Montego Bay is all about the beach life. Take the kids to the Aquasol Water Theme Park which wraps around one of the prettiest stretches of MoBay. The Park really does feature something for everyone - snorkeling, water trampolines, banana boat rides, jet skis, kayaks, pedal boats, beach volleyball and the famous MoBay 500 go kart track - or try some low tech fun like splashing in the surf, building sand castles or just soaking up the sun and watching the rays dance across Montego Bay's impossibly blue water.
Chukka Caribbean Adventure, the Caribbean's leading excursion operator offers a big league lineup of breath taking choices. Giddyup with the horseback ride and swim, or 4 x 4 and ATV off-road safaris, strap-in for the zipline canopy that skims the tops of cliffs, waterfalls and jungle tops, or grab a paddle for some river tubing and kayaking. Reggae fans will want to hop on board the Zion Bus Line which winds through the scenic mountain roads that lead to the village of Nine Miles, the birth and burial place of rock icon Bob Marley. During the trip, the guide will fill you in on the life and times of Jamaica's most important export.
Late Night
For guaranteed good times, head to the Hip Strip, a lively collection of shops, restaurants, clubs, bars and theatres on Gloucester Street that spill right down to the edge of the sea. Among the top stops are The Brewery, Zinc Shack, The Twisted Kilt, The Witches Nightclub, the Fairfield Theatre and the Jamaican Bobsled Café. Don't miss Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville where the guest list has included Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods, P. Diddy, Nelly and Run DMC. Besides featuring 52 tropically flavoured margaritas and world famous cheeseburgers, Margaritaville is home to a 40 metre long waterslide that curls from the rooftop terrace, down to the sparkling Caribbean Sea.
Swing Time
With its stiff upper lip, it is hard to believe that the royal and ancient game of golf co-exists with Jamaica's laidback lifestyle. However, the best collection of courses in the entire Caribbean are clustered around Montego Bay. The group includes Tryall, where Freddy Couples won the World Golf Championship, Half Moon Bay, Cinnamon Hill and White Witch. The prettiest layout is Cinnamon Hill, which kicks off at the site of an 18th century plantation, dips past a pristine stretch of beach, then hop scotches through the hills and valleys. (The course winds past the late Johnny Cash's Caribbean estate. The man in black used to take the occasional spin in his own golf cart, stopping to chat to surprised golfers.) Guests at Sandals Resorts will want to tee it up at the Sandals Golf and Country Club which curls through the high ground above the sea and Ocho Rios.
Special Events
Nobody knows how to throw a party like the Jamaicans. Pull up a chair during Restaurant Week, an island-wide event highlighting Jamaica's sizzling culinary culture. Running from November 13 - 20, participating restaurants serve up their signature dishes and finest fare at heavily discounted prix fixe rates. One of the favourite destinations is the Rum Jungle Café and Bar in Montego Bay. Besides featuring more than 100 rums and nightly entertainment, its grilled trout on a spicy polenta, topped with roasted almonds and white wine sauce is heavenly.
Groove to the sounds of the Jazz and Blues Festival which is scheduled to go from January 23 - 29, 2011. Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the festival's past performers include such superstars as Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, Alicia Keys, Chaka Khan, George Benson and John Legend.
Nothing is more special than a wedding day and Montego Bay is an inspired choice for your 'I do's'. The options are nearly endless - from a fun and funky beachside service as the sun is setting across the Bay to a formal chapel wedding with classical music. All of the major hotels and resorts have wedding coordinators who are happy to help you plan the big day.
Secrets Revealed
Montego Bay is celebrating the opening of two new Secrets resorts. The luxurious, Secrets Wild Orchids features everything from oversized, four poster beds to eight international, gourmet à la carte eating options. The adjoining Secrets St. James boasts oceanfront massage cabanas, an open air theatre, daily yoga instruction and introductory scuba classes.
Vacation Planner
WestJet is Canada's preferred airline, offering scheduled service throughout its 71-city North American and Caribbean network including daily service from Toronto, weekly service from Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina, Montreal and twice weekly flights from Winnipeg with great connections from other cities. WestJet Vacations provides packages to over 40 of Jamaica's top hotels, resorts and villas. Book your getaway today at westjetvacations.com or simply call 1 - 877- 737 7001.