Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resort with Lively Nightlife
From the rolling rhythms of its reggae music to its dress code of swimsuits and flip-flops, Jamaica embodies the concept of "laid-back." Club Ambiance, an adults-only all-inclusive resort located on the island's secluded north coast, channels that concept of free-spiritedness: it has live entertainment, unlimited cocktails, a clothing-optional beach, and a disco that stays open until the last person leaves. This laissez-faire atmosphere is one of the reasons the hotel attracts repeat guests, many of whom refer to Club Ambiance as a home away from home.
You can enjoy a lazy afternoon on one of the property's three white-sand beaches, which stretch along the Caribbean Sea. Wade in small swimming coves, sunbathe on the secluded nude beach, or take to the water on complimentary paddleboats and kayaks. There's a lively scene at the ocean-view pool, where people frequently partake in volleyball games.
The tempo picks up when the sun goes down. The resort's weekly theme nights, such as reggae Mondays and Saturday barbecues, include live music and cabaret shows, and restaurants serve buffets and à la carte dinners (extra fee). After the bars stop mixing cocktails at 11 p.m., head to the Disco Club, where the party doesn't end until the last person leaves or melts the stereo system.
Runaway Bay, Jamaica: Quiet Resort Town near Natural Wonders
Runaway Bay is tucked into the northern coast of Jamaica, between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. The secluded town is one of the island's smallest—Lonely Planet calls it a “one-street village”—and it's noticeably quieter than its tourist-clogged neighbors. But what Runaway Bay lacks in size it makes up in natural attractions. Some of the best underwater sights in the Caribbean can be explored during scuba-diving tours of the coral reef just offshore. And about 4 miles (7 km) west of town, you can explore the limestone vaults and subterranean lakes of the Green Grotto Caves, which were used as a hideout by Spanish die-hards during Jamaica's 18th-century colonization by the English.
A scenic 25-minute drive brings you to one of the island's most popular attractions—Dunn's River Falls. This natural wonder consists of a series of terraced waterfalls cascading from the mountains to the sea like a gigantic flight of stairs. Thousands of travelers visit the site each year, and it even served as a filming location for the first James Bond movie, Dr. No. Today, tour groups frolic at the bottom of the falls or make the 600-foot climb to the top behind local guides.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
