Jamaica
Jamaica Overview
Here in Jamaica, you’ll find an island paradise with food that never fails to excite your taste buds, glasses that never go empty, and of course a party atmosphere that will keep bumping until dawn. With rich deep influences from Africa to Spain, you’ll find that it’s a break from the ordinary, and will give you a destination wedding to remember! Have a wedding on one of the many seaside chapels along the Jamaican coast, or go all out with a wedding right on the beach. If you’re a gourmand, you’ll find many places both in the all inclusive resorts and along the beach to eat new foods (try jerk!) and a purveyor of fine spirits can always get a great deal at one of the many locally run rum factories. Take in a night at one of the many glittering casinos that will remind you of Vegas, and go snorkeling along the coral reef to see the underwater sea like you’ve never been able to before.
Jamaica Activities
Most of the activities in Jamaica are centered, of course, around the water. There are the many beaches (and many say they are the finest in the Caribbean) that you can relax and play on; one important thing to note about Jamaica is its overwhelming number of pink sand beaches. These are great for beach weddings or free weddings that the resorts give out when you do an all inclusive wedding package. You can also go fishing for large game like sharks, take a glass bottom boat tour, and of course parasailing above the island for an ultimate romantic encounter!
Jamaica Dining
Fine al la carte dining can be found at the hotels, but you should also try the local foods too! You’ll find that there’s a very distinct lack of beef on the island, but they make the best of what they have. Jerk foods, or special dry marine mixes, can make even the most ordinary piece of chicken transport your senses to another level. Be sure to check out one of the many fresh lobster grills where you can pick your own lobster and watch it be cooked right before your eyes! One important thing to note about Jamaican dining is that it’s usually a lot more laid back than you would find in a traditional American restaurant, so service will be a little slower, but it will always be great.
Jamaica Nightlife
Nightlife in Jamaica is exemplary of what you would find in any Caribbean nation; here you will find beautiful casinos with great clubs attached that would meet any taste, as well as live cabaret and small scale Vegas shows; and of course legal gambling in the form of craps, slots and poker.
As you can see, Jamaica has something for everyone to enjoy, whether it be excitement, nightlife, or relaxation. Check out our other tabs so you can learn more about what Jamaica has in store for you, and why you want to choose Jamaica for your destination wedding.
Jamaica Virtual Tour
Activities in Jamaica
Jamaica, arguably the crown jewel of the Caribbean, has much to offer any couple on their destination wedding and honeymoon! Here you will find some of the best mountains in the Caribbean, where you can take guided hikes or just go your own way. Nine Mile has a great Bob Markley Museum up in the mountains too; with the beautiful Long Bay Beach where royalty has relaxed for the last century and the many delicious pulled pork and Jerk Chicken stands dot the road to Boston Bay. Take a rum tour and get duty free drinks to bring home after your honeymoon, go swim with wild dolphins right in the ocean, and even go snorkeling along the beautiful barrier reef or in one of the more secluded spots along the island. All of these can be yours when you choose a beautiful Jamaican destination wedding, with an all inclusive wedding resort package and have your wedding on the beach in one of the beautiful seaside chapels.
Beaches and Watersports
Jamaica has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, with pink to white sandy beaches and even pebble beaches! You’ll find golf courses right on the ocean, with passes granted by different resorts that would be five star in any nation, much less America. If you have ever wanted to try horseback riding, you’ll be able to get a quick lesson and set off with your partner into the sunset and view it like never before. Swimming with the dolphins, or wild dolphin excursions, can be arranged through your resort (most have them!) and give you fifteen to twenty minutes of swimming in the open ocean with the dolphins; it’s a great way to celebrate your beach wedding in Jamaica.
Take Rum, Boat and Helicopter Tours
There is a lot to see outside of the usual touristy fare when you’re on the island for your Jamaican dream destination wedding. The first thing you have to do is take a rum tour; be sure that you schedule a few hours for this though! Most rum tours are a few hours long including bus travel time, walk you through how rum is made and of course have a company store at the end of the tour where you can get great rates on rum. Boat tours are also a popular tour option, because you can get in a glass bottom boat and go around the island seeing it like you could never by land. The final option is a tour by helicopter, flying high above the island during sunrise or sunset with a champagne toast! You can also be flown to a secluded spot and have an intimate meal on the beach, then be flown back to your resort later.
A Jamaican destination wedding has so much to offer, and this is just a taste of what you can find to do during your stay. From helicopter tours, to shark fishing or just a day of pampering, you’re bound to find a way to celebrate your wedding and honeymoon in an exciting new way.
Jamaica, arguably the crown jewel of the Caribbean, has much to offer any couple on their destination wedding and honeymoon! Here you will find some of the best mountains in the Caribbean, where you can take guided hikes or just go your own way. Nine Mile has a great Bob Markley Museum up in the mountains too; with the beautiful Long Bay Beach where royalty has relaxed for the last century and the many delicious pulled pork and Jerk Chicken stands dot the road to Boston Bay. Take a rum tour and get duty free drinks to bring home after your honeymoon, go swim with wild dolphins right in the ocean, and even go snorkeling along the beautiful barrier reef or in one of the more secluded spots along the island. All of these can be yours when you choose a beautiful Jamaican destination wedding, with an all inclusive wedding resort package and have your wedding on the beach in one of the beautiful seaside chapels.
Beaches and Watersports
Jamaica has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, with pink to white sandy beaches and even pebble beaches! You’ll find golf courses right on the ocean, with passes granted by different resorts that would be five star in any nation, much less America. If you have ever wanted to try horseback riding, you’ll be able to get a quick lesson and set off with your partner into the sunset and view it like never before. Swimming with the dolphins, or wild dolphin excursions, can be arranged through your resort (most have them!) and give you fifteen to twenty minutes of swimming in the open ocean with the dolphins; it’s a great way to celebrate your beach wedding in Jamaica.
Take Rum, Boat and Helicopter Tours
There is a lot to see outside of the usual touristy fare when you’re on the island for your Jamaican dream destination wedding. The first thing you have to do is take a rum tour; be sure that you schedule a few hours for this though! Most rum tours are a few hours long including bus travel time, walk you through how rum is made and of course have a company store at the end of the tour where you can get great rates on rum. Boat tours are also a popular tour option, because you can get in a glass bottom boat and go around the island seeing it like you could never by land. The final option is a tour by helicopter, flying high above the island during sunrise or sunset with a champagne toast! You can also be flown to a secluded spot and have an intimate meal on the beach, then be flown back to your resort later.
A Jamaican destination wedding has so much to offer, and this is just a taste of what you can find to do during your stay. From helicopter tours, to shark fishing or just a day of pampering, you’re bound to find a way to celebrate your wedding and honeymoon in an exciting new way.
Dining in Jamaica
Dining in Jamaica can range from haute cuisine to jerked chicken sandwiches on the road to the bay; however you decide to extend your palate when you’re in Jamaica for your destination wedding you’ll find something to delight your buds, and even a taste of home if you need it. All of the all inclusive resorts offer excellent meal options from buffet style dining to European and Latin fusion cuisine that are included with your accommodations. From spicy Creole cuisine to sweet Caribbean barbeque, there’s a taste to explore and a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy your meal. Ackee, rice and peas, and bammy are all local foods that must be tasted, and give an authenticity to your Jamaican beach wedding that you’ll cherish forever. Go Seasonal
Between April and September you’ll find a lot of different seasonal fruits and vegetables, and some of the best fresh fish you can find this side of the Atlantic. Here you’ll find locally sourced produce for meals with star fruit, pineapples, oranges, coconuts, and of course bananas. When food is picked at the height of the season, you can taste it. You’ve never had a banana until you’ve had a Jamaican banana; fresh off the tree, it lends it rich flavors to all kinds of delicious breakfasts and desserts.
Sweet and Spicy Seafood
In Jamaica, one of the main staples is seafood and the occasional imported South American steak. If you’ve ever had a fresh catch of the day, you know how crisp and sweet the tastes are. Most people think of Jamaican soul food is spicy, but in general it tends to be very flavorful as well as a little dry. If you don’t like your food well done, ask them to go a little short on the grill. Creole food will be the spiciest on offer at any restaurant, and Jamaican “sweet” barbeque that will tickle your tongue and leave you wanting just one more taste. From lobsters to Chilean sea bass and even shrimp you’ll find a great selection of foods you’ve never had before.
Ital Food
Ital food is the traditional food of Rastas, and it’s prepared without meat and oil. It can be a bit hard to find, but your concierge or front desk can usually recommend the best Ital restaurant so you can enjoy the same meals that Bob Marley and many other Rastas have over the years. It’s made with a unique blend of spices known as “jerk”, a dry marinade and seasoning mix that can range from spicy to sweet depending on the person who created it. Jerk will be found in many other Jamaican foods that aren’t prepared Ital, so make sure you try many varieties to see which one you like!
Jamaican dining is as diverse as the people who call the island home. While you might be tempted to stick with the resort restaurants, be sure you branch out and taste some of the real local home cooking so you get an authentic Jamaican dining experience.
Dining in Jamaica can range from haute cuisine to jerked chicken sandwiches on the road to the bay; however you decide to extend your palate when you’re in Jamaica for your destination wedding you’ll find something to delight your buds, and even a taste of home if you need it. All of the all inclusive resorts offer excellent meal options from buffet style dining to European and Latin fusion cuisine that are included with your accommodations. From spicy Creole cuisine to sweet Caribbean barbeque, there’s a taste to explore and a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy your meal. Ackee, rice and peas, and bammy are all local foods that must be tasted, and give an authenticity to your Jamaican beach wedding that you’ll cherish forever. Go Seasonal
Between April and September you’ll find a lot of different seasonal fruits and vegetables, and some of the best fresh fish you can find this side of the Atlantic. Here you’ll find locally sourced produce for meals with star fruit, pineapples, oranges, coconuts, and of course bananas. When food is picked at the height of the season, you can taste it. You’ve never had a banana until you’ve had a Jamaican banana; fresh off the tree, it lends it rich flavors to all kinds of delicious breakfasts and desserts.
Sweet and Spicy Seafood
In Jamaica, one of the main staples is seafood and the occasional imported South American steak. If you’ve ever had a fresh catch of the day, you know how crisp and sweet the tastes are. Most people think of Jamaican soul food is spicy, but in general it tends to be very flavorful as well as a little dry. If you don’t like your food well done, ask them to go a little short on the grill. Creole food will be the spiciest on offer at any restaurant, and Jamaican “sweet” barbeque that will tickle your tongue and leave you wanting just one more taste. From lobsters to Chilean sea bass and even shrimp you’ll find a great selection of foods you’ve never had before.
Ital Food
Ital food is the traditional food of Rastas, and it’s prepared without meat and oil. It can be a bit hard to find, but your concierge or front desk can usually recommend the best Ital restaurant so you can enjoy the same meals that Bob Marley and many other Rastas have over the years. It’s made with a unique blend of spices known as “jerk”, a dry marinade and seasoning mix that can range from spicy to sweet depending on the person who created it. Jerk will be found in many other Jamaican foods that aren’t prepared Ital, so make sure you try many varieties to see which one you like!
Jamaican dining is as diverse as the people who call the island home. While you might be tempted to stick with the resort restaurants, be sure you branch out and taste some of the real local home cooking so you get an authentic Jamaican dining experience.
Jamaican Nightlife
Nightlife in Jamaica is like you’ve seen in all the romantic movies; you’ll never find yourself with nothing to do on a warm breezy night. When you choose Jamaica for your destination wedding, you can get wed at sunset and then dance all night to merengue and calypso music while drinking sweet margaritas. All inclusive resorts do offer many clubs for you to enjoy, with unlimited premium beverages so you can relax and be a couple without worrying about breaking the bank! If you don’t want to spend every night on the beach, there are many local clubs with mainstream, international, hip hop and even eurodance clubs where you can pass through multiple stories with different dance halls. Las but not least are the casinos on the island; here you can catch dinner and a show, as well as roll the dice and test your luck.
Salsa and Merengue
With its proximity to the more traditional Spanish islands nearby, Salsa and Merengue dancing and music have had a profound impact on the island’s club scene. While it’s not the same as on other islands like the Dominican Republic, you’ll find a distinct African flavor where Jamaica has left its mark on the scene.
Jamaica Clubs
Dance clubs are everywhere on Jamaica, and you could probably spend a few months seeing them all. Many are inside the resorts themselves, and these are usually the best on the island. The Island Black Pearl in Montego Bay has colorful drinks and friendly people with a dance floor that can accommodate even the busiest of nights. Pier One is a local club where you can dance until dawn or just until your legs tire out from all the fun. The one place you MUST stop is Margaritaville; any Jamaican worth their salt will tell you that you have to visit just once before you leave the island!
Casinos in Jamaica
The best Casinos are in the Kingston, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril areas. While slots are easy to find in any Jamaican casino, you’ll also find roulette, poker and blackjack too along with other games a little more customized to the region (like Caribbean Stud Poker). Even ifyou’re not a gambler, you should definitely check out what shows are happening that evening, but avoid any of the casinos for shows on Tuesdays since that’s when the cruise crowd floods the area. Shows are small scale Vegas style, with dinner included and live entertainment happening every time!
Jamaican nightlife is wonderful, and promises a great start or end to your destination wedding! All inclusive resort weddings often have good deals with their shows, so you’ll always have something great to do at night, unless you have something else in mind. One rule of enjoying Jamaica is get out there and explore it for yourself, you’ll never find all the secrets that it holds by sticking close to the resort!
Nightlife in Jamaica is like you’ve seen in all the romantic movies; you’ll never find yourself with nothing to do on a warm breezy night. When you choose Jamaica for your destination wedding, you can get wed at sunset and then dance all night to merengue and calypso music while drinking sweet margaritas. All inclusive resorts do offer many clubs for you to enjoy, with unlimited premium beverages so you can relax and be a couple without worrying about breaking the bank! If you don’t want to spend every night on the beach, there are many local clubs with mainstream, international, hip hop and even eurodance clubs where you can pass through multiple stories with different dance halls. Las but not least are the casinos on the island; here you can catch dinner and a show, as well as roll the dice and test your luck.
Salsa and Merengue
With its proximity to the more traditional Spanish islands nearby, Salsa and Merengue dancing and music have had a profound impact on the island’s club scene. While it’s not the same as on other islands like the Dominican Republic, you’ll find a distinct African flavor where Jamaica has left its mark on the scene.
Jamaica Clubs
Dance clubs are everywhere on Jamaica, and you could probably spend a few months seeing them all. Many are inside the resorts themselves, and these are usually the best on the island. The Island Black Pearl in Montego Bay has colorful drinks and friendly people with a dance floor that can accommodate even the busiest of nights. Pier One is a local club where you can dance until dawn or just until your legs tire out from all the fun. The one place you MUST stop is Margaritaville; any Jamaican worth their salt will tell you that you have to visit just once before you leave the island!
Casinos in Jamaica
The best Casinos are in the Kingston, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril areas. While slots are easy to find in any Jamaican casino, you’ll also find roulette, poker and blackjack too along with other games a little more customized to the region (like Caribbean Stud Poker). Even ifyou’re not a gambler, you should definitely check out what shows are happening that evening, but avoid any of the casinos for shows on Tuesdays since that’s when the cruise crowd floods the area. Shows are small scale Vegas style, with dinner included and live entertainment happening every time!
Jamaican nightlife is wonderful, and promises a great start or end to your destination wedding! All inclusive resort weddings often have good deals with their shows, so you’ll always have something great to do at night, unless you have something else in mind. One rule of enjoying Jamaica is get out there and explore it for yourself, you’ll never find all the secrets that it holds by sticking close to the resort!
