Feature: Perfect honeymoon escapes in Jamaica
With the sweet smell of pimento wood infusing the tropical air, and mutli-coloured birds decorating the treetops, Jamaica is a beautiful destination. The third largest island in the Caribbean, it boasts wild jungle scenery where some of the finest coffee in the world is grown in the balmy sunshine. Offshore, marine life swims through clear-blue waters, and along the coast some of the finest all-inclusive resorts money can buy offer gourmet dining of the highest degree. There is no wonder then that honeymooners head to this vibrant land to celebrate their vows. So following on with our guide to luxurious honeymoon destinations around the world, let us sweep you away to this slice of paradise lying calmly in the Caribbean Sea.
All to yourself
Set in a secluded location five miles from the resort town of Montego Bay is Coyaba beach resort. With long wooden promenades jutting out into the clear water, a private stretch of beautiful white sand hugs the coastline where sunsets blaze down and reflect into the sky. The plantation style accommodation allows you to sit on paved balconies looking over the tropical courtyard, where the sweet smell of the sea fuses with the aroma of wild flowers. Enjoy sophisticated dining in three onsite restaurants, and relax with a massage in a cabin overlooking the sea. Wedding packages include a live calypso serenade and a champagne candlelit dinner under the stars - perfect for marking those vows in the most romantic setting imaginable.
Stone wonders
Located on the stunning east coast just a short distance from Negril’s seven mile beachfront is the unique and chic The Caves. Set atop a cliffside with two acres of seafront at its disposal, here, hidden sundecks, nooks, and grottos line the cliff walls themselves. So relax in utmost tranquillity as you sunbathe in your own rocky slice of paradise. Steps lead down to the sea, but for a quick dip brave the heights and dive in. Raft floating on the gentle waves cannot be beaten, while an eclectic mixture of water sports is offered such as jet skiing and banana boat rides. The 13 cliff side villas are made of wood and are beautifully thatched, and many come with outside showers and CD players. The hotel also offers honeymoon packages, which includes a candlelit dinner, breakfast in bed, massage, and champagne on arrival.
Mountain views
Does waking up every morning in a hillside hammock sound good? Nestled in the gorgeous Blue Mountains where the smell of coffee permeates high into the air is the stunning Strawberry Hill resort. Perched 3,100 feet above sea level this former plantation belonged to a British lord in the 18th century and in 1972 the founder of Island Records Chris Blackwell. This was the man responsible for bringing Bob Marley into the mainstream, so famous musicians like the Rolling Stones used to come here to escape from it all. Spend your romantic holiday together in one of the 12 Georgian style cottages and wake up to mist rising up from the surrounding jungle below. Honeymoon packages include herbal treatments, a massage, romantic dinner, and a bottle of champagne.
Eco retreat
With sweeping views of the ocean above verdant green hills, the eco-conscious Hotel Mocking Bird Hill is a chic boutique escape like no other. Set in the jungle wilds of the island’s north east, rooms boast soothing linen bed spreads where the cool morning air produces a cacophony of bird song to wake you from your slumber. A solar powered pool is perfect for swimming, and the owners harvest rainwater for cooking. Take a bird watching tour through the Blue Mountains or book the honeymoon package which includes rafting on the Rio Grande, visits to the stunning Reich Falls, dips into the jewel like Blue Lagoon, and trips to the tranquil Frenchmans Cove Beach.
Relax to your heart’s content
Set among green grass overlooking the ocean, the Jamaica Inn boasts sporadic thatched umbrellas and loungers on a wide private beach, miles away from the frenetic day to day life of Kingston. Here, near the town of Ocho Rios, stay in the colonial villas and dine in the gourmet restaurant overlooking the sea. A special romantic package includes seven nights’ stay in a deluxe villa, nightly five course dinners, and massages. And instead of taking a honeymoon here, why not get married instead? A six night package includes a service on the beach, complimentary use of water sports, use of the tennis and croquet courts, trips to the cascading Dunn’s River Falls, nightly dancing, a wedding cake, and a photo shoot.
This little island really is paradise on earth. So before securing those vows, be sure to book your romantic stay on this fascinating island in the Caribbean.
