Big and wildly beautiful, the Caribbean's largest English-speaking island can be intense but never dull. For many, it's positively addictive. Over a hundred rivers tumble down from rainforest-clad mountains to a warm sea edged by some of the world's most celebrated beaches, drawing seekers of sun, sand and eco-adventure. The country's pulsating heartbeat is embodied by soulful cuisine, lively reggae and generous smiles from locals who love to show off their country.
Wedding Requirements Getting married here is so simple that more visitors than Jamaicans are wed on the island every year. Resorts are pros at handling the formalities, such as arranging for the necessary documents (proof of citizenship, age and eligibility for marriage), which should be submitted about a month beforehand. With paperwork in place, couples can arrive as little as 24 hours prior to the big day. For more info, visit Visitjamaica.com
What to Do
Montego Bay The island's tourism capital is home to Jamaica's biggest party, Reggae Sumfest, held every July. The tourist-filled, honky-tonk 'Hip Strip' of Glouchester Avenue (complete with an outpost of Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville) is more than balanced by the world-class watersports, dining and gracious hospitality offered by the elegant old-school resorts and major hotels that surround the city. Outdoor activities include golf and rafting on the nearby Great River, with a pause for an all-natural foot massage and pedicure.
Dunn's River Falls With the lush, rugged St. Anne's Hills as a backdrop, Jamaica's cruise capital has its share of great resorts and luxurious inns. Its crowning glory, however, is Dunn's River Falls -- yes, it's a major tourist attraction, but climbing the rocky cascade is a hand-holding must. "Ochi" is also a great departure point for some of Jamaica's interior high points, like the jerk-and-spice center of Walkerswood, and rural Nine Mile, childhood home and final resting place of reggae icon Bob Marley.
Negril The spectacular arc of Seven Mile Beach, the 40-foot cliffs that tower over a turquoise sea and a laid-back party vibe combine to make this westernmost town Jamaica's 'capital of casual'. The low, rocky bluffs are studded with chic boutique resorts that accent the natural, while the lively beach is lined with everything from rustic guesthouses to top all-inclusive resorts. Negril's famous ahhh-producing sunsets It's the island's westernmost spot) are the prelude to all-night reggae and dancehall parties at spots like The Jungle and the beachfront Alfred's Ocean Palace.
Off the Beaten Path
Excursions Head for Jamaica's low-key south coast and hire a fisherman to ferry you out to meet Floyd at his amazing Pelican Bar, built entirely (it seems) of driftwood and set on stilts in the middle of the sea. After a lunch of fresh fried fish and cold beer, it's time for a rafting excursion on the Black River, where your captain will hand-feed the crocodiles. (Hey, they need their lunch too!) — Peter Zaremba
