Jamaica

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If your dream honeymoon includes days spent lolling on palm tree-shaded picturesque beaches or snorkeling in cool, crystalline waters and nights dancing to a pulsing soundtrack, look no further than Jamaica.

The third-largest island in the Caribbean, Jamaica has 200 miles of beautiful white sand beaches with clear blue sea and a mountain ridge peaking at 7,402 feet above sea level.

Located just south of Cuba, Jamaica has a tempo all its own. Indigenous Arawak and Taino peoples settled on the island between 4000 and 1000 B.C., drawn by the island’s lush greenery and clear seas. They named it “Xaymaca,” meaning “land of wood and water.” Brimming with unique and colorful orchids, ferns and bromeliads, Jamaica is also home to exotic species like the Jamaican Toddy and the Doctor Bird. The island’s tropical weather is ideal for growing bamboo, sugarcane, bananas and citrus.

Life unfolds at a leisurely pace — no one is in a hurry, and it seems everyone is in a good mood. Jamaica’s rich heritage is reflected in its people, and is known as the birthplace of Rastafarianism, a religious tradition with a focus on respect for nature and a personal acceptance of God. Made popular in the United States by Rastafarian Bob Marley, reggae is the rhythm of Jamaica, but dancehall and ska are other island favorites. The cultural capital of the Caribbean, Jamaica is home to live reggae music, carnivals and festivals. While the national language is English, most Jamaicans speak a version of patois, a local dialect.

The island offers six distinct resort areas, each with its own individual flavor. Check out the photo gallery to find the one that’s right for you.