The isle of Jamaica is a surreal destination — a beach vacation that sits atop most bucket lists. But make no mistake — there’s so much more to see and do here than lounge dreamily on one of its many picture-perfect beaches. Here’s a sampling of day-trip adventures to whet your imagination when you ultimately visit Jamaica for yourself.
Any of the music festivals across Jamaica are bound to provide an electrifying atmosphere.
Immerse Yourself in the Musical Scene
Reggae might just be Jamaica’s best-known export; the rhythm itself seems to be in every wave break and sway of a palm. Depending on when you’re visiting Jamaica, your trip might coincide with a Reggae festival. Some, like the Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay, are massive affairs featuring all the biggest names in reggae and dancehall, as well as quite a few international artists. Others, like the Lost in Time Festival or the Wickie Wackie Music Festival, have a much more home-grown, up-and-coming feel to the experience, providing you the chance to say “I knew them before they were cool” for a huge list of reggae artists.
Or, if your visit doesn’t line up with a festival, you can always make a pilgrimage to the former home of the legend himself, Bob Marley. Today it serves as the Bob Marley Museum, allowing you to tour the vast collection of his belongings and memorabilia. If you happen to visit on his birthday (February 6), then you’ll also get to enjoy a colossal celebration.
As regal as it seems, Rose Hall has a serious haunted vibe.
Ghost Hunt in Rose Hall
The Rose Hall Great House in Montego Bay is awash in dark local legend: Supposedly, the former plantation is haunted by the spirit of the cruel mistress Annie Palmer, AKA “the White Witch.” Annie’s tale is the stuff crime podcasts dream of — an orphan raised by a voodoo-practicing nanny in Haiti, she immigrated to Jamaica to fulfill the dream of acquiring a wealthy husband. She married John Rose Palmer (the owner of Rose Hall), before allegedly killing him with arsenic. From there, she was a terror: She ruled the plantation with extreme cruelty and fear, killing two more husbands as well as countless enslaved people. And, though she met her demise at the hands of an enslaved lover, that was not her end; her spirit still wanders the estate, tormenting visitors to this day.
The truth is perhaps much more mundane: Recent research suggests that while there was an Annie Palmer, her life carried none of this dastardly baggage. Much of the legend seems to be lifted from the 1929 novel The White Witch of Rosehall. Whether you believe in the legend (or in ghosts themselves!), the unnerving vibe at the Hall is palpable. A ghost tour of the estate is surreal during the day, and downright spooky at night.
See the rainforest in a whole new way with the adrenaline-pumping options at Mystic Mountain Adventure Park.
Bobsled Down Mystic Mountain
Channel your inner “Cool Runnings” with a visit to the Mystic Mountain Adventure Park. The chairlift provides a scenically serene ride through the rainforest canopy up the mountain, while the sled sees you rocketing down the mountainside in pure adrenaline-powered bliss. For those looking to make a day of it, the park also offers a series of zip lines strung through the treetops, as well as guided nature walks for those who want to soak up the natural beauty at a slower pace.
If Hyatt Zilara Ziva looks postcard-perfect, make no mistake: That's because it is.
The Rest of the Time? Resort Stay
An ideal way to visit Jamaica is by staying at a dream-come-true luxe resort. Picture it: All the time you’re not venturing out exploring the island, you’re kicking back, relaxing and enjoying the good life in style — never mind if that’s a frozen libation on a picture-perfect beach, a sumptuous spa treatment or a five-star, four-course meal at an award-winning restaurant. Saving big on a Jamaican vacation is a breeze, especially with the help of our friends at Funjet Vacations. Wizards at the all-inclusive vacation package, Funjet has built their business around stuffing your vacation with extra treats and goodies. And, our agents know Funjet Vacations well, so we can help you choose, plan and book your vacation to perfection.
