As soon as you feel the powdery white sand between your toes and hear the gently swaying palms, you can't help but surrender to Jamaica's relaxed way of life. Holidays in Jamaica combine idyllic sandy beaches, turquoise seas, lush green mountains, and a rich cultural heritage. Jamaica is a year-round destination, but tourism peaks between December and April, with the rainy season between May and November. Kingston is the capital of Jamaica as well as the commercial centre. Set at the foot of St Andrew's Mountain, Kingston is flanked by the sea and boasts the seventh largest natural harbour in the world.

Holidays in Jamaica feature a variety of resorts. Montego Bay is a thriving port city set against a backdrop of pretty mountain villages. Ocho Rios, set on the north coast, attracts more than 700,000 tourists to its beaches every year, and offers a wide choice of accommodation and cruise facilities. Also on the island's north coast is Port Antonio, Jamaica's first resort, which is set against a backdrop of verdant hills and is a popular haunt for writers and artists.

The main resort on the west coast is Negril, which is known for its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches and wealth of water sports. Coral reefs lie just offshore and scuba diving and snorkelling are popular pursuits. Set on the southwest of the island is St Elizabeth with its endless stretches of quiet beaches, hidden coves and charming fishing villages. Holidays in Jamaica offer a range of excursions. Tourists can take helicopter rides over the limestone plateau of Cockpit Country, enjoy a dip in the beautiful Blue Lagoon, visit the village of Nine Mile - Bob Marley's birthplace, or climb the beautiful Dunn's River Falls.