Latest news with #MontegoBay
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Daily Mail
I've solo-travelled to over 30 countries but there's one place I'd NEVER return to alone
A lone female traveller who says she loves exploring the world solo has revealed the one place that she felt 'genuinely unsafe and uncomfortable'. Posting on Reddit, the woman in her thirties said she had followed a recommendation to visit the Caribbean island from her pilates teacher, who had told her the destination was safe for women exploring on their own. She says she also did her own research on safety issues in Jamaica for females travelling solo and was reassured by the lack of negative reports. Her initial experiences were good too, she revealed, after she checked into a family-run guest house. However, her time on the popular holiday island started to go downhill when she hired a private driver to take her to tourist spots Martha Brae and Blue Hole. She tells Reddit, the driver appeared fixated with her sex life and whether she would have children. She wrote: 'He was really gross and kept asking me about my sex life and kept insisting that I needed to have children ASAP.' Her interactions with locals only got worse, the woman shared, saying that when she arrived at the Blue Hole, a deep cave located in the country's mountainous inland, she 'couldn't walk one foot without some perv telling me I'm hot or whatever.' Her guide, she claims, also made 'specific comments about my body'. And while visiting Jamaica's famous beach, Montego Bay, she said she was followed at one point and suffered numerous cat calls, saying: 'It was so scary to know he was watching and following me. I really don't recommend Jamaica solo.' The woman also says she witness homophobic language during her trip. Many agreed in the reaction to the post this month that the island is beautiful to visit but not always a safe environment for women. One wrote: 'Honestly Jamaica is not female friendly. I would never go back unless escorted by a man, but even then it's not worth the trouble.' A male contributor shared his own experiences on the forum, saying: 'My wife and I had a personal driver hired by the boutique hotel we stayed at. 'He was a local and knew everyone and basically kept every weirdo away from us, I tipped him extremely well. I would not recommend a single woman travel in that country.' Another added: 'I went as a group twice. There will not be a third visit. It is sad because it's a beautiful place with killer food. I don't scare easily and I have taken more risks than I should've in my life. But it did not feel safe.' One woman, a huge fan of the country, said: 'I love Jamaica and have been there 8 to 9 times (resorts, backpacking, the whole 9)... with my husband and I don't think I would ever go alone unless it was an airport shuttle to a resort and back.' Current FCO advice to the country warns of incidents of sexual assault and rape against tourists and visitors, issuing the warning: Take care when using dating apps in Jamaica, especially those used by the LGBT+ community. 'Criminals have used apps to lure victims to meet in a public place but later assault and rob them.' The country remains the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean and attracts more than 4 million visitors annually thanks to its beautiful beaches, rum production and iconic figures, including Bob Marley, Usain Bolt and James Bond writer Ian Fleming. Last month, a solo travel content creator shared her honest views on where she feels unsafe as a woman – and one of her picks is a hugely popular European destination. Savanna Crowell, who runs the @solowithsav Tiktok account, describes herself as 'your go-to solo travel girlie'. In a recent video that has been viewed almost 500,000 times, the New York-based traveller revealed three places where she didn't feel safe. Her first red-flagged destination is France – the world's most visited country, with 102 million international tourists arriving in 2024. She told her 54,000 followers she'd 'had a few uncomfortable situations in the country', facing problems in a number of locations. 'On my first solo trip to Paris, I almost got scammed by the 'petition scammers' at the Louvre,' she said. Petition scammers often pose as charity workers or petitioners who might speak to tourists about worthy causes – before putting pressure on them to hand over money. 'When I tried to get out of it they became very aggressive… thankfully I was able to get out of it because there were a lot of other people around me. Savanna also had issues in Nice, a beautiful city on the French Riviera. While she was walking along a street by herself, a man 'popped out of the bush with a pointy stick in his hand'. Savanna goes on to say he 'started chasing me down the road, ended up throwing the stick at me and laughing'. Despite the popularity of France, a number of other holidaymakers in the comments section voiced their unhappy experiences in the country. 'Facts! A man followed me into the girls' restroom in Paris and there is a section of Nice super unsafe for women,' wrote Alexandra Priscilla.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Two New Yorkers Traded the Big Apple for the Beaches of Jamaica for Their Destination Wedding in Montego Bay
A typical night in December of 2020 turned into anything but that when Marley Moos and Michael Shapiro matched on the dating app Hinge. When they realized they also shared a mutual friend, their connection felt less like happenstance and more like fate. The two quickly started dating and enjoyed nearly three years of adventures before Michael proposed on April 7, 2023. The morning began with a walk to their favorite coffee shop in New York's West Village, and when they got home, Michael suggested they check out their building's newly-renovated rooftop. There, with coffee in hand, Michael proposed. 'He went on to share that he had a weekend of surprises for me—with my two best friends and both our families having flown in!' Marley remembers. 'We celebrated all weekend long.' The couple knew they wanted to tie the knot in a warm destination, and since Marley grew up going to Jamaica with her family, it felt like a perfect backdrop for their vow exchange. Thy set the date for November 9, 2024, and invited 145 of their loved ones to Montego Bay, Jamaica, for a weekend of events. 'Once we visited Half Moon, it was clear from the moment we got there that it was the spot for us,' the bride says. 'We wanted a 'weekender' style wedding where our guests could come and relax and have fun all weekend long, not just for a single event.' Plus, they loved that their wedding locale is somewhere they can return year after year with their own family. Once the venue was selected, the rest of the details fell right into place. Marley and Michael knew they wanted an elegant celebration with tropical décor elements, a color palette inspired by the Jamaican landscape, and a memorable dance party. Though the bride took on most of the planning herself, she did entrust her florist at Tai Flora Luxe and Half Moon's in-house planner Andrea Smith to help pull off the details. From a prayer shawl handmade by the bride's grandmother to Red Stripe beer served in a canoe at the cocktail hour, see how the couple personalized their wedding day in photos by DWP Studios. On their wedding morning, Marley and Michael woke up and headed to the ocean for one last dip as fiancés. 'After our morning swim, we sat out on our terrace with coffee and read each other our vows that we wrote,' she says. 'It was an emotional and special morning that I'll never forget.' Once the two parted ways, Marley's closest friends, mother, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law joined her to get ready for the day and enjoy brunch on the terrace. Marley pictured herself in a simple slip dress with an overlay top she could remove for the reception. As soon as she tried on a satin crepe Elizabeth Fillmore slip gown with a cowl back detail paired with a tulle bolero, she knew she found her bridal look. She worked closely with the designer to customize the gown with a bolero and gems at her New York City atelier. Three months before the wedding, Marley received unexpected news about her health. 'I was diagnosed with breast cancer three months before our wedding and had to do a double mastectomy two months before,' she explains. The team at Elizabeth Fillmore, including the designer herself, stepped in to ensure the bride-to-be knew she should focus on getting well and not worry about the gown—they would do everything in their power to ensure it was perfect for her walk down the aisle. 'She halted the dress making when I shared my diagnoses with her and waited to make adjustments, fitting my new measurements until the day before I left for Jamaica to ensure it fit me perfectly," Marley remembers. And, on the big day, Marley stepped into the gown that was stunning crafted just for her. Marley accessorized with pearl and sapphire earrings that her grandmother gifted her mother on her wedding day and a few other pieces of heirloom jewelry. She also added tropical flowers from the resort's garden to her hair, a lovely complement to her low bun. Marley's bouquet consisted of local flowers and greenery from Jamaica, including anthurium, orchids, and ranunculus. Related: Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Dress Alterations Michael customized his wedding suit with Suit Supply. He wore an ivory linen jacket and pants with a white linen shirt and custom Stubbs and Wootton shoes. He chose to skip the tie and added a vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre watch that Marley gave him as a wedding gift. As his big-day fragrance, he wore Byredo Mojave Ghost, a recommendation from his sister. The couple's first look meant that they had extra time to take photos around the property before the celebrations began. 'Michael had been guessing what my dress would look like for months leading up, and when he saw it he was so surprised,' Marley says. 'It was just so emotional seeing each other ready to get married.' The couple's ceremony took place on a beachside lawn of a private villa at the resort. Mr. Angus, a local guitarist who performed for the couple during their first trip to Half Moon years earlier, provided live music for a prelude and the processional. 'He played his own renditions of classic love songs as well as some Jamaican ones,' the bride says. Marley felt strongly about incorporating a few Jewish wedding traditions, so she had both of her parents walk her down the aisle, and the duo tied the knot beneath a chuppah adorned with tropical flowers. They also incorporated a handmade tallit (a Jewish prayer shawl) created by Marley's grandmother into their ceremony, which was a special way to honor her since she wasn't able to attend. Since the couple had already exchanged their personal vows in private, they opted to swap traditional vows in front of family members and friends. At cocktail hour, guests visited a cigar bar and enjoyed appetizers that highlighted the local cuisine, including jerk spring rolls, sushi, and coconut shrimp. A coconut bar was arranged on angular shelving, and guests were encouraged to pick up hydrating coconut drinks branded with Marley and Michael's custom monogram. The couple also filled a canoe with local Red Stripe beer and served two signature cocktails: a 'Mar-garita' as Marley's choice and a 'Shapani Your Way' as Michael's drink of choice. The couple also personalized cups, napkins, and matchbooks with 'Mr. and Mrs. Shapirate," Michael's nickname. Related: A Hydration Station Is the One Thing Your Summer Wedding Is Missing—Here's How to Create One Marley and Michael held their reception in a tent overlooking the ocean. There, woven lanterns and greenery hung from the ceiling while farm-style tables were arranged around a wooden dance floor. Each table was decorated with a lace runner, ivory pillar candles, and tropical centerpieces with local palm leaves, pink orchids, and neutral roses. The place settings featured woven chargers to tie in the lanterns seen throughout the tent. For dinner, the couple served an option of bone marrow crusted filet or coconut crusted local snapper. 'Both were total hits,' Marley says. They also had a three-tiered semi-naked almond and lemon wedding cake with buttercream icing, which was decorated with fresh flowers to match the centerpieces. Marley and Michael opened the dance floor with a first dance to 'This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) " by Natalie Cole. The bride shared a dance with her dad to Stevie Wonder's 'Isn't She Lovely' and Michael danced with his mom to Rascal Flatts' 'My Wish." The bride and groom set out to host an epic party, so choosing the right entertainment for their reception was critical. 'We had the best local band that brought the most amazing energy,' the bride says. They played classic wedding party songs, pop favorites, and reggae jams. The couple's MC, Monica, kept the night flowing and the energy high, resulting in a hora dance to remember and a few crowd-surfing opportunities. Marley changed into a second bridal look for the reception: a crochet knit Simon Miller halter dress with pearl details. 'The night flowed right into our after-party that was set up on the beach nearby, with a beach bar, s'mores and other late night snacks set up,' Marley notes. 'It was perfect!' With their wedding behind them, the couple plans to head to the South of France and Greece this summer as a delayed honeymoon. To couples in the middle of wedding planning, the couple recommends hiring vendors you can rely on. 'Have fun with it, and trust your team!' Marley says. 'Your vendors have done this many more times than you have, so trust that they know how to do it well.'Photographer DWP Studios Venue, Catering, and Coordination Half Moon Bride's Hair Fern Tree Spa at Half Moon Flowers and Rentals Tai Flora Luxe Invitations Elana Gabrielle Paper Products Invites by Andi Reception Music PACE BandRelated: How Much Does a Destination Wedding Really Cost? Read the original article on Brides
Forbes
10-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
6 Climate And Sustainability Events Shaping Summer 2025
Sustainability Conferences getty As the world faces mounting climate urgency, Summer 2025 is proving to be a critical season for sustainability leadership. From regional platforms mobilizing capital in the Caribbean to academic conferences unpacking environmental science, there will be a wave of global gatherings is shaping the next frontier of climate action. This list seeks to highlight 6 Summer Sustainability Events. The SDC 2025 convenes scholars, policymakers, and civil society to explore pathways to sustainable development. The key themes will include energy transitions, biodiversity conservation, and equitable green growth. The mission of this event is +to encourage the exchange of ideas, foster connections, and advance research in sustainable development practices that contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future. The PEOPLE 2025 International Conference brings together experts, researchers, and practitioners from various fields, including science, engineering, health, humanities, and social sciences—to share insights and develop forward-thinking solutions to environmental challenges. the event will showcase progress in research, technology, policy, and sustainability practices across different ecosystems and industries with the main focus on climate change. The Caribbean Investment Forum 2025, set for July 29–31 in Montego Bay, Jamaica, is the region's premier platform for bold, sustainable investment. This event will be focused on four key sectors: sustainable agriculture, green economy, digital transformation, and logistics. CIF will definitely not be panel talk, but proposes to connect global investors, innovators, and policymakers. With live pitches, curated B2B meetings, and high-level keynotes. CIF is where Caribbean potential meets global capital to drive smart, green, and connected growth. 4. World Water Week – Stockholm, August 24– 28, 2025 World Water Week 2025, happening in Stockholm and online, centers on the urgent theme 'Water for Climate Action.' As a conference on global water issues, it brings together scientists, policymakers, NGOs, and private sector leaders to tackle the intersection of water, climate, and resilience. It poses to examine issues from biodiversity loss to food security and the week will explore how water underpins climate solutions. The Global Climate Action & Sustainability Summit will be held in Los Angeles from September 18–19, 2025, under the theme 'Sustainable Pathways: Innovating for Climate Resilience.' This two-day forum gathers leading climate scientists, policymakers, corporate sustainability officers, urban planners, and innovators to address climate challenges with real-world solutions. Attendees can expect panels, cross-sector dialogues, and hands-on sessions covering climate tech, urban adaptation, ESG strategy, circular economy models, and nature-based solutions. 6. Climate Week NYC – New York City, Sept 22–29, 2025 Climate Week NYC 2025, taking place from September 21–28, is expected to be one of the largest global climate event ahead of COP 30 and is expected to draw together leaders from business, government, science, tech, and civil society. There will be ten key themes ranging from energy and finance to food, health, and justice. Summer 2025 is shaping up to be more than just a season of conferences. It is a season of decisions, especially as climate pressures mount. These events offer space for real conversations, bold ideas, and meaningful action as leaders are coming together to push for solutions that can actually shift systems.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico Reports a Passenger Traffic Increase in June 2025 of 0.6% Compared to 2024
GUADALAJARA, Mexico, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico, S.A.B. de C.V., (NYSE: PAC; BMV: GAP) ('the Company' or 'GAP') announces preliminary terminal passenger traffic figures for June 2025, compared with June 2024. During this period, the total number of terminal passengers at GAP's 12 Mexican airports increased by 0.7%, compared to June 2024. Los Cabos airport presented an increase in passenger traffic of 1.7%, while Tijuana, Guadalajara, and Puerto Vallarta airports decreased 2.3%, 1.1%, and 0.1% respectively, compared to June 2024. On the other hand, Montego Bay presented a decrease in passenger traffic of 1.9%, compared to June 2024. Domestic Terminal Passengers (in thousands): Airport Jun-24 Jun-25 % Change Jan - Jun 24 Jan - Jun 25 % Change Guadalajara 1,009.3 1,000.1 (0.9%) 5,666.5 6,112.1 7.9% Tijuana* 686.3 660.1 (3.8%) 4,083.4 4,196.7 2.8% Los Cabos 238.5 240.1 0.7% 1,328.3 1,408.6 6.0% Puerto Vallarta 259.6 273.8 5.5% 1,317.4 1,484.0 12.6% Montego Bay 0.0 0.0 N/A 0.0 0.0 N/A Guanajuato 174.3 188.6 8.2% 998.2 1,092.3 9.4% Hermosillo 168.3 176.6 4.9% 988.5 1,054.2 6.6% Kingston 0.1 0.0 (52.0%) 1.1 0.2 (85.8%) Morelia 51.9 53.6 3.2% 299.5 359.2 19.9% La Paz 97.3 109.3 12.4% 559.4 608.7 8.8% Mexicali 81.1 97.0 19.6% 514.6 598.8 16.4% Aguascalientes 49.5 53.4 8.1% 308.6 319.2 3.4% Los Mochis 42.7 54.8 28.2% 268.0 344.4 28.5% Manzanillo 9.8 10.4 5.2% 66.2 66.1 (0.1%) Total 2,868.7 2,917.8 1.7% 16,399.8 17,644.5 7.6% International Terminal Passengers (in thousands): Airport Jun-24 Jun-25 % Change Jan - Jun 24 Jan - Jun 25 % Change Guadalajara 484.4 476.9 (1.5%) 2,860.0 2,894.2 1.2% Tijuana* 361.9 364.1 0.6% 1,934.0 2,066.7 6.9% Los Cabos 404.8 414.1 2.3% 2,607.8 2,607.3 (0.0%) Puerto Vallarta 251.8 237.3 (5.8%) 2,441.5 2,321.6 (4.9%) Montego Bay 447.4 438.9 (1.9%) 2,742.4 2,603.7 (5.1%) Guanajuato 91.2 88.1 (3.5%) 489.3 515.7 5.4% Hermosillo 6.7 6.4 (3.5%) 43.6 40.1 (7.9%) Kingston 144.4 152.2 5.3% 810.6 881.5 8.7% Morelia 54.0 50.2 (7.2%) 313.9 330.1 5.1% La Paz 0.9 2.8 197.4% 6.1 17.6 186.1% Mexicali 0.8 0.7 (8.9%) 3.8 3.6 (4.0%) Aguascalientes 27.5 26.3 (4.3%) 151.2 156.2 3.3% Los Mochis 0.6 0.7 8.9% 4.0 3.9 (3.2%) Manzanillo 4.0 3.5 (13.7%) 56.1 62.2 10.8% Total 2,280.5 2,262.1 (0.8%) 14,464.4 14,504.2 0.3% Total Terminal Passengers (in thousands): Airport Jun-24 Jun-25 % Change Jan - Jun 24 Jan - Jun 25 % Change Guadalajara 1,493.7 1,477.0 (1.1%) 8,526.5 9,006.3 5.6% Tijuana* 1,048.2 1,024.2 (2.3%) 6,017.4 6,263.3 4.1% Los Cabos 643.3 654.2 1.7% 3,936.2 4,015.9 2.0% Puerto Vallarta 511.5 511.1 (0.1%) 3,758.9 3,805.6 1.2% Montego Bay 447.4 438.9 (1.9%) 2,742.4 2,603.7 (5.1%) Guanajuato 265.5 276.7 4.2% 1,487.5 1,608.1 8.1% Hermosillo 174.9 183.0 4.6% 1,032.0 1,094.3 6.0% Kingston 144.5 152.2 5.3% 811.8 881.7 8.6% Morelia 106.0 103.8 (2.1%) 613.4 689.3 12.4% La Paz 98.2 112.1 14.2% 565.6 626.3 10.7% Mexicali 81.9 97.8 19.4% 518.4 602.4 16.2% Aguascalientes 77.0 79.8 3.6% 459.8 475.3 3.4% Los Mochis 43.4 55.5 27.9% 272.0 348.3 28.0% Manzanillo 13.8 13.8 (0.2%) 122.4 128.3 4.9% Total 5,149.2 5,179.9 0.6% 30,864.2 32,148.7 4.2% CBX users (in thousands): Airport Jun-24 Jun-25 % Change Jan - Jun 24 Jan - Jun 25 % Change Tijuana 355.8 356.6 0.2% 1,907.6 2,029.6 6.4% Highlights for the month: Seats and load factors: The seats available during June 2025 increased by 2.1%, compared to June 2024. The load factors for the month went from 83.4% in June 2024 to 82.2% in June 2025. New route:Montego Bay – Lisboa: World2Fly Company Description Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico, S.A.B. de C.V. (GAP) operates 12 airports throughout Mexico's Pacific region, including the major cities of Guadalajara and Tijuana, the four tourist destinations of Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, La Paz and Manzanillo, and six other mid-sized cities: Hermosillo, Guanajuato, Morelia, Aguascalientes, Mexicali, and Los Mochis. In February 2006, GAP's shares were listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol 'PAC' and on the Mexican Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol 'GAP'. In April 2015, GAP acquired 100% of Desarrollo de Concessioner Aeroportuarias, S.L., which owns a majority stake in MBJ Airports Limited, a company operating Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica. In October 2018, GAP entered into a concession agreement for the Norman Manley International Airport operation in Kingston, Jamaica, and took control of the operation in October 2019. This press release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are statements that are not historical facts and are based on management's current view and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, company performance, and financial results. The words 'anticipates', 'believes', 'estimates', 'expects', 'plans' and similar expressions, as they relate to the company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the declaration or payment of dividends, the implementation of principal operating and financing strategies and capital expenditure plans, the direction of future operations, and the factors or trends affecting financial condition, liquidity, or results of operations are examples of forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of management and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. There is no guarantee that the expected events, trends, or results will occur. The statements are based on many assumptions and factors, including general economic and market conditions, industry conditions, and operating factors. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. In accordance with Section 806 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Article 42 of the 'Ley del Mercado de Valores', GAP has implemented a 'whistleblower' program, which allows complainants to anonymously and confidentially report suspected activities that involve criminal conduct or violations. The telephone number in Mexico, facilitated by a third party responsible for collecting these complaints, is 800 04 ETICA (38422) or WhatsApp +52 55 6538 5504. The website is or by email at denuncia@ GAP's Audit Committee will be notified of all complaints for immediate investigation. Alejandra Soto Investor Relations and Social Responsibility Officer asoto@ Gisela Murillo, Investor Relations gmurillo@ 33 3880 1100 ext. 20294 Effettua l'accesso per consultare il tuo portafoglio
Telegraph
20-06-2025
- Telegraph
Enjoy laid-back luxury on the Caribbean's most elegant island
When you think of the perfect luxury holiday, you might dream of sinking your toes into pleasingly soft sands while enjoying an exquisite al fresco lunch under a golden afternoon sun, with the promise of the evening not far behind. Or perhaps you dream of wading through sapphire-blue shallows before diving into a deeper kind of blue, then wading back to shore to sip a frosted craft cocktail made with local rum, before retiring to an opulent room with a sea view. But an indulgent, unforgettable escape isn't only about finding an idyllic beach with a bar attached and palatial accommodation. It's also about having authentic experiences that get you up close to the local culture and people – so that you can understand and experience a little of the island life while creating lasting memories. In Jamaica – which arguably has the most distinct culture of all the Caribbean islands – you can achieve all of the above, and more. The lively Caribbean island is known for its swathe of seriously luxurious hotels. Standouts include Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay – the luxury travel brand's first ever Sandals resort that, thanks to its over-the-water villas, beautiful cove beaches and private offshore island, remains a flagship resort today. Close by, the historic Half Moon oozes colonial charm, and counts Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Rainier of Monaco and John F Kennedy among its high-profile past guests. Or, in the pretty little banana port of Oracabessa, check in to the secluded GoldenEye. This laid-back yet luxurious resort with its own beach, coves, and lagoon is centred around the Fleming Villa, where Ian Fleming famously wrote all 14 James Bond novels. While at GoldenEye, why not pay a visit to Firefly? Once the home of English actor, playwright, and composer Noël Coward – and so called because of the glowing creatures he shared the property with at night – it's a mere 15-minute drive away. Don't miss the statue of the theatrical titan sitting in his chair, looking out to one of the best coastal views in Jamaica. From your sumptuous base, you can explore an island rich in history and culture. You might find yourself caught up in a carnival – Jamaica knows how to celebrate and it does so with verve during Rebel Salute (which takes place every January) and July's Reggae Sumfest. Picture colourful costumes and exuberant dancing to top-tier reggae – you won't be able to resist joining in. If you're not visiting during January or July, then worry not, because all over the island, on any given afternoon (just hire a surprisingly affordable private car and driver to whisk you wherever you want to go) you'll find the streets filled with friendly locals grooving to infectious, life-affirming reggae beats that blast out from boom boxes stacked high. Yet while Jamaica may be the birthplace of reggae – Bob Marley, the genre's biggest star, is the island's most famous son – it's also the home of rum. On a private tour of Appleton Estate, the oldest rum producer in the country, you'll discover how the distillery's location – amid a landscape of limestone peaks, verdant forests and gushing rivers – influences the final product. There are also guided (and generous) tastings of Appleton's 17 honey-hued signature rums – including the lethal overproof – so keep an eye on the measures if you wish to accomplish anything else on this day trip. Rum is also king at Floyd's Pelican Bar, off Jamaica's south coast. Made from driftwood and palms, the bar was built by fisherman Floyd Forbes in 2001 after he envisaged it in a dream. Pay a local fisherman to row you to the wonderfully rickety drinking den – dubbed the 'coolest in the Caribbean' – at sunset for a sweet rum punch with Floyd and friends, keeping your eyes peeled for pelicans and dolphins en route. Liquid gold aside, Jamaica is famed for its Blue Mountain coffee: smooth, dark and handsome, it's rated among the best and rarest in the world. Just ask James Bond: in Live and Let Die, Ian Fleming's special agent proclaims Blue Mountain Coffee 'the most delicious in the world'. For a dramatic mini-adventure, you could take a helicopter flight over those rugged mountains enveloped in misty blue air, or more active types could hike or bike through their cool, fragrant woodlands before rewarding themselves with a deliciously reviving cup of Blue Mountain coffee. More of Jamaica's authentic, natural side can be enjoyed by floating along the Rio Grande River (or if you're staying in Negril or Montego Bay, the Martha Brae River), on your own bamboo raft. You'll be piloted by an experienced and knowledgeable captain who will point out former banana plantations, trees groaning with mouth-watering mangoes, and tiny, delicate hummingbirds flitting through the lush greenery. There are stops along the way to swim, too. But this is the island life, and you may prefer to do absolutely nothing, and that's fine too. Be pampered in a tranquil, ocean-front spa like the one at Jamaica Inn – where treatments utilise local ingredients like Blue Mountain coffee and organic coconuts – while listening to waves lap the shore. Or simply relax in a hammock by your infinity pool, or on a beach such as Frenchman's Cove – a small strip of postcard-perfect white sand ringed by miniature forested headlands and flanked by a perfectly turquoise lagoon. Whatever you choose to focus on – wellness, watersports, wildlife, or a little of everything – it's worth knowing that arrivals and departures come with a typically tropical Jamaican twist, with VIP airport lounges Club Mobay and Club Kingston at Sangster in Montego Bay and Norman Manley in Kingston turning what is usually an endurance test into an indulgence – ensuring that your Jamaican sojourn remains irresistible and effortless from end to end.
