Jamaica
Every year over one million visitors come to Jamaica, the Caribbean’s third-largest island and it’s not hard to see why. It’s a self-contained holiday universe offering unsurpassed tropical beauty, excellent water sports, the most vibrant of music scenes, and a sophisticated tourism industry. There are many different images of Jamaica and, because the country is so diverse, visitors find that most of them are accurate. It’s an island where you can find peace and seclusion in relaxed coastal hideaways and cool mountain inns, or join the crowds in the big, popular resorts.
Jamaica has one of the most diverse populations in the Caribbean. From African, Chinese, Indian, British, German and Irish, you will find a blending of the races, giving credence to the Country’s motto “Out of Many One People”. And of course Jamaica is noted not only for its music but world renowned for its coffee. There is nothing like a good cup of Blue Mountain.
In addition to the excellent coffee, Jamaica’s hotel offerings run the gamut. From small Inns to large hotels, you can literally choose the style that suits you best. Whether it is an all inclusive where every imaginable detail is taken care of (the home of the Sandals & Beaches chain) to the more upscale Tryall Hotel, HalfMoon Resort and of course Round Hill. The Halfmoon Resort is truly a spectacular property, over 400 acres and every detail is attended to. The villas and suites are extraordinary, and the staff is truly superb. Great backdrop and location for a fabulous destination wedding or honeymoon.
Flag Coat Of Arms
THINGS TO DO
Attractions & Sight Seeing
Kingston: The islands capital has gotten a bit of a bad rap over the years but truly dominates Jamaica’s political, commercial scene as well as culturally. Visit any of the following attractions for a healthy dose of Jamaican beauty and history
- Bob Marley Museum
- Castleton Botanical Gardens
- Caymans Park- Horse racing weds. & Sat. and on public holidays
- Devon House
- Hope Botanical Gardens
- Coins & Notes Museum
- Jamaica Defense Force Museum
- King’s house
- Lime Cay
- National Gallery of Jamaica
- National Gallery of Art
Montego Bay: This city sits in a bay with mountains rising in the background. You could describe Montego Bay as the Mecca for shopping and dining. The beaches are lined with some of Jamaica’s finest all inclusive resorts. So, besides for taking part in some of the fine offerings of the resort be sure to check out the following attractions
- Rose Hall Great House- home of the infamous Annie Palmer
- Greenwood Great House- one of the finest restored plantation homes
- Falmouth- A walking to tour to visit this 18th century port town, where you will see beautiful historical buildings
- Discovery Bay- Site of Columbus’ landing in 1494
- Runaway Bay- where the Spanish “ran away” when the British invaded
Port Antonio: Birthplace of bamboo rafting and home to some of the best deep sea fishing one will ever experience. Also the gateway to John Crow and Blue Mountain ranges. Other attractions worth seeing
- Erroll Flynn Estate- The movie star that fell in love with the city and became absorbed in local culture. He purchased Navy Island and Comfort Island Castle Plantation.
- Goldeneye- The beach front estate of Ian Fleming
- Somerset Falls
Negril: Discovered by pirates in the 1700s by rowdy pirates and then invaded by hippies in the 1960’s this is the newest resort destination on the island. Famous for its seven mile long sandy beach. Fun in the Sun as well as water sports are really the main attractions in this city, but be sure to check out the Negril Light house, it has amazing views1
Mandeville: The English built this small city (2,000 ft in elevation) to escape the heat of the coastline, it probably has the best climate on the island. Activities include bird watching, caving, mountain exploration and not to forget… saying “I do”!
Ocho Rios: Water sports and natural wonders are the attraction in the Cruise capital of Jamaica so you know it is full of markets, shops, restaurants and of course discos!
Be sure to check out the Dunns River Falls, a 600 ft waterfall.
Water Sports: Surrounded by water and over 100 rivers, Jamaica is bound to be able to accommodate just about every water activity known to man.
White Water Rafting: enthusiast will not return home disappointed. Great rafting sites include The Great River, just outside of Montego Bay. The Rio Grande made famous by Errol Flynn. Martha Brae River, a bit more then 20 miles outside Montego Bay. New Sites are being discovered all the time, maybe the next one will be by you & yours to be! Many of these rivers also have Bamboo rafting, which is synonymous with Jamaica.
Scuba Divers & Snorkelers: should feel free to venture towards the west coast. There are more then 40 sites off the 10 mile long reef at Booby Cay. Waters around Kingston have many historical wrecks to dive to as well.
Calling all Fishermen: Gamefish run romped through these Caribbean waters. “Marlin Alley” runs along the north coast with a “triple crown” of Billfish. Starting in around September in Montego Bay, then traveling to Ocho Rios and ending In Jamaica’s deep sea fishing waters of Port Antonio. Fly fishing opportunities are also available in the Great River.
Championship Golf: Play like a pro or at least where they play at some of these famous golf courses
- Wyndham Rose Hall Golf Course- par 72
- Half- Moon Bay Golf Course- par 72
- Tryall Golf Club- par 71
- Sandals Ocho Rios Golf Club- 18 hole Mountainside course
- Breezes Golf Beach Resort- has the only golf school on the island
- Negril Hills Golf Course- Newest course on the island and is beautifully nested in the hills.
Shopping: The best shopping to be found would be in the Montego Bay and Ocho Rios areas. US citizens have a duty- free allowance of $600. Favorite items to bring home among tourist include Blue Mountain Coffee, Rum, Tia Maria (liquer), and silk screened t-shirts, batik fabrics, cigars, pick-a-peppa sauce, scotch bonnet pepper sauce and Jamaican jams, chutneys and jerk seasoning. Just an idea, items listed above can make great welcome baskets for wedding party and or special guest.
CUISINE
The term ‘jerking’ was developed in Jamaica whereby different meats/fish was highly seasoned and cooked on an open fire. The result is addictive, as you will find yourself drawn to this style of cooking. Like all other destinations that cater to the tourism market, Jamaica offers a full array of the dining experience. From the very high-end to the fast food.
MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS
Visitors can be married just 24 hour after arriving in Jamaica providing prior application has been made for a marriage license. The cost of a license is four thousand Jamaican dollars (approximately US$75-US$80).
To apply for your marriage license, call our Ministry of National Security at 1-876-906-4908 or visit:
The Ministry of National Security
Mutual Life Building
2 Oxford Road, Kingston 5.
Office Hours: Monday to Thursday 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Friday from 9:00 A.M to 4:00 P.M.
Unlike many countries, Jamaica does not expect you take a blood test before getting married. However, the following documentation is required:
- Proof of citizenship – certified copy of birth certificate, which includes father’s name.
- Parent’s written consent if under 18 years of age.
- Proof of divorce if applicable (original certificate of divorce).
- Certified copy of death certificate for widow or widower.
- Italian nationals celebrating their wedding in Jamaica must notify their embassy and a certified copy of their marriage certificate forwarded to their embassy to be legalized and translated.
- French Canadians need a notarized translated copy of all documents and a photocopy of the original French documents.
- There are non-denominational Marriage Officers who can officiate either at their offices, in their homes or at a place chosen by the couple, and are able to provide witnesses. Marriage Officers charge anywhere from US$50 – US$250.
Hotels
Altamont Court Hotel
Address: 1-5 Altamont Terrace, New Kingston
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 929-4497
Fax: (1-876) 929-2118
Arizon Inn
Address: Port Henderson, St Catherine
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 998-4666 / (1-876) 998-4667
Fax: (1-876) 998-4668
Bar-B-Barn Hotel Restaurants
Address: Negril
Phone: (1-876) 957-9619
Fax: (1-876) 957-4619
Beachcomber Club
Address: Norman Manley Blvd
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 98
City: Negril
Phone: (1-876) 957-4170
Fax: (1-876) 957-4097
Bridgehouse Inn
Address: 14 Crane Rd, Black River
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 965-2361 / (1-876) 953-2743
Fax: (1-876) 965-2081
Casa Blanca Hotel
Address: 2-4 Pory Henderson Rd, Portmore
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 939-6999
Fax: (1-876) 998-7927
Casa Maria Hotel
Address: Port Maria
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 725-0156 / (1-876) 725-0157 / (1-876) 725-1005
Fax: (1-876) 994-2324
Charela Inn
Address: Negril
Phone: (1-876) 957-4648 / (1-876) 957-4648
Fax: (1-876) 957-4414
Christar Villas
Address: 99A Hope Rd
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 978-3933
Fax: (1-876) 978-8068
Christie’s Ironshore
Address: Ironshore Villa
City: Montego Bay
Phone: (1-876) 953-8188 / (1-876) 953-8189
Fax: (1-876) 953-8151
Cell. Phone: (1-876) 770-3905
Club Ambíance
Address: Runaway Bay, St Ann
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 20
City: Ocho Rios
Phone: (1-876) 973-4705 / (1-876) 973-4706 / (1-876) 973-4606
Fax: (1-876) 973-2067
Club Caribbean
Address: Runaway Bay, St. Ann
City: Ocho Rios
Phone: (1-876) 973-4675 / (1-876) 973-4802 / (1-876) 973-6848
Fax: (1-876) 973-6439
Club Jamaica Beach resort
Address: Ocho Rios
City: Ocho Rios
Phone: (1-876) 974-6632 / (1-876) 974-6642
Fax: (1-876) 974-6644
CocolaPalm Seaside Resort
Address: Norman Manley Blvd., Negril
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 957-4227
Confort Suites
Address: 17 DaCosta Drive, St. Ann
City: Ocho Rios
Phone: (1-876) 974-8050
Fax: (1-876) 974-8070
Coral Cliff Hotel & Entertainment
Address: 165 Gloucester Avenue
City: Montego Bay
Phone: (1-876) 952-4130 / (1-876) 952-4131
Fax: (1-876) 952-6532
Coyaba Beach Resort
Address: Mahoe Bay, Ironshore
City: Montego Bay
Phone: (1-876) 953-9150
Fax: (1-876) 953-2244
Doctors Cave Beach – Hotel-
Address: Gloucester Avenue
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 94
City: Montego Bay
Phone: (1-876) 952-4355
Fax: (1-876) 952-5204
Dragon Bay – Port Antonio-
Address: Dragon Bay
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 993-8751 / (1-876) 993-8753
Fax: (1-876) 993-8971
Drumville Cove Resort
Address: Negril
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 957-0198 / (1-876) 957-4369
Fax: (1-876) 978-4971
Dunn’s Villa Resort Hotel
Address: Cornwall B Town
City: Montego Bay
Phone: (1-876) 953-7459
Fax: (1-876) 953-7456
Eddie’s Tigress II Hotel
Address: Lighthouse Rd, Negril
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 957-4249 / (1-876) 957-4452 / (1-876) 957-0893
Fax: (1-876) 957-0453
Eden Cabins & Retreat Ltd.
Address: Dublin Castle, Gordon Town
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 977-8740 / (1-876) 977-8742
El Greco Resort
Address: Queens Drive
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1624
City: Montego Bay
Phone: (1-876) 940-6116
Fax: (1-876) 940-6115
Golden Seas Beach Resort
Address: Oracbessa, St. Mary
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 975-3540 / (1-876) 975-3541 / (1-876) 975-3094
Fax: (1-876) 975-3243
Golf View Hotel
Address: 5 1/2 Caledonia Rd
City: Mandeville
Phone: (1-876) 962-4471 / (1-876) 962-4477 / (1-876) 962-4464
Fax: (1-876) 962-5640
Hilton Kingston
Address: 77 Knutsford Blvd.
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 926-5430
Fax: (1-876) 929-7439
Holiday Inn – SunSpree Resort-
Address: Rose Hall
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 480
City: Montego Bay
Phone: (1-876) 953-2485
Fax: (1-876) 953-2840 / (1-876) 953-9480
Hotel Casablanca
Address: 2-4 Port Henderson Rd., Portmore
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 939-6999
Fax: (1-876) 998-7931
Hotel Four Seasons
Address:
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 926-8805
Fax: (1-876) 929-5964
Hotel Mocking Bird Hill
Address:
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 993-7267 / (1-876) 993-7134
Fax: (1-876) 993-7133
Hotel Montego
Address: Federal Avenue
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 74
City: Montego Bay
Phone: (1-876) 952-3587 / (1-876) 940-6009
Fax: (1-876) 979-0351
Iris Inn
Address: 26 Tankerville Avenue
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 978-2912
Fax: (1-876) 978-2913
kariba Kariba Guest House
Address: Winston Jones Highway
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 962-8006
Fax: (1-876) 962-8006
Le Meridien- Jamiaca Pegasus-
Address: 81 Knutsford Blvd.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 333
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 926-3690 / (1-876) 926-3699
Fax: (1-876) 929-5855
Legends Samsara Hotel
Address: Negril
Phone: (1-876) 957-4395
Fax: (1-876) 957-4073
Match Resort Cottage
Address: Dolphin House Cl
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 993-9629
Fax: (1-876) 993-2700
Mayfair Hotel
Address: 4 West Kings House Close
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 926-1610 / (1-876) 926-1611 / (1-876) 926-1612
Fax: (1-876) 926-7741
Montego Bay Club Resort
Address: Gloucester Avenue
City: Montego Bay
Phone: (1-876) 952-4310 / (1-876) 952-4314
Fax: (1-876) 952-4639
Morgan’s Harbour Hotel
Address: Port Royal
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 967-8030 / (1-876) 967-8060
Fax: (1-876) 967-8073
Negril Cabins Resort
Address: Norman Manley Blvd, Negril
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 957-5350
Fax: (1-876) 957-5381 / (1-876) 957-5348
Negril Tree House Resort
Address: Norman Manley Blvd., Negril
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 29
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 957-4287 / (1-876) 957-4288 / (1-876) 957-4653
Fax: (1-876) 957-4386
Negril’s Finest Luxury Small Hotel
Address: Norman Manley Blvd. Negril
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 957-4041
Fax: (1-876) 957-4049
Palm Beach Hotel
Address: Norman Manley Blvd, Negril
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 957-4218 / (1-876) 957-4657
Fax: (1-876) 957-4426
Pier View Vacations Apartments
Address: 19 Main St
City: Ocho Rios
Phone: (1-876) 974-2607
Fax: (1-876) 974-1384
Piper’s Cove Resort
Address: Salem Runaway Bay
City: Ocho Rios
Phone: (1-876) 973-7156 / (1-876) 973-4682
Fax: (1-876) 973-7714
Point Village
Address: Negril
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 105
Phone: (1-876) 957-5170
Fax: (1-876) 957-5351
Portside Resort & Villas
Address: Main St, Discovery Bay
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 973-2007 / (1-876) 973-3135 / (1-876) 973-9387
Fax: (1-876) 973-2720
RBH -Runaway Bay Heart Hotel-
Address: Runaway Bay, St. Ann
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 98
City: Ocho Rios
Phone: (1-876) 973-2671 / (1-876) 973-2674
Fax: (1-876) 973-2693
Renaissance Jamaica Grande Resort
Address: Main St
City: Ocho Rios
Phone: (1-876) 974-2201
Fax: (1-876) 974-2289
Rio Vista Resort Villas
Address: St. Margarets Bay, Portland
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 4
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 993-5444 / (1-876) 993-5445
Rockhouse
Address: Negril
Phone: (1-876) 957-4373
Royal Plantation
Address:
City: Ocho Rios
Phone: (1-800) 48-ROYAL
Sandi San Beach Resort
Address: Westmoreland, Negril
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 47
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 957-4487 / (1-876) 957-4719
Fax: (1-876) 957-4234
SeaCastles Beach Resort
Address: Rose Hall
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 55
City: Montego Bay
Phone: (1-876) 953-3250 / (1-876) 953-3259
Fax: (1-876) 953-3062
Shaw Park Beach Hotel
Address: Ocho Rios
City: Ocho Rios
Phone: (1-876) 974-0782 / (1-876) 974-2553 / (1-876) 974-2552
Fax: (1-876) 974-5042
Sky Castles
Address: Columbus Heights
City: Ocho Rios
Phone: (1-876) 795-0227 / (1-876) 795-0229
Fax: (1-876) 974-3291
Strawberry Hill
Address: Irish Town, St Andrew
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 944-8400
Fax: (1-876) 944-8408
Sunset Beach Resort & SPA
Address: Montego Freeport
City: Montego Bay
Phone: (1-876) 979-8800
Fax: (1-876) 953-6707 / (1-876) 979-8039
Sutton Place Hotel
Address: 11 Ruthven Rd
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 926-1207 / (1-876) 926-4580 / (1-876) 926-2297
Fax: (1-876) 926-8443
Swept Away resorts Ltd.
Address: Norman Manley Blvd., Long Bay Negril
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 957-4061 / (1-876) 957-4066 / (1-876) 957-4644
Fax: (1-876) 957-4060
The Courtleigh -Hotel & suites-
Address: 85 Knutsford Blvd.
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 929-9000
Fax: (1-876) 926-7744
The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites
Address: Knutsford Blvd.
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 929-9000
Fax: (1-876) 926-7744
The Jamaica Palace Hotel
Address: Port Antonio
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 277
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 993-7720 / (1-876) 993-7721 / (1-876) 993-7759
Fax: (1-876) 993-3459
The Jamaica Pegasus
Address: 81 Knutsford Blvd.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 33
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 926-3690
Fax: (1-876) 929-5855
The Olympia Crown Hotel
Address: 53 Molynes Rd
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 923-5269 / (1-876) 923-5282
The Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall
Address: 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Rose Hall, St. James
Phone: (1-876) 953-2800
Fax: (1-876) 953-2501
Trident Villas & Hotel Jamaica
Address: Port Antonio
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 119
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 993-2602 / (1-876) 993-2705
Fax: (1-876) 993-2590 / (1-876) 993-2960
Versalles Hotel
Address: 42 Longbridge Ave.
City: May Pen
Phone: (1-876) 986-2775 / (1-876) 986-6390
Fax: (1-876) 986-2709
Whispering Bamboo Cove Resorts Ltd.
Address: 105 Crystal Drive, Morant Bay – St Thomas-
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2
City: Kingston
Phone: (1-876) 982-1788 / (1-876) 982-2912
Fax: (1-876) 982-1237
