Romantic Getaways : Faraway Places: Jamaica

"Sun and fun with a reggae beat, Jamaica offers plenty of watersports, fabulous beaches and lush tropical scenery."

Just under 150 miles long and 51 miles at its widest, Jamaica is one of the largest islands in the Caribbean; its mountains reach an amazing 7,402 feet and are among the highest in this exquisite part of the world. The perfect place for a romantic getaway or honeymoon.

Jamaica has more than just fine beaches and stunning scenery. There is an array of watersports to try, and at Ocho Rios you can climb a waterfall, wade through the pools that nestle temptingly among warm rocks and swim with dolphins. For those who like to browse around shops hunting for gifts, there is a shopping centre, as well as a couple of craft markets too. The resort area of Negril is famed for its long sandy beaches, fantastic sunsets and cliff-jumping.

Famed for its strong musical traditions, fans of Jamaican reggae will be delighted to know that they can purchase a wide selection of tracks they might have had difficulty finding at home.
Like the country itself, Jamaican food has some strong flavours – jerk chicken and pork is well spiced and barbecued on a smoky grill. Goat or chicken curry is common, as are rice ‘n' peas. For those who prefer a more international style of dining out, there are restaurants serving dishes to suit most palates.
The original romantic getaway, paradise island, Jamaica's alluring beauty will stay with you forever.

Many people come here just to enjoy the simple pleasures of divine beaches and spectacular sunsets with a glass of rum in their hand. They won't be disappointed. Montego Bay is the largest tourist resort and has plenty of pristine swathes of sand dotted with watersports shops and cafés. For something more low-key head to Negril, a growing resort with a laidback atmosphere. Along the entire coastline you'll discover an endless bounty of beach treats embraced by translucent waters. Don't just dream about your perfect romantic getaway it's right here in Jamaica.

Built in the style of a Jamaican great house, this is a sophisticated yet relaxing beachfront hotel. Stroll in acres of tropical gardens where the peacocks roam before sampling afternoon tea. The accommodation blocks are named after British royal family homes, yet in contrast‚ some of these royal bedrooms boast enticing stretches of white sand and warm Caribbean waters just a few steps away! A short hop from the beach is Sandals Cay‚ the hotel's private off-shore island with its own pool, swim-up bar and restaurant.

The resort's manicured grounds, traditional British colonial-style architecture and stunning swimming pool terrace are all typical of the high standards you can expect from a Sandals resort. Overlooking the bay is the 200-year old Fort Rodney, and you can also enjoy views of the island of Martinique on a clear day. Please note that romantic couples over the age of 18 only are accepted at this hotel.

• On the hotel's own private white sand beach • 5km from the resort centre • Conveniently located near the airport so expect some aircraft noise

Beachfront luxury

This grand resort occupies 25 green acres of the former and historic Rose Hall sugar plantation, 10 miles from downtown Montego Bay; an on-site health spa offers extensive services.

The resort's 8,000-square-foot spa offers complimentary men's and women's saunas, steam rooms, and cool plunge pools as well as a relaxation lounge. Body treatments, hydrotherapy, massage, facials, hair care, and nail care (in heated, vibrating throne chairs) are available for fees. Body treatments include Sugarcane Body Scrub, Island Aloe Cool Wrap, and Allspice Essential Oil Wrap.

The resort provides nightly live musical entertainment in all restaurants. In addition, on an open-air stage set up on an expansive lawn between the hotel and the pool, there are complimentary cabaret performances (Fridays) and karaoke shows (Saturdays). Casino nights are held inside on Sundays. Complimentary daytime activities include dance classes, water aerobics, bingo, and coconut and sugar tastings

Across the road from the hotel and up a green mountainside that was once part of 4,000-acre Rose Hall sugar plantation, the Ritz-Carlton White Witch Golf Course offers 18 holes of championship play featuring a 1,000-foot gain in elevation, rolling hills, and panoramic sea views. Resort guests receive preferred tee times. A practice facility features two tees, two bunkers, and an 11,000-square-foot putting green.