Luxury Holidays in Jamaica
Holidays in Jamaica offer a warm and friendly atmosphere, with interesting and engaging inhabitants, spectacular sunsets over beautiful white beaches, crystal clear waterfalls and lush green mountains at the island's interior. All can inspire the poet in anyone. The beauty of this island paradise has drawn visitors for centuries: first it was the wealthy few who were privileged to enjoy the unspoilt tropical delights of Jamaica. Today the northern and western coastlines of the island bristle with tourist resorts and 'all-inclusive' hotels, and natural attractions have been commercialised to cope with the crowds and make the most out of the tourists.
Jamaica is a vibrantly colourful place and retains its unspoilt natural beauty and carefree atmosphere, despite tourist and commercial development the island is a sun kissed and colourful holiday haven.
Jamaica's name originated from the Arawak Indians, who were the native inhabitants of the island prior to colonial discovery in 1494 by Christopher Columbus. There are very few remnants of the Indian culture inhabiting 'Xaymaca' meaning the 'land of wood and water' before it came under Spanish rule for the next one hundred and fifty years and then came under British rule for the following three hundred years. Independence came in 1962 to the Jamaican people who are now a warm blend of different cultures and nationalities, though significantly African based because of the influence of the imported slaves, who endeavoured to keep their tribal traditions alive while being forced to labour on the island plantations.
Overall the island is a relaxing tropical paradise with warm and friendly people, however the inhabitants are mostly poor and the island's main industry is tourism. Some visitors object to being harassed by vendors, unlicensed taxi drivers, hair braiders and the like. Crime is also a problem. These minor irritations however should not keep anyone away from savouring the spirit of Jamaica, which is as rich as the lilt of the local patois and the rhythms of the reggae music for which the island is famous.
