Escaping to the Caribbean means meeting interesting people, beautiful white sand beaches and fresh food. I prefer to avoid the large resorts here (even though I do love certain high-end chains)  and stick with the colorful, the casual and the quaint. Here are some of my favorites in Jamaica…yay mon!

EAT

The Rockhouse has unbeatable cliff side dining views and top notch service.

Rick’s Cafe is known for its amazing seafood, live music, the best view of the sunset, cliff divers and strong drinks.

Norma’s coconut chicken is to die for.

PLAY

Catch a perfect sunset while sipping Appleton Rum and listening to live music at Rick’s.

Visit Dunn River Falls.

Work on your tan on Seven Mile Beach.

Take in a local concert at The Bourbon Beach Club.

See the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston.

Sample authentic island foods: jerk chicken, patties, brown stew, curried goat, oxtail,  pepperpot soup, ackee and saltfish, rum raisin ice cream, grape nut ice cream and Jamaican rum cake.

SLEEP

Jake’s. Situated in the hills, this is a great hidden spot. Perfect for a romantic weekend getaway.

Among the cute, super inexpensive, centrally located and quaint list in Negril are the Country Country Cottages and The Negril Yoga Center. Both are located on Seven Mile Beach, have amazing chefs and are walking distance to local hot spots.

Rock House– has some of the best reviews around, for good reason. Beautiful bungalows, set up high on a cliff with great service.

Blue Cave Castle– Travel like a rock star on the tour bus driver’s budget. The seaside scene is fabulous and the service is 5-star!