One Love for Jamaica - Live Light & Travel

Bless up and give thanks. These two common phrases can be heard daily in Jamaica and are of the many reasons why I love it there.

I have been traveling to Jamaica since 2007, with more than eight visits and stays in over ten different properties! Each time I visit, I think it will be my last because there are so many other places to see globally, yet, I somehow always return. My heart is in Jamaica.

What do I love?

The People – It might be a country that has its difficulties, but the people keep their heads held high and do the best they can with what they have, and almost always have a smile.

Negril beach vendor — A vendor on Negril beach selling bananas and sugar cane.

The Music – Who else loves Reggae? One of my favorite music genres, it’s hard not to dance or sway with the music that plays at the many venues on the island or in the back of someone’s vehicle.

The Food – Jerk chicken, anyone? Ackee and saltfish with fried dumplings for breakfast? Um, yes. Odd pairings, or quite complimentary. There’s a variety of fresh local food that will fill your belly and leave you wanting more.

Traditional Jamaican breakfast — The Jamaican Breakfast – Ackee and saltfish with fried dumplings, callaloo, and plantain. YUM!

Nature – Beaches, Mountains, Lagoons, Mineral Spas; What more could your adventurous spirit want? The beautiful Caribbean sea will call to you daily, and it’s usually warm like a bath. If you like to hike, the Blue Mountains will be your destination. Fancy a kayak or paddleboard? The many lagoons or even flat sea may offer you unparalleled views and a joyous exercise experience you won’t soon forget. Snorkeling and diving are quite common, too, with various reefs to delight your eyes! Need to nurture your body? Jamaica also has natural mineral springs and deep swimming caves!

Sunsets – Oh my! If it’s the sunsets you’re after, head to Negril! Some of the best sunsets are from the beach or cliffs. They’re stunning. ‘Nuff said.

Negril sunset — Sunset from Negril beach

Variety – There’s something for everyone in Jamaica. With fourteen parishes, each one has its own distinct flavor. There are two major airports in cities, Kingston and Montego Bay, and smaller local airstrips are around the island for added convenience. You can visit on a budget or stay comfortably in luxury accommodation.

This is a trip down my memory lane; please enjoy this collage!

Clockwise from top left: Kayaking in the lagoon at GoldenEye, Restroom sign at Rick’s Cafe in Negril, Blue Cave Castle in Negril, Dunn’s River Falls near Ocho Rios, Beautiful view from The Caves in Negril, View from the pool deck at Jake’s in Treasure Beach, Delicious fresh fish and salad, Dude chilling’ on his floaty one morning in Negril, Artwork at 24×7 (a bar that was on Negril beach), Lisa Eve’s first time in Jamaica – somewhere in Montego Bay.

In my most recent visit, I enjoyed staying at four different resorts throughout the island. Stay tuned for reviews of Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios and GoldenEye in Oracabessa – two of my newest and favorite places!

For more reviews of hotels and resorts I’ve stayed at in Jamaica, please visit my TripAdvisor profile.

‘Til next time, thanks for reading and Happy Travels!