For your next trip to Jamaica, here are the top places to stay and eat.
Yet we always prioritize experiences rooted in lasting joy, rather than moments of ephemeral fun.
They didn’t even notice the absence of their beloved yogurt pouches.
Pronouncedeye-tal, this lifestyle-diet occupies space, in varying degrees, in almost every sun-drenched corner of the Caribbean.
But then Luke forced my hand.
Mango juice dripped down his arm and pooled at his knobby elbows.
I noticed that a battery of emotions registered in his body, the most obvious being pride.
I just got it directly from the tree.
I fell silent, because he was right.
And I suspect he claimed this knowing silence as yet another triumph.
Later that night, I promised myself to do the work on understanding the many merits of Ital.
I had to correct the teachable moment that had occurred so naturally, Id almost missed it.
And in Jamaica, that abiding belief is not hard to find.
I was surprised to see how many resorts and restaurants embrace Itals earth-loving ethic.
I look for all the fruit that grows wild, Henry says.
They will be yours for food.
A Visit to Montego Bay and Negril
This fact was effortlessly felt in Negril.
For instance, every bed, table, desk, and chair is made in-house using repurposed lumber.
Hes been scouring the Internet for something similar, but nothing comes close.
Every Jamaican I know, after they hit 45, they cut out meat, he says.
They eat fish till age fifty and then go straight vegan, right back to Ital.
A dish of rice, vegetables, and pigeon peas served in a fresh coconut shell at Jamaica Inn, in Ocho Rios.Credit:Clay Williams
Woolcocks perception plays out in his menu.
The dish is a tenderly prepared, luscious ode to the islands interior that boasts deep ribbons of flavor.
you’re able to actually taste the rich history from which the dish was forged.
Waterfront dining at Rockhouse.Clay Williams
More of our guests are demanding vegetarian and vegan options, Salmon said.
We move with the times and look at ways to fulfill that demand.
Its just part of our desire to be a responsible hotel.
From left: The veggie platter at Rasta Ade includes breadfruit, lentils, rice and beans, and callaloo; the entrance to Rasta Ade.Clay Williams
They got that there was a deeper meaning and history beneath the surface.
Interestingly enough, the kids started to make connections, toggling back and forth in their own kid parlance.
A small group of swimsuited vacationers quickly formed around him.
From left: The entrance to the wellness garden at the Rastafari Indigenous Village, in Montego Bay, Jamaica; a cooking demo at the Rastafari Indigenous Village.Clay Williams
I quietly watched from the sidelines.
There was no talk of straws, cups, or other accessories.
The faces of these vacationers were wet and aglow with glee.
The health-food restaurant Rasta Ade Refreshments, in Negril.Clay Williams
And just like Luke, they bore witness to Ital in its most virtuous, sacrosanct state.
I had learned my lesson, and this time my silence sang of joy.
Its Sugar Mill restaurant offers dishes highlighting native ingredients.
From left: A guest room at Jamaica Inn; the Jamaica Inn beach.Clay Williams
The Terrace Restaurant serves up Ital cuisine.
The 40-room hotel has terrific views, a world-class spa, and cave swimming.
Check out the vegan and vegetarian options at the restaurant.
From left: Terrace seating at Half Moon resort; sautéing vegetables at Half Moon, a resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica.Clay Williams
Head to Miss Lilys for the signature Bushman Ital stew.
Fresh fruits and vegetables on display at Zimbali Culinary Retreat, in Negril, Jamaica.Clay Williams
A guest room at Half Moon resort.Clay Williams
From left: The terrace of a guest room at Skylark; a cucumber and watermelon salad at Jamaica’s Skylark Negril Beach Resort.Clay Williams
From left: Fresh porridge served at Rockhouse; a chess table for guests at Rockhouse Resort & Spa, in Negril, Jamaica.Clay Williams
From left: Chef Kahari Woolcock at Miss Lily’s restaurant; the bar at Miss Lily’s, inside Skylark Negril.Clay Williams
From left: A passenger boat moored near the Rockhouse; guest rooms overlooking the garden at Skylark Negril.Clay Williams
From left: Citrus for sale in Ocho Rios; a fruit smoothie and green juice at Rasta Ade.Clay Williams
From left: Chef Alecia Swainback preparing a meal at Zimbali Culinary Retreat; the organic gardens at Rockhouse.Clay Williams
