| Jamaica lies south of Cuba in the western half of the | | | | is during dry season, when rainfall is at a minimum and |
| Caribbean. Jamaica is the perfect place for a vacation | | | | most of the island basks in sunshine. |
| wedding or a Jamaican honeymoon. It was for | | | | In summer, prolonged afternoon showers or heavy |
| several centuries under British rule and has maintained | | | | downpours are typical island wide. Several days or |
| close ties with the United Kingdom since | | | | even weeks of unbroken rain are also possible in |
| independence in 1962. Jamaica is among the most | | | | summer, however, especially in the northeast, |
| distinctive of Caribbean isles, primarily as the | | | | although this varies year to year. Summer and fall are |
| birthplace of Rastafarianism, which suffuses the | | | | also hurricane season, although the chance of a |
| culture, as does the music of the island's most | | | | hurricane actually striking the island is relatively slim. |
| famous native son Bob Marley. | | | | Though rimmed by coastal plains and fine sandy |
| Jamaica prides itself on being a perfect wedding and | | | | beaches, Jamaica is predominantly mountainous. In |
| honeymoon destination. Many resorts specialize in this | | | | the east, the Blue Mountains (known for the |
| market. Some, such as SuperClubs and Sandals (both | | | | world-famous coffee grown here) rise to 7,402 feet. |
| known for their all-inclusive, couples-only resorts) | | | | Despite its relatively small size, the isle boasts several |
| even offer free wedding packages. The all-inclusive | | | | distinct climates: the mountainous northeast, centered |
| concept was born in Jamaica and no other destination | | | | on the old banana-shipping port of Port Antonio, |
| has so successfully matured and marketed the | | | | receives copious rainfall and is exceedingly lush, |
| concept. | | | | whereas the relatively flat south-central coast, |
| There are many all-inclusive resorts, which are run to | | | | centered on Treasure Beach, lies in a rain shadow |
| very high standards. However, my favourite romantic | | | | and the predominant vegetation is cactus and thorn |
| retreats lie at the other end of the spectrum, in small | | | | scrub. |
| boutique hotels offering a combination of ultra-chic | | | | Jamaica is remarkably well developed in terms of |
| ambience and intimacy that is synonymous with | | | | activities. Visitors can choose from jet skiing, scuba |
| romance. Again, Jamaica excels, with local | | | | diving, and sunset boat trips to mountain biking, |
| entrepreneur Chris Blackwell's Island Outpost group | | | | crocodile safaris, and horseback rides. |
| having conceived some of the most welcoming and | | | | Flight service to Jamaica which is well served by both |
| delightful boutique hotels in the world. They draw | | | | scheduled and charter service varies according to |
| notables from Naomi Campbell to Pierce Brosnan, but | | | | season, although there is daily service from |
| fortunately most are surprisingly affordable. | | | | throughout Canada and the USA year-round. The |
| Weather wise, there are only two seasons: wet | | | | best airfare deals are off-season, in summer. |
| (May-Nov) and dry (Dec-April). The best time to visit | | | | |