Jamaica KING OF COOL
The birthplace of Caribbean cool, Jamaica has a long-established selection of resorts, a multitude of activities and a fascinating culture and history to go with its world-class beaches, says Laura Gelder
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J
amaica is what most people think of when they think 'Caribbean' – the laid
lifestyle and lilting accent, the tropical beaches and the sound of Reggae. Except that Jamaica really is the home of Reggae and people really do say ‘yeah mon’. This should make the island easy to sell in comparison to its
Caribbean competitors – it’s the real deal! But negative press about the island’s crime rates puts some people off and the size of the island and choice of resorts can be daunting. Travel Counsellor Jayne Nutall visited Jamaica on a fam trip in May 2010 and had reservations concerning safety on the island: “I wasn’t that confident selling Jamaica because it often has a bad press.
Jamacia's gorgeous coastline. Inset: the Jammin' Spa
34 January 2012 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
Now I’ve been and met the friendly locals I’m far more comfortable
recommending it, to young groups and
couples, even to families.” Jamaica has two main gateways, the
capital Kingston and the more-touristy Montego Bay. Most resorts are in and around Montego Bay, Ocho Rios or Negril. Katie Parsons, regional product manager for Caribbean and Mexico at Hayes & Jarvis says: “Montego Bay is the place to be if you’re looking for a lively holiday, Negril is for people looking for a laid-back experience and Ocho Rios is great for its proximity to Jamaica’s major attractions.” Up-and-coming is Port Antonio, once
the banana capital of the world. The town attracts those looking for a low- key atmosphere amongst the faded
grandeur of Victorian buildings. Kingston is the place to go for culture vultures, who’ll find the Bob Marley
Museum as well as a vibrant market, historic architecture and
cricket. Jamaica has many all-inclusive resorts,
with brands like Sandals, Couples, Riu, Breezes and Iberostar present. But there are a growing number of smaller, or boutique properties for clients who don’t want to eat in every night, like Kanopi House with its sustainable treehouse accommodation set in the rainforest. Activities and attractions are part of
what sets Jamaica apart from many other fly-and-flop destinations. The large island means stunning and varied scenery, from flat white beaches to the lofty heights of the Blue Mountains. Families will find
Selling Tip
Match the right client to the right resort and Jamaica is a great
destination for couples and families alike
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