Jamaica's rich history stretches back beyond the 15th century and includes the settlements of the gentle Arawak Indians (who named the island Xaymaca), Spanish mariners, English conquerors, and Asian migrants, all of whom added to the multi-ethnic heritage of this Caribbean island. Modern Jamaica is the land of reggae and rum, wearing a mantle of roughshod romance that attracts travelers the world over looking to escape the routine of daily life. The landscape is a mosaic of palmed golden beaches and a beautiful mountainous interior.

Once the crown jewel of the British sugar empire, its coastal plains and lofty jungles are still dotted with colonnaded mansions, thriving plantations, and ruins of others that did not survive the slave rebellions. Many of the remaining mansions are now opulent inns flanked not only by the sugar fields, but also by golf courses, while the beaches that once harbored ruthless, notorious pirates now harbor vacationers seeking the perfect tan. And you'll note that music is the heartbeat of Jamaica; nearly everywhere you go you feel its rhythm pulsing through the air, the marketplaces, through the locals and, soon enough, through you. For vacationers with a free and festive spirit, Jamaica is your place to shine!