Escaping to the Caribbean: Our Jamaica Holiday
When the European autumn starts closing in and the days grow short and grey, there is no better antidote than a flight to the Caribbean. Jamaica in November is everything you imagine it to be — turquoise water lapping against white sand beaches, palm trees swaying in the warm breeze, and a rhythm of life that instantly slows you down to island time. From the moment we landed in Montego Bay, the stress of daily life simply evaporated. The warmth hits you the second you step off the plane, and the infectious energy of the Jamaican people makes you feel welcome before you have even left the airport.
Beyond the beaches, Jamaica is a place of extraordinary depth. We explored the lush Blue Mountains, where some of the world’s finest coffee is grown on misty hillside plantations. We tasted authentic jerk chicken cooked over pimento wood at roadside stalls, sipped Appleton Estate rum in the countryside, and listened to reggae music drifting from every bar and beach shack. The island has a soul that goes far beyond the resort fences — from the colourful streets of Kingston to the cliffs of Negril where locals dive into the sea at Rick’s Cafe, Jamaica rewards those who venture out and explore. It was exactly the tropical paradise escape we needed before the long European winter set in.
Highlights
- Relaxing on the stunning white sand beaches of Negril and Montego Bay
- Exploring the Blue Mountains and tasting world-famous Jamaican coffee at its source
- Authentic jerk chicken and pork cooked over pimento wood at roadside cookshops
- Sunset cliff jumping at Rick’s Cafe in Negril — a quintessential Jamaica experience
- Immersing ourselves in reggae culture and the warm hospitality of the Jamaican people
Travel Tips
November is an excellent time to visit Jamaica — the hurricane season is winding down, prices are lower than peak winter months, and the weather is warm and mostly sunny. Renting a car gives you freedom to explore beyond the resorts, but be prepared for adventurous driving on narrow mountain roads. Always try the local food at roadside jerk centres rather than hotel restaurants — the flavour is incomparable. Do not miss a visit to a Blue Mountain coffee plantation, and bring cash for smaller vendors and tips. The Jamaican dollar is used locally, but US dollars are widely accepted.
