Montego Bay

June 19th, 2010

Montego Bay is Jamaica’s second city in size and importance, but it is the island’s tourism capital. It boasts the most hotel accommodation, the most transport facilities and is, in fact, a cosmopolitan holiday centre, offering a wide choice of amenities. Montego Bay is divided into three fairly distinct parts. There is the city itself with its crowded streets. There is the “hotel area” which is the mile-and-a-half strip running from the town, past the celebrated Doctor’s Cave Beach and out to the Dead End Bar. Thirdly, there are the outlying hotels and villas on beach or hillside.

Shopping

Part of the pleasure of a vacation is buying souvenirs or simply splurging out on something you have always wanted. Jamaica offers the necessary temptations.

City Centre Plaza in Montego Bay is a plaza devoted almost entirely to in-bond stores but you will find others in the Holiday Village and Half Moon Shopping Village, in larger hotels and at Montego Bay Plaza on the waterfront. Be sure to bargain in these stores – it is expected.

The main Crafts Market is on Harbour Street in town but there are two smaller ones in the hotel area, one next to Fantasy Hotel and another on Fort Street on the site of a 17th century fort.

Art Galleries

A visit to Lester Art Gallery in the hills above Reading can also be a tour in itself or can be combined with visits to other places of interest. The Gallery is devoted to works of Polish sea captain and painter the late Michael Leszczynski, who anglicised his name to Lester and is famous for the work of his Jamaica period. The gallery is at his former home and studio which he built in the 1950s on a cliffside at the village of Belmont.

Aquasol Theme Park

Situated on the dazzling white sand Walter Fletcher beach, this theme park offers enough entertainment to keep you busy all day.

Montego Bay Underseas Tours

The “Coral See” looks a bit like a submarine but it is really a boat with an air conditioned underwater viewing compartment six feet under the surface where you an sit in comfort and watch the wonders of the Montego Bay Marine Park.

Belvedere Estate

Belvedere is a family-owned estate set on one thousand acres of land just minutes away from Montego Bay. It was one of the first sugar cane plantations in Jamaica and is still a working estate.

Bird Sanctuary

A visit to Rocklands Feeding Station in Anchovy, only minutes away from Montego Bay, is a must for all bird lovers and bird watchers.

Bob Marley Experience and Theatre

Situated in the Half Moon Shopping Village. Shows every hour on the hour is a touching tribute to Bob Marley. This tastefully produced documentary film is a must for all lovers of his music and for those who have never had the pleasure of watching Bob Marley in concert.

Caribbean Beach Park

Situated at Ironshore, this newly opened facility is the perfect spot for family fun, with lots of beach activities and lifeguards certified for CPR. An ttractive restaurant, bar and ice cream parlour are among the services provided.

Caribbean Showplace

This entertainment Centre at Ironshore offers a games room, two restaurants and a “state of the art” nightclub with two bars cater to every taste.

Chukka Blue Adventure Tours

Situated at Blue Hole, Sandy Bay, this company offers a horseback-riding tour through an ancient sugar estate. The tour meanders for two and a half hours through the picturesque Jamaican landscape and finishes with a dip in the sea (horse and all).
They also offer an exciting bike tour through the cool hills of Hanover down to the beach.

Coral Cliff Gaming/ Entertainment Lounge

A flashing neon sign is the GO signal for the “Hip Strip’s” best seven nights of live entertainment. From live jazz to fabulous fashion shows, cabaret or vintage reggae, it is exciting, entertaining and exhilarating. Coral Cliff, Montego Bay’s gaming lounge, is a haven for conservative and adventurous players alike.

Tryall Golf Club

The Tryall resort sits in a beautiful 2,200 acre estate with sweeping vistas down to the incredibly blue Caribbean sea. The 72 par 18 hole golf course here is word-famous.

Rose Hall Beach Club

They call themselves the watersports capital of Jamaica and with great reason. Name any watersport and they have it – waterskiing, wave runners, para sailing, ayaking, diving, fishing, snorkelling, hydrospeeding. The list goes on. If you are a watersports fan or would like to learn any of the above. this place is a must.

Rose Hall Great House

This is without doubt the most celebrated Great House in Jamaica. It was once the home of the notoriously wicked Annie Palmer, the White Witch of Rose Hall, who murdered three husbands and terrorized her slaves. U.S. entrepreneurs, John and Michele Rollins, restored it to its original glory, complete with furnishings from the same time period. Charming Jamaican hostesses will chill your blood with tales of the evil Annie. A refreshing walk in the beautiful gardens will restore your equilibrium – or should you need stronger sustenance you can find it in Annie’s Pub in the dungeon of the Great House.