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Ocho Rios Hotels European Plan
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Introduction to Ocho Rios
Situated on Jamaica's northeast coast,
the resort areas of Port Antonio, and Runaway Bay and Ocho Rios
helped to launch large-scale tourism in Jamaica. Known for its
abundant rainfall, verdant landscapes, rolling hills, and jagged
estuaries, this region was once the preferred hangout for No?
Coward, Errol Flynn, and a host of British and American literati.
Ian Fleming, creator of the James Bond spy thrillers, lived at
Goldeneye near Ocho Rios.
Some 31km (19 miles) west lies its chief rival, the
resort of Runaway Bay-more secluded than Ocho Rios, and without the vendors or
cruise-ship arrivals. There's no real town here; it's mainly just a beachfront
strip of hotels.
Just 8km (5 miles) to the west of Runaway Beach is
Discovery Bay, whose name refers to the belief that Columbus first landed here
in 1494.
A 2-hour drive east from Montego Bay, Ocho Rios was
once a small banana and fishing port, but tourism long ago became its leading
industry. Now Jamaica's cruise-ship capital, the bay is dominated by an ore
terminal and hotels with sandy beaches fringed by palm trees. The place is fine
for a lazy beach vacation, but it's definitely not for anyone seeking a remote
hideaway.
Ocho Rios is far lusher than Montego Bay, and many of
its resort hotels boast private sandy beaches. On the other hand, golfing and
nightlife are better in Mo Bay; if you want hedonism, head for Negril. Ocho
Rios? It's more tranquil (some say blander) than either of them.
Additional Information about travel to Ocho Rios
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