Hotels in Bavaro

Known as MoʼBay‚ the vibrant beachside town of Montego Bay is Jamaica's second largest city and one of its most popular holiday resorts. With endless coastline, white sand beaches, and a lively party scene, this Jamaican destination has something for everyone. Snorkel in the marine park, relax under a palm and explore the markets and reggae bars in the evening. Holidays to Montego Bay are about as Caribbean as you can get! 

Things to do

Holidays here are packed with things to do for everyone. One of Jamaica's earliest settlements‚ Montego Bay thrives with beach bars and bustling markets. With miles and miles of beautiful beaches, relaxing on a sun lounger with overhanging palms is a blissful way to start the day. 

Montego Bay Marine Park offers world-class snorkeling and diving, so jump in and see the tropical fish and bright coral reefs for yourself. Kayaking, windsurfing, and boat trips are all part and parcel of a trip to this city. 

Acting as a great base from which to explore the rest of Jamaica, this beach community is a lively destination. If you love to dance into the evening, the reggae bars on Gloucester Avenue will blow you away. The resort is also home to some of the best golf courses in the Caribbean, such as the par-72 course at Tryall Club, which hosted the Johnnie Walker World Championships.

A tropical paradise

You’ll have a few beaches to choose from when you’re on holiday in Mo’ Bay, and you’ll have a completely different experience on each of them, so make sure you try them all to find your favourite. They do all have something in common, though; each one is a tropical paradise of warm sand and sea. For a different kind of tropical scenery, head inland to the mountains where you’ll find fascinating places like the Ras Natango Gallery and Garden surrounded by the jungle.

Beautiful plantations

In the not-so-distant past, Jamaica was covered with a patchwork of plantations growing everything from sugar cane to pineapples. While some are still working, such as Belvedere Plantation near Montego Bay, many are now resort hotels or golf clubs, including some of Jamaica’s top courses: Tryall Club, the White Witch at Rose Hall and Cinnamon Hill. Don’t miss your chance to see inside a plantation house while you’re in Montego Bay, as Rose Hall is one of the resort’s most popular attractions.

Reggae rhythms

It probably won’t come as a surprise that music is a vital part of life to most Jamaicans, and that’s just as true in Montego Bay as elsewhere on the island. You’ll hear it at the beach, in the street, and especially on Hip Strip, the best place to mix with the locals for a great night out. Montego Bay is also one of the pick-up points for a must-do trip, the Bob Marley Experience tour. You’ll learn lots about Jamaica’s most famous son on this unmissable excursion to the village of Nine Mile where he was born and buried, and plenty more about what makes Jamaica tick.

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One of Jamaica’s most magical resorts is Ocho Rios. Settled on the beautiful north coast, this area combines luxury beachside hotels with jungle adventures and some of Jamaica’s most incredible natural wonders. Swim in crystal-clear water and go dolphin spotting, climb Dunn’s River Falls, and take a tour into the heart of the Blue Mountains, all on your Ocho Rios holiday.

Things to do

Ocho Rios is a popular cruise ship port, and it’s easy to see why. With lots of beaches and a lively community, it’s a great base from which to explore much of Jamaica. Close to sights like the waterfall at Dunn’s River Falls as well as the Blue Mountains, you’ll be truly spoilt for choice.

Hire snorkel gear and explore the coral reefs surrounding the town or take a boat trip and see this coastline from the water. A day trek in the dense, tropical forests will show you sights you’ll never forget and in the evening you can enjoy delicious local foods.

Excellent beaches

Ocho Rios has an array of beautiful beaches that have a typical Caribbean vibe. Soft, white sand stretches along the length of the resort’s most popular shore, Turtle Beach. Fringed with coconut palm trees, the swath of pristine sand is a perfect location to relax on sun loungers in the warm weather. Enjoy the picturesque views of the crystal clear coast with a fruity cocktail in hand from one of the several beachside drink shacks. Choose from an array of water sports, or discover the tropical wildlife that lives below sea level. Go snorkelling in the natural mangroves to see the different species of fish and colourful coral reefs.

History and culture

The Ocho Rios resort is probably best known as being one of the locations for Dr. No, the very first James Bond film, released in 1962. Today Ocho Rios is still an exotic paradise with soft, sandy shores and a laid back atmosphere. The charming resort is a main cruise port, which brings visitors to the surrounding resorts. It oozes tradition, from its rural village and rustic buildings to museums and local markets. Ocho Rios can be translated to Eight Rivers from Spanish, which relates to the streaming watercourse that runs through the tropical forests nearby.

Vibrant nightlife

Ocho Rios is a quieter alternative to neighbouring Montego Bay, but does still have an array of nightlife to experience. Enjoy the traditional charm of the restaurants servings local cuisine, like spicy jerk chicken severed with coconut-flavoured flavoured rice. In the evening, make your way to one of the live music venues and bars that come alive with reggae music. Dance until the early hours and be sure to sample some of the finest Jamaican rum and beer.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Antigua | Aruba | Bahamas | Barbados | Cuba | Dominican Republic | Jamaica | Mexico | Montego Bay | Negril | Runaway Bay | St Lucia | Tobago

Cancun holidays offer all the R&R you want from a beach holiday with an unrivalled clubbing scene. A small city on the Caribbean Sea, in the east of Mexico, it's a hub of fiestas, beach parties and swanky bars, but during the day you’ll find plenty of coconut-white beaches to soak up that tropical sunshine. 

You’re also in a great location for booking a day trip to explore the Mayan Ruins. Set within the Quintana Roo region, Cancun has some of the richest ancient sites nearby, from El Rey to Tulum. 

Beaches

Cancun is a vibrant seaside resort surrounded by the beautiful crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. Once a small fishing town along the northern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, the area has now bloomed into a thriving holiday destination. A 22-kilometre stretch of white beaches weave around the Cancun coastline. Soak up the Caribbean sun on the shore, snorkel in the clear shallow waters, or take a trip out to sea on a glass-bottom boat.

Nightlife

After absorbing the local beach life and ancient history, why not try out some of Cancun’s nighttime entertainment. From beach parties to street carnivals and traditional fiestas, Cancun is packed with party-goers and spectacular shows. Expect acrobats, world-famous DJs, and extravagant entertainment at popular clubs and bars. One of our favourite place to visit in Cancun is Coco Bongo. The lively nights stretch into the morning. Head to Senor Frog for pre-drinks before 10pm.

Cultural hotspots

There are so many things to do in Cancun, but if you only go on one trip out, make it Chichen Itza. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. You can wander among the ruins or take a guided tour to learn more about the people who built them. The resorts regularly run day trips down to Tulum too; it's brimming with Mayan history and romance, set amidst a backdrop of breathtaking scenery. 

Shopping

While Mexico is famed for its rich history and ancient ruins, downtown Cancun is very much a 21st-century city, bursting with sleek shopping malls. So, if you fancy flexing your bargain-hunting muscles you’ll find plenty of places to go. Mercado 28 is a great spot for unusual crafts, leather goods and souvenirs, all for sale in a vibrant market. 

Places to go

Punta Cancun

The hotel zone, in Punta Cancun, is perched on a spectacular island, separate from the mainland, and connected by two bridges at the North and South. Here you’ll find luxurious hotels and plenty of places to go snorkelling (head south), or spend lazy days on the white sand beaches. It’s less developed than mainland Cancun, so it’s easier to find a quiet spot for yourself. While the South of Punta Cancun can offer a welcomed slice of tranquillity, a vibrant nightlife can be found in the North, with clubs like Coco Bongo, where Spring Breakers come to party. There are also plenty of day trips leaving the hotel zone, so you’ll have plenty to keep you busy.

Downtown Cancun 

Only a taxi ride away from Punta, head to downtown Cancun for a huge variety of food, upscale shopping, historic buildings and a small set of ancient ruins. Known as the gateway to the Mayan world, you’ll find plenty of day trips on offer too, as well as the best Mexican restaurants, bars and clubs. While neither Punta nor downtown Cancun will disappoint when it comes to scenery and beaches, the mainland is busier, louder and more energetic. The nightlife is also famous for a reason. 

Playa Mujeres 

Just north of lively Cancun, the Playa Mujeres peninsula is a tranquil destination full of charm. Close enough to all the action, but also blissfully remote; you can kick back on quiet white sand beaches one day and take a day trip to Mayan ruins the next. There's also nothing quite like Playa Mujeres holidays for exploring Mexico’s rich marine life. It’s a hotspot for reef snorkelling, diving and swimming with whale sharks. For even more tranquillity, hop aboard the ferry to Isla Mujeres, a man-made floating island. 

Isla Mujeres

A trip to Isla Mujeres Mexico is one of the most popular things to do in Cancun. It's a 15-minute ferry ride away and has peaceful nature reserves where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city. For something a little different, consider a trip to Musa, an underwater art museum where you can swim among the sculptures.

Playa Del Carmen

South of Cancun, you'll find a good mix of nightlife and cultural sites in Playa del Carmen. Now one of the trendiest spots in Mexico’s Riviera Maya strip thanks to backpackers, you’ll find spotless beaches and a more authentically Mexican vibe. Take a stroll down the cool Quinta Avenida, aka 5th Avenue, where you’ll find plenty of quirky boutiques, craft stalls and art galleries, including the Frida Kahlo Museum.

Unsure of the best time of the year to visit? Check the weather in Cancun to see which month is right for you.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations in Mexico, including Playacar | Playa del Carmen | Playa Mujeres | Puerto Vallarta | Riviera Maya