The Caribbean is packed with honeymoon-worthy destinations but Jamaica pretty much tops the list. It’s one of the most in-demand destinations for newlyweds thanks to its dreamy beaches, unique attractions, and warm reggae-infused vibe.
After months or maybe even years of wedding planning, a honeymoon is a much-needed break for most couples. And what better place to head than to one of the Caribbean’s most coveted islands? A honeymoon in Jamaica is an exciting chance to enjoy post-nuptial bliss, whether that be relaxing on the beach, cozying up in a luxury Jamaica villa or ticking off every activity on offer.
Read on to find out more about honeymooning in Jamaica including tips and advice about when to go, where to stay and the best things to do for couples.
Why choose Jamaica?
Picking the perfect honeymoon destination is no easy feat. Even after you’ve narrowed it down to Caribbean, there are numerous islands, countless resorts and endless accommodation options to choose from. There’s no ‘best’ place to honeymoon – it’s all about matching your personality with the right island.
Jamaica’s appeal is that honeymoons here are so varied. The largest and most diverse Caribbean island, it really does offer something for everyone. Whether you’re beach buddies or adventure seekers, prefer it busy or quiet, looking for luxury or on a tight budget, you’ll find something to suit.
One day you’ll be scaling famous mountains and waterfalls, the next you’ll be lazing on the beach and barbecuing with the locals. In the evening, wind down with a cocktail while you watch the sunset, or dance until dawn to some traditional reggae music. It can be as lively or laid back as you want.
Another big draw is the wide variety of resorts in Jamaica. On the north coast, there’s Ocho Rios, one of the island’s liveliest regions with lots of bars and restaurants. Then there’s the laid-back beach town of Runaway Bay. Montego Bay has beaches, river rafting and jungle safaris. While Negril on the west coast is home to the famous Seven Mile Beach. Whichever resort you choose, you’ll find some amazing villas that are perfect for honeymooners.
Here’s a quick look at the top reasons to have your honeymoon in Jamaica:
It’s warm all year round
With average daily temperatures among the highest in the Caribbean, keeping warm is rarely a problem in Jamaica. The sea stays warm all year too, so you can comfortably swim or snorkel whenever you go. Winter is generally the driest time to visit and the most popular time to go. Although some honeymooners prefer to visit at other times of the year, when there are fewer crowds and lower rates.
You’ll love the food
Jamaica is packed with great places for a romantic lunch or dinner date. Enjoy a candlelit meal on the beach or dine at one of the island’s acclaimed restaurants. If you prefer to stay in you’ll find that many of the villas in Jamaica come with a private chef who’ll cook you delicious meals throughout your stay. Whether you’re venturing out or staying in, jerk chicken is a must-try. It’s Jamaica’s national dish and undoubtedly its most popular.
The nightlife is buzzing
You’ll find some excellent drinking holes around Jamaica, many of which make the best of their dreamy settings on the beachfront. At some places, you can enjoy the added tradition of jumping from the hillside into the sea below. There are many rums and rum-based cocktails on the menu, as well as Red Stripe, the best-known Jamaican beer. For a fun date night, watch the sunset from the pier at Ocho Rios before heading off to scout out some lively nightspots.
It has amazing beaches
For newlyweds seeking palm-fringed beaches, Jamaica has hundred to choose from. Some are lively and backed by all-inclusive resorts while others are peaceful and off the beaten track. In the north, the beaches are backed by natural attractions like Dunn’s River Falls and the Blue Mountains. On the west coast there’s Negril Beach where you can stroll hand-in-hand along the seven-mile stretch. For surfing the east coast beaches are ideal. And in the south, beaches like Lover’s Leap cannot fail to inspire romance.
The festivals are fun
Make sure your honeymoon is the trip of a lifetime by getting down together at one of Jamaica’s amazing festivals. Be it a reggae concert, food festival, sports event or special show, there are heaps of events going on throughout the year. There’s Bob Marley’s Birthday Bash in February, when the streets around his former home come alive with music, dancing and tributes. The Ocho Rios Jazz Festival is another don’t-miss event, attracting some of the Caribbean’s best jazz musicians.
It’s easy to get to
Another benefit of having your honeymoon in Jamaica is that it’s a breeze to get to. Jamaica is a well-connected destination with international airports in the resort areas of Montego Bay, Kingston, and Ocho Rios. If you’re flying from the UK the flight time is around 10 hours from London. From the US, it’s around 3.5 hours from New York and just 1.5 hours from Miami.
It suits all budgets
Unlike some Caribbean islands, Jamaica is huge and honeymooners have a wide range of resorts to choose from. You’ll find everything from cozy condos in affordable resorts to plush villas where you can kick back in ultimate style. Ideal for romance and relaxation, the options offered by Top Villas are some of the best on the island. These rentals are located in top spots across the island and many come with a private pool, a personal chef and complimentary resort membership.
The best time to go
You can wear a t-shirt during just about any month so there’s no bad time for a honeymoon in Jamaica.
That said, the island does experience a rainy season and there’s a distinction between the hotter and cooler times of year. The best time for a honeymoon in Jamaica depends on other factors too, like whether or not you’re tied to a specific time of year or intent on keeping costs down.
The dry season runs from December through April and is the peak tourist season in the region. The wet season runs from June to November and is a quieter time tourist-wise. In addition, there are two shoulder seasons in the spring and autumn when you’re likely to get the best of both worlds.
The weather in Jamaica can also vary depending on where you are. In the mountainous regions around the Blue Mountains, it’s always a little cooler. In Kingston, the island’s capital you’ll experience hotter temperatures as it’s away from the cooling coastal breezes. Around the tourist resorts in the north and west, the trade winds work to temper the heat so it never gets unpleasantly hot.
Deciding on the best time for your honeymoon comes down to what you want to do during your stay. The dry season is a great time for getting out and exploring as your plans are unlikely to be hampered by rain. The low season is a good time to go if you like hot temperatures and you don’t mind the risk of rain.
Romantic things to do
When it comes to romantic things to do when honeymooning in Jamaica there are so many possibilities. To help you narrow down your search we’ve made a list of the top activities to try with your better half by your side.
Raft through the Tunnel of Love
What could be more romantic than a relaxing cruise on a special river raft that holds only one couple and a guide? Bamboo rafting (not to be confused with white water rafting) was originally used to transport bananas from Jamaica’s jungle-clad interior. Today it’s one of the most popular tourist activities. Tours along the Rio Grande in Port Antonio take around 2 hours and pass through top attractions like the Blue Lagoon, Somerset Falls, Frenchman Cove and the Tunnel of Love.
Watch the sunset at Seven Mile
Located on the west coast, this iconic beach is perhaps Jamaica’s most romantic. As the name indicates, it stretches in one long continuous sweep so there’s plenty of room for a bit of privacy. It features miles of white west-facing sands that shelve gently into the gin-clear sea. There are areas sectioned off for swimming. And beach vendors offering jet skiing, scuba diving and glass-bottom boat tours. Watch the sunset while you stroll along the powdery sand, or drop in at one of the beach bars for a drink with a view.
Become lord and lady of the manor
You’ll feel like lord and lady of your very own manor if you rent a luxury villa in Jamaica. Perfect for honeymoons, these amazing properties are packed with luxurious features like private pools, hot tubs, plush bedrooms and attentive in-villa staff. Your butler will serve you drinks by the pool, your chef will cook you delicious romantic meals and your housekeepers will keep your villa immaculate throughout your stay. Honeymoon bliss!
Spend an evening at Lovers Leap
Legend has it that two star-crossed lovers once leaped from this clifftop spot in St Elizabeth to escape the clutches of an evil slave master who was trying to separate them. Today, the 1700-foot clifftop has been developed as a major tourist attraction with a lighthouse, a restaurant and an observation deck. Visitors can take guided tours of the area and join in with special celebrations held on Sunday nights.
Scale a waterfall together
Dunn’s River Falls near Ocho Rios is one of the most famous natural attractions in the world. Part of the fun is holding hands with your fellow visitors and climbing to the top of the waterfall in a ‘human chain’ that’s led by an experienced guide. The not-so-daring can walk alongside the falls. Whichever way you get there you’ll be able to snap some great photos together when you’re at the top.
Hike the Blue Mountain Peak
Located just north of Kingston, the majestic Blue Mountain Peak is a popular spot for hiking. The Peak is the highest on the island, rising to an altitude of more than 7,000 feet. On a clear day you can see Buff Bay and Port Antonio’s Navy Island to the north, and Kingston, Portmore, and St Thomas to the south. You might even spot Cuba around 90 miles in the distance. A great trail to hike is the well-maintained Peak Trail. If you opt for a pre-dawn hike you’ll start the 7-mile journey at 2 a.m. in order to reach the peak by sunrise.
Take the plunge at Rick’s Cafe
Head over to Rick’s Cafe – a hangout that crowns the top of a cliff in Negril’s West End – and not only can you catch an almighty Caribbean sunset, but you’ll also see fearless cliff divers plunging into the sea. Rick’s is one of the most popular places to go on the west coast. Sunset panoramas plates of jerk chicken and jugs of ice-cold beer can be enjoyed on the hillside terrace. And if you’re feeling brave you can take a jump into the sea, either from the terrace side or higher up.
Visit Bob Marley’s childhood home
No music lover’s honeymoon in Jamaica would be complete without a trip to Nine Mile, Bob Marley’s childhood home. Located in St Ann, the reggae musician and peace activist was born and later buried there. At the Bob Marley Museum, you’ll get to tour the house where he was born and raised. All the furnishings are original and in the garden, you can see his meditation spot, apparently Marley’s favorite place to sit and write songs. There’s also a restaurant and gift shop on-site.
Dine inside a cave
Imagine dining inside a magnificent cave strewn with pink rose petals and illuminated by dozens of flickering candles. At The Caves in Negril, you can do just that. Book the Moonbeam or Seastar experience and you’ll dine inside the hotel’s sea caves on a private table just for two. You’ll enjoy an exquisite 5-course meal while soaking up stunning seafront views. It’s the perfect place for a romantic honeymoon date night.
Swim with dolphins
At Dolphin Cove, visitors can take part in a number of fun interactive programs. You can swim with and feed dolphins in their natural habitat, they’ll even give you a cheeky kiss. You’ll also get the opportunity to tick a few more things off your honeymoon to-do list like pet stingrays, ride a camel, and explore a jungle trail. Located against the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea, the parks (one in Ocho Rios and one in Montego Bay) both have restaurants, gift shops, and private beach areas.
Zip-line around the treetops
Thrill-seeking couples can take a treetop zip-lining tour around Jamaica’s rich rainforest. The Canopy Tour offered by Viator includes a high-octane ride on a network of zip lines around Negril or Montego Bay. Climb into the harness, clip on the line, and soar between treetop platforms that are 14 meters high. Led by an expert guide, the tour takes you around a number of lines and includes a scenic nature walk.
See the set of a James Bond movie
At Runaway Bay on the north coast of the island, you’ll find one of Jamaica’s most spectacular attractions. The Green Grotto Caves are more than just an underground cave system, they’re part of Jamaica’s history and acted as a backdrop in a James Bond movie. Named after the bright green algae that cover the walls, the caves were once the home of Jamaica’s first inhabitants, the Taino Indians. Centuries later they were used by pirates as a stash for their booty. Need any more reasons to visit?
Snorkel at Montego Bay Marine Park
No honeymoon in Jamaica would be complete without exploring its amazing underwater world together. The 6,000-acre Montego Bay Marine Park was recently created to protect Jamaica’s beautiful coral reef. You can go snorkeling and diving there, and if that doesn’t tickle your honeymoon fancy, you can also go fishing or take a ride in a glass-bottomed boat.
Jamaica honeymoon villas
If you’re looking for honeymoon villas in Jamaica, the options offered by Top Villas are some of the best on the island. You’ll find everything from cozy hideaways in affordable resorts to huge villas where you can relax in ultimate style. Ideal for romance and relaxation, our vacation rentals in Jamaica are located in top spots across the island and come complete with luxury amenities throughout.
Here’s a quick look at the best places to stay on your honeymoon in Jamaica:
Montego Bay
Located on the north coast, Montego Bay (or Mo’ Bay as the locals call it) is home to white-sand beaches, crystal clear seas and the ‘Hip Strip’ of shops, restaurants and night spots. You’ll also find some famous golf courses in the area including Tryall Club, Cinnamon Hill and White Witch. Another perk is that it’s close to the airport so transfer times are short.
The majority of vacation rentals in Montego Bay have their own private pools. You’ll also find spacious terraces, gorgeous gardens and stunning sea views. Most properties also come with a team of attentive staff including a private chef, housekeepers and a butler.
Your chef will prepare gourmet meals cooked to your personal preferences, or introduce you to local favorites like spicy jerk chicken and shrimp curry.
Out and about you’ll find attractions like White Witch and Cinnamon Hill golf courses, Rose Hall plantation and Martha Brae River. It’s also close to Montego Bay Marine Park, and within easy reach of Ocho Rios.
Ocho Rios
A port town on the north coast, Ocho Rios is a lively resort with a cruise ship harbour and a busy beach that’s lined with hotels. The main stretch has shops, restaurants, beach bars and water-sports, while the surrounding parish of Saint Ann is home to the Mystic Mountain Rainforest. Stay here to be close to Dunn’s River Falls and Dolphin Cove as well as some of the zip-lining and jungle tours.
Like those in Montego Bay, villas in Ocho Rios offer amazing accommodation for honeymooners. In addition to private pools and spacious sun terraces, many villas have their own water sports equipment so you can set off on an aquatic adventure whenever you like. Again these homes come complete with staff so you won’t have to lift a finger throughout your honeymoon.
Runaway Bay
Located between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, the quaint town of Runaway Bay is one of the most scenic spots on the island. Perfect for romantic stays, the vibe here is super relaxed, even by Caribbean standards. There are quiet beaches for sunbathing, clear waters for snorkeling and lots lush tropical surroundings to explore.
The villas in Runaway Bay look out on to some of the prettiest beaches in the Caribbean. There’s a golf course nearby, and you’ll be within easy reach of Nine Mile for the Bob Marley Museum. The town has a handful of shops, along with some restaurants and bars which stay relatively quiet all year round.
Discovery Bay
Just a few miles east is the coastal town of Discovery Bay, also known as Dry Harbour Bay because it’s backed by the Dry Harbour Mountain range. Near to the town are historic sites like the Green Grotto Caves and Columbus Park, the latter marks the spot where Christopher Columbus is said to have landed and features an open-air museum, scenic gardens, and the remains of an old sugar plantation.
Runaway Bay has wide sandy beaches popular for sunbathing and snorkeling, along with a handful of local facilities including shops, restaurants, and beach bars. The vacation rentals here are the perfect choice for honeymooners who want to stay somewhere quiet but close to the action.
Know before you go
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Language: English & Jamaican Patois
- Flight time: 10 hours from London; 1.5 hours from Miami
- Time zone: Eastern Standard Time
- Currency: Jamaican dollar & US dollar
- Health requirements: No vaccinations are required
- Visa requirements: No visa is required from the UK or USA
- Local laws: There are penalties for all drug offenses. In Jamaica, certain same-sex sexual activity is illegal.
- Getting around: Taxis or car hire (drive on the left)
- Tipping: A 10% service charge is sometimes added to the bill at restaurants. Check before you tip.
- Travel advice: Crime levels are high in some areas of Kingston and Montego Bay. Don’t walk alone in isolated areas or on deserted beaches.
Other useful resources
Thinking of booking a honeymoon in Jamaica?
Top Villas offers a wide range of vacation rentals in the best honeymoon resorts. Book with us and not only will you get beautiful accommodation at great prices, you’ll also benefit from amazing round-the-clock customer service plus access to a wide range of travel extras such as car hire, airport transfers or help with arranging a special experience.
How to book
Follow our simple online booking process and you can secure your dream honeymoon villa instantly without any phone calls or fuss. It’s easy to check availability, get a quote and book instantly online. Alternatively, submit an enquiry and we’ll get straight back to you.
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