With a charming leisure scene, various delicacies, and nice choices for excursions, Jamaica has all of the components of a perfect vacation destination. Add all-inclusive resorts like Sandals to the combination and what you’ll have is the beginnings of an unforgettable journey.
In Jamaica, after snorkelling round Seven Mile Beach, taking the plunge at Dunn’s River Falls, rafting down the Martha Brae River, exploring Mystic Mountain, and embarking on numerous different adventures, you’ll not solely fall in love with the island however lengthy to take a little bit of it dwelling with you as properly by buying an genuine memento.
Image: Essentially the most stunning memento you may convey dwelling from Sandals Montego Bay is the reminiscences.
If you end up in that place (madly and completely in love with an island!) maybe some souvenirs can be simply what you want. Plus, you’ll have the ability to share them with family and friends within the hopes that they’ll be part of you in your subsequent go to to this rhythmic Caribbean island.
Learn on for a few of our prime Jamaica memento decisions, from t-shirts and work, to scorching sauce and Blue Mountain Espresso!
Picture credit score: byvalet/Shutterstock.com
On this article on the Sandals Weblog:
Authentic souvenirs to pick up in Jamaica
Tips for shopping for Jamaican souvenirs
Best places to shop for souvenirs in Jamaica
Genuine souvenirs to choose up in Jamaica
Genuine and authentic Reggae music
Picture credit score: Ralf Liebhold/Shutterstock.com
Need to take some good Reggae jams again dwelling with you after an incredible trip? If that’s the case, Jamaica could be your go to. This vibrant Caribbean isle is the birthplace of Reggae music.
On this island, you could be shocked what number of Reggae artists there are that you could be not have heard of, and the way various the native music choice is total. Different widespread genres you’ll hear on this island embody Dancehall, Dub and Ska.
For the last word memento or souvenir, you’ll have the ability to buy albums that you just might need a tough time discovering elsewhere. These eager to enterprise even deeper into the world of Reggae music can be intrigued by the Rasta neighborhood at Mount Debre Zeit close to Papine, Kingston, the place the Reggae vibes are all the time genuine. Mount Debre Zeit Data and Selection Retailer can be your go-to for souvenirs. Whereas there, you’ll additionally have the ability to have a coronary heart to coronary heart with ‘Ras’ whereas sipping on regionally made roots tonic, listening to new music, and getting the 411 on who’s scorching at the moment in Jamaica.
Blue Mountain Espresso
You received’t cease listening to about Blue Mountain Coffee whereas in Jamaica, and one sip of the sought-after espresso will clarify why. Recognized for its unique nature, excessive progress elevations, and hand-picked attraction, Blue Mountain Espresso is each expensive, and top-of-the-line coffees on the earth. A lot of the Blue Mountain Espresso crop is exported to Japan — as a lot as 80 %. Luckily, even with these numbers it isn’t exhausting to search out Blue Mountain Espresso in Jamaica, significantly in present outlets at resorts like Sandals, or on native espresso farms. Take some dwelling with you to share the wealth at a fraction of the price!
Decide up some artwork by a Jamaican grasp
Picture credit score: Ralf Liebhold/Shutterstock.com
Pure inspiration is all over the place you look in Jamaica. Translating that inspiration into essentially the most unimaginable artworks are the island’s superb artists. In your vacation to Jamaica, you’ll have the ability to discover and buy some authentic items to take again dwelling as a memento. The artwork scene is fairly notable on this island, and it received’t be exhausting to search out one thing high quality at affordable price, together with vibrant oil work that’ll be simple to roll up and match into your baggage. Artwork associated occasions in Jamaica embody common public auctions which will be tremendous full of life, in addition to artwork gallery affairs which regularly characteristic works by grasp painters. A number of the stand out artists in Jamaica embody Albert Huie, Barrington Watson, Cecil Cooper, and Milton Harley.
Jamaican rum
Picture credit score: Debbie Ann Powell/Shutterstock.com
Take that really feel good Jamaican spirit dwelling with you by sourcing some native rum. A number of the rums produced in Jamaica are among the many finest on the earth and may add the right contact to any cocktail. Jamaican whiskies as properly, are identified to be tremendous easy, and can go down properly with anybody with a style for the finer issues. In Jamaica, you are able to do excursions of a number of the native distilleries, like Appleton Property, the place you’ll be taught concerning the rum making course of and in addition get an opportunity to buy some souvenirs.
Insider tip: Need to be handled to a number of the best rum cocktails throughout your all-inclusive Caribbean trip? Premium liquors are included and limitless on the many bars situated throughout the six Sandals Resorts in Jamaica!
Rum cream
Should you like creamy rum, you’ll love a number of the Jamaica varieties which generally embody nuts, spices, and even dried fruits. Rum cream is a mellow, alcoholic drink that you may share with family and friends to allow them to know that you just considered them, even whereas having the time of your life in paradise! Rum cream mixes properly with Blue Mountain Espresso.
Scorching sauce
Caribbean islands like Jamaica are identified for his or her flavorful delicacies, a few of which have gained recognition internationally. Spices are key when cooking up and serving delicious Jamaican dishes, and so is an effective bottle of scorching sauce! Jamaica scorching sauce sometimes contains scotch bonnet peppers (among the many hottest Chile peppers on the earth) as a key ingredient, and that is one memento that comes full of hearth and taste. If fiery isn’t fairly what you’re going for, there are additionally milder variations of scorching sauce made with fruits together with mango and banana.
Jamaican cold-pressed coconut oil
Coconut oil is a kind of belongings you simply don’t need to go away the Caribbean with out. Whereas in Jamaica, get a pair bottles of Jamaican cold-pressed coconut oil which is useful for absolutely anything, together with hair and skincare, make-up removing, and a spread of well being makes use of. This oil is in response to the specialists, one of many healthiest round, and it’s mentioned to assist shield the physique and mind. The potential well being positive factors of this superb marvel oil makes it an ideal present — don’t overlook to get some for your self as properly.
Jamaican jerk seasoning
Picture credit score: Michelle Lee Pictures/Shutterstock.com
Jamaican jerk meats are in a category of their very own, and hopefully should you resolve to trip in Jamaica, you’ll make a lot of time to savor superb jerk meals. Should you adore it (which you seemingly will!), you’ll have the ability to take some jerk seasoning dwelling with you the place you may problem your self to recreate a few of these fantastic spicy meals. Jamaican jerk seasoning makes an ideal current to convey dwelling, however ensure that to get some for your self as properly. Search for the manufacturers Walkers Wooden and Island Spice, which yow will discover at native supermarkets and at some memento outlets.
Jamaican beef patties
A chunk into an genuine Jamaican beef patty could be in contrast to something you’ve ever skilled. There’s a lot taste packed into this sizeable pattie, that you just simply may not have the ability to get sufficient! Luckily, it is utterly attainable to convey dwelling some frozen patties to share with family and friends again dwelling!
Jamaican cookbooks
Who wouldn’t need to learn to cook dinner Jamaican fashion, after spending a while on these eclectic and thrilling shores? Because of this, a Jamaica cookbook will come in useful not only for you, but additionally to have the ability to share the folks of this island’s distinctive method of cooking with these you’re keen on.
Coconut wine glasses
Wager your mates don’t have any coconut wine glasses but, and so they’ll be completely shocked should you get them some straight from Jamaica as a memento. It’ll virtually be like they went there themselves, and so they for certain will need to exhibit these goodies made with actual coconut shells. Coconut wine glasses received’t be exhausting to search out in Jamaica — you may decide them up from most craft distributors in Montego Bay and different elements of the island.
Wooden carvings
Picture credit score: Ovidiu Curic/Shutterstock.com
By no means thoughts how distinctive and complex wooden carvings are typically, they aren’t one thing the common particular person will take into consideration buying for themselves on an everyday day. Until in fact, they’re actually into artwork, by which case, it will make the right memento. Assist your fortunate buddy or member of the family add wooden carvings made in Jamaica to their assortment by visiting Fern Gully close to Ocho Rios the place you’ll discover a number of the finest wooden carvings on the island. Gadgets embody artfully made bowls and trays, and different rigorously crafted creations.
Insider tip: Friends of Sandals resorts in Jamaica can organize their excursions simply by way of the resort, which makes attending to the very best memento purchasing areas a breeze!
Straw hats
Picture credit score: Debbie Ann Powell/Shutterstock.com
ol’ straw hat (or a model new one) can come in useful out and in of the Caribbean. It is a nice present if you wish to take some sunshine again dwelling to your mates or relations, at which level you’ll have the ability to share a little bit of historical past on how these straw hats are produced from handmade origami in Jamaica. Yow will discover these straw hats at most craft stops in Jamaica, and there are normally all kinds to select from.
Jamaica branded clothes
Picture credit score: Ovidiu Curic/Shutterstock.com
Very like this island has its very personal music, it is usually attainable to get genuine Jamaican branded clothes on this island. Many of those manufacturers characteristic the colours of the Jamaica flag, portraits of widespread musicians, and different paintings. You will get every little thing from t-shirts to trace fits, in addition to rasta hats, belts, bracelets, and baseball caps. You can too get issues like branded footballs, mugs, and seaside towels, all of which make cool souvenirs.
Jamaican root tonic
Jamaican root tonic is produced from medicinal vegetation, herbs, roots, and tree bark. It’s thought-about a wholesome drink, which may also help construct power, vitality, and even improve intercourse drive. Many Jamaicans swear by this concoction, and primarily based on the truth that it nonetheless stays simply as widespread at this time after being round for a few years, we’ll say it could simply be price a attempt! Whereas in Jamaica, get just a few bottles of this for your self, and in addition to share with these nearest and dearest.
Leather-based sandals
An genuine pair of leather-based sandals are a superb discover wherever you go, however should you’re on the lookout for souvenirs that will even final and be helpful, this can be a superb purchase in Jamaica. Comprised of all-natural supplies, you’ll have the ability to discover tasteful leather-based sandals in Jamaica should you look exhausting sufficient. Present outlets and craft cubicles in Montego Bay are an ideal place to start out wanting.
Jamaican dolls
Regardless of the age of the particular person you’re getting an genuine handmade doll for, they’re certain to understand those made in Jamaica. Many craft outlets inventory this merchandise, and there are a selection of dolls you may select from made with gentle spongy supplies, or hand plastic. Usually, these dolls will be discovered rocking conventional Jamaica put on and classy Jamaican hairstyles which each adults and children will love!
Laid again, worry-free lifestyle
If there’s something you merely can’t go away Jamaica with out, it is the form of peace of thoughts and stillness that may solely be present in a Caribbean paradise island akin to this. Positively go away your worries in Jamaica, and return dwelling with various doses to spare of laid-back residing, and watch how a lot your outlook on life modifications for the higher because of this!
Professional tip: In case you are staying at any Sandals all-inclusive resort it is possible for you to to search out tons of top of the range souvenirs on the resort outlets, which incorporates objects like Blue Mountain Espresso, jewellery, t-shirts and Jamaican rum.
1. Made in China?
Until you need to find yourself with a random merchandise manufactured someplace like China, and never an genuine Jamaican souvenir, look rigorously in any respect objects earlier than you buy them. Learn tags and ask inquiries to keep away from being duped.
2. Store round for numerous choices.
Should you’re going to go memento purchasing, decide to it. Don’t simply purchase the primary issues that catch your eye as that’s a certain strategy to overspend and to depart with out getting what you really need. Go searching on the numerous choices even when meaning going to a couple shops in a pair completely different areas. Positively evaluate costs as you go alongside.
Picture credit score: Debbie Ann Powell/Shutterstock.com
3. Negotiate a good worth.
Bargaining is all a part of the sport when memento purchasing. Should you see one thing you want, generally it’s price negotiating with the seller to reach at a good worth, particularly should you for certain noticed the precise merchandise for much less cash elsewhere.
4. Cease the effort with just a few phrases.
The competitors is stiff for the merchandising market in Jamaica. This implies you may anticipate to be approached with a lot of provides whereas purchasing round for souvenirs. No worries although, should you aren’t , simply say so with a easy “No, thanks”.
Finest locations to buy souvenirs in Jamaica
There are lots of locations in Jamaica the place yow will discover nice souvenirs. Listed below are a few of our prime decisions:
1. Montego Bay Craft Market
If authenticity is what you search, the Montego Bay Craft Market is an effective place to begin for memento purchasing. This market is situated in a handy location within the metropolis and also you’ll have the ability to discover some nice bargains. Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean are two superb resorts situated inside shut proximity of the Montego Bay Craft Market.
2. Ocho Rios Craft Market
Picture credit score: Debbie Ann Powell/Shutterstock.com
Should you’re staying at Sandals Ochi or Sandals Royal Plantation, the Ocho Rios Craft Market is price trying out as it’s situated close to each of those resorts. That is the biggest market in Ocho Rios, and there are over 100 distributors arrange on this location. This implies it’s a good suggestion to know what you’re on the lookout for earlier than you go so that you received’t be overwhelmed.
3. Negril Craft Market
There are fairly just a few purchasing choices in Negril when memento purchasing, however the Negril Craft Market is an effective place to go if you’d like extra objects multi function place. Situated simply off Norman Manley Blvd, at this location you’ll have the ability to discover handmade crafts (together with baskets, jewellery and wooden carvings) and even some classic objects.
Insider tip: Negril is an incredible place to buy in Jamaica the place you can even discover some unimaginable seashores (just like the world well-known Seven Mile Seaside) and resorts like Sandals Negril which provides company 7 eating places, and 5 bars together with swim-up bars! The perfect half: all drinks and meals are included and all the time limitless.
4. Port Antonio Craft Market
The Port Antonio Market is a small, vibrant house the place you’ll have the ability to get a really feel of the Jamaica market expertise whereas purchasing round for souvenirs. There’s all kinds of decisions at this location, and also you’re unlikely to be dissatisfied!
Now that you understand the place to search out the very best Jamaica souvenirs…
Image: The genuine Jamaican and charming Sandals Royal Plantation, an all-inclusive butler resort in Ocho Rios.
All that’s left to do now could be plan your trip! Whether or not you could have your coronary heart set on a romantic and laid again resort like Sandals South Coast, the enchanting and charming Sandals Royal Plantation, or at any of the opposite 5-star all-inclusive Sandals properties in Jamaica, you’ll be shut sufficient to a number of the finest memento purchasing spots in Jamaica.
