Many travel to Jamaica for an all-inclusive experience, but there’s much more to discover on the Caribbean island if you just step a bit out of your comfort zone. Here are 5 great experiences you can have on the island, outside of the resort.
Reggae Marathon
For the past 15 years, Negril has been home to the Reggae Marathon. Every year in December, hundreds of runners from all over the world gather in the early morning at Long Bay Beach Park situated along Negril’s famed 7-mile white sand beach. This is where both the start and finish line is located for the marathon, half marathon and 10k. The course loops into the town of Negril then heads north towards the town of Green Island. The mostly flat course is an IAAF certified marathon and half-marathon course.
Upon conquering the race, you can celebrate with a cold Red Stripe (Jamaica’s local beer) or a fresh coconut while dipping your feet in the crystal clear ocean water.
Jamwest Motorsports and Adventure Park
What started out as just a circuit and drag racing facility has also turned into an adventure park. If zip-lining, ATVing, safari tours and soaking in hot springs sounds appealing to you, an afternoon at Jamwest Motorsports and Adventure Park, located just outside of Negril, is a good option. The property is also a nature preserve home to troubled animals that have been given to the park to take care of.
Rockhouse Spa
Everyone deserves to be pampered and what better place to do that then at an incredible spa in Jamaica! Rockhouse Spa in Negril is the winner of the 2014 World Travel Award for Best Spa in Jamaica and offers incredible treatment experiences at a great price. The spa takes a simple, holistic approach to wellbeing and offers treatments that take place in the cliff-edge spa cabanas or at the Rockhouse Spa Pavilion.
The most unique, and perhaps the best part about the spa is the bathing pavilion overlooking the Caribbean Sea where you can soak in a bathtub of coconut milk and turmeric.
Dinner at Pushcart Restaurant and Rum Bar
Once you’ve treated yourself to a day at the spa, you can finish off the evening at Pushcart, one of three restaurants also located at the Rockhouse Hotel. Pushcart is one of Jamaica’s most talked about restaurants and for good reason. Here you can indulge in the flavors of authentic Jamaican home cooking. Your taste buds will thank you.
Martha Brae River Rafting
Located on the north coast of Jamaica in a parish called Relawny is the Martha Brae River where you can spend a relaxing afternoon rafting on a handmade bamboo raft. Along the 3-mile river, you’ll get to see beautiful trees and various exotic birds. Whether you’re in Jamaica on a romantic getaway, with friends or family, the rafting tour is one everyone can enjoy.
Ready to start planning your trip to Jamaica? Book online or contact a Flight Centre travel agent near you.