Introduction
When we travel, we often focus on what we gain from the experience, but what if our impact could be positive as well? Jamaica, known for its incredible talent and warm hospitality, offers opportunities for travelers to give back during their stay. By choosing the right hotels and participating in local tours, visitors can contribute to the island’s economy and support initiatives that benefit the environment and the community.
Jamaica Inn: Elegance and Sustainability
Jamaica Inn, a renowned hotel with a rich history, embodies old-school elegance. With its pristine private beach and sea-view rooms, this hotel captures the essence of Jamaican beauty. What sets it apart is its commitment to its staff and the community. Many of its team members have been with the hotel for decades, and the recently launched Teddy Tucker Scholarship Fund provides education and training for local children in the tourism industry. With green initiatives and a goal to become carbon neutral by 2025, Jamaica Inn proves that luxury can go hand in hand with sustainability.
Rockhouse: A Natural Escape
Perched atop the cliffs of West End Negril, Rockhouse offers a unique eco-escape. Built to blend with the natural landscape, the hotel features timber, stone, and thatch architecture. It is environmentally certified and supports the local community through fair compensation, healthcare, and educational opportunities for its staff. The Rockhouse Foundation, associated with the hotel, has invested millions in local schools and community projects. Guests can relax and rejuvenate while knowing that their stay directly benefits the island and its people.
Skylark: A Beach Club with Jamaican Influence
Located on Negril’s Seven Mile Beach, Skylark combines the ambiance of a Palm Springs beach club with Jamaican musical history. The hotel celebrates Jamaican culture through its rotating program of musicians, art exhibitions, and immersive experiences. To encourage guests to explore the local community, Skylark provides a “Roots & Culture Passport,” promoting activities such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, and painting classes. As a sister hotel of Jamaica Inn, Skylark contributes to the Rockhouse Foundation’s impactful projects.
Authentic Experiences and Local Businesses
While staying at these remarkable hotels, it is essential to venture out and support local businesses and communities. Jamaica offers a myriad of tours and activities that provide authentic experiences and promote cultural immersion. Visitors can explore rum distilleries, bamboo raft down the Martha Brae River, visit the Rastafari Indigenous Village, or dive into the Island Gully Falls. Additionally, art enthusiasts can admire the vibrant street art in Kingston or visit the Ahhh… Ras Nantango Gallery and Garden. For those who want to make a difference, supporting local initiatives like Bresheh, a premium luggage manufacturer, or 360 Recycle, a foundation that turns waste into sustainable creations, can have a lasting impact.
Airline Support and Conclusion
Travelers can easily reach Jamaica with direct flights from London Gatwick to Montego Bay. The Tui Care Foundation, associated with the airline, supports initiatives worldwide, including in Jamaica. By providing education and funding to young entrepreneurs, Tui contributes to the growth of sustainable businesses that benefit the local community. By choosing hotels that prioritize sustainability and participating in tours that support local initiatives, travelers can ensure that their visit to Jamaica leaves a positive impact on the island, its people, and the environment.
