Eclipse at Half Moon
For the ultimate luxury
Montego Bay
MBJ
Montego Bay has long been the jewel in Jamaica’s crown – and for good reason. Boasting lush golf courses, white–sand beaches, reggae music and jerk everything, the island’s third–largest city offers something for every type of traveller. Even if you’re staying at a resort on the outskirts of town, don’t miss a day trip to MoBay.
Where to Stay
The Tryall Club
For the championship golfing
S Hotel Jamaica
For the honeymoon amenities
Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall
For the family-friendly perks
Sandals Royal Caribbean
For the over-the-water bungalows
Eat & Drink
Scotchies
The smell of pimento wood and classic spices permeates the air at this cash-only roadside pit. Pair jerk chicken, fish or pork with traditional sides, like bammy (discs of grated cassava that are dipped in milk and then fried), festival (slightly sweet fried dumplings) and steamed vegetables. Order a Red Stripe beer or Ting grapefruit drink and grab a seat at one of the outdoor tables.
Peppa’s Cool Spot
Those in the know come to this local favourite for a laid-back lunch of fresh fish or braised oxtail. Service here tends to operate on island time, but the food – eaten outside – is worth the wait. Burgers, wings and other North American staples are available, but the peppery escovitch fish comes highly recommended.
Café Blue
This small family-owned chain – there are six locations on the island – is involved in every step of the coffee-making process, from picking the beans on their farm in the famous Blue Mountain coffee region to roasting and brewing. Pair hot or cold espresso drinks with a croissant and don’t miss their selection of bars and chocolate-covered beans.
Sugar Mill at Half Moon
Chef de cuisine Christopher Golding adds a modern flair to seafood classics and popular dishes at this high-end, open-air restaurant located on the grounds of the historic former Rose Hall Sugar Plantation. Pair a selection from the restaurant’s extensive rum collection with coconut-crusted grouper or rack of lamb, served with tangelo chutney.
HouseBoat Grill
Chef Rich Nurse serves up a Jamaican fusion menu on board this houseboat set in the waters of the Montego Bay Marine Park Fish Sanctuary. Fresh seafood, succulent steaks and more fill out the seasonal menu. Dine inside or on the moon deck underneath the stars.
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What to Do
Island Gully Falls
Skip the crowds at Dunn’s River Falls and head to this local favourite in Ocho Rios, a two-hour drive from Montego Bay. Originally called the Blue Hole – an apt description of the saltwater pools that emerge seemingly out of nowhere – the area is the perfect place to spend an afternoon, thanks to rope swings, assisted waterfall climbs and cliff jump options.
The Hip Strip
The Hip Strip – a stretch of shops along Gloucester Avenue – offers a mix of kitschy souvenirs (the colours of the Jamaican flag – gold, black and yellow – feature prominently here), arts and crafts and even a Starbucks. The proximity to area hotels, clubs, bars and restaurants makes it a solid one-stop shopping destination for last-minute souvenirs.
Rafting on the Martha Brae
What gondolas are to Venice, rafts are to the Martha Brae River. Climb on board a bamboo raft as a local guide takes you on a serene journey under lush foliage. Queen Elizabeth II, Spike Lee and Olympic gold-medalist (and Jamaica native) Usain Bolt have all visited this famous attraction that ends with a stop at bar-slash-souvenir shop Rafter’s Rest.
Harbour Street Craft Market
This open-air market offers handmade goods, from coconut-palm baskets and beaded jewellery to custom woodworking. Be warned: Vendors know that competition is fierce and can be pushy in their attempts to persuade you. Bring small bills and be ready to haggle. If you go early in the day, you will miss the bigger crowds that come with cruise ship arrivals.
Yaaman Adventure Park
Kids of all ages will be entertained as they explore the gardens at the Great House, take a cooking class, swim in the secret river, fly through a park on a zip line, learn about the local birds or head out on a mud buggy adventure. The natural terrain of this 18th-century estate on the edge of the Caribbean Sea is the ideal introduction to Jamaica’s natural side.
The Shoppes at Rose Hall
Visitors flock to this outdoor mall to shop all things duty-free from local makers and international brands. Find custom clothing and jewellery at DejaVu, authentic Jamaican or Cuban cigars at Rose Hall Cigar Club, and Red Stripe paraphernalia at Jamrock Jamaica. Ask the concierge at your hotel about the mall’s complimentary shuttle service.
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