DESTINATIONS CARIBBEAN | JAMAICA
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Blue Mountains; statue of Bob Marley outside a Tuff Gong merchandise store in Kingston; Strawberry Hill hotel; Jamaica Inn PICTURES: Shutterstock/Debbie Ann Powell, Eric Laudonien, Photo Spirit
Blue Mountains, which rise to 2,256m. This see-sawing landscape guarantees exhilarating drives, panoramic vistas and the chance to visit lofty, 200-year-old estates that produce some of the most mellow coffee in the world. Strawberry Hill, a heritage hotel near Irish Town with a view over the twinkling lights of the capital, is a fine base for exploring this area.
NO TIME TO DIET
Jerk – chicken, fish or meat rubbed or marinated in spices – is just the beginning. Foodies will find plenty to enjoy in Jamaica, including vegetarians and vegans who are well catered-for thanks to the ubiquity of Rastafarian ital (from the word ‘vital’) cuisine. Roadside stalls selling tropical fruits abound; beach barbecues offer grilled pork and foil-wrapped fish; and takeaway treats include beef patties and peppered shrimps. Daytime dining experiences worth a trip include ‘sexy vegetarian’ Stush in the Bush, a 40-minute drive inland from Ocho Rios; EITS Cafe near Newcastle in the Blue Mountains, famed for its chicken roasted in an oil barrel; and Devon House I-Scream in Kingston with 27 flavours of ice cream. On the drinks front, clients will love the fresh coconuts, fruit juices and refreshing Red Stripe lager while top buys to bring home are Appleton’s Kingston 62 rum and spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon.
DESTINATION HOTELS Jamaica claims to be the birthplace of the luxury all-inclusive resort and its hoteliers have never stopped
66 11 NOVEMBER 2021 NEED TO KNOW
E Most UK travellers fly into Montego Bay then stay in ‘resilient corridors’ along the north and southwest coasts. These coincide with the key tourism areas and have approved accommodation and service suppliers who observe strict Covid-19 protocols. Fully-vaccinated tourists not staying in these corridors will need to quarantine for eight days.
E Prior to entry, a negative Covid-19 test (which can be an antigen test), along with a pre-approved travel authorisation, is required. A further test must also be taken before flying home. Fewer than 13% of Jamaicans are fully vaccinated and the government has imposed a nightly curfew from 8pm to 5am that will remain in place until at least December 10.
E For the latest travel protocols, including a list of approved accommodation, attractions and transport providers, see visitjamaica. com/travelauthorization.
perfecting this popular concept. Forty years ago this month, the first couples-only Sandals Resorts property opened in Montego Bay and the brand – which now has six sites on the island – is celebrating with a host of ‘1981 Rewind’ events, from retro cocktails to vintage-style T-shirts. Today, motorised watersports, scuba diving, green fees and unlimited premium liquors are all part of the formula, resulting in a repeat guest rate nearing 50%. Jamaica’s early embrace of winter-sun tourism has also endowed it with characterful heritage properties along the north coast that hit the spot for many upmarket travellers. These include Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios, where Marilyn Monroe honeymooned; the sporty Half Moon resort in Montego Bay, with 11 tennis courts and an equestrian centre; and GoldenEye in Oracabessa, where Ian Fleming wrote his 14 Bond novels.
TW GETTING THERE
E Montego Bay, on the north coast, is the principal gateway. Virgin Atlantic flies direct from Heathrow and Manchester three times a week. Tui Airways flies from Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester with the greatest frequency in February and March 2022. British Airways flies direct from Gatwick to Montego Bay and Kingston twice a week.
E Note that a highly scenic toll motorway linking Ocho Rios and Kingston makes it easy to drive between the north and south coast in around an hour. The transfer should be pre-booked through an operator or accommodation provider.
travelweekly.co.uk
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