Jamaica Review

An insider’s guide to Jamaica, featuring the island’s best hotels, restaurants, bars, attractions and things to do, including how to travel there and around. By James Henderson.

Why go?

Jamaica is the liveliest, most captivating and most compelling island in the English-speaking Caribbean – and among the most beautiful too. It has the beaches and the hotels, but Jamaica also has more depth, with culture in its history, art and of course its music. The Caribbean experience is stronger here – Jamaica takes familiar strains from around the Caribbean and amplifies them.

When to go

The best time to visit is when the weather is at its worst and coldest in the UK, between mid-December and mid-April (the official winter season). In Jamaica this is also the driest part of the year. However, prices are at their highest then, so you may want to consider the shoulder season, up until July, when hotel prices reduce by as much as a third and the weather is not that different. The summer months are hot and sometimes muggy. You may want to avoid September and October because of the risk of hurricanes and November because it is the rainy season.

Currency

The currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican Dollar, or ‘J’, which floats on the international exchange (currently £1 = J$175 approx). However, many people use the US dollar (hotel bills are quoted in this currency). You should check the rate and make the calculations to see what exchange rate you are being offered. There is detailed advice on personal security on the gov.uk website. Currently there are no recommended restrictions on travel to Jamaica.

Local laws and etiquette

Personal safety is an issue in several islands around the Caribbean. Do not leave valuables unattended on the beach nor in a car. Do not walk in remote areas in the main towns nor on remote beaches, certainly not at night. If in doubt ask your hotel reception what they do. Largely speaking the Jamaicans are charming and if you stop to ask them advice or directions they are delighted to help. Be careful when you are approached, however – consider what you would do at home if approached by someone you didn’t know – and act in a similar manner.

Negril Beach

Negril Beach is a Caribbean classic – five miles of white, west-facing sand that shelves gently into gin-clear water. Much of it is developed and there are scores of bars and restaurants. Remember to stay for the nightly show – the sunset over the sea horizon.

Who goes?

Everybody – each has their own favourite bar in which to base themselves for the day (if their hotel isn’t on the beach already). The sea at Negril beach is safe for children and is a popular day out for local families as well as tourists.

What is there to do?

Areas are sectioned off for swimming. Beach concessionaires offer wind-surfers, parascending, glass-bottom boat tours, jetskis and scuba. Masseurs sometimes set up their tables.

Bars and bites

There are scores of beach bars, any of which would be happy for you to drop by for a drink and a meal (and then you can use their changing rooms). Kuyaba (00 1 876 957 4318; kuyaba.com) has a nice deck overlooking the sand. Cosmo’s (00 1 876 957 4330) at the top end of the beach has facilities and good seafood among other Jamaican fare.

Getting there

Negril is at the western tip of the island. If you are not staying there, it is an hour’s drive from Montego Bay. Tours will offer a day on the beach followed by the sunset at Rick’s Café. Know before you go.