Crazy, Sexy, Chill: These Jamaica Baecation Itineraries Have Something For Everyone
Who doesn’t love a good baecation, especially if it involves taking flights and knocking back shots in an international locale? And where, in the world, is more alluring—with diverse options for almost every couple—than Jamaica?
It is undoubtedly my favorite island in the world, and recently I got the chance to try out a few amazing new experiences with my man, taking us from the east to the west, from sexy excitement and fun mayhem, to alluring sightseeing and connection. If you’re looking to take your bae to the Caribbean (or give your partner a few hints for your next trip), try these itineraries curated by yours truly.
CRAZY… BUT WORTH IT: Cross-Island Road Trip
Start your road trip in Westmoreland Parish and make your final destination an oasis of rum. On this trip, bae and I drove through nine of the island’s 14 parishes in 24 hours. Rent a car or hire a driver and get on the road. Jamaica is best seen and experienced by car for sure!
Where To Stay
Traveller’s Beach Resort, Negril
Start in Negril on Seven Mile Beach, and skip the big resorts to enjoy a bit more bang for your buck with the vibes, modern amenities, and beachfront access here. It’s affordable, the rooms are cute, and you’ll be in a prime location to take the main roads for this trip.
Hot Stops
1st: Cool Oasis, Negril
It’s the largest indigenous fuel provider in Jamaica, the prices are great, and the gas price matches the quality. It's a great place to get all the snacks, extra cash for tolls, and drinks you need to enjoy a road trip for two. After gassing up and getting snacks and drinks, we hit the road along Seven Mile Beach, on through Hanover and into the next parishes of St. James, Trewlawney, and St. Ann, and on into Clarendon.
2nd: Murrays Fish And Jerk Hut, Clarendon
Located in Clarendon, this stop is a must if you’re taking any sort of trip west to east. And while there are dozens of jerk centers across the island, this is one of the best simply due to the unique taste and smoke of the meats. Bae likes the chicken but this is the only time I cheat and eat pork ever. (When it's your turn to order, just say "I want a quarter pork please." It's a portion perfect for one.) Add festival, (a fried slightly sweet bread that tastes a little like hushpuppies but better) to your order, and thank me later.
3rd: Worthy Park Estate Rum Distillery, St. Catherine
Just getting up the winding hilly terrain for this attraction is scenic (and borderline scary) enough, and once you arrive, you’ll find the trip was well worth it. The lushness of the expansive property embraces you, and your tour, which originates at their welcome center, begins with rum punch served by the in-house bartender.
You’ll then be immersed in the history of the company, how their diverse brands of rum are made (with my favorite being Rum Bar Rum Cream), and a full walking tour of their distillery (which could actually give any California winery a run for its money when it comes to the alluring atmosphere, cool-comfy valley breezes, and the delightful sticky-sweet smell of fresh barrels of liquor).
The tour, of course, ended with a tasting of four samples of different types of rum (and a bottle of water to sip in between). And of course, one of us had to take one sip and call it quits since we had some more driving to do.
We headed on through St. Catherine (passing near Linstead and Spanish Town to be exact), then through the southern part of Clarendon, and then on to Manchester (where there are big beautiful homes and the weather can get cold like in the States). We then went through St. Elizabeth to pass through my second-favorite town, White House, then finally to Savanna-la-Mar, and on to where we started, Negril.
SEXY & CHILL: Club-Hopping, Cocktails, And Cannabis
For this trip, bae and I wanted to let loose and explore a little wild fun. We hadn't had a crazy, drunken, throw-caution-to-the-wind weekend since the day we met, so we wanted to lounge, do a little partying, and try a few new things. To spice things up, we were able to check a few things off our "We Ain't Too Old Yet" bucket list.
Where To Stay
Deja Resort, Montego Bay
It’s right on the Hip Strip, across the street from Doctor’s Cove Beach and literally steps away from any and every popular restaurant (think, Margaritaville). You can enjoy the open bar and the complimentary breakfast, and after one too many rum-punch rounds, slide on into a little secluded rendezvous with your boo in the upper-level hot tub. The area gives sensual vibes by sunset, and the added shade of the palm trees and other greenary around the pool just adds to the allure. (Again, keep it on the hush, sis, and take heed to discretion. There are several little hidden nooks that it’s just irresistible, but if you get caught, you’re on your own!)
Where To Go
Taboo, Montego Bay
I’d heard about the location in Kingston, but since I’m always traveling to the western parts of Jamaica, I’d never visited. I’m no stranger to strip clubs (well, the ones that employ women) so I thought it would be a good idea to check the Montego Bay location out.
We went on a Wednesday, and it wasn't too crowded. The entertainers there were fun, down-to-earth, and beautiful in a way that was inviting and relatable. They really didn’t hold back, to the point where my man—a born-and-raised Jamaican who is 10 years my senior, has several children and has been well around the block several times— was even blushing. We both got private as well as couple's dances and enjoyed every minute of it.
Added bonus: The drinks were exotic, strong, and worth every penny.
Lounge 2727, Montego Bay
This is another spot on Montego Bay’s Hip Strip, and if strippers aren’t your thing, you can get your party, drink, and eat on here. They have hookah, beer, wine, and cocktails, and again, the views, the views, the views! Depending on the night, you can dance (or lounge) to the soundtrack of dancehall, hip-hop, and R&B hits, and, as a bonus, it’s steps away from Island Strains, a marijuana dispensary that, on my first visit, I actually accidentally walked into thinking it was a lounge. (And do I have to spell it out for you sis? This has all the makings of a potentially Hangover-worthy spontaneous sexy adventure waiting to happen.)
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Exclusive: Melanie Fiona On Making High-Vibrational Music & Saying Yes To Partnership
Melanie Fiona is back! After taking a little more than a decade-long hiatus, she has officially made her return to music and blessed us with two singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You.” While both singles are very different from each other, they both reflect who she is today and the type of music she wants to make. In our conversation, the mom of two expressed what she learned during her time away.
“It's interesting, even when I said it is like coming back, I don't ever feel like I really left because I was always still performing. I've still been public. It's not like I went into being this recluse person or version of myself, but the thing that I really learned in this process is that I think things take time,” Melanie says in a xoNecole exclusive.
“I think often we're so caught up in it, being on the timing of demand or popularity, or, like, striking while the iron is hot and the thing that I've learned is that everything is on God's time. That's it. Every time I thought I would have been ready, or, like, things were taking too long, I had to reship some things, personally, professionally, in my life. I also gave myself permission to make a living, not just make a living, but make a life for myself.”
Making a life for herself included getting married to Grammy-nominated songwriter Jared Cotter, starting a family, and embracing new landscapes, such as podcasting as a co-host of The Mama’s Den podcast. She also began doing more spiritual work and self-care practices like meditation, sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, and boundary setting, which allowed her to get in touch with her inner voice.
“I wasn't putting out music, and I wasn't experiencing a number one record, but I was being a number one mom,” she says.
“I was experiencing things that were allowing me to heal and get in touch with myself so that I could make new music from a space of joy and freedom, and excitement again because I definitely feel like I did lose some excitement because of just politics and industry and what it can do to your mental health and even your physical health. So giving myself the space to really just say, ‘Hey, it's okay. Everything's right on time.’”
The joy and excitement are felt in one of two new singles, “I Choose You,” which is more of a lovers rock vibe, a tribute to Melanie’s Caribbean roots. While the Grammy award-winner is known for ballads like “It Kills Me” and “Fool For You,” she is becoming more intentional about the music she makes, calling it high-vibrational music. She says her music is a “reflection of my life,” as it captures every facet, from hanging out with friends to riding around in her car.
“Say Yes” has the classic R&B vibe Melanie is known for. However, both songs are inspired by her relationship. Melanie and Jared got married in December 2020, and the Toronto-bred artist dished on their relationship. Fun fact: he is featured in the “Say Yes” music video.
“When we first started dating, I had come into that relationship post a lot of self-work. I had gotten out of a long-term relationship, I had a year and a half to date and be by myself and do a lot of work on myself alone. And when we met, I remember feeling like this has to be my person because I feel it,” she says.
“And so when we went into that relationship, and we started dating, I was very clear. I was like, I know what I want. I'm very clear on what I need, and I'm not going to withhold my truth about myself in this process because of pride or fear of rejection. I know you love me, but I'm coming with my heart in my hand to let you know that if we're gonna get there, we have to put fear aside and say yes. So that was kind of like my open letter to him, which is why the video is us having a conversation.”
Melanie also shares that saying yes to her partner has empowered her in many ways, including motherhood and showing up for herself. Her new EP, also titled Say Yes, will be available at the top of 2025.
Check out the full interview below.
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Entertaining Like Ayesha Curry: Expert Advice For Holidays Done Right
Be prepared to wow the crowd.
It’s officially the holiday season, which means parties and gatherings galore. Between Friendsgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve celebrations, many of us are preparing to host loved ones in our homes one or two times between now and the end of the year. No matter the occasion or season, hosting for family and friends is a labor of love. But we can also agree that entertaining can be overwhelming, especially for first-time hosts.
As a seasoned host and entertainer, Ayesha Curry knows something about creating a memorable event for loved ones. Whether preparing for an intimate dinner with your immediate family or hosting a larger crowd, your guests will think you are a pro this holiday season with her tips on everything from welcoming guests to setting a beautiful table.
Q: What is your top tip for hosting?
Ayesha Curry:Part of being a great host is spending time with your guests, which means you can’t be stuck in the kitchen. Prep is key! I usually serve wine with the meal, but a cocktail or mocktail is a great way to greet guests. I prep the garnish the night before and batch the drink just before guests arrive. When the party begins, I pull everything out of the fridge and am ready to serve.
Writer Note: If you would like to offer non-alcoholic beverages for your sober or sober-curious guests, I love Saint Viviana Cab. It maintains full-body cabernet and flavor; no one will ever guess it’s alcohol-free. You can easily create a signature mocktail using Bittermilk’s Smoked Honey Whiskey Sour mix.
Q: Do you suggest any prep for serving or cooking?
AC:I lay out all my serving dishes and utensils the night before with little post-it notes saying what goes where. That way, I’m not digging around for anything. For more elaborate menus, I lay out quarter sheet pans and label them with tape according to the dish. I prep and measure everything for each recipe and then load each sheet pan with everything needed to make the dish. I wrap each tray in saran or foil, stack them, and place them in the fridge. Pull out the sheet pan you need when cooking, and everything is ready. It’s something I learned at the restaurant that saves so much time.
Q: What’s one item that should always be on a dinner party menu?
AC: Bread or roll with butter is excellent for holding guests over if the kitchen is delayed.
Q: What’s one non-menu item you should always have on hand?
AC: For a non-menu item, wine!
Q: How do you decide on a theme or menu for a gathering?
AC: It all starts with the occasion and the guest list. If it’s a group that doesn’t know each other very well, I may get more elaborate with the theme to help break the ice. For a group of friends or family who don’t get to see each other very often, I usually keep it simple so the evening can be all about catching up. A great playlist, good wine, and a family-style menu are all you need.
Q: Should attendees be expected to bring a gift?
AC: If I’m hosting, I’m not expecting gifts. The gift is taking time to come over and enjoy a meal with me! But bringing something to enjoy at the gathering, like a bottle of wine, is always appreciated.
Q: What are three affordable gifts that guests can give a host?
AC:A bag of excellent coffee is a beautiful gift for a host. Sweet July’s House Blend Coffee is sourced from all-female co-ops, so it’s a gift I love to give to the women in my life. Whether it’s being served after dinner or just for the host to enjoy on their own, you can’t go wrong with a bag of high-end coffee.
Fresh flowers are great if you have a host who likes total control over the food and beverage menu. Go for something neutral in color that can work with any décor.
The Sweet July Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar set is my go-to host gift. Bottled in Napa, it’s a gift any foodie will appreciate - and use!
Q: What are some creative tablescape or decor ideas that you love?
AC: I like to keep my dinnerware neutral and classic (like this ceramic collection in nutmeg) and infuse color and texture through linens. For centerpieces, I want to use what I have in my yard. If it’s summer, it might be flowers or greenery, but interesting branches can also look architectural in tall, clear vases next to tapered candles in the colder months. There’s no need to spend a ton of money on flowers.
With Ayesha’s tips, you can create a holiday gathering that your family and friends will cherish forever.
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