From Jamaica’s Blue Mountains to its ocean conservancy efforts, I wanted to explore a side of the island not often seen.
If when you hear the word Jamaica, you think of blue water, reggae music, jerk chicken, and rum punch—you’re not far off. But beyond the resorts and postcard views is a Jamaica filled with creativity, history, and culture that stays with you long after you leave.
The capital city of Kingston has a pulse all its own. One minute you’re wandering through Water Lane surrounded by towering murals and vibrant street art and the next, you’re standing inside Tuff Gong Studios, where Bob Marley’s legacy still echoes through the walls. In Jamaica, music isn’t just something you simply hear. It’s a sound woven into the very identity of the island itself.
Watch the video and experience Jamaica.
Too often, travelers visit Jamaica only to stay confined to their all-inclusive resorts. I wanted to experience something different and venture off the beaten path, and so I took a winding road high into the Blue Mountains to the peace and tranquility of Strawberry Hill, a hotel tucked in the hills and touting itself as a magical mountain village. The pace of Jamaica felt quieter and slower here as I looked down at the city below and enjoyed an elevated meal with views that stretched for miles. That feeling continued as I made the trek across the island to Port Antonio, where lush jungle landscapes, hidden coves, and the intimate atmosphere of Geejam Hotel revealed a completely different side of paradise.
One of the more meaningful moments of my trip happened when I went out on a glass bottom boat with the Alligator Head Foundation. Onboard, I learned how local conservationists are regrowing coral reefs, protecting sea turtles, and planting mangroves to help preserve Jamaica’s coastline for future generations. After weathering recent storms, that work felt even more powerful and served as an important reminder that Jamaica’s beauty isn’t accidental; it’s intentional and one protected by people who deeply love this island.
Of course there are still those unforgettable Jamaican moments travelers expect—catamaran cruises along the coast, snorkeling through clear waters, sunsets over the Caribbean, music carrying late into the night—but after experiencing the resiliency woven throughout the island, I was reminded that Jamaica is more than a destination, it’s a feeling and one that stays with you long after the trip is over.