Ocho Rios

The surrounding countryside at Ocho Rios (sited in the 'Garden Parish' of St. Ann) is lush and tropical, with fern-clad cliffs and breathtaking waterfalls, and a self-drive tour of the region to take in the scenery, like a drive through the famous three-mile vine-draped Fern Gully, is well worthwhile.

Ocho Rios is a town dedicated to fun and sun, a crossroads of pleasure and leisure full of surprises and delights, in the centre of Jamaica's vacation wonderland.

When to go:

Mid December through May.

Where to stay:

Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica

In Jamaica’s pristine Runaway Bay, Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica provides couples, families and spa-lovers with a relaxing retreat amidst the bright sun and sand of the tropics. Blending friendly Jamaican service with upscale amenities, guests are treated to a wide array of pampering treatments at the sensational Bahia Spa; all-suite accommodations; an exciting kid’s club; a selection of shops and entertainment at the Pueblo Principe Shopping Center next door; a wide array of inviting restaurants and bars and nightly entertainment.

What to do:

Dunns River Falls

Just about two miles (3km) west from the centre of Ocho Rios is the popular beach and waterfall attraction of Dunn's River. The waterfall cascades down 600ft (183m) forming cool pools among slippery rocks, and a favourite tourist pursuit is to climb to the top of the falls with a guide, enjoying being splashed by cold, clear mountain water en route. There is a restaurant on the beach below.