Home to postcard beaches, reggae music, and lush landscapes punctuated by dramatic waterfalls, Jamaica has long provided an idyllic escape. Made famous by the movie stars and literary figures of yesteryear – Errol Flynn, Noel Coward, and the legendary Bob Marley – the island of Jamaica evokes rich and varied images. Today, it’s a popular Caribbean vacation spot with every type of traveler. Its deep musical roots make it fashionable with students and young people, couples come to rekindle romances and families flock to all-inclusives catering to kid-friendly fun. In Jamaica, time slows down, stress melts away and everything is just “irie.”

Jamaica’s many hotel properties range from intimate historic inns to glamorous hotels to large all-inclusive resorts spread out among its four major destinations. In Ocho Rios, on the North Coast, a busy cruise ship port makes for busy hotels and restaurants, and the surrounding natural beauty, cascading waterfalls and plentiful beaches provide a perfect counterbalance. Hoteliers took advantage of the prime real estate and influx of tourism early on by building the very first all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean, now known as Couples Tower Isle. Recognizing a good thing, other all-inclusives soon followed suit, dotting Ocho Rios with large resorts like Sandals Grande Ocho Rios and Beaches Boscobel. Still, more private and intimate stays exist for those who prefer the quiet of the Jamaica Inn and Goldeneye, the favored resort of James Bond creator Ian Fleming.