More a country than an island, Jamaica is becoming as fashionable again as it was in the fifties. And with good reason - its culture is lively and interesting, its people are amongst the Caribbean’s most friendly and it’s right up there with some of the most scenically beautiful places in the world. If you take a climb up Dunn’s River Falls, a raft trip along the Martha Brae river or a drive into the majestic Blue Mountains you’ll see what we mean.

And if you treat yourselves to one of its celebrated hotels in the north coast resorts of Ocho Rios or Montego Bay you’ll be just steps away from some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Indeed, the real name of the game on this laid-back island is relaxation amidst truly memorable tropical scenery, and our featured hotels certainly do their part to make the experience a sublime one.

You can choose between gracious hideaways or stylish resorts, all extremely well established and largely responsible for the Caribbean’s time-honoured reputation for exclusivity. Regard them as idyllic bases from which to experience the island’s restored great houses, fashionable restaurants and colourful street markets; the championship golf courses just one more reason for moving Jamaica to the top of your holiday wish list.

VIRGIN ATLANTIC OFFER TWICE-WEEKLY FLIGHTS FROM GATWICK TO MONTEGO BAY. THE JOURNEY TIME IS ABOUT 10 HOURS AND IF YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PREMIUM ECONOMY OR UPPER CLASS THE TIME WILL SIMPLY FLY BY - SEE PAGE 125 FOR FURTHER DETAILS. FLIGHTS TO KINGSTON ALSO AVAILABLEWITH BRITISH AIRWAYS AND VIRGIN ATLANTIC.