An Insider’s Guide To Jamaica
@CHARLOTTESEVENSIX
EAT & DRINK
Miss T’s Kitchen
Miss T’s Kitchen is an institution in Ocho Rios – it’s famous for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious Jamaican cuisine. My husband and I tried the oxtail, which we heard was a favourite of Harry Belafonte. The meal we had at Miss T’s is something I talk about at least once a week – it was the best meal of our trip.
Visit MissTsKitchen.com
The Gazebo at Goldeneye
Located in the luxurious Goldeneye resort, The Gazebo offers a special dining experience with a menu that highlights fresh, local ingredients. The view over the lagoon is stunning, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner.
Visit GoldenEye.com
Sharkies
Known for serving some of the best seafood on the island, Sharkies in Ocho Rios is a popular choice for locals and tourists alike. The laid-back beachside setting and fresh catches of the day, like grilled lobster and fish, are unforgettable. This place captured the essence of a true Jamaican beachside meal, with the sound of waves and a taste of the ocean in every bite.
Visit SharkiesSeafood.com
CHOR TSANG/UNSPLASH
Devon House
Kingston’s Devon House is famous for its ice-cream, but you need to go there to try the patties. You can taste the scotch bonnet peppers in the pastry mix, which takes them to the next level. Be sure to try the lobster patty – you’ll want to buy two, and you can thank me later.
Visit DevonHouseJa.com
Twist Ice-Cream Parlour
This award-winning ice-cream parlour offers a variety of vegan flavours. It’s one of the few places on the island where you can enjoy great dairy-free treats. Plus, we found out it’s a favourite of Grace Jones. I tried a few flavours, and they were all incredible, but the two I loved were the sorrel and the soursop.
Visit Facebook.com
Rick’s Café
Rick’s Café in Negril is known for its sunset views and cliff diving. It’s a bustling spot where locals and tourists enjoy reggae music, cocktails and the thrill of jumping from the cliffs into the sea below. The energy here is electric; you can watch the sunset and drink a rum cocktail while listening to reggae – the quintessential Jamaican experience.
Visit RicksCafeJamaica.com
Floyd’s Pelican Bar
Set on stilts in the middle of the sea, Floyd’s Pelican Bar is a great spot for a unique experience. Accessible only by boat, this bar has a rustic, relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying fresh fish and a cold Red Stripe while watching pelicans fly by. It’s a hidden paradise where time slows down.
Follow @Official_Pelican_Bar on Instagram.
Shabeen at Goldeneye
We spent a lot of time here during our trip. There’s something happening most nights and the bar is known to throw some serious parties on special occasions. I’ve heard Grace Jones is here a lot and I was gutted to not casually bump into her during our stay. I would love to spend New Year’s Eve here.
Visit Goldeneye.com
Rum Bars
There’s a joke that there are as many rum bars as there are churches in Jamaica – and there are a lot of churches. There are countless bars dotted around, where you can grab a drink and chat to the locals. You’ll find them wherever you are on the island.
STAY
Strawberry Hill
Tucked away in the Blue Mountains, Strawberry Hill is a luxury retreat known for its breathtaking views and rich history. Once a healing retreat for Bob Marley, it’s the perfect spot to relax and rejuvenate, especially its award-winning spa. Arriving here in the dark of night and then waking up to the amazing view of Kingston was one of the highlights of our trip. Plus, its breakfast is the best I’ve had at any hotel so far.
Visit StrawberryHillHotel.com
Goldeneye
Originally the home of James Bond author Ian Fleming, Goldeneye in Oracabessa Bay combines luxury with laid-back vibes. The resort has its own private beaches, a lagoon for snorkelling and paddleboarding, and the serene FieldSpa. I spent a week here eating, swimming and playing backgammon at the bar. Words can’t do this place justice – it’s a must-visit.
Visit Goldeneye.com
GeeJam
GeeJam in Port Antonio is a boutique hotel. It offers various luxury accommodation options (hotel rooms, cabins and villas), and I would love to stay here soon, as it comes so highly recommended. Beach parties, girls trips or family holidays – it’s a hotel for everyone.
Visit GeeJamHotel.com
Sandals Resorts
There are seven Sandals resorts in Jamaica where you can experience all-inclusive luxury. Known for their beachfront locations, diverse cuisines and fun entertainment, they’re a great option for everyone, particularly couples and those on their honeymoon.
Visit Sandals.co.uk
SEE & DO
Rafting in Port Antonio
Rafting on the Rio Grande river is a must. The serene journey through lush landscapes is an unforgettable experience that captures a lot of Jamaica’s natural beauty. We went on a rainy day, and it was magical – a peaceful yet exhilarating ride down one of Jamaica’s most beautiful rivers. You can also do night-time tours under the moonlight, which I want to do during my next visit.
Blue Hole Cliff Jumping
For an adrenaline rush, visit the Blue Hole near Ocho Rios. This hidden gem is a quieter alternative to Dunn River Falls. Go cliff jumping and swimming in crystal-clear waters surrounded by lots of greenery. This added a bit of adventure to an otherwise relaxing trip. It was so fun, and my hair and skin felt amazing at the end of the day because of the soft water.
Bob Marley Tour
Bob Marley is obviously a big deal in Jamaica. You can immerse yourself in his legacy with a full tour of his museum and former home in Kingston. The tour provides deep insight into his life, and standing in the spot where Marley created his music was incredibly moving. It made me understand why he was loved so much. I would also recommend doing the tour of his Tuff Gong studio.
Strawberry Hill FieldSpa
This award-winning spa in the Blue Mountains offers a range of holistic treatments in a tranquil setting. It’s the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate in nature. The spa treatments here were some of the best I tried on the island – a great choice if you want to relax during a busy trip.
Visit StrawberryHillHotel.com
Supermarket Shopping
No trip to Jamaica is complete without buying local snacks and spices. Tamarind balls and plantain chips are a personal favourite, and supermarkets are the best places to stock up on treats. We brought home a lot because everything just tastes so much better from Jamaica.
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