The term Jamaica has a deliciously soothing influence on the frazzled minds of tense city folk. It instantly evokes scenes of tropical tranquillity, bronzed holiday makers lounging on sugary sands or mellow locals jamming; in open air bars to the lulling rhythm of reggae and crisp clink of sweating bottles of red stripe. Given Jamaica's famously complacent charm, it's fitting that the country's Olympic sprint king Usain Bolt broke the world record with his shoelace undone.
The relaxed vibe of Jamaica, that is located 90 miles south of Cuba, is recognized, however the island now offers some stereotype busting adventure activities that promise to sprinkle a little Jamaican jerk spice over your holiday.
The energetic north cost resort of Montego Bay is an ideal base from which to explore Jamaica's stunning coastland. Petrol heads can strap themselves into an 800c dune buggy and roar through the historic sugar cane country across the old Blue Hole cane estate, eating up dirt tracks and exploding through rivers in a cloud of angry, hissing steam. For a holistic approach, take a horse back ride, which concludes with a bracing dip (along with your horse) in the Caribbean Sea.
Further east in Ocho Rios, in the lush garden parish of Saint Ann, take in spectacular coastal views by taking the Sky Explorer chairlift high above the rainforest canopy to the 700ft peak of Mystic Mountain. Up here you are able to tackle the zip line tour, with a dizzying 170m traverse and one surprise vertical drop. In honour of the Jamaican bobsled team made famous by the 1993 move Cool Runnings, you can even make the eyeball popping journey down a 1000m bobsled track in the heart of the rainforest.
As the nearby Dolphin Cove, let your missus frolic with dolphins whilst you face the shark programme, which lets you snorkel with, feed and hold a shark. After signing an application acknowledging that 'I accept sharks are dangerous'. By the time fish blood is poured into a pool stalked by menacing shadows (their largest shark being the 8ft Diablo) and the Jaws theme tune stabs out on the tannoy, you may wish you'd stuck with the dolphins.
Needless to say, just because you like adventure, you don't want to sleep in a tent. So set up base camp at the luxury resort of Half Moon in Montego Bay, having its colonial whitewashed cottages, par 72 golf course, 51 pools and exquisite restaurants, the traditional ackee and salt fish is a must try, or the delectably dozy Jamaica inn near Ocho Rios, whose private beach, secluded suites and total absence of TVs will ensure a truly peaceful stay.
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