Montego Bay

Jamaica gave birth to the concept of the all-inclusive resort, and Montego Bay reflects that legacy, with a range of hotels that means there's something for every taste. Many of the hotels in Montego Bay are on or near the "Hip Strip" - a winding 3kn stretch of road which backs some of Montego Bay's best beaches, including Doctor's Cave beach, and is the heart of the tourist part of the city.

For couples looking for a romantic atmosphere, Secrets St James Montego Bay offers peaceful, adults-only luxury. If you're looking for something a little livelier, try the ultra-chic Breathless Montego Bay, with its around the clock entertainment and poolside butler service. Well-heeled crowds go to celeb favourite Round Hill Hotel and Villas for the Ralph Lauren-designed private villas, complete with maid and private pool. If your budget is more modest, try the Altamont West hotel, located right on the Hip Strip with views of the sea.

The Hip Strip, aka Gloucester Avenue, is where you'll find most of the souvenir shopping action in Montego Bay. Make sure you stop by Tropical Treasures, where you can pick up handmade traditional gifts and a wide range of Jamaican spices, coffees and cigars.

At Harbour Street's Crafts Market in downtown Mo' Bay, you'll find an assortment of straw hats, woven bags, carved platters and beads.

For upscale shopping, head to the Half Moon Shopping Village. This small mall caters to the guests of the Half Moon resort and boasts a range of boutiques, plus a bank. One of its more unusual shops is The Reggae Experience, which sells Bob Marley memorabilia and shows a free 15-minute documentary about Jamaica's most famous son.

No trip to Jamaica is complete without returning with a souvenir bottle of rum – special editions can be picked up during a tour of the Appleton Estate, a two-hour drive from Montego Bay.

When your all-inclusive resort has a range of bars and restaurants it can be tempting to stay in the hotel to eat, but in Montego Bay it pays to get out and experience the local cuisine.

Locals and visitors alike travel from far and wide for jerk chicken from street joint Scotchies on Falmouth Road, while if jerk pork takes your fancy you'll find some of the best at Pork Pit on the Hip Strip.

For a romantic evening by the water's edge, try the Seahorse Grill at Montego Bay Yacht Club - the views and the lobster are to die for.

At night, all attention turns to the Hip Strip. At Margaritaville (Gloucester Avenue), the food takes a backseat to the margaritas and the 35m waterslide into the ocean – a little inauthentic perhaps, but lots of fun.

Events in Montego Bay

January

January's Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival attracts big international stars like John Legend and Mary J Blige, alongside home-grown talent, and is fast becoming one of the biggest events in Jamaica’s musical calendar.

April

Whether you’re a boat enthusiast or decidedly happier on firmer ground, the Montego Bay Yacht Club's Easter Regatta is always fun to watch. The annual four-day race around the bay is open to both visitors and locals. 

July

Seafood fans will be in their element at the Caribbean Shrimp Festival, where guests can try everyone's favourite pink food served in a mind-blowing variety of ways - fried, curried and peppered are just some of the options. Don't miss the cook-off, where you can see shrimp maestros compete against each other to cook the tastiest crustacean.

November

Spanning three of Jamaica's main centres - Montego Bay, Ochos Rios and Kingston - Jamaica Restaurant Week sees discount dining deals from over 75 of the island's restaurants. Take your pick from fine dining, international dishes and Jamaican specialities.