Where to stay

Whether your interests include listening to reggae or discovering facts about Jamaica's road to independence, multiple neighborhoods in Kingston allow full immersion in the country's culture and history. Make a reservation in New Kingston and be within walking distance of must-see museums that celebrate two of the nation's most famous musicians, Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. Jamaica's heritage is also dramatically defined by colonialism and piracy. Check out accommodations in historic Port Royal and explore key monuments such as the 17th-century Fort Charles. Alternatively, Spanish Town, Jamaica's former capital, is filled with echoes of the country's past, from British street names to numerous impressive churches.

Jamaica's Blue Mountains are truly legendary and a major part of Kingston's overall identity. To experience the slower pace of life the country is famous for without going too far from the capital, make a reservation in Irish Town. The rural neighborhood [R2] gives vacationers access to magical mountain trails and pretty coffee plantations. Nearby Newcastle is also home to some of the best boutique hotels on the island. Serene Silver Hill Gap, nestled in the very heart of the mountains, is an incredibly idyllic spot for a relaxing retreat.

Travelers looking forward to savoring Jamaica's distinctive spicy cuisine should make a reservation at accommodations in downtown Kingston, which has a wide variety of local restaurants. Those eager to have at least one barefoot dining experience may prefer a stay in Portmore, west of the city center. The neighboring town [R3] is home to picturesque Hellshire Beach, where numerous low-key restaurants prepare jerk chicken and fresh seafood right on the sand. For the freshest cup of coffee in the morning, book a room in Mavis Bank, a rural region in the Blue Mountains known for its coffee plantations.