With its palm-fringed beaches and laid-back vibe, could there be a better candidate for an all-inclusive vacation than Jamaica? The best-known Caribbean island certainly has the beaches and atmosphere that make the Caribbean such a popular vacation destination. However, the destination offers more for visitors willing to get out of their resorts and experience what the island has to offer:
pink lounge
Tourists who enjoy scary stories and are looking for a touch of the ghoulish in their all-inclusive vacations should make a trip to Rose Hall, where they will discover that the name is the only thing that is pretty about this mansion. Rose Hall was once the home of a stunningly beautiful woman named Annie Palmer, nicknamed “The White Witch of Rose Hall.” Annie was murdered in 1831, but not before getting rid of three husbands who allegedly used the power of voodoo magic. Annie’s own death was the result of a slave uprising on the estate, sparked by a love triangle between her, a female slave, and the estate overseer. Today, tourists can enjoy a quiet drink in a pub in the restored dungeons where Annie kept and imprisoned victims of slavery.
Dunn’s River Falls
More and more tourists are finally able to visit natural wonders like Dunn’s River Falls for themselves due to the fact that there are more and more cheap vacation deals available in Jamaica. The famous waterfalls are just three miles from Ochio Rios and many vacation companies organize excursions from the main tourist centers. The popular Dunn’s River Waterfall cascades 600 feet forming cool pools among the slippery rocks. Many tourists try to climb to the top with a tour guide and a piece of rope, getting wet in the process! For those who make the ascent, there is the reward of fresh seafood from the restaurant on the beach below.
Bob Marley’s Museum
When Bob Marley brought reggae to the western world, no one was quite aware of the huge impact it would have on modern music. Sadly, the 31-year-old singer died of cancer in 1981, but 30 years later, his former home, and now a memorabilia museum, remains the most visited site in Jamaica. The museum is open Monday through Saturday and tours take place every hour. The unique clapboard house is where the singer recorded all of his songs, and in the same room where Bob wrote such hits as No Woman, No Cry and I Shot the Sheriff, tourists can watch an award-winning documentary about the artist’s life.
Jablum Coffee Company
Jamaica has a world-class reputation when it comes to two drinks: rum and coffee. Blue Mountain Coffee is the best money can buy, and tourists can find out for themselves on a tour of the coffee plant. The 100-year-old company is open from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday, but tours, which include samples and a look at the production process, must be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.
