07 Nov 2014
As the countdown to Christmas begins and temperatures in the UK plummet, Jamaica, the Caribbean's favourite island is ready to turn the heat up. For anyone looking to trade in their typical turkey and Brussels sprouts dinner, this Christmas is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the season in Jamaican style.
Visitors can soak up the yuletide spirit as Jamaicans indulge in their passion for food and family mixing together a period of socialising with wonderful Caribbean flavours in Jamaican festive cooking.
A range of dishes, including succulent seasoned baked chicken, generous portions of ham, plus grilled or baked fish alongside rice and peas made with the festive favourite gungo peas, will take centre stage on Jamaican tables across the island. When it comes to toasting the celebration, the popular Christmas sorrel drink, brewed from the petals of the sorrel plant, is a Jamaican festive staple. And no Jamaican Christmas meal would be complete without a delicious helping of the traditional Christmas pudding soaked with rum!
When the sun sets in Jamaica, the party scene comes alive as party-goers rock to the latest reggae tunes whilst enjoying a rum cocktail or two.
Many of Jamaica's most popular attractions remain open throughout the Christmas season. Chukka Caribbean Adventures, one of the island's largest tour operators, is running excursions and experiences throughout the holiday season. Visitors can choose from excursions including riding through the Caribbean Sea on horseback, off-roading as part of a 4X4 jeep safari or tubing down one of Jamaica's rivers with the whole family.
For those staying along Jamaica's north coast, Mystic Mountain in Ocho Rios offers visitors the chance to hurtle along a 1,000km bobsled track, soar through the tree canopies on a series of six zip lines or sail 700ft in the air on a chair lift to admire the magnificent views. The adventure park will be open throughout the Christmas and New Year holiday and visitors choosing to book their tickets in advance online can also enjoy 10% off ticket prices.
Dunn's River Falls, one of Jamaica's top attractions, will also remain open throughout the Christmas period. Visitors can embark on an exhilarating 600ft climb up the waterfall, stopping off in shallow pools as they capture the special moments on camera.
Add to that the glorious Caribbean sun and miles of inviting beaches. With temperatures in December reaching up to a pleasant 30 degrees, it's easy to see why this Caribbean isle tops many families' wish lists this Christmas.
If you are looking to travel to Jamaica for the festive season, there is still time to book:
Seven Night All-Inclusive Package at Sunset Beach Resort & Waterpark, Montego Bay from £1,969 per person
Virgin Holidays is offering a seven-night, all-inclusive package at the 3 Star Sunset Beach Resort & Waterpark from £1,969 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing an ocean view room and includes return flights from London Gatwick departing on 21 December 2014. Price is subject to availability and includes airport transfers, all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. To book visit www.virginholidays.co.uk, 0844 557 3859 or visit one of 110 stores located in Debenhams and House of Fraser stores nationwide.
Seven Night All-Inclusive Package at Couples Sans Souci, Ocho Rios from £2,279 per person
Sackville Travel is offering a seven-night, all-inclusive package at the 5 Star Couples Sans Souci from £2,279. Price includes return flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick departing on 21 December 2014 and also includes complimentary excursions to Dunn's River Falls, Margaritaville, a trip on a glass bottom boat, scuba diving and a shopping trip shuttle service. Package must be booked before 30 November 2014. To book, visit Sackville Travel, http://www.sackvilletravel.com/ or call 020 7326 7676.
Seven Night All-Inclusive Package at Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort, Ocho Rios from £2,255 per person
Sandals is offering a seven-night, all-inclusive package at Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort from £2,255pp. Price is subject to availability and is based on two adults staying in a Butler Village Honeymoon Poolside Villa Room and includes personal butler service and return flights from London Gatwick departing on 19 December 2014. For further information or to make a booking call Sandals Resorts on 0800 597 0002 or visit www.sandals.co.uk.
For more information on Jamaica, visit www.VisitJamaica.com.
-ENDS-
For more information or images please contact:
McCluskey International
Fiona Anderson / Lauren Hill
T: 020 8747 2170
About Jamaica Tourist Board
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica's national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. The JTB was declared the Caribbean's Leading Tourist Board by the World Travel Awards (WTA) from 2006 to 2013. Also in 2013, Jamaica earned the WTA's vote for the World's Leading Cruise Destination, Caribbean's Leading Destination and Caribbean's Leading Cruise Destination for the seventh consecutive year. Additionally, the Historic Falmouth Cruise Port was recognised as the World's Leading Tourism Development Project while Ocho Rios was named the Caribbean's Leading Cruise Port and Sangster International Airport was voted the Caribbean's Leading Airport. In Canada, Jamaica was voted the Favourite Honeymoon Destination by Travel Agents.
JTB offices are located in Kingston, Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam and Tokyo. For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB's website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board 020 7225 9090. Follow the JTB on Facebook at www.facebook.com/visitjamaicauk, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jtbuk, on Instagram at http://instagram.com/visitjamaica on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/myjamaica/or on YouTube at www.youtube.com/myjamaicajtb. View the JTB blog at www.islandbuzzjamaica.com.
