Jamaica: One of My Favorite Places to Visit
I’m about to share the top five places I’ve fallen in love with while vacationing in Jamaica — and I want to start with something important: right now, Jamaica is facing a serious weather threat from Hurricane Melissa. Meteorologists are warning that Melissa is likely to make landfall in Jamaica with potentially catastrophic winds, rainfall and flooding. The slow-moving storm means rainfall-amounts and landslide risk are high.
So, if you’re planning a trip now, check local travel advisories, stay flexible, and make sure your accommodation has good storm-safety protocols. That said, Jamaica remains a breathtaking destination and with the right timing and planning you can still experience its beauty, food, culture and wellness escape vibes.
Here are five of my favorite places on the island — what to eat, what to do, where to stay, and how long the flight is from the U.S.
1. Montego Bay
I landed in Montego Bay because of its convenience. Flights from major U.S. hubs take about 4 to 5 hours non-stop. From Chicago for example it’s around 4h20 m.
Stay: I picked a beachfront resort so I could step right out to the sand post-flight and decompress.
Eat: Don’t miss jerk chicken (or pork) — the smoky, spicy flavor is classic Jamaican. Also try curried goat and fresh grilled fish.
Do: Relax on beaches like Doctor’s Cave, then later explore Montego Bay’s lively nightlife or shopping. It’s a good mix of chill by day, activity by night. According to travel guides, Montego Bay offers convenience, high energy and lots of resort-options.
Wellness angle: Use your first day to unwind the travel stress — beach-walks, spa session, sunset yoga.
2. Negril
If Montego Bay felt a little more “city resort”, Negril is the laid-back dream destination.
Stay: Choose a resort along the famous Seven Mile Beach for long shoreline, gentle waves and mellow vibes.
Eat: Try local seafood, fresh fish, coconut-based dishes, and of course jerk variants.
Do: Watch the sunset from the cliffs (yes, cliff-diving at places like Rick’s Café), snorkel or just lounge in the hammock.
Flight time: Similar to Montego Bay, depending on your departure U.S. city you’re still in the ~4-5 hour ballpark.
Wellness angle: Negril is ideal for phone-off time. Morning beach jogs, midday snorkel, then sunset meditation.
3. Ocho Rios
For adventure and nature, Ocho Rios is hard to beat.
Stay: There are resort hotels, but also smaller boutique stays near jungle/sea transitions.
Eat: After a hike or waterfall climb, you’ll earn a hearty plate of ackee & saltfish, or jerk fish, washed down with fresh coconut water.
Do: Climb the iconic Dunn’s River Falls, explore rainforest zip-lining or jungle hikes. Guides compare Ocho Rios as great for families and activity lovers.
Flight time: Again, U.S. departure to Jamaica ~4-5 hours. Use Montego Bay or Kingston as entry, then transfer to Ocho Rios.
Wellness angle: Combine adventure (waterfall climb) with recovery (spa time, beach soak).
4. Port Antonio & South Coast Hideaway
For a more off-the-beaten-path feel, I explored Port Antonio and further down the south coast (more relaxed, fewer crowds).
Stay: Choose a small resort or villa that taps into the natural surroundings — rainforests, rivers, tucked-away beaches.
Eat: The food here feels more local — try something like curried goat, roti, local pick-ups for fish and side dishes.
Do: Kayak down the Rio Grande, explore Frenchman’s Cove, take a river swim in the jungle.
Flight time: Still within the Jamaica norm (~4-5 hours from U.S.), though transfer times from airport may increase.
Wellness angle: Excellent for digital detox, mindful walking, nature therapy.
5. Kingston & Culture Escape
Stay: Pick a hotel in a safe area of Kingston for 1-2 nights.
Eat: Street side jerk chicken/pork, ackee & saltfish, pepper-pot soup — immerse in Jamaican flavors.
Do: Visit the Bob Marley Museum, explore local markets, maybe a walking tour.
Flight time: Non-stop from the U.S. to Jamaica still ~4 hours depending on departure city.
Wellness angle: Combine city energy with a beach escape — urban exploration followed by ocean relaxation.
When I travel, especially for my wellness brand Sunrises to Sunset, I look for that blend of adventure + rest + culture + nourishment. Jamaica offers all of that — tasty local food, vibrant culture, stunning nature, ocean therapy, and yes, mindful recovery. Prayers for all of the people of Jamaica over the next few days!! 🙏🏼
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