Ocho Rios, Jamaica Summary

The first town in Jamaica to be developed specifically as a resort, OCHO RIOS (usually just called “Ochi”) abounds with neon-fronted duty-free stores, fast-food chains, bars, clubs and visitor-oriented restaurants. Local culture takes a back seat to the tourist trappings here, so it’s not a good place to get an authentic flavour of Jamaica. It’s not the best choice amongst the island’s “big three” resorts for the classic Caribbean beach holiday, either – the strip of hotel-lined sand just can’t compete with the beaches of Negril and Montego Bay, and the club and bar scenes are less vibrant. Nonetheless, the nightlife is improving, and Ochi compensates for its scenic deficiencies with a certain infectious energy.