Jamaica Beyond The Beach
May 23, 2019
Photo: Shaare Shalom Synagogue in Kingston, Credit: Melanie Reffes
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 2019 – Jamaica, a treasure of the Caribbean that comes with its own soundtrack, is a land filled with history, engaging activities, rich cuisine, breathtaking landscapes and the most friendly people. The destination is the birthplace of reggae music, home to the fastest man on earth and boasts the most idyllic beaches and romantic honeymoon getaways. Her dynamic and vibrant culture derives from a rich heritage, alluring charm, unmatched diversity and authenticity, making it easy for travelers to make Jamaica their one love.
“Our island, rich in culture and tropical bliss, allows travelers to explore our roots and fully immerse in our unique fusion of food, music, art and history,” says Donovan White, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “We work hard to preserve the diversity and vibrancy of our multi-faceted destination, where visitors get access to experiences native to Jamaica.”
Bob Marley Museum
Located in Kingston, the Museum was once the legendary reggae musician’s home which he purchased in 1975. It has since been converted into a museum displaying his treasures. The one-hour tour welcomes visitors into a personal look at Bob’s life as well as the history and philosophy of his iconic music. Vibrant Rastafarian murals and colors encompass the property while gold and platinum records cover the walls – Exodus 1977, Uprising 1980, and Legend, 1984. The tour closes with a 20-minute captivating film of Bob Marley’s final days.www.bobmarleymuseum.com
Photo: Bob Marley Museum is popular with fans of reggae, Credit: Melanie Reffes
Shaare Shalom Jewish Experience
As home to the oldest and continuously active Jewish community in the Western Hemisphere, Jamaica has an array of sites and attractions tailored to Jewish travelers seeking to further explore their heritage and practice their religion. Shaare Shalom Synagogue in Kingston is the only temple on the island and one of four “sand floor synagogues” remaining in the world. Built in the 17th century by descendants of Jews fleeing the Inquisition, today the synagogue is adjacent to a museum of Jamaican Jewish history. Hosting up to 600 people, services are typically a mix of tourists and the 300 or so Jewish Jamaicans. www.jewsofjamaica.com
Fire Water Pond
This unique, mystical body of water is unlike any other body of water found in Jamaica or in the Caribbean. The Windsor Mineral Spring in St. Ann, also known as the “fire water pond” is a natural spring consisting of a fusion of natural gas and a high concentration of sulfur thus causing the water to be lit on fire, literally! The pond is located in a remote Rastafari community of Ocho Rios where locals offer visitors “fire massages” with a towel that has been soaked in the healing waters.
Jamaica’s Blue Mountains
At 2,256 meters (7,204 feet) above sea level, the Blue Mountain Peak is the second highest point in the Caribbean, dominating the eastern third of the island. Home to the world-famous Blue Mountain coffee, the Blue Mountains are a popular place on the island for hiking and camping where locals and guests alike can escape the hustle and bustle of nearby towns to immerse in nature. The Blue Mountains also boast coffee plantation tours where visitors get to see how coffee beans are gathered and processed to make the world-famous brew.
Dunn’s River Falls Jamaica
Considered to be one of Jamaica’s national treasures and arguably the most popular destination in Ocho Rios, Dunn’s River Falls is a 55-foot waterfall with terraces of cascading water along a 600-foot long spring. Geologists describe it as a living phenomenon as it continues to form terraces from sediments in its water, making it a “travertine waterfall,” one of a few in the world and the only one in the Caribbean that empties into the sea. The natural wonder makes for a space for guests to find repose in one of the many natural pools.www.dunnsriverfallsja.com
Rastafari Indigenous Village
For an interactive, eco-cultural experience, travelers can venture to the outskirts of Montego Bay to the Rastafari Indigenous Village. As a living cultural center, the village offers an array of activities that include Jamaican history, culinary demonstrations and musical interaction to fully experience the Rastafari way of life. Visitors can choose a half or full-day tour, to have the unique opportunity to connect with Rastafarians and learn more about their lifestyle and values. www.rastavillage.com
Travelers are welcome to explore these and other sights, sounds and flavors native to the beautiful island through connecting with locals and immersive experiences.
For more information on Jamaica, go to www.visitjamaica.com.
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. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam and Mumbai.  
TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #1 Caribbean Destination and #14 Best Destination in the World in 2019. Also this year, the International Council of the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) named Jamaica the Destination of the Year and TravAlliance Media named JTB Best Tourism Board, and Jamaica as Best Culinary Destination, Best Wedding Destination and Best Honeymoon Destination. Additionally, the JTB has been declared the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board by the World Travel Awards (WTA) for thirteen consecutive years between 2006 and 2019. Jamaica also earned the WTA’s award for the Caribbean’s Leading Destination, Leading Cruise Destination and Leading Meetings & Conference Centre 2018 for the Montego Bay Convention Centre. Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that have won several awards throughout the years.
For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s Web site at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422).  Follow the JTB on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at www.islandbuzzjamaica.com.
