Jamaica — Travelrags

Condé Nast TravelerAug 26, 2026

For Starry Waters and Tiny Glowing Squids, Head to These Best Places to See Bioluminescence

From the dazzling atolls of the Maldives to Mexican shores via the British Isles, these are the places to add to the bucket list for waters akin to starry skies.

23 things in this story

Finca VictoriaHotelVieques, Puerto Ricocozy luxury trimmings, go back to nature
Vaadhoo IslandSightVaadhoo, Maldivesknown for its beachy corner nicknamed the sea of stars
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau ResortHotelVaadhoo, Maldivesappreciate the glowing waters footsteps away from your beachside abode
Mosquito BaySightVieques, Puerto Ricobecomes a glossy blue portal thanks to bioluminescent dinoflagellate
Luminous LagoonSightFalmouth, Jamaicaone of the most incredible excursions on the island
Sandals Jamaica Caribbean CayHotelMontego Bay, Jamaicaindulgent all-inclusive stay, 30-minute drive away
Paperbark CampHotelJervis Bay, Australiaglamping trip like no other
Ao Nang BeachSightKrabi, Thailandmost famous and most accessible beach for light display
Phra Nang BeachSightKrabi, Thailandspot for a peaceful, intimate bioluminescent session
Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton ReserveHotelKrabi, Thailandvillas, pavilions, sprawling pools, access to dazzling beaches
Toyama BaySightToyama, Japanhome to the bioluminescent firefly squid
DoubleTree by Hilton ToyamaHotelToyama, Japanplush spot to rest in between city exploration and bay visits
Laguna de ManialtepecSightOaxaca, Mexicotwinkling algae make the water turn fantastically phosphorescent
Lagunas de ChacahuaSightOaxaca, Mexicosimilar bioluminescent experiences available
Hotel Escondido OaxacaHotelOaxaca, Mexicoearthen hotel along the Mexican coastline
Grana B&BHotelOaxaca, Mexicoeclectic bed and breakfast along the Mexican coastline
The Royal Sands Koh RongHotelKoh Rong, Cambodiaplushest address on this gorgeous island
Grebe BeachSightHelford River, United Kingdomhidden gem where water can turn luminescent blue
Pedn VounderSightPenzance, United Kingdombioluminescent action best observed here
The Greenbank HotelHotelFalmouth, United Kingdomcharming waterside retreat in Falmouth
Artist Residence CornwallRestaurantPenzance, United Kingdomunique bedrooms in a storied 17th-century property
Cat Ba IslandSightCat Ba, Vietnambeaches offer dazzling scenes with splashes at sea
Valía Villa Cat BaHotelCat Ba, Vietnamtake over your own incredible villa, soak up tranquil vibe

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Atlas ObscuraAug 17

15 Best Places to Experience Bioluminescence

The humble glow worm is, in fact, a catchall term for numerous glowing creatures, from gnat larvae to fire flys to algae, that can be found all over the world. These tiny critters illuminate the night through bioluminescence, a process in which light is emitted by internal chemical reactions. Bioluminescence has evolved independently in over 90 different species, first emerging some 540 million…

15 sights in this story

Waipu CavesSightWaipu, New ZealandLesser-known alternative to Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Glowworm TunnelSightHelensburgh, AustraliaGlowworms settled in on the roof, illuminating the air.
Sea of StarsSightVaadhoo, MaldivesPhytoplankton called Lingulodinium polyedrum move with waves.
Synchronous Fireflies of the Great Smoky MountainsSightGatlinburg, United StatesRare breed of firefly, P. carolinus, flashes in unison.
Newnes Glow Worm TunnelSightPutty, AustraliaSandstone tunnel reclaimed by Arachnocampa richardsae larvae.
Bloody Bay Coral WallSightLittle Cayman, Cayman IslandsCoral wall home to microscopic bioluminescent creatures.
Blue Ghost FirefliesSightHendersonville, United StatesFlightless females glow and streak through the sky.
Glistening WatersSightFalmouth, JamaicaAgitation produces a strange and beautiful blue-green light.
Kampung Kuantan Fireflies ParkSightBestari Jaya, MalaysiaTens of thousands of fireflies blink in perfect unison.
Glowing Millipedes of Sequoia National ParkSightThree Rivers, United StatesMotyxia millipedes use bioluminescence as a warning.
Gippsland Lakes BioluminescenceSightRaymond Island, AustraliaAlgae bloom of Noctiluca Scintillans visible at night.
The Firefly Squid of Toyama BaySightNamerikawa, JapanWatasenia scintillans light up like blue glow sticks.
Waitomo Glowworm CavesAttractionWaitomo, New ZealandThousands of bioluminescent larvae create starlike lights.
The Milky SeasSightSomaliaOcean area glows due to bioluminescent bacteria Vibrio harveyi.
Dismals CanyonSightPhil Campbell, United StatesCanyon lights up with hundreds of bioluminescent gnat larvae.

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Lonely PlanetJul 21

10 fantastic, unexpected destinations for budget travelers

Explore the world’s wonders without breaking the bank.

23 things in this story

RomaSuburbMexico City, MexicoThere's no better home base for eating your way through the city.
CondesaNeighborhoodMexico City, MexicoIt is immediately west of Colonia Roma, together with which it is designated as a "Barrio Mágico Turístico".
Palacio NacionalSightMexico City, Mexicoarchitectural highlight in Centro Histórico
Museo Frida KahloMuseumMexico City, MexicoThis Mexico City museum, also known as "Casa Azul" for its shocking cobalt blue exterior, is where Frida Khalo was born…
CoyoacánNeighborhoodMexico City, Mexicostreet life, costs little or nothing to take in
TeotihuacánSightMexico City, MexicoTeotihuacan is an ancient Mesoamerican city located in a sub-valley of the Valley of Mexico, which is located in the…
Centro HistoricoNeighborhoodMexico City, Mexicohistorical center with inexpensive guesthouses and hostels
ZócaloSightMexico City, Mexicosquare in Centro Histórico
Chapultepec ParkParkMexico City, Mexicohuge park, free to explore
Palacio de Bellas ArtesSightMexico City, MexicoIt hosts performing arts events, literature events and plastic arts galleries and exhibitions.
Autobuses del NortePlaceMexico City, Mexicobus station for Teotihuacán
Trench TownParkKingston, JamaicaBob Marley's birthplace
Bob Marley MuseumMuseumKingston, Jamaicaexcellent museum in Kingston
Blue Mountain PeakTrailKingston, Jamaicaascend for overnight stay in guesthouse
Seven Mile BeachSightNegril, Jamaicawhite-sand beach in Negril
Rick’s CaféAttractionNegril, Jamaicacliff jumping spot in Negril
Pelican BarSightTreasure Beach, Jamaicabar accessible by boat from Treasure Beach
Rebel SaluteFestivalOcho Rios, Jamaicaovernight reggae event in Ocho Rios
Reggae SumfestFestivalMontego Bay, Jamaicamultiday reggae event in Montego Bay
AlfamaNeighborhoodLisbon, Portugaloldest neighborhood, narrow winding lanes
Miradouro da Senhora do MonteSightLisbon, Portugalviewpoint with panoramic city views
Museo de Antropología e HistóriaMuseumMexico City, Mexico
Diego Rivera Mural MuseumMuseumMexico City, Mexico

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Condé Nast TravelerDec 12, 2025

The Best Beaches in the World, According to the 'Readers' Choice Awards'

For the best shores across the world from Jamaica, Australia, Türkiye, and more

25 things in this story

Bondi BeachSightSydney's iconic beach with urban buzz
Aquabumps GallerySightGallery for surf photos on Curlewis Street
Bondi to Coogee Coastal WalkTrailScenic six-kilometer coastal walk
Seven Mile BeachSightJamaica's longest beach with lively bars
Sun BeachRestaurantOn-site bar at Seven Mile Beach, Jamaica
Playa PalominoSightBeach where river meets sea in northern Colombia
Pink Sands BeachSightHarbour Island beach with colorful sand
Meads BaySightAnguilla's 'main' beach between two hotels
Shoal BaySightAnguilla beach with powdery white sands
Grace Bay BeachSightTurks and Caicos beach with 12 miles of sand
Eagle BeachSightAruba beach with powdery white sand
MadearimanRestaurantNext-door to Olas Tacos, serves lobster pizza
JacalaRestaurantFrench restaurant at Meads Bay
BlanchardsRestaurantSister restaurant to Beach Shack, more formal
Playa del CarmenSightMexico beach town with coastal charm
Quinta AvenidaNeighborhoodPedestrian-only street in Playa del Carmen
Flamenco BeachSightPuerto Rico beach on Culebra island
Playa de Los MuertosSightPuerto Vallarta beach with easy access
Cuale RiverSightRiver crossed by footbridge in Puerto Vallarta
Gould StreetSight
Olas Tacos Bar & GrillRestaurant
Beach ShackRestaurant
Mamacita'sRestaurant
Dinghy DockRestaurant
MaleconNeighborhood

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Atlas ObscuraNov 12, 2025

La Belle Creole in Les Terres Basses, Saint Martin

Over time, the Caribbean has attracted many famous entrepreneurs with big dreams. In various cases, only intriguing ruins of these dreams remain. The Titchfield in Port Antonio, Jamaica, is the most famous example, after a shipwrecked Errol Flynn decided to take over Lorenzo Dow Baker’s prestigious resort. The hotel, thanks to Dow Baker’s banana boats, can be considered the origin of Caribbean…

2 sights in this story

Errol Flynn MarinaSightRemains of a prestigious resort property
La Belle CreoleSightRemnants of a Mediterranean fishing village resort

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Condé Nast TravelerOct 2, 2025

The 10 Best Hotels in Jamaica, From Iconic All-Inclusives to Breathtaking Mountain Retreats

Here's where to stay if you're after sun, sand, and stunning design, with picks across the island.

22 things in this story

Half MoonHotelhosted Queen Elizabeth II and J.F.K.
Strawberry HillRestaurantmountain retreat with city views
GoldenEyeTrailIan Fleming wrote James Bond novels here
Round HillHotel1950s-era resort with ocean views
Rockhouse HotelHotelknown for thatch-roof stone villas
Geejam HotelHotelSeven double rooms make up this incredibly cool hotel, which has some serious music cred—No Doubt recorded its last…
JakesHotelcollection of colorful villas and bungalows
Fern Tree SpaPlaceone of the largest spas in the Caribbean
Strawberry Hill RestaurantRestaurantbeloved for its Sunday brunch
OracabessaNeighborhoodIts population is nearly 7,000.
Low CaySightbeachfront where bamboo bar serves jerk barbecue
PushcartRestaurantjerk spot with regular dance parties
GeejamHotelrainforest compound with a recording studio
BushbarRestaurantteams an infinity pool with a sound system
Geejam BayHotelhome to wildlife including turtles and rays
Jakes RestaurantRestaurantopen-air, focuses on local produce and seafood
Sandals South CoastHotelall-inclusive resort with over-the-water villas
Bluefields Bay VillasHotelfamed all-inclusive resort
AC Hotel KingstonHotelhotel in Kingston
Blue MountainsSight
Low Cay beachfrontPlace
Irish TownCafé

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Condé Nast TravelerOct 1, 2025

The Best Caribbean Cruises to Book for 2026

Whether you prefer sunning on the beach or scuba diving among coral reefs, these Caribbean cruises have something for every type of traveler.

29 things in this story

San JuanNeighborhoodvibrant departure city
St. JohnNeighborhoodprotected natural beauty
Les Anses-d'ArletNeighborhoodcolorful streets blend cultures
IlmaPlaceThe Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is new to the cruising scene—its first superyacht, Evrima , launched in 2022, and…
PhilipsburgNeighborhoodwalk along Great Bay boardwalk
Ocean Cay MSC Marine ReserveSightmarine reserve with activities
Vigie BeachSightpalm-lined beach in Castries
St. George BaySightoffers panoramic views
Celebrity BeyondPlace10-night Western Europe cruise visiting Bordeaux, France; Lisbon, Portugal; Bilbao, Seville, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca,…
The BathsSightfamous Virgin Gorda location
Port ElizabethSightsnorkeling in waters nearby
BequiaSightsail on a catamaran around
Virgin GordaNeighborhood
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht CollectionPlace
BridgetownNeighborhood
Road TownNeighborhood
Queen ElizabethPlace
MSC World AmericaPlace
St. MartenNeighborhood
St. LuciaNeighborhood
Great Bay boardwalkSight
CastriesNeighborhood
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s IlmaPlace
San Juan, Puerto RicoNeighborhood
Philipsburg, St. MaartenNeighborhood
Bridgetown, BarbadosNeighborhood
St. John's, AntiguaNeighborhood
Road Town, TortolaNeighborhood
St. MaartenSight

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The GuardianFeb 29, 2024

My Rasta father showed me the real Jamaica. After he died, I wanted to share it with my kids

I had no idea where I was heading when we set sail from Jamaica in the 70s, but I’m glad I’ve returned with my children to remember their grandfather this way As we bump along terrible roads in my dad’s hot, noisy buttermilk-coloured Beetle, I’m unable to take in the beauty of Jamaica’s north coast – its waterfalls and gin-clear sea, its lush fern-quilted interior and the majestic Blue Mountain…

21 things in this story

Blue MountainsSightDad loved them; home to Rasta father's off-grid life
Port RoyalNeighborhoodFounded in 1494 by the Spanish, it was once the largest and most prosperous city in the Caribbean, functioning as the…
NegrilNeighborhoodWhite-sand beach destination
Devon HouseAttractionErected in 1881 by Jamaica's first Black millionaire
Bob Marley’s former homeSightDiscover the home and recording studio of Bob Marley, a reggae legend, in Kingston, Jamaica.
Lime Tree FarmGuest houseGuesthouse perched on mountain ridge; grows coffee
Mavis BankNeighborhoodAndrew in the Blue Mountains, close to the border of Portland.
Mavis Bank Coffee FactorySightLocally picked beans are roasted here
CinchonaParkBotanical garden; dad walked and smoked herb here
Governors BenchSightHike offers views of Kingston and Port Royal
Skylark resortHotelStylish hotel with yoga deck overlooking sea
Cosmo'sRestaurantBeach restaurant serving fresh snapper and bammy
Rose HallSightFormer sugar plantation; home to Annie Palmer
RockhouseHotelSister hotel to Skylark; leaders in social responsibility
Cockpit CountrySightRugged area where Maroons won freedom
YS FallsAttractionFairytale-like waterfall destination
Frenchman's CoveHotelPicture-perfect cove with river and beach
Goblin HillHotelSelf-catering cottage overlooking stormy bay
Winnifred BeachSightBeach saved from privatisation by locals
Cynthia's cafeRestaurantShack on Winnifred Beach serving lunch
Alligator Head FoundationPlaceLocal marine reserve; helps baby turtles

Read the full piece at The Guardian →