HOT ΤΟ TROT

The world beyond your oyster: Travel choices to explore in 2025.

- Sonia Nazareth

Montego Bay, Jamaica, Polished Gem

Montego Bay could easily step out of a Bond film set. This bountiful capital of Saint James's Parish on Jamaica's north coast is riddled with golf courses, resorts, waterfalls and pristine beaches. Significant scenes within the James Bond film “Live and Let Die” were shot at the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course.

Surfing and diving opportunities abound in and around the coral reefs - within the protected waters of Montego Bay. Discarding all ideas of restraint, is what being at the all-inclusive resorts here calls for. I wander around the Zoetry Resort, tucked away on its own private beach on a plan called “Endless Privileges”, which basically means there's a whole range of benefits included in the rate.

I wander from my gourmet meal to a snorkelling tour, swim in the infinity pool and finally to a glass of wine flashing my all-inclusive wrist band as payment. If you're in the mood for a spot of cultural immersion, the Rastafari Indigenous Village is nearby with its variegated offerings : sharing Rastafarian philosophy in the Big Hut, a walk through the organic permaculture medicinal herb farm, and a chance to witness the production (and buy what catches your eye) of cottage enterprise. The products range from hand-made drums to soaps, from jewellery to art.

Sri Lanka, Bentota, Lunuganga