Jamaica is something of an anomaly when it comes to Middle East travel. A nation globally celebrated for its unique way of life, the birthplace of reggae, jerk cuisine and a chilled island atmosphere. Yet despite enormous demand from the region, Jamaica’s abundant charms remain relatively disconnected, the best you can hope for being a non–direct flight which could take up to 16 hours of travel time from the Middle East. Thankfully, this may be about to change.
“Active discussions are underway” with Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways and Saudi Airlines to connect Jamaica directly to the GCC region for the first time, revealed Donovan White, Director of Jamaica Tourism Board, in conversation with Arabian Business Traveller. The plan also extends to connecting other regions, such as India, through partners in Dubai.
In anticipation of a greater accessibility to the region, Arabian Business Traveller enjoyed a first–hand glimpse of what lies beyond Jamaica’s “larger than life” culture and lifestyle.
Why Visit Jamaica?
While direct flights will make it easier to visit the Caribbean island, Jamaica is a trip. Lying around 13,000km from Dubai. Gorgeous sandy beaches are certainly closer, but the real attraction of Jamaica is the culture. “The Jamaican people are our greatest asset,” says White. “First time visitors will have an experience that takes you above and beyond, into a euphoric kind of state.” For White, this a phenomena that melds into the fabric of the destination itself. This speaks to its history as a cultural melting pot — an island passed between colonisers, infusing the country with multiple languages, flavours and religions over time.
Visitors will be surprised to find a thriving Muslim population as a result of this. African Moors arrived in the country six centuries ago and brought with them their religion and traditions. Today, many Jamaican Muslims gather at the Central Masjid in Kingston to break the fast during Ramadan with exotic fruits, or celebrate Eid with a serving of jerk chicken, all whilst embodying the nations motto: “Out of many, one people.” Nowhere demonstrates this rich tapestry of backgrounds better than Jamaica.
Kingston – The Heartbeat of Jamaica
For those who have met anyone from Jamaica, you will often find that music culture holds a deep place in their heart. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to speak with Jamaican–American singer Sean Kingston about what sets Jamaican dancers apart. His friend interjected, noting “Most people try to dance to the treble, but Jamaican’s…. they dance to the beat.” It was an accurate observation. Jamaica hits the beat.
It’s true that music seems to flow from every corner of Jamaica’s capital, and it’s not just reggae that plays. Kingston gave rise to genres including mento, ska, rocksteady, dub and dancehall, a musical heritage born straight from the streets. It is not surprising that Kingston is home to more recording studios than any other place in the world, music is what keeps these locals alive… a heartbeat.
And it is within these studio walls that legends like Sean Paul and Dennis Brown got their start. But no artist looms larger over Kingston’s musical landscape than Bob Marley. Marley’s enduring legacy is at every turn — murals, statues and posters celebrating his image can be spotted everywhere across the capital.
One area where Marley’s presence is strongly felt is along the streets of The Art Walk in downtown Kingston. Dubbed the “Art–beat of Jamaica,” this open–air AI art gallery is a tribute to the country’s cultural heritage much thanks to Bob Marley’s legacy that helped put Kingston on the global map. Bustling with life, these streets becomes a magnet for recording reggae artists and entertainers who play their beats while locals dance and indulge in the street food sold from vendors on the side lines.
But to really experience the music culture, follow the reggae basslines and dancehall beats that play late into the night. Iconic venues like Kingston Dub Club are ground zero for those seeking live performances of roots, dub and reggae music.
Kingston certainly has more to the city than music. In the centre of Kingston you will find Devon House, a gathering spot where locals tend to spend their free time or come to for the famous “Devon House ice cream” which appears to be as popular as a national dish, if the queues are anything to go by. At the outskirts of Kingston harbour you can visit Port Royal, the island that is said to have inspired the film Pirates of The Caribbean. However, there are two attractions that stand above the rest.
Blue Mountain
Nestled in the mist–covered Blue Mountains lies Jamaica’s biggest coffee attraction — the scenic Blue Mountain coffee growing region. Touring the local plantation at Craighton Estate offers visitors insights into the meticulous cultivation of this prized Arabica variety, which thrives only within the volcanically–rich high altitude soil.
Plantation tours explain the heritage and growing processes, also allowing visitors to observe the bushes that cling to towering precipices. The light yet mineral–rich taste and floral notes that earned Blue Mountain its legendary status among specialty coffee is a flavour hard to forget, especially when brewed in front of you by Blue Mountain’s own “Roast masters”.
Honourable mention: Coffee beans are not the only beans grown on Blue Mountain. Since 2017, Pure Chocolate, a local chocolate producer, has been working closely with farmers growing Criollo and Trinitario beans on the mountain. The beans are fermented and dried by hand on the island. Working closely with artists and art schools, each chocolate bar features artwork from local artists. Some of the labels include art work by Taj Francis and Kokab Zohoori–Dossa, who are prominent artists on the island. The chocolate is considered world class and sold at a variety of shops around the island and at luxury boutiques abroad. Visitors can visit the factory near Ochos Rios, where chocolate workshops are held.
Bob Marley Museum
Situated on Hope Road in Kingston, the Bob Marley Museum inhabits the large colonial building where the legendary reggae artist lived and recorded some of his most iconic albums. It was within these creaky walls that Marley crafted masterpieces such as “Confrontation,” “Survivor,” and “Uprising.” Today, the home serves as both a museum preserving Marley’s legacy and a pilgrimage site for his fans from around the world, maintaining the atmosphere of his residence. Arabian Business Traveller caught up with Herman Davis, Bob Marley’s former percussionist, known as “Bongo Herman. Davis, who had a close relationship with Marley, believes the timeless appeal of the artist’s music stems from its emphasis on “love and unity.” According to Davis, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into what made Marley an icon or “music prophet” as he likes to call him.
Where to Stay in Kingston
Best boutique hotel: Courtleigh Hotel and Suites is located in the heart of New Kingston near the capital’s top attractions. The elegant 128–room property caters to both business and leisure travellers, offering modern amenities alongside a warm, personalised service. The hotel’s dining room focuses on preparing authentic Jamaican cuisine, where guests can savour traditional breakfast dishes such as “ackee” or try exotic beverages by the hotel’s pool lounge. The uniquely intimate experience of Courtleigh Hotel is reminiscent of Jamaica’s classic guesthouses, except that you’re in the heart of a big town.
Best contemporary hotel: The ROK Hotel is one of the newest additions to the capital’s skyline. The 168–room property promises to be an exciting option located directly across from The National Gallery of Jamaica. Guests can enjoy luxurious suites along with an expansive pool deck, onsite dining, a fitness centre, and six meeting spaces. As the first Tapestry Collection by Hilton in the Caribbean, the ROK Hotel is well–positioned to deliver superior accommodations while connecting travellers to Kingston’s local charms from its prime downtown address.
Best experiential hotel: Strawberry Hill is situated on a former coffee plantation in the beautiful Blue Mountains, a property that originally belonged to the British royal family in the 1700s. In 1972, Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, bought Strawberry Hill, and it has since been converted into a luxurious hotel. The 11 cottage hotel features canopied beds and detailed woodwork that set the scene of its bygone era. The land still grows vegetable’s and herbs that are used as ingredients on the menu at the hotels’ restaurant. Diners will enjoy traditional Jamaican dishes prepared fresh and infused over open flames. Guests can also savour the iconic coffee, grown from the mountain the hotel stands on. The infinity pool is a true highlight offers panoramic views of the city.
Where to Eat in Kingston
Best for seafood: Gloria’s Seafood. Located in downtown Kingston by the waterfront, this local favourite is cherished for its fresh, wholesome Jamaican cuisine. Customers flock to Gloria’s to savour deliciously prepared fish and seafood dishes; such as steamed fish in brown stew, fried fillets, and curried honey jerk shrimp. Celebrities also find their way to Gloria’s. Artists such as Sean Paul and Sean Kingston were recently sighted enjoying seafood during their visit to the island.
Best Jamaican experience: Located in Kingston’s bustling Marketplace district, Tracks & Records transports visitors to Jamaica from the moment they walk through the doors. Co–founder Usain Bolt aimed to offer an authentic culinary experience, highlighted by dishes such as jerk chicken, Blue Mountain steak, Jamaican festival and fried plantains. The menu also features the signature U–Burger to honour Bolt’s legendary career. Beyond the food and drinks, the restaurant provides a lively atmosphere, perfect for people watching. Later into the night the restaurant offers opportunities to dance to reggae and dancehall music.
Ochos Rios and Montego Bay – The Spirit of Jamaica
The northern coastline of Jamaica is undoubtedly the one of the most visited shorelines on the island and attracts millions of tourists each year looking to fulfil their adventurous spirit. Stretching from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios, this lush region boasts postcard–worthy beaches, dense rainforests and breathtaking waterfalls. It’s no wonder countless movies and novels have taken inspiration from these shores.
Iconic spots such as Dunn’s River Falls, which appeared in the first James Bond film Dr. No, continuously draw visitors aiming to indulge both their tranquillity and spirit of adventure.
In the heart of Ochos Rios the region has paid homage to Jamaica’s 1988 Olympic bobsled team in the theme park Mystic Mountain. The bobsled experience brings back memories to their Olympic underdog story memorialised in the beloved film Cool Runnings. With stunning natural beauty, a rich cultural legacy and no shortage of activities, it’s clear why this coveted stretch has become popular. At times the onslaught of tourism takes away from the authentic Jamaican experience, and you will often find stylised tourist traps, selling similar souvenirs and cuisines and the abundance of all–inclusive resorts, that take from the island’s authenticity.
But all is not lost, you just need to be willing to look a little bit harder. After all, this area of Jamaica is home to some of the country’s most stunning natural beauty and fauna. Go and find it.
Hidden Gems
Ahhh…Ras Natango Gallery and Garden: Just 20 minutes from downtown Montego Bay lies Ras Natango, a small botanical garden carved into a hillside owned by Rastafarian couple Ian and Tamika Williams. Over 30 years ago, Mr. Williams purchased the half–acre plot overlooking the city, unaware that the land was a barren cliff with no soil. Undeterred, his wife Tamika began composting and terracing, transforming the inhospitable landscape into a lush green oasis.
Today their garden is home to over 50 fern and fruit tree species, tucked within meticulously designed themed sections. Having started simply as Mrs. Williams passion project, the site now attracts visitors interested to see her botanical oasis “When people hear the birds singing, they always want to explore the garden,” Mrs. Williams explains. Carved walking paths allow guests to take in the serenity of the varied plantings, which include 18 of Jamaica’s 28 endemic bird species. Ras and Tamika also answer questions about the Rastafarian way of life, as well as offering guests home–cooked meals and homemade juices on request. “This place is about spreading love and unity regardless of religion,” Mrs. William’s says.
Through perseverance and hard work, an unpromising plot of land has been nurtured into a treasured botanical sanctuary open to all. Among the calls of tropical avian song, Mrs. William’s story demonstrates the transformative power of connecting with nature.
Rafting on the Martha Brae: Just 5km outside the quaint town of Falmouth lies the Martha Brae River — once a bustling transportation hub for the island’s banana trade. Today, visitors can now raft leisurely down waters that shaped Jamaica’s economic past. Tourists embark onto long wooden rafts for a scenic one hour journey through the verdant landscape. Tall palm and fruit trees line the banks that shelter quaint farmhouses. Occasional glimpses into rural life are accompanied by birdsong chorus. For curious travellers, this experience offers a fresh perspective into how this island nation grew to international prominence. At the point where the Martha Brae River meets the Caribbean Sea, scientists have discovered microorganisms, so called dinoflagellates, which light up and makes the water glow in fluorescent blue.
Jamaica Inn: For over half a century, Jamaica Inn has quietly carved out a reputation as one of the Caribbean’s best–kept gems. Nestled along a secluded white sand beach on Jamaica’s northern coast, this colonial–style hotel remains removed from crowded resort areas, attracting clientele longing for privacy and seclusion. Through the decades, Marilyn Monroe, Ian Fleming, and Winston Churchill have all made Jamaica Inn their refuge. Churchill especially favoured suite 21, now bearing his name in tribute. It was also here that Meghan Markle enjoyed her first marriage before gaining more worldwide acclaim through her second. Jamaica Inn feels like a “home away from home” and allows guests to truly relax and unwind. Its 55 suites and cottages, free from televisions or radios, allow guests to disconnect amid the azure waters. When not lounging on the exclusive beach, you can savour local Caribbean fare under a canopy of palm trees in the open–air dining room, or enjoy treatments at the spa focusing on Jamaican herbs, including hemp massages and home–made scrubs. Additionally, between August and October, guests can enjoy the rare sight of nesting sea turtles arriving ashore, monitored by the dedicated turtle concierge. As the hotel marks 65 years, Jamaica Inn stands not only as a hotel but as a singular destination all of its own.
Where to Stay in Ochos Rios and Montego Bay
For Families: While Ocho Rios and Montego Bay are known for their abundance of luxury beachfront properties, not all accommodate families with children. Families will feel right at home at the Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, which features a dedicated hotel just for families travelling with young children. Kids can enjoy their own pool and water park, as well as supervised activities, allowing parents to truly relax.
For Couples: For travellers seeking an intimate getaway, the overwater villas at Sandals Royal Caribbean are a good option. Perched above the crystal–clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, these private oases are the ultimate in luxury and seclusion.
Where to Eat in Ochos Rios and Montego Bay
Best for local cuisine: Of all the places to sample local cuisine in Ocho Rios, Scotchie’s stands out for its authentic and high–quality jerk chicken and prepared over an open pitiless wood fire – earning it a reputation as serving the best jerk on the island, according to locals.
Similarly, at Miss T’s Kitchen, traditions of authentic Jamaican home-cooking come to life at this family–style setting. Highlights on the menu include curried goat simmered to fall–off–the–bone and the beloved oxtail curry for which the restaurant has become famous.
Best fine-dining option: Marguerite’s, located near Montego Bay, offers diners breathtaking ocean views from its cliffside perch. The upscale Caribbean restaurant is renowned for fresh local seafood and tableside Caesar salad preparation.
Best experiential restaurant: The Houseboat Grill, anchored in the protected waters of Montego Bay Marine Park and Fish Sanctuary, offers a one–of–a–kind dining experience directly from sea-to-plate.
Operating from a kitchen aboard a houseboat, guests can watch the day’s catch swim below the boat before making a selection. With options like lobster, snapper or mahi–mahi, diners can enjoy fresh dishes while taking in panoramic views of the bay only accessible by boat.
Port Antonio – The Soul of Jamaica
For travellers seeking authentic experiences off the beaten path, the town of Port Antonio on Jamaica’s eastern tip promises just that. Tourists won’t find manicured golf courses or white tablecloth dining, instead immersed in the rhythmic street parties and colonial architecture that give the region its charm.
Not that the town lacks for luxury — it is home to Goldeneye, Ian Fleming’s iconic villa which inspired his James Bond novel and film of the same name. Many celebrities privately visit this area when coming to Jamaica for its discreet luxury and charm. This understated approach now defines the region’s strategy. Last year, Jamaica announced plans to create a new high–end tourism zone along the northern coast from Oracabessa to Port Antonio. Only low–density development will be permitted, catering to discretionary travellers seeking seclusion. Port Antonio is especially picturesque from sea level. Boats float upon an improbably vibrant blue 200foot deep cove just outside town. Local fishermen offer day trips aboard brightly painted skiffs to lazily tour the tree–lined lagoon. Passengers can swing from low–hanging branches into the cooling waters and explore a bubbling natural hot spring.
Where to Stay in Port Antonio
Best for James Bond enthusiasts: Perched high on a jungle–covered hill with sweeping ocean views, Geejam Hotel served as a key filming location for Daniel Craig’s final outgoing as James Bond in No Time to Die. According to the blockbuster’s plotline, Bond has now retired to the shores of Geejam’s private lagoon — and visitors can paddle around the tranquil waters just as Craig did on screen. But Geejam Hotel is more than just a filming hotspot. The property also doubles as a creative oasis for musicians. Tucked away below the guestrooms is a private studio where legends like Grace Jones laid down tracks. Beyond its legacy, the hotel is a stone’s throw away from the stunning blue lagoon and Fisherman Cove.
Best for Luxury: The subtly retro Trident Hotel expertly captures the island’s mid–century modern heyday. The 13 palatial private villas offers their own pools, bars, and breathtaking Caribbean views — proof that a white–on–white aesthetic remains as stylish as ever. Guests can enjoy both complete seclusion and lively nightlife, from famous vocalists at Mike’s Supper Club — a speakeasy–inspired lounge — to a quiet movie night inside your private villa.
Where to Eat in Port Antonio
Most underrated: Woody’s Low Bridge Place, a beloved roadside hangout, provides an uplifting vibe thanks to its homemade Jamaican cuisine. The husband and wife owners impress with top–notch burgers and delicious vegetarian patties made from callaloo, served alongside piping hot crispy fries.
Best find: Soldier Camp, a 20–person bamboo hut on the city outskirts, crafts some of the island’s finest seafood and curries. Especially delectable is the rich coconut shrimp curry accompanied by rice or roti, delivered searing hot as you soak in the eclectic military banners. The understated eatery feels wild, yet familiar, sort of like eating a picnic in your backyard.
Jamaica has a way of feeling familiar yet continually fascinating. With each return, new depths emerge — from thriving communities to pristine shores. It’s clear why generations maintain strong bonds to this Caribbean gem. Jamaica’s rewards emerge through open eyes, ears and return trips over time. Its appeal, like trusted family, only deepens with greater understanding of this endlessly entertaining island.
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