Bob Marley and James Bond. You never thought you would see those two named linked together, did you? Yet, here they are, connected by one special place on the northern coast of Jamaica’s St. Anne’s Parish: Ocho Rios. Come along and explore Ocho Rios, an oasis along Jamaica’s North Coast.

Bob Marley and James Bond in Ocho Rios

The region is both the birthplace and burial place of Marley. May 11, 2021, in fact, marks the 30^th anniversary of the global icon’s passing.

Ocho Rios also served as the location of 1962’s Dr. No with Sean Connery as Bond, the first-ever James Bond film. Then 1973’s Live and Let Die with Roger Moore as Bond. And finally, the 25^th James Bond film, No Time to Die with Daniel Craig, was released in fall 2020.

Moon Palace Jamaica

There are many resort options in the area, but Moon Palace Jamaica, which opened in 2015 in the heart of Ocho Rios and marked the Palace hospitality brand’s first property outside of Mexico, should be at the top of any visitor’s list. The 704-room, all-inclusive resort has already earned a AAA Four-Diamond rating and features 17 acres of ivory sand on the longest stretch of private beach in Ocho Rios.

Moon Palace, Ocho Rios. Photo Courtesy Moon Palace Resort

All of the rooms, most of which boast magnificent views of the Caribbean Sea, are impressive and feature CHI bath amenities and styling products, Apple smart televisions, an in-cabinet liquor dispenser with premium spirits, a Lavazza coffee maker, and wireless internet. However, the ten governor’s suites and spacious two-bedroom presidential suite are the most lavish on the property.

Presidential Suite. Photo Courtesy Moon Palace Resort

Activities at Moon Palace Resort

Beyond the opulent accommodations, there is much to do, see, eat, and drink on and off the property.

On the property, guests can enjoy the only FlowRider® Double wave simulator in Jamaica and four sparkling pools.

Flowrider Wave Simulator. Photo Courtesy Moon Palace Resort

Four distinct dining destinations with premium quality cuts from Certified Angus Beef® and 24-hour room service are there to satisfy your hunger.

Dining at Moon Palace. Photo Courtesy of Moon Palace Resort

You can party at the ultra-chic Noir nightclub. Or, Swim in a dolphin habitat. There is also a dedicated children’s area for ages 4 to 12.

The fitness center and 35,000-square-foot AWE Spa help maintain your wellness. The resort also brings in internationally recognized entertainment regularly.

AWE Spa. Photo Courtesy of Moon Palace Resort

Adventures in Ocho Rios

Arrangements can be made on-site to take advantage of several watersports, including kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, catamaran rides, sailing, and more.

Kayaking is One of the Many Water Sports Available in Ocho Rios. Photo Courtesy of Moon Palace Resort

Moon Palace has a dedicated on-site concierge team, each with first-hand knowledge of the area and its secret and not-so-secret hot spots. With the concierge or in the privacy of one’s room, guests can preview and book dozens of public, semi-private, and private tours as well as unique activities throughout Ocho Rios and other areas in Jamaica.

The Blue Mountains form the longest mountain range in Jamaica. This area is prime real estate for hikers, mountain bikers, wildlife enthusiasts, and naturalists of every skill level.

Blue Mountains Jamaica. Photo Courtesy Peggy and Marco Lachmann-Anke via Pixabay

Dunn’s River Falls is a series of three waterfalls in Ocho Rios. Together, they are 180 feet high and 600 feet long. Because they are terraced—they combine in such a way with rock and lagoons so that they almost appear as massive stairs to the human eye—visitors to Dunn’s can climb from the lowest to the highest point, as long as they don’t mind getting a little wet along the way.

Dunn’s River Falls. Photo by jasoncowellphoto via iStock

Koknoko Falls and Park has a smaller waterfall, which is much smaller than Dunn’s but still climbable, a swimming area, river gardens, a botanical garden with pathways over small ponds and streams teeming with fish, a small zoo that is known for its collection of exotic birds and museum focused on the area’s rich history.

Mystic Mountain is at the top of a mountain and features three distinct attractions. First, there is the SkyExplorer, a slow, relaxing ride to the top of the mountain with 360-degree views of Ocho Rios. Then, there is the Jamaican bobsled, which is much like a roller coaster and will make guests feel like they are in the movie Cool Runnings. Finally, there is a canopy zipline, which allows guests to zipline across a rainforest. Beyond the main attractions, there is also a pool with slides, shopping, museum, and dining options onsite.

Swimming With Dolphins

Finally, at Dolphin Cove Ocho Rios, guests can see—and even swim—with dolphins, sharks, and stingrays in their natural environment. There are five acres of lush rainforest to explore when not in the water, thanks to its jungle trail. The trail features tropical birds, iguanas, and snakes.

There is also a sandy beach for those who may not be as into getting up close and personal with wildlife as the rest of their group but still want to be in on all of the action.

Swimming with Dolphins. Photo Courtesy of Moon Palace Resort

Be sure to check out other interesting articles on Jamaica from Wander With Wonder. We also have suggestions for other all-inclusive resorts and great beach vacations.

Ocho Rios: Oasis Along Jamaica’s North Coast