Montego Bay, Jamaica

MONTEGO BAY
The Jamaican people call this mountainous beach community of mangrove wetlands "MoBay." Flowering trees and a turquoise sea combine with the colorful, lively reggae culture to create a feast for the senses. Jamaica's spirit is reflected in the art, cuisine and architecture of the island, where bird watching, water sports, golf, music festivals and river rides all add to the good vibes.

MAGNIFICIENT MORBID PLANTATION
The Rose Hall Great House is one of the most talked-about attractions in Jamaica. Legend says the former mistress Annie Palmer, the “White Witch of Rose Hall,” used voodoo on her three husbands, who met untimely deaths, and over 2,000 slaves. This 200-year-old mansion has been restored to its original splendor with authentic period furnishings, enchanting garden walkways and a spirited pub in the dungeon.

TROPICAL FRUITS
Croydon, a working plantation in the Catadupa Mountains, is also the famous birthplace of Samuel Sharpe, a national hero of the slave rebellion. At this plantation you can learn about honey and pineapple cultivation, the growing and preparation of coffee, and sample different varieties of fruit.

MAKE A SPLASH
Jamaica's abundant rivers and beautiful coral coastlines are the perfect places for making a splash. Try a rafting excursion down the Martha Brae River, or take a cool and relaxing tubing trip down the Great River. Both are excellent ways to enjoy the lush jungle foliage. Certified Scuba divers can take their pick of excellent diving locations where there's a bounty of undersea life to take in. Or make your way over to Margaritaville and ride the notorious 100-foot long wild water slide.

NOT JUST FOR DRINKING
Rum, made from distilling fermented molasses, and said to be used for everything from a cleaning fluid to cold remedies, is an integral part of Jamaican culture. Dating back to 1655, Appleton Estate is the oldest and most famous of all of Jamaica's sugar estates, and a perfect place to go sampling this national beverage.