside from the possibility of getting caught in a severe storm (which typically lasts a couple of days) the weather in Jamaica in October is hot and humid with many hours of sunlight and warm sea temperatures so make sure to have alternative plans ready November is the tail end of the hurricane season in Jamaica and chances of severe storms decrease towards the end of the month making the weather in Jamaica in November ideal for outdoor activities in the absence of rain and enjoying live music and good food is a more relaxed experience this time of year as the lull in visitor numbers continues through the end of the month Some independent tour operators will not return your money if there is a change in the cruise itinerary even if it’s due to severe weather. We recommend booking a ship-sponsored excursion instead if you plan to visit Jamaica in November December is, to many cruisers, the best time to visit Jamaica. While the winter is in full swing in the U.S. and Europe temperatures in the country remain stable at around 89 degrees F Jamaica weather in December is ideal for those craving some beach time This is also the best time of year to visit Jamaica if you are a beginner surfer. The wind is gentle, but the surf is good on both the north and the south coast. Other water-based activities are also great this month, including snorkeling and scuba diving around Montego Bay Adding to that perfect beach and outdoor weather makes for a winning combo Jamaica’s stable tropical temperatures make it a great year-round destination February and March especially) is particularly appealing not only for those looking to take a break from the cold but also because it is the dry season with lower humidity levels making the high temperatures feel more comfortable Although Jamaica experiences direct hits from hurricanes about once per decade To avoid the risk of itinerary changes due to adverse weather steer clear of the weeks between mid-August and late November Ann arranged for his party leader and leader of the opposition Mark Golding to tour the craft markets in the Ocho Rios region of Jamaica These craft markets and artisans provide Jamaican craft products to mainly tourists as well as local Jamaicans leaving out the local craft traders and artisans.” Mark Golding spent an extensive time speaking with the craft traders and bought some products from them. Mr. Golding commented, “Jamaicans need to look after Jamaicans and the small business people are the bedrock of the economy and my administration will step in and establish a more fair term of trade for the industry.” Accompanying Mr. Golding and Dr. Simpson were former tourism minister WykehamMcN eil and Senator Janice Allen, Shadow Minister of Tourism. Natasha Decker•Jun 3 Jordin Sparks and her husband Dana Isaiah recently shared photos from their romantic vacation to Sandals Dunn’s River in Jamaica looked blissfully happy and in love as they spent time on the pier above the tropical hotspot’s stunning light blue waters The outlet reported that the couple enjoyed relaxing Sparks and her husband also reportedly went bamboo rafting for some fun during their vacation The couple’s been married since 2017 and share a 6-year-old son named Dana Isaiah Jr Their trip to the adults-only resort was an extended date night as they left their little one with family members back at home The “Call My Name” singer noted that she and her husband had a lovely time from the minute they hit the ground in Jamaica “We felt welcomed and so well taken care of from the moment we landed.” “Truly one of the best vacations we have ever had from our beautiful suite with a private pool to our amazing butlers and our rafting trip on Martha Brae River was a highlight.” Sandals Dunn’s River is in Ocho Rios, Jamaica According to the hospitality brand’s website the location Sparks visited is about nine miles from Ian Fleming International Airport or 61 miles from Sangster International Airport The location is an all-inclusive resort where guests can treat themselves to unlimited alcoholic beverages and dining. The Jamaican stay boasts 16 restaurants, 11 bars, and a speakeasy. Regarding the activities offered There are two sides to paradise at Sandals Ochi,” the brand touts a free daily newsletter that features the best of travel and guides to the cities you love from a new point of view — yours you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy Queen Elizabeth Once Stepped In To Prevent Snoop Dogg From Being Banned From The UK United Airlines Flight Attendant's Armrest Announcement Sparks Social Media Frenzy ‘Basketball Wives’ Star Mehgan James Speaks Out About Popular Bahamas Island With Flesh-Eating Bacteria After Friend Loses Leg Chaos Erupts After Ethiopian Airlines Passenger Forced To Give Up Seat For Minister Check out these filming sites that have added to this harrowing story of creative survival in two popular cities Paramount+'s 'MobLand' has rapidly garnered a wide audience thanks to its fascinating characters and gorgeous scenic backdrops A 27-year-old Chinese student living in Japan was rescued twice from Mount Fuji within days – the second time after reascending for his phone The Haifeng is Taiwan’s first luxury dessert-themed train It redefines the afternoon tea experience with some Michelin-starred desserts is taking a step towards opening its doors to international travelers has his sights set on helping his school win their first ISSA/WATA daCosta Cup and the first title for the parish of St Ann The 14-year- old James Jr has scored nine goals and provided 14 assists as a rookie His aim now is to work on his skills to maximise his potential “I would really love it if we can win the Cup this year I am also working on my confidence as well for when I get in front of the goal I love football a lot and just want to perfect my skill so I can assist my team,” James Jr declared he said: “This is my first year in the daCosta Cup I see myself scoring more than 10 goals this season.” he started playing football because he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps His father is a former daCosta player at William Knibb High He played in the under-14 team for two seasons and was elevated to the daCosta Cup after scoring an impressive 21 goals at the lower level Ocho Rios are first-time quarter-finalists in the daCosta Cup and he is very proud of the contribution that he has made He played a major part when they clawed their way back to earn a draw after being down 2-0 against Dinthill Technical James Jr said he became emotional after that match I did all I could to help change the course of the game and the rest is history,” James Jr explained Learning and having fun in his first season has been bittersweet for James Jr because it will also be his last season so this is my last season playing for Ocho Rios This is pushing me even more to want us to win I won’t stop playing football because I want to push my career further My aim is to play for the Chelsea or Manchester United under-17 teams in England “I want to do well and go far like two former schoolboys former Manning Cup player Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards and former daCosta Cup player Kaheim Dixon who plays for Charlton Athletic Football Club,” James Jr said his parents are his biggest motivators “Every game my father calls me from overseas to give me pep talks This gives me the confidence I need when playing games he surprised me by coming to the game against Dinthill That was really a great feeling for me.” View the discussion thread. The body of a man was found on the grounds of the Ocho Rios Transportation Centre in St Ann on Sunday The Ocho Rios police have so far identified him only as 'Bryan' The police say about 5 a.m they received information about a man's body at the nearby transport centre Checks were made and 'Bryan' was found lying in a pool of blood The body was removed to the St Ann's Bay Hospital where death was confirmed The Ocho Rios Criminal Investigations Branch is conducting a probe into the matter View the discussion thread. Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations The 30 best countries, cities and regions to visit in 2025 Plan your trip with Elsewhere, by Lonely Planet See where a Lonely Planet Membership takes you Subscribe to our weekly newsletters to get the latest travel news, expert advice, and insider recommendations Explore the world with our detailed, insightful guidebooks Stay ahead of the curve with our guidebooks Uncover exciting new ways to explore iconic destinations Every month, we release new books into the wild Search Search Close search menu Explore Best in Travel 2024 Africa Close menu Countries Antarctica Antarctica Close menu Regions Asia Asia Close menu Countries Australia & the Pacific Australia & the Pacific Close menu Countries The Caribbean The Caribbean Close menu Countries Central America Central America Close menu Countries Europe Europe Close menu Countries Middle East Middle East Close menu Countries North America North America Close menu Countries South America South America Close menu Countries There's no shortage of beautiful beaches in Jamaica – here are the best Dipping into the Caribbean Sea, the coastline of Jamaica is as diverse as it is stunning drawing in everyone from sunseekers looking for a spot to bronze to adventurers looking for a vibrant escape.  Though Jamaica’s culture often takes the spotlight, its beaches hold their own, with crystal-clear surf and some of the finest stretches of sand in the Caribbean.  Most of the island’s renowned beaches can be found along the north and west coasts, especially around Negril, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios but the south coast offers secluded spots that are perfect for unwinding so it's easy to experience the island’s natural beauty without hassle Here's a guide to the best beaches in Jamaica Best beach for sunset views and snorkeling Seven Mile Beach is one of Jamaica's most popular stretches of sand.  Famous for its clear turquoise waters and abundant marine life with coral reefs scattered along its length — particularly around the southern end and near the cliffs to the west.  the beach actually spans just over four miles running from Bloody Bay in the north to Long Bay in the south where the clifftop provides an elevated perch for watching Negril’s breathtaking sunsets Local Tip: With so many resorts along the beach, it can be difficult to find free access points to the sand. There’s one between Drifter’s Bar and Merrils Beach Resorts and another across from the Sunrise Club Look for the small yellow signs that read “Negril Beach Access Point” along Norman Manley Blvd A true gem nestled in Port Antonio, Frenchman’s Cove is a small but picturesque beach where a freshwater river meets the sea.  With its white sand surrounded by lush greenery this secluded beach has quite a movie pedigree featuring in films such as Lord of the Flies (1990) and Knight and Day (2010).  The beach is framed by verdant greenery on both sides creating a picturesque natural crescent that's perfect for photos Another popular Instagram spot is on the swing above the river section Planning Tip: As of December 2024, there's an entry fee of JMD$2,500 (USD$25) for visitors who aren’t staying at the Frenchman’s Cove Resort and users are barred from bringing their own food or drinks Ocho Rios Bay Beach, commonly known as Turtle Beach, is the main beach in Ocho Rios stretching for some 500m along Jamaica's north coast.  thanks to its proximity to the Ocho Rios cruise port (just a five-minute walk away) and the beach is well-equipped with amenities including beach chairs and umbrella rentals Popular restaurants Ocho Rios restaurants such as Miss T’s Kitchen, Margaritaville and Ocho Rios Jerk Center are within walking distance along with shopping malls and fast food joints Detour: For souvenirs and Jamaican craft items visit the Ocho Rios Craft Market – about a 10-minute walk from the beach An entry fee of around JMD$500 (US$10 for tourists) gives visitors access to changing areas, a beach chair, and a fine curve of sand at Mahogany Beach in Ocho Rios The beach is small compared to others in town and fills up quickly with locals — many coming from out of town just to relax on the beach with friends.  If you crave refreshment, the Mahagony Beach Bar & Grill restaurant is close at hand there’s also a freshwater river where you can relax in a bamboo chair or go rafting to unwind Doctor’s Cave Beach in Montego Bay is famous for its calm the beach is perfect for a leisurely dip.  The beach’s location in a sheltered cove helps maintain the calm conditions while the pristine water is often described as "healing" – a reputation dating back to the 1920s when British osteopath Sir Herbert Barker praised its therapeutic properties.  Planning Tip: For an entry fee of around JMD$1,100 (US$8) Maiden Cay, located off the coast of Kingston, is the ultimate beach destination for those looking to party on the weekend. Every Sunday, Loose Cannon Tours hosts a widely popular all-inclusive Beach Day This uninhabited island is just a short 20-minute boat ride from the mainland near Port Royal making it an ideal getaway for weekend revelers.  Planning Tip: Book tickets ahead – early birds pay JMD$13,000 (US$85) compared to JMD$14,000 (US$95) at short notice Winnifred Beach is one of Jamaica’s last remaining free beaches offering a charming and distinctly local atmosphere locals who maintain the beach may request a small donation to help preserve it.  and it's a popular chill-out spot for residents of Portland Visitors can enjoy delicious offerings from local vendors The beach also has showers and changing rooms While there isn’t a big surfing culture in Jamaica, Boston Bay Beach, located near Port Antonio is the island’s premier surfing destination attracting pro surfers who can be seen riding the consistent waves here throughout the day.  There's an entry fee of around JMD$500 (US$3) and visitors can rent surfboards and even take lessons from the pros on the beach The waves typically range from three to six feet and the breaks are suitable for both beginner and advanced surfers Planning Tip: The best time to surf at Boston Bay Beach is during the winter months (November to April) when the waves are at their most consistent and powerful Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for catching the swell Puerto Seco Beach in Saint Ann is the ultimate destination for a fun-filled family beach day. With an aquapark and various water sports like beach volleyball and jet skis The beach also offers amenities such as beach chairs and families can stop for a meal at the restaurant and bar or shop for souvenirs at the gift shop Planning Tip: There’s a fee of around JMD$2,500 (US$20) for the amenities so consider a full-day trip to make the most of it Located several miles south of Black River, Parottee Beach features dark sand sprinkled with shells facing a pristine stretch of ocean The calm, clear waters make it ideal for swimming, and the beach isn’t close to any major tourist towns or attractions – with the exception of Floyd’s Pelican Bar which sits out in the bay The beach is mainly used by fishermen from local communities; residents occasionally visit to swim but there's rarely a crowd Fisherman’s Beach in Ocho Rios may not be the top spot for swimming but it’s undoubtedly the best place in town for fresh seafood.  Located just beyond the Ocho Rios Fishing Village, the beach is surrounded by some of the town’s best seafood eateries, including Lobster Dave and Whalers.  Both restaurants serve up the freshest catches sourced directly from the fishermen working right on the beach.  you can enjoy views of colorful fishing boats on the shore and fishermen heading out to sea If you're staying somewhere with cooking facilities you can also purchase fresh seafood directly from the boats to take home Detour: After a beach day, take a short drive to nearby Dunn’s River Falls – a must-see natural attraction where you can climb and splash on the terraces of a scenic cascade Located on the north coast in Falmouth, Bamboo Beach Club has a lively atmosphere that's ideal for those seeking a vibrant beach day.  For an entry fee of around JMD$2,000 (US$15) a lively music scene and spontaneous dance parties hosted by energetic staff.  The beach also hosts regular parties and events an official photographer and beachside masseurs. If you want to explore the underwater world Planning Tip: It's easy to arrange transportation if you’re staying in Falmouth and there’s a beach bus that transfers visitors from Montego Bay Many visitors are surprised to discover that Kingston However, just a short boat ride away lies Lime Cay uninhabited island off the coast of Port Royal circled by white sand and beautifully clear waters.  Lime Cay doesn’t get many visitors – you’ll likely have the island all to yourself if you come to swim or sunbathe Y-Knot Bar & Grill in Port Royal offers boat trips to Lime Cay for JMD$2,500 (US$20) and local fishermen from Port Royal also offer transfers Planning Tip: While weekdays are peaceful at Lime Cay weekends (especially Sundays) bring a livelier vibe with popular boat parties attended by both locals and tourists is the most-popular beach for Jamaicans in the Kingston area thanks to its convenient location and lively vibe Hellshire is a snapshot of what authentic Jamaican beach life is really like — people eating playing football on the sand or playing dominos at beachside restaurants Local Tip: Sharks are sometimes spotted offshore at night Stick to daytime visits and keep in mind that the beach is packed on local holidays An off-the-beaten-path destination along Jamaica’s south coast, Treasure Beach is made up of five secluded coves, lined with dark sand. Calabash Bay, home to Jakes Hotel, sees the most visitors, and this is also where the biennial Calabash Literary Festival is held and Billy’s Bay tend to stay quieter; local fishermen are often the only regulars.  Frenchman’s Bay has a few small beachside restaurants, and Great Bay comes to life each year for the Jakes Triathlon. All these coves are great for sunbathing and swimming, though the waters can occasionally get rough. Occasionally, you might spot locals biking along the shore. WITH JUST two games to go in the ISSA/WATA daCosta Cup history-making and history-chasing Ocho Rios High School’s Keanu Reid can almost taste his dreams coming true is trying to take a team to a place they have never been becoming the first team from St Ann to make a daCosta Cup final four and did not look overawed when they played in their first Champions Cup semifinal on the weekend “My target this season is to go further with history and win the daCosta Cup title for the first time It would be history for a St Ann’s team to win and that is my dream I feel really proud of myself and the team so I am pleased,” said the 18-year-old who has already notched 24 goals on the season The history-chasing Ocho Rios have been making waves this season and Reid’s performances have been a big reason for that Reid contributed two braces to help advance Ocho Rios to the quarterfinals and to a win over St Catherine to move them into the semifinals of the Champions Cup Reid was also on target in the quarter-final teaming up with Robert Morris to get by Garvey Maceo and punch an unlikely ticket to today’s semi-finals at the National Stadium Ocho Rios will be up against McGrath in a game that begins at 3:30 p.m will precede one between Glenmuir and McGrath at 6:00 p.m that team has caused the biggest challenges for the history-making Ocho Rios “They are the team this season to score the most goals on us our aim was to try our best and win over them but it didn’t work out that way,” Reid explained Glenmuir have given Ocho Rios their biggest defeats and 5-1 in the Champions Cup to knock them out of the semis the hardworking striker has worked on his finishing for today’s game “I started playing football when I was eight years old when I attended the Exchange All-Age in Ocho Rios I attended Mount Pleasant Academy for two to three years It was a good experience; it was my first time being in a football club,” Reid told The Gleaner He is always trying to push me and telling me to always do the right thing He tells me that I can do it and he also believes in me,” he added like many of the youngsters in the daCosta Cup I would love to play for Manchester United “I want to gain something from football When I see players who also played in the ISSA competition playing in English clubs View the discussion thread. THE ISSA/WATA daCosta Cup quarter-finals kick off today and Veron Peterkin says his team will be aiming to get all three points when they travel to St Elizabeth to face Munro College In the only quarter-final match scheduled seven-time daCosta Cup champions Munro will host the first-time last-eight qualifiers Ocho Rios at 3 p.m Peterkin said Ocho Rios are ready for a tough match “We are not worried about any history We can’t worry about who have won the title or who have never won it We know we have two Clarendon teams to face he said “We know it is the quarter-finals our plan remains the same and that is to just play to our strengths.” Quarter-final matches in both the daCosta Cup and Manning Cup competitions were postponed from earlier this week because of the passage of Tropical Storm Rafael are big favourites to earn a victory on home turf said he just needs his players to stay focused in the first game “I want them to not be side-tracked by the opponents we are at the stage where all opponents are good so we don’t expect anything less from Ocho Rios We expect them to come and to go hard but we also expect to do the same,” Ricketts said “The postponement didn’t affect us at all So it doesn’t change anything for us I have been managing them (players) well in terms of keeping them focused both physically and mentally,” he added clawed their way from being two goals down to draw with Dinthill Technical on Saturday at Drax Hall Munro are on a quest to break a 60-year title drought and will need all hands on deck to get past a fairly good Ocho Rios team View the discussion thread. This Caribbean island is home to a host of magnificent natural sites breathtaking beaches and a delightfully laid-back way of life I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Jamaica may be best known by tourists for its beach resorts and white sand, but this beautiful Caribbean island offers so much more for the intrepid traveller The island’s wealth of natural sights is perhaps its most remarkable feature with the soft sands and azure waters of its beaches complemented by a unique array of inland waterfalls like Dunn’s River Falls the towering summit of Blue Mountain Peak and the rainforest-fringed waters of the Martha Brae River Its towns and cities are mesmerising too. The capital, Kingston, is the country’s beating heart and cultural centre, while seaside towns like Ocho Rios or the famed Montego Bay provide a dose of the laid-back Caribbean vibe that Jamaica is renowned for In between is a glut of outdoor adventures cultural activities and Jamaican jewels to discover from the wonders of reggae to Jamaica’s culinary exports we’ve rounded up the best things to do in Jamaica to help you make the most of your visit Kingston is the “centre” of Jamaica and the cultural heart of the country It is a stark contrast to the relaxed resorts and tranquil coastline of much of the rest of Jamaica but its lively energy has provided much of what has made modern Jamaica great from arts and music to a diverse culinary scene Reggae fans will want to start by exploring the life of one of Jamaica’s sons at the Bob Marley Museum (where the artist lived from 1975) while anyone wanting to cover more of Jamaican art and culture should carry on to the National Gallery of Jamaica – showcasing everything from indigenous carvings to 18th-century British works – before finishing at the Devon House estate home to gardens and a collection of antiques once belonging to George Stiebel Other historical sites include the 17th-century Fort Charles and Liberty Halls the headquarters of one of the founders of Pan-Africanism Kingston has earned itself a reputation for high levels of crime so make sure you plan any trip to the city carefully and avoid areas that are known to be dangerous Read more: How to explore Bob Marley’s Jamaica Ocho Rios is one of several seaside resort towns on the island While Montego Bay and Negril are worth visiting Ocho Rios is a great place to spend a couple of nights due to the range of interesting sites nearby less high-end resort vibe than that of ‘MoBay’ Jamaica has a wealth of waterfalls to explore and Dunn’s River Falls is undeniably the most popular for tourists it’s an exceptionally beautiful natural wonder despite the large number of visitors The falls themselves are idyllic; surrounded by tropical rainforest they stand at 180 metres tall and consist of giant limestone rocks covered with several cascades but it gets busy so aim to visit outside of peak times with a similarly picturesque setting and far fewer crowds Reach Falls is one of the more remote options where swimming in emerald pools and hiking up to Mandingo Cave are both popular Mayfield Falls are a great option for those looking to swim among achingly beautiful surroundings as are the waters of the Ocho Rios Blue Hole where a smaller waterfall complements the turquoise waters below Read more: TravelSmart’s guide to the Caribbean islands The Blue Lagoon and Luminous Lagoon are two of Jamaica’s most striking natural sites both situated on the northern coast and sitting along different points of the Martha Brae River The former lies in the east, where the waters of the Martha Brae funnel through to those of the Caribbean Sea The lagoon is 55 metres deep and changes colour regularly – shifting from shades of blue to emerald green and turquoise – thanks to the mixing of freshwater and seawater It lies in a protected cove among cliffs and dense greenery and offers both wild swimming and boat tour opportunities and was once an important location for ships arriving to Jamaica Though surrounded more by buildings than rainforest this lagoon has become famous due to the microorganisms called dinoflagellates that populate it they produce a glowing light that makes the lagoon a striking sight Like any Caribbean island, Jamaica is home to a slew of pristine beaches where white sands are fringed by palm trees and lapped by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea These beaches range from beautiful secluded spots to much-loved resort areas like Montego Bay Seven Mile and James Bond Beach are little busier – with more restaurants and activities – while some of the most popular beaches on the island include Doctor’s Cave Ocho Rios Bay and Puerto Seco are the most popular resort beaches Read more: Why this Caribbean island is the perfect place for a female-focused wellness break Montego Bay has formed a reputation as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Jamaica, offering luxurious accommodation options, stretches of fine white sands, lively nightlife and activities that range from water sports to hiking the city is split into two parts: the charming and the pristine beaches and fancy hotels of the touristy suburbs (and Ironshore in particular) you can discover Jamaican history and culture from the National Museum West to the Montego Bay Cultural Centre as well as landmarks like the impressive St James Parish Church and bustling Sam Sharpe Square (slightly outside the city also lies the Rastafari Indigenous Village) visitors can spend days relaxing on beaches like Doctor’s Cave hiking and rafting at Montpelier Jungle Outpost or whiling away the afternoons and evenings with cocktails on the Hip Strip some areas of Montego Bay are known to be dangerous so plan a city trip carefully and avoid any known crime spots Jamaica’s answer to the gondola trips of Venice is an even more relaxing affair These trips take place on long bamboo rafts with two or three people at a time transported along the waters of the Rio Grande or Martha Brae River by a local guide floating through thick rainforest and green tunnels before stopping off for optional wild swims a horseshoe-shaped island near the town of Falmouth on the northern coast and start from around $99 USD (£80) for a two-person trip Read more: The best things to do in Antigua Like many other Caribbean islands, Jamaica has taken influences from several countries and regions to produce the cuisine that is seen on the island today Asian and European touches have mixed with native ingredients (and those introduced from elsewhere) to produce a culinary scene as varied and unique as anywhere in the region and some of the best can be sampled with a tour of the Hampden Great House Estate Blue Mountain Peak is Jamaica’s tallest mountain standing at an impressive 2,256 metres tall The “classic” trail to the summit covers almost six miles over the course of around four hours – though some routes cover up to 10 miles – with many choosing to set off in the night to catch the sunrise at around 6am (a stay at Whitfield Hall allows you a later start time) Along the way you’ll pass through dense jungle vegetation that turns to pine trees and evergreens as the altitude increases eventually giving way to a clear view the misty hills as the sun comes up The first appearance of the Jamaican bobsleigh team at the 1988 Olympics remains one of the most iconic moments in the history of the games – and even inspired the 1993 film Cool Runnings, starring the late, great John Candy. Visitors wanting to recreate the historic team’s endeavours should head to Mystic Mountain an adventure park located in the heart of Ocho Rios visitors can take their very own bobsleigh ride descending through 3,280 feet of hairpin twists so you can control your speed on this adrenalin-filled adventure Read more: Best things to do in Barbados Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies {"adUnitPath":"71347885/_main_independent/in_travel/in_central-america-caribbean/image/gallery_mpu_sb","autoGallery":true,"disableAds":false,"gallery":[{"data":{"title":"Frenchman’s Cove in Jamaica is a sandy slice of paradise","description":"Frenchman’s Cove in Jamaica is a sandy slice of paradise","caption":"Frenchman’s Cove in Jamaica is a sandy slice of paradise Frenchman’s Cove in Jamaica is a sandy slice of paradise View the discussion thread. Jamaica – An unidentified man was shot dead in Ocho Rios Observer Online understands that about 11:20pm the man was in the vicinity of Market Street when he was attacked by a lone gunman The police were later alerted to the body along the roadway It was the ninth murder recorded in St Ann since the start of 2025 three less than the corresponding period last year Police say they have been conducting robust operations in the parish to curtail criminal activities These operations include vehicle checkpoints snap and targeted raids and increased community and school visits ST ELIZABETH Technical High School (STETHS) just missed out on a place in the daCosta Cup semi-finals after high-flying Glenmuir High School delivered a 5-2 thrashing that left them scrambling for goals with the result of the other Group A game not going their way STETHS were on four points behind the perfect Glenmuir and just needed a point to make it to the final four Breathing down their necks was McGrath High School who there also needed to be a five-goal swing for STETHS to fail to make it and McGrath did themselves a huge favour by dispatching an already eliminated Frome 4-0 The results meant McGrath and not STETHS would be joining Glenmuir in the semi-finals from Group A Home fans were stunned early as Glenmuir took the lead in the 12th minute via a header from Orel Miller courtesy of Conroy Nicely before a brace from Orane Watson (45th 67th) left STETHS with only the Ben Francis Cup to look forward to Watson has now banged in 31 goals in the daCosta Cup this season STETHS’ push for goals had begun to leave holes and Glenmuir’s Ricardo Binns jumped highest to finish in time added to leave them well short on goals who had come into the game with a negative-three goal difference saw their goal difference plummet to negative-one said his team’s preparation was on display “Today’s game was a very good one from the boys It is good when you can see like preparation going into the game We are really happy with the output from them It is about just playing the game and enjoying it afterwards The minor disappointment is the two goals conceded but we can look to adjust those,” Peart said Omar ‘Rambo’ Wedderburn said the defeat was a hard one to digest “I think we never played disciplined in the first half we went back to the same indiciplined issue and it is what it is just now,” Wedderburn said Ocho Rios High School created history when they punched their ticket to the semi-finals with a 2-0 victory over Garvey Maceo Robert Morris and Keanu Reid came up big to lead their team to a victory Garvey Maceo led the group with four points Central’s loss meant they would end bottom of the group on two points the same as Garvey Maceo but with a poorer record in the goal difference column Munro came ever so close to continuing their hopes of breaking a 60-year drought with their 3-1 win over Central but a 3-0 loss to Garvey Maceo last week proved just too much to overcome and Frome in the quarter-finals of the Ben Francis Cup where they meet first-round qualifiers View the discussion thread. View the discussion thread. View the discussion thread. Miami International Airport welcomed the first commercial service from the U.S and the Consul General of Jamaica in Miami hosted a ribbon-cutting event to mark the historic flight from MIA to Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ) airport with service to Ocho Rios and American is the only U.S carrier to offer nonstop service from MIA to OCJ giving travelers access to the popular destination just in time for spring break.  and to also have Kingston and Montego Bay within our Jamaica route network Jamaica continues to be one of MIA’s busiest international markets With spring break just around the corner and summer vacations coming soon we look forward to welcoming thousands of passengers traveling between Ocho Rios and Miami-Dade The new service to Ocho Rios complements service from MIA to Kingston (KIN) and Montego Bay (MBJ) as well as 45 unique destinations direct from MIA to Mexico American launched new nonstop service from MIA to Governor’s Harbour American Airlines is making history today and we’re proud to provide exclusive access to this Caribbean paradise so our customers can experience its white sand rich culture and opportunities for relaxation and adventure we are thrilled to continue expanding our network across the Caribbean and to more than 150 destinations worldwide As the airline’s robust international schedule grows American is operating its largest schedule on record at MIA with 390 peak-day flights this winter Miami International Airport, America’s busiest airport for international freight and the second busiest for international passengers, is receiving an unprecedented investment of $9 billion in capital improvements and maintenance upgrades MIA offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S airport and is also the leading economic engine for Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida generating business revenue of $118 billion and approximately 60 percent of all international visitors to Florida annually To request materials in accessible format, Sign Language Interpreters, CART services and/or any accommodation to participate in any Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) public meetings and events please email the ADA Office at ADAcoordinator@miami-airport.com or call the office in 305-876-7747 five days in advance to initiate your request Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service) View the discussion thread. A section of the Ocho Rios Market was destroyed by fire on Sunday Councillor of the Exchange Divison Ian Isaac said some 10 vendors were affected “The damage includes shops and stalls but we don’t know directly yet who but we will be in touch with them (on Monday) a lot of ground provisions has been damaged but we are grateful nonetheless that other shops and stalls were not affected,” said Isaac The Observer understands that the fire started sometime after 4:00 pm the fire was triggered by electrical issues Charred ground provisions at the Ocho Rios Market after a section of the facility was destroyed by fire on Sunday “We are devastated that so many people lost their personal belongings especially on a Sunday afternoon it means that we have to do some do some investigation then clean and give some assistance to the vendors who has lost everything,“ Belnavis added Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie and other officials are expected to do a walk-through of the area on Monday helped Ocho Rios High squeeze into the final eight of the ISSA/WATA daCosta Cup in a nail-biting 2-2 draw with Dinthill Technical at Drax Hall Sports Complex yesterday fought back from being two goals down to end Group 3 second with four points and will join Glenmuir who defeated Happy Grove 1-0 yesterday The result sends Happy Grove and Dinthill into the first round of the Ben Francis Cup Dinthill’s Tyrese Gowe opened the scoring in the 50th minute from the penalty spot Raheem Harris doubled the lead in the 63rd Ocho Rios’ Reid struck back in the 75th to give his team some hope before a costly error saw Dinthill’s Tirafah Bryan receive a red card in the 87th minute Just when many fans thought the game would end 2-1 Reid turned up to score Ocho Rios’ saving goal said the team has to create its own history “Ochi is not necessarily a tough school like a Dinthill We can’t worry about another team’s history “It feels good to know that the hard work is giving some success as it relates to our progression in the league We just have to put our best foot out and stick to the plan,” he added and that red card made it all the more difficult We gave up a silly red card in the game that put us down to 10 men under pressure It was a tough game in a tough season,” Thomas said “It was a good game under tough conditions you never get a chance to play your normal football defending champions Clarendon College’s championship dreams ended with a 2-1 defeat courtesy of an already eliminated Cornwall College at Glenmuir High School Both will move to the first round of the Ben Francis Cup This was Cornwall’s only win in the round of 16 will join Group 2 winners Munro in the quarter-finals after a 0-0 draw Garvey Maceo will join STETHS from Group 2 after their 4-0 win over Alphansus Davis View the discussion thread. View the discussion thread. The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) is expecting huge crowds for its annual Fireworks Festival set to ring in the new year at three locations across the island tonight with a roster of popular and upcoming artistes This is the 21st staging of the Fireworks Festival which is being held this year under the theme “We are expecting a massive turnout as 2025 will be a pivotal year for Jamaica so we want persons to come out and to ring in the positivity,” Tyrell Morgan the Fireworks Festival will be held at the Kingston waterfront and will feature artistes such as Kevin Downswell the event will be at the Ocho Rios Bay Beach where Jennifer ‘Jenny Jenny’ Small will bring the energy as emcee Luciano will headline the proceedings with AJ Brown you’ll be getting a little taste of what’s happening at other locations,” Morgan pointed out The programme sees family-oriented activities in a vending village with a kiddies areas featuring a variety of rides; a stage show; a VIP front-row party; and fireworks display at midnight While general admission to all three venues is free there is a cost to access the VIP front-row party in Kingston and Ocho Rios the cost for the VIP front-row party is: adults – $15,000; double – $25,000; children – $10,000; package deal for family of four – $40,000 the cost is a bit less: adults – $8,000; double – $15,000; children five to 15 years – $5,000; package for family of four – $25,000 Admission to the kiddies village for all-day rides is $1,500 in Kingston and $1,000 in Ocho Rios Designated parking areas in Kingston attract fees of $500 for parking at Fisheries car park Premium parking is available at Jamaica Conference Centre There is also a park and ride service available at National Heroes Park for $500 editorial@gleanerjm.com View the discussion thread. Jamaica — Debutantes Ocho Rios High and two-time champions Jamaica College qualified for the semi-finals of the ISSA/Wata Champions Cup competition after respective 2-0 wins over St Catherine High and McGrath High in the opening round of the competition at the Montego Bay Sports Complex on Friday Keanu Reid scored a double for Ocho Rios High who are on a historic run qualifying for their second semi-finals after booking a spot in the daCosta Cup final four Despite playing a man down from the 14th minute when goalkeeper Taywayne Lynch was sent off Jamaica College booked their spot in the semis thanks to a second half brace from Dyllan John Ocho Rios High and Jamaica College will meet in one semi-final set for next week at the National Stadium after winning games that followed similar scripts both capitalising on their chances against teams wasting numerous chances St Catherine High got off to a better start against Ocho Rios but despite forcing the St Ann school back into their own half for long periods in the first half Ocho Rios made them pay when Reid completed a swift counter attack by beating goalkeeper Omarion Brown with a shot into the far left corner of the goal in the 42nd minute St Catherine threw everything into attack at the start of the second half but left their defence open for another counter attack this time Reid went to his left and lured Brown off his line before firing into the far corner in the 55th minute Ocho Rios took over the game and should have added more goals but Brown pulled off several saves to keep the scores respectable Jamaica College were down to 10 men from early and was replaced by a nervous looking Adriano Kitson who put his team under pressure by dropping the ball in his own area several times Jamaica College’s Dyllan John (right) watches McGrath High’s Devone Davis in their ISSA/Wata Champions Cup quarter-final game played at the Montego Bay Sports Complex on Friday John scored both goals to lead 10-man Jamaica College to a 2-0 win The McGrath High players were not able to capitalise and John scored in the 60th minute and in time added on Ocho Rios High head coach Veron Peterkin says his team is aiming to remain top of the zone after they crushed Marcus Garvey Technical High 6-1 in their Zone I match of the ISSA/WATA daCosta Cup at Drax Hall Sports Complex yesterday Kaneil Brown opened the scoring for the winners in the fourth minute and Robert Morris doubled the score in the 16th minute Ocho Rios went further ahead in the 42nd minute when Antonio Mitchell scored and Rajaun Garrick put them 4-0 up at half-time Marcus Garvey’s Nathan Perry gave his team some hope in the 68th minute from the penalty spot but Morris completed a brace in the 76th minute and some wonderful play in the middle of the park from 14-year-old Dario James sealed the win in the 77th minute It feels good being on top now and we are progressing nicely We are just taking one game at a time and seeing how the rest of the games progress,” Peterkin told The Gleaner “We are targeting every game for three points “I must commend the boys on their effort The programme went downhill from COVID-19 and since then we have been trying to re-establish ourselves,” Campbell told The Gleaner He added that most of his players lack experience in the daCosta Cup • Mt St Joseph Catholic 1 DeCarteret College 4 • Aabuthnott Gallimore High vs Brown’s Town High (rained out) View the discussion thread. The Destination Assurance Council (DAC) and the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) are collaborating with several local organisations for an Ocho Rios clean-up day Key partners in the initiative include the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) Ocho Rios/Runaway Bay Chapter which coincides with the start of Jamaica’s winter tourist season vice president of Palace Resorts for Jamaica and Turks and Caicos and one of the initiative’s key organisers emphasised that the project is aimed primarily at locals not necessarily for the tourists but for the locals; we’re trying to bring back civic pride into Ocho Rios,” Reader told The Gleaner The town has been divided into seven zones with each zone assigned to multiple companies and organisations along with the St Ann Municipal Corporation have committed to making the clean-up a success such as removing redundant wires from utility poles estimated to be around 40 per cent of the total and reaching out to cable companies and the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) for assistance Private property owners will also be contacted and paint companies are being approached to donate supplies for building renovations “The educational part of the plan will involve foundations to help with long-term strategies,” Reader added Participants in the clean-up effort include banks Their responsibilities will span general clean-up while the St Ann Municipal Corporation will oversee the market area This collaborative initiative aims to restore the beauty and pride of Ocho Rios for residents and visitors alike carl.gilchrist@gleanerjm.com View the discussion thread. Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) second vice president and area chair for JHTA Ocho Rios Runaway Bay Chapter is hoping for improvement in the attitudes of persons in aesthetics and customer service in the new year “It was an awesome year and I thank God for the blessings that He bestowed on me and Jamaica land we love,” Taylor said “There were lots of good things that the Lord did for us and we must give thanks that we’re alive and well and we made it through 2024 with God’s guidance and help.” The Jamaican tourism industry started well in 2024 welcoming two million visitors in the first five months of the year a year which saw 4.1 million people arriving in the island a 25.5 per cent increase from the previous year slowed the growth but industry players are already eyeing a big 2025 The loss of lives was one of the negatives for the year “The biggest thing for me was losing all these people,” Taylor said as she reflected on the several funerals she had to attend during the year as she revealed she has three funerals to attend in January Taylor said: “I’d like to see more love and respect from us as a people of this beautiful country I think that will do a lot for us if each of us decide that we’re going to make a special effort to show more love and respect to everybody especially the less fortunate; we’ll see a big difference going forward.” She continued: “I expect to see more activities from the government agencies; the taking responsibility for the areas that they should – the town centres in our parish getting rid of illegal activities that should not take place in the towns and for us as citizens to join with them in ensuring that we have a much cleaner and better environment for all of us in 2025.” should take responsibility for their areas ensuring that they are always kept clean and in order “The banks should also take responsibility for their ATMs Persons that use them should also do better.” “I’d like to see businesses take responsibility for ensuring the cleanliness of their areas and also better customer service View the discussion thread. Technological Solutions Limited (TSL) Health and Wellness Centre in Ocho Rios has been lauded for its readiness in the event of an emergency involving cruise visitors The commendation comes from Chairman of the National Cruise Council and Mayor of St The facility is situated in the Island Village Shopping Centre just a stone’s throw from the cruise pier and major hotels At a recent press briefing following the monthly meeting of the St Belnavis said the facility is positioned as a crucial resource for both cruise passengers and hotel guests in the resort town of Ocho Rios There had been concerns that there should be a nearby facility to substitute for a trip to the St Ann’s Bay Hospital “The TSL Health and Wellness Centre has stepped up remarkably to fill this gap The readiness of this facility not only improves safety for our visitors but also positions the Ocho Rios pier as a unique and preferred port of call,” the Mayor said Belnavis argued that the development not only benefits the cruise industry but also has broader implications for the local economy “Increased confidence in our medical infrastructure can lead to more cruise lines choosing Ocho Rios as their port of call which translates to more economic activities for our shops Substantial investments have been made at the TSL Health and Wellness Centre to ensure it meets international health standards It has modern medical equipment and a team of qualified professionals ready to respond to emergencies “Our mission is to provide immediate and high-quality healthcare particularly in emergency situations,” said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at TSL “We recognise the importance of being accessible to both cruise-ship guests and hotel visitors ensuring their well-being while they enjoy our beautiful island,” he added said that having a reliable healthcare option nearby is essential for the peace of mind of the guests “We are excited about TSL setting up its operations here which reinforces our commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone who visits,” he added Chukka Caribbean Adventures Chief Executive Officer said the addition of a reliable medical facility enhances the town as a cruise destination and knowing that there are adequate medical services available can significantly influence their choice of port This is a great step towards boosting tourism in Ocho Rios,” he added The TSL Health and Wellness Centre has already started to implement a series of community outreach programmes aimed at educating and promoting health and wellness further solidifying its role as a cornerstone of the Ocho Rios community “We believe in not just treating emergencies but also in promoting health awareness,” Dr “Our workshops and health screenings are designed to equip everyone with the knowledge to stay safe and healthy while enjoying their time in Ocho Rios,” he said As Ocho Rios continues to attract a growing number of cruise visitors the importance of reliable healthcare cannot be overstated the Centre is not only enhancing the visitor experience but is also setting a standard for medical readiness in other tourist destinations across the Caribbean,” Mayor Belnavis said “As the cruise industry continues to evolve the integration of health services like those provided by TSL will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping the future of travel in Jamaica,” he added Chief Strategist and Senior Adviser in the Ministry of Tourism said that it can only be a “major plus” in having a nearby facility with doctors and nurses on standby and providing for any emergency that may arise “It is called peace of mind for everyone involved one of our locals gets injured while at the beach or at one of the attractions in Island Village it’s a good feeling to know that there’s a medical facility right there Send An Email Get the latest news & updates from the JIS sent to your inbox.