Here's one island that's several destinations in one for tourists. Explore them all or vow to return to take in all the attractions. Jamaica, 90 miles due south of Cuba, is rich in color, culture, food and folklore. Music is at its heart. Jamaicans move to a built-in beat. For this piece of paradise has a rhythm all its own. Tour Kingston, the cosmopolitan capital, with sophisticated restaurants, nightlife and museums -- like the home of the "reggae" king, Bob Marley. See the spectacular Blue Mountains, known for producing the world's best coffee. Visit Devon House and the lovely surrounding park, a favorite for photo buffs. Don't miss elegant Port Antonio, long-time haunt of the rich and famous, where movie star Errol Flynn popularized river rafting.

You'll find first-class hotels, villas, beaches, coves and caves (Nonsuch by name). Montego Bay, a resort city that never sleeps, has stretches of beach dotted with all manner of hotels, restaurants and clubs. A cruise port is also located at the edge of the downtown area. Montego Bay bustles by day and night. Buy fruit from women balancing overflowing baskets on their bandannas. Craft vendors are out in large numbers, expecting to play the bargain game with tourists seeking souvenirs. The outdoor market is always fun. Try jerk-spiced meat and ice cold Jamaican beer at a pork pit. The area has four golf courses, many tennis courts and interesting underwater life centering around a 6,000 acre marine park.

Ocho Rios and the surrounding area, which takes in Runaway Bay and the polo grounds at Chukka Cove, boasts many splendid hotels, spans of pure white beach, watersports, spas, great golf and tennis, fine food and a bustling beach town atmosphere -- plus a cruise dock. The area is popular for sightseeing and shopping. Don't miss a visit to (or walk up) Dunn's River Falls, a must-see stop on the Jamaican tourist circuit. Shaw Park Gardens and Fern Gully are also favorites with eco-adventurers. Negril is bohemian Jamaica at its best. Everything that happens here happens barefoot. Resorts (from grand-luxe to rustic cabins) line a seven-mile stretch of breathtaking beachfront, the ideal setting for total relaxation or a world of watersports, whatever your pleasure. Many resorts here have nude beaches, making Negril a particular sensation for sunbathers.

History:

Settled by the Taino Indians, Jamaica comes from the word Xaymaca meaning Land of Wood and Water. Ruled by the Spanish and subsequently the British, Jamaica gained her independence on August 6, 1962. The country's motto, "Out of Many, One People" refers to the many heritages of people that make up the island.

Dining:

Restaurants available Local. Fast food. Gourmet. International. Tipping: 10 15% (Some hotels have a built in service charge). Dress code is casual or casually elegant. Some hotel restaurants do require jacket and ties, particularly in the winter season.

Nightlife:

Entertainment available includes Discos. Fashion shows and beauty contests. Stage shows and folkloric song and dance shows. Nightclubs. Dinner/Dances. Theaters. Live music. Cinemas.

Shopping:

Locally produced items Blue Mountain Coffee. Tia Maria. Rum. Pimento (all spice). Straw items. Wood carvings. Craft items. Resort wear. Jewelry. Handmade linens, tablecloths. Duty free items are available at approximately 20% to 50% off stateside prices.

Attractions/Sightseeing:

Falmouth: Martha Brae Rafting. Kingston: Bob Marley Museum. Castleton Botanical Gardens. Caymanas Park. Craighton House & Estate (by appointment only). Devon House. St. Elizabeth. Contact Edith Cheddar, Tel: 876-818-0065. Fort Charles & Maritime Museum. Hope Botanical Gardens. Institute of Jamaica. Jamaica Conference Center. Jamaica Defense Force Museum (The Military Museum by appointments only). Kings House (by appointment only). Lime Cay. Museum of Historical Archaeology. National Art Gallery. Port Royal Marine Laboratory of the University of the West Indies. Rockfort Mineral Bath. Mandeville/South Coast: Appleton Estate Tours. Apple Valley Farm Tour. Font Hill Beach Park. Holland Bamboo Avenue. Lovers Leap. Marshalls Pen (by appointment only). Mayfield Ranch. Milk River Bath. Salt Pond. South Coast Safari. St. Elizabeth Safaris. Treasure Beach. YS Falls. Montego Bay: Accompong Maroon Tour. Aqua Sol Theme Park, Gloucester Avenue, Montego Bay. Contact Mr. Rohan Winter, Tel: 876-979-9447. Barnett Estate Great House & Plantation Tour. Belvedere Estate Tour. Great House Plantation. Cockpit Country Tour. Cornwall Beach. Croydon in the Mountains. Doctors Cave Beach. Evening on the Great River. Greenwood Great House. Hampden Great House Tour. Hilton High Day Tour. Montego Bay Marine Park. Mountain Valley Rafting at Lethe. Rocklands Bird Sanctuary. Rose Hall Great House. Tryall Water Wheel. Negril: Country Western Riding Stables. Negril Lighthouse. Rhodes Hall Plantation. Anancy Fun Park. Ocho Rios: Calypso Rafting. Chukka Cove. Columbus Park. Coyaba River Garden & Museum Noel Cowards Firefly. Danielle's Garden Harmony Hall. Dolphin Cove Tel:876-974-5335. Dunns River Falls & Park. Evening on the White River. Fern Gully. Harmony Hall. Irie Beach. Jamaica Farewell (a trade show, venued at Little Pub Hotel/Restaurant, where one may go to see cabaret performances). Jamaica Night on the White River. Prospect Plantation Tour. Puerto Seco Beach. Seville Great House. Shaw Park Gardens. Sun Valley Plantation Tour. Wilderness Resort Limited. Port Antonio: The Blue Lagoon Boston Beach. Castleton Gardens. Day on Navy Island. Nonsuch Caves & Athenry Gardens. Rio Grande Rafting. Somerset Falls. Portmore: Fort Clarence Beach. Runaway Bay: Chukka Cove Farm Ltd. St. Mary: Firefly. Sonrise Beach Retreat. James Bond Beach.

Sports:

Activities: Aerobics. Basketball. Croquet. Cycling. Deep Sea Fishing. Golf. Gym. Hockey. Horseback Riding. Jogging. Marathons. Motor Racing. Para-Sailing. Polo. Racquetball. Sailing. Scuba Diving. Squash. Snorkeling. Softball. Swimming. Tennis. Triathlons. Watersports. Spectator Sports: Cricket. Horse Racing. Netball. Rugby. Soccer. Track & Field.

Calendar of Events:

(2002) November: Doctor Bird Awards. Jamaica 4th Club National Rally. The Fossil Open Polo Tournament. Polo & Equestrian Club Of Oakbrook. Jamaica 4th Club National Awards & Recognition Ceremony. St. Andrew Flower Arrangement & Garden Club. St. Elizabeth Homecoming. Holland Bamboo Run. Negril Beach Carnival. Harmony Hall Pre-Christmas Craft Fair. Jamerican Film And Music Festival. December: Craft & Shrimp Festival. Reggae Superjam. Ohara Chapter Of Ikebana's Annual Fund Raising Function And Display. Heineken Startime. Jamaica Motoring Club/Esso International Stages Rally. Motor Racing Race Meet. Devon House Christmas Craft Fair. The LTM Pantomime.

Transportation:

Driving is on the left hand side of the road. Rentals available include Cars, mopeds and bicycles. Temporary license/permit requirements A US driver's license is valid for up to three months per visit. A UK driver's license is valid for up to 12 months per visit. Japanese driver's license is valid for up to one month from time of entry. Local Services Taxi, tour buses, intra island flights. Sightseeing and visitor transfer bus service available in all resort areas.

Marriage Requirements:

Visitors can be married just 24 hours after arriving in Jamaica providing prior application has been made for marriage license. 1) Proof of citizenship certified Birth Certificate, which includes father's name. 2) Parents' written consent if under 21. 3) Proof of divorce (if applicable) - original Certificate of Divorce. 4) Certified Death Certificate for widow or widower. Blood test: none. Persons need to have a heterosexual relationship for marriage as a prerequisite.