Jamaica

Jamaica is the quintessential Caribbean cultural melting pot. Its people are a blend of indigenous Taino memories, Spanish conquests, African roots and British Colonial traditions, spiced by pirate kings and enriched by arrivals from China, India, South America and the Middle East. An early favorite of 1950s jet set sophisticates, the island’s northern shores now boast a premier collection of all-inclusive resorts, posh retreats and eclectic guest houses.

Jamaica throbs to the uniquely syncopated beat of reggae, a musical genre born of African rhythms and calypso melodies, transformed by the diverse influences of jazz, blues and ska. Equally indulgent are the unique flavors of the island. The Blue Mountains yield aromatic coffee, charcoal pits emit piquant aromas of jerk-spiced chicken and beachfront bars pour potent rations of local rums.