44 Irresistible Foods & Drinks You Must Try When In Jamaica
Category: Our ResortsApril 25th 2024Back to our Sandals Blog > > >
The mere mention of the words ‘Jamaican food’ can inspire the need to teleport right back to the amazing restaurant that stirred your love for the popular Jamaican cuisine in the first place. There’s just something about the seasoning and spices used in this type of Caribbean cooking that can turn even the toughest critic into the most mellow foodie, and this will likely be your experience once you find that Jamaican dish that resonates with your soul… or your palate.
During your visit, you’ll find there are endless delicious options when it comes to what to eat in Jamaica, but if you’re unfamiliar with the names of the various dishes, you might be a little lost when you're offered some of the national favorites - or even Jamaica's national dish, if you've never had it before. You may also be confused over where to find the best versions of the different Jamaican dishes, because according to every single person in and out of the food business on the island, their version is the absolute greatest!
Save yourself some of the deliberation by getting more familiar with the best Jamaican food items so you know what’s on your plate in Jamaica, and even before that, what to order so that your money is well spent.
Want to enjoy unlimited breakfast, lunch and dinner while in Jamaica? Have a look at one of Beaches family friendly
all-inclusive resorts , or one ofSandals adults-only all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica . Serving world-class gourmet food at upto 16 restaurants per resort, Beaches and Sandals offer more than any other all-inclusive resort on the planet!
In this article on the Beaches Blog:
11 traditional main dishes in Jamaica you’ll want to try
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Ackee and codfish
Ackee and codfish, or ackee and saltfish as it is more popularly known, is Jamaica’s national dish. It is made with the ackee fruit, which was imported to this region from Ghana in Africa by slaves in this territory. Now the fruit grows in abundance in Jamaica, and has become an island staple served side by side with stewed salted codfish sautéed with vegetables and other herbs and spices. The trick to making this dish is knowing when the ackee fruit is ripe. You’ll know when it’s ripe because that’s when the ackee pod typically bursts open, revealing a yellow fruit inside. The yellow part is the part you eat, and ackee can resemble scrambled eggs when cooked.
Jerk chicken/pork/fish
Jerk meals are incredibly popular, but they originated in Jamaica and are one of Jamaica's most famous foods. There is a special method for cooking meats that result in this flavor, and a particular homemade sauce that is used in most instances for the incredible, spicy taste. To make jerk chicken, you’ll need to marinate the chicken with jerk spices, which usually include ginger, garlic, cloves, cinnamon, scotch bonnet pepper and pimento. Ingredients are also sometimes placed onto the meat with the dry rub method. After the meat is given sufficient time to soak in the flavor, it is slow cooked on an open grill, often over hot coals. You can have jerk meals at some of the poshest restaurants in Jamaica, and also on the street side. Don’t be apprehensive if you see jerk chicken being grilled in a metal drum at the roadside �' often this is the tastiest variety. Jerk chicken tastes great on its own, but even better with bread or festival on the side.
Oxtail
Jamaican food is the introduction for a lot of people to oxtail, which is literally the tail of cattle. Like with most other stew dishes, the oxtail is first seasoned with herbs and spices, fried, and then slow cooked. This process can take a couple hours, on a low heat, or in a pressure cooker. Served with rice and peas this is one of the heartiest and most delicious meals you will have in Jamaica. You’ll find oxtail being offered at most local Jamaican restaurants, but read the reviews before settling to ensure you get a good introduction.
Also read:
17 amazing things Jamaica is known for .
Curry goat/mutton/chicken
Curried meats are popular in Jamaica, particularly goat, mutton, and chicken. In Jamaica, the popular South Asian dish is served with a special Caribbean twist; ingredients like garlic, onion, ginger, hot peppers and herbs are tossed in, and then the meat is slow cooked to bring the flavors out. Often potato is added, which can help increase the thickness of the sauce. You’ll find curried meat options at most local restaurants in Jamaica.
Fish Escovitch
The making of the Jamaican Fish Escovitch dish begins with a fried whole fish, usually Red Snapper. It is then topped with pickled vegetables, including carrots, onions, peppers, pimentos and chayote. Jamaican Fish Escovitch is often paired with bammy (see Jamaican side dishes, further down this article), and inspiration for this dish is said to have been brought to the island with Spanish Jewish settlers hundreds of years ago. Eating this meal, the day after it is prepared is recommended by some, so the flavors have some time to sink in. This is a popular Easter lunch inclusion in Jamaica.
Brown stew chicken
Brown stew chicken is a comfort dish, known and loved in the Caribbean. Jamaica is no exception, and the spices used in the Jamaican version of this dish really take it to the next level. This dish consists of chicken, which is sometimes fried before being stewed, and vegetables, which are slow cooked with spices and a measured amount of water until the meat is tender, and the gravy is delicious, thick, and possibly the best thing you’ve ever tasted in your life.
Run Down (run-dun)
Run-Down refers to fish stew in Jamaica, and this is another mouthwatering dish you’re not going to be able to get enough of. The stew comes together with garlic, onions, tomatoes, hot peppers, spices and carefully cut pieces of fish. Mackerel is a popular choice for fish stew, though cod is sometimes used. The process of preparation involves slow cooking in coconut milk, and in the end the fish stew is served with dumplings and green bananas that have been boiled down to the perfect consistency. You’ll know the dish is ready when the fish starts falling apart, and the stew is thick and creamy.
Pepper Pot Soup
If you’re travelling to Jamaica with kids, Pepper Pot Soup is a great way to get them to eat vegetables. It is a traditional Jamaican dish, usually made with ingredients like callaloo, okra, coconut milk (for texture), ground provisions and meat. This Jamaican soup is very filling, and you can adjust the recipe to suit your preferences if you decide to make it for yourself.
Insider Tip: If you’re traveling with kids to Jamaica, consider staying at a Beaches Resort with a waterpark. In Negril, you can opt for
Beaches Negril which is located on the beautifulSeven Mile Beach , orBeaches Ocho Rios which is conveniently located nearby Jamaica’s most popular points of interest (see our article listing thetop things to do in Ocho Rios ).
Fish Tea
You might be a little concerned if offered Fish Tea while in Jamaica, but you should know from now that this is not your typical tea. In fact, it is a spicy fish soup. Sometimes you’ll find the broth versions that are light, or fuller versions which tend to be heartier. Jamaican Doctor Fish is typically used for this dish, and Fish Tea is said to be energizing. This dish includes vegetables and green bananas, and is also considered to be an aphrodisiac.
Jamaican Corn Soup
Jamaicans love soup on Sundays, and the Rastafarian inspired Jamaican corn soup is a local favorite. The ingredient list for this dish can be extensive, and includes onion, garlic, celery, coconut milk, yellow split peas, pumpkin, potatoes, scotch bonnet pepper, ginger, carrots, corn, and more. Needless to say, this Jamaican soup is very filling and flavorful, and will make you feel right at home in Jamaica.
Jamaican Red Peas Soup
Jamaica Red Peas Soup has a very distinctive taste, and is usually made with a combination of pig tail, beef, red kidney beans, pumpkin, dasheen, pimento seeds, and other ingredients. It is best served hot, and you can leave out the meat if you prefer, though many Jamaicans will tell you that Red Peas Soup is incomplete without a little pigtail!
6 traditional Jamaican side dishes
Rice and peas
Jamaican rice and peas is a lot harder to make than it sounds. Worlds apart from your grandmother’s rice and peas (which might have been great), this dish is one of those that brings Jamaican dishes together, and the method of preparation can make or break the result. So if you’re wondering what to make with jerk chicken, this is the dish for you! In Jamaica, peas actually refer to beans, red kidney beans in particular. Coconut milk and other spices add to the flavor of Jamaican rice and peas, which is often paired with jerk chicken.
Festival
It’ll be a festival in your mouth with this treat that usually comes alongside jerk chicken meals or fried fish, and other dishes. It is made with cornmeal, sugar, flour, spices, milk or water. The combined ingredients are fried until golden brown, and the result can be compared to that of floats sold in other Caribbean countries, just in a cylindrical shape.
Fried plantain/plantain chips
Fried plantain is addictive (in the best way!), and so are plantain chips which can be found at most local supermarkets in Jamaica. During your holiday on the island, you’ll have many opportunities to try this dish which is typically made by frying ripe plantains �' the riper, the better. You’ll just need to peel and slice the plantains to your desired size (not too thick), and then gently place them into a frying pan with hot oil. In Jamaica after the plantain is fried, it is sometimes coated with butter, and salt and pepper is sprinkled over top. You’ll love this with ackee and saltfish, or any other dish for that matter!
Callaloo
Callaloo is one vegetable that even kids have a hard time saying no to when it is cooked just right. The green, leafy vegetable is served as a side in Jamaica with most meals, but it can also be made into a super tasty soup. Some say its flavor is comparable to that of kale, and when it’s on your plate more than likely it’s been sautéed with onions, garlic, and perhaps even scotch bonnet peppers. Don’t be surprised if you see it on your traditional Jamaican breakfast plate.
Bammy
Made from cassava, bammy is a name you’ll have to get familiar with in Jamaica. To make bammy you’ll first need to grate some cassava root, dip it into coconut milk, and fry until golden brown. It is usually served as a side dish, at any time of day, but is popularly served alongside callaloo. Some people eat bammy for breakfast with syrup, but it works just as well along with your main dish.
Breadfruit
Breadfruit is amazing, and there are just so many ways to prepare it. It is referred to as a ground provision in the Caribbean. In Jamaica, some residents believe breadfruits were brought to the island in 1793 from Tahiti. Breadfruit is classified as a fruit, but it falls into the starch category in the Caribbean. Preparation methods for breadfruit in Jamaica include grilling, baking, or making it into a puree. Breadfruit is highly nutritious, and very tasty.
6 tasty Jamaican snacks for in-between
Jamaican patties
Similar to the traditional Spanish empanada, Jamaican patties are flavorful, and usually filled with chicken, beef or vegetable filling. As you bite into the flakey pastry, you’ll taste the well-seasoned meat or vegetables on the inside, which in most cases have gone through a process of being sautéed with onions and other spices. The patty is the shape of a half circle, and its color is influenced by turmeric or curry, giving it an orange/ yellow tint. Jamaican patties are usually baked, and some places offer more choices of filling, like ackee and saltfish, lobster, or fish.
Stamp and Go
Stamp and Go, also known as saltfish fritters is a common Jamaican breakfast item, and ingredients for preparation include flour, saltfish, green onions, peppers and other spices. The name Stamp and Go is often related to 18th-century British sailing ship traditions, particularly when officers wanted something done in a hurry, and would shout the order “Stamp and Go!” To make this dish, you’ll first need to make a batter, and fry it in oil on both sides until golden brown.
Expert Tip: When making Stamp and Go, it is advisable to prepare the saltfish the day before for a faster cook time.
Coco Bread
Coco bread is starchy, and a little bit sweet. It consists of some of the usual ingredients used in the bread making process, but often coconut milk is added, and sometimes sugar. After it is prepared, it is cut into squares, and folded once over. This makes it a great choice for sandwiches and you’ll find everything from fried fish, to Jamaican patties being placed into its folds. Coco bread is very filling, so tread lightly!
Solomon Gundy
Solomon Gundy is one of those dishes you’ll find in the Jamaica food encyclopedia, and it is more or less a pickled fish pâté served with crackers, usually as an appetizer, or even a hors d’oeuvre. As with most other Jamaican dishes, expect it to be infused with spices, for that signature Jamaican flavor.
Porridge
Porridge is a popular Jamaican breakfast staple, and is typically made with oats, cornmeal, or plantain. This dish is a go-to for breakfast for many people as it is quite filling, and the recipe can be modified according to individual preferences.
Mannish Water
Mannish water in Jamaica is not eaten so much for its taste; Jamaicans believe this spicy soup is actually an aphrodisiac. It is made from goat head, with a combination of other ingredients including green bananas, scallions, garlic, small dumplings, scotch bonnet peppers and other ingredients. It is commonly served with roasted yam. In some versions of this dish, tripe and other parts are included. You’re unlikely to find Mannish Water at a restaurant, but it is available at some roadside stops.
6 delicious Jamaican desserts you’ll have to try
Sweet potato pudding
For this dish, sweet potato is finely grated, and then ingredients like coconut, brown sugar, raisons, vanilla, cinnamon, and a variety of other spices are tossed in. Sometimes a sprinkling of rum is added, and then the dish is baked. The goal is for it to come through the baking process still being slightly softer on top, and firm at the bottom. This is definitely an item you’ll want to try while in Jamaica.
Gizzada (pinch-me-round)
There’s more than enough dessert to go around in Jamaica, and pinch-me-round is at the top of everyone’s list. You’ll recognize it easily as it is a small round tart with pinch like marks around the edges for stylistic effect, which is filled with grated coconut, sugar, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla. Crunch your way through to the gooey center for a delicious burst of flavor. Some people believe this Jamaican dessert actually has Portuguese roots.
Coconut drops
Coconut drops are delicious, and are simply made by dripping a hot mix of diced coconut, sugar and spices onto a banana leaf, where it cools quickly and forms its shape. Both kids and adults love it, and when making it (if you choose to) you should keep in mind that you should not over mix, as a textured result is what you’ll want to aim for in the end.
Banana bread
Banana bread is a popular Caribbean treat, and it is made with ripe bananas, and spices including nutmeg, ginger and cinnamon. In Jamaica, coconut, lime and rum are sometimes added to traditional banana bread recipes, resulting in a dish you’re sure to want to recreate once you get back home!
Pone of Jamaican pudding
This is a beloved Jamaican dessert which is made with grated cornmeal, cassava, or sweet potato. Ingredients include coconut milk and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Some people add a little rum to spice things up. Usually it is baked until the top is bubbly. This dish is as unique as it is enjoyable.
Toto
Toto is essentially a coconut cake, which is a traditional Jamaican dessert. Its roots go back to the colonial era, when slaves often only had coconut molasses and flour to put together a meal. While the basis for this dessert remains the same, there are a few added ingredients today which have helped seal its place as a permanent fixture of Jamaican family events.
15 Jamaican drinks to enjoy on the beach
Red Stripe beer
By the time you’re ready to leave Jamaica, hopefully you’d have had a chance to taste Red Stripe, a local favorite which is also available outside of Jamaica. It is light-bodied, and is a great addition to most meals. It’s also a great companion on the beach side. While in Jamaica, look out for Red Stripe Light, Red Stripe Bold and flavors including lemon and sorrel.
Bob Marley cocktail
Signature Rastafarian colors, green, yellow and red make this cocktail stand out. It has various frozen layers, and includes strawberry daiquiri and mango. All-inclusive resort chain
Want to enjoy unlimited and ice cold Red Stripe beers and rum-infused cocktails? Stay at any of the
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Blue Mountain Coffee
Blue Mountain Coffee has earned a reputation over the years for being the best, and one of the most expensive coffee brands in the world. Its rarity adds to the price, and that is partly due to cultivation limitations in the mountains. Blue Mountain coffee lovers enjoy the fact that it is not bitter, it is mild, and there are various versions of it that you can purchase easily while in Jamaica. An interesting fact is that 75 percent of Blue Mountain Coffee goes to Japan, and this might well be because Jamaicans just aren’t huge coffee drinkers. Be sure to buy a separate stash for yourself, and also some to take home as souvenirs.
Jamaican rum
Some Jamaican rums to look out for while on the island include Appleton Estate Rum, Hampden Estate Pure Single Jamaican Overproof Rum, Plantation Xaymaca Special Dry Rum, Smith & Cross Jamaica Rum, Worthy Park Single Estate Reserve, and Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum. There are others, but these are likely to be the ones you’ll hear about while on the island, and there are various tours you can sign up for while in Jamaica to do taste tests, like the Appleton Estate Rum Tour.
Rum Punch
Rum punch is an easy one, and Jamaican rum punch usually includes Jamaican strawberry syrup, or fruit juice mixed with Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum or Appleton Rum. Rum punch is something you’ll find easily at most bars or social gatherings in Jamaica, just because it’s so easy to make, and goes a long way.
Sorrel
The holiday season in the Caribbean is often synonymous with sorrel making and going from ‘house to house’. The latter which includes stopping off at the homes of various relatives and friends, and sharing in the festivities.
Sorrel is in demand around the holidays, and it is made with the sepals of a hibiscus plant. The plant’s color results in the drink also being of the same hue. Sorrel is slightly sweet, with hints of spice, much due to ingredients like ginger, star anise, cinnamon and allspice being added in. To make sorrel the leaves are boiled, and then the ingredients are mixed with water, and sometimes rum.
Sorrel is believed to have health benefits, a fact which has made it popular even outside of the holiday season; it is said to help with controlling cholesterol levels, and regulating blood pressure problems.
Ting
Ting is an underrated tropical soft drink made with grapefruit concentrate. You can spice it up by using it as a base for a cocktail; it goes well with citrus vodka, and can be your go-to drink while in Jamaica.
Malta
There’s something about malt that makes it highly addictive. The Jamaican Malta for example is hugely popular in Jamaica. It is a carbonated malt beverage, and its color resembles a stout. Jamaican Malta is best served cold.
Ginger beer
Jamaican ginger is one of the best varieties in the world, and this is something which helps make Jamaican ginger beer stand out. Sugar, honey, and lime juice are some of the ingredients typically involved in the making of ginger beer, and if it’s done right like it is in Jamaica, it makes a great chaser for local rum.
Guinness Punch
Guinness, vodka, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract and ground nutmeg bring this satisfying, creamy creation together. It is usually served chilled, and is a great way to enjoy the popular stout with a twist. This punch is notoriously sweet and bitter at the same time!
Dragon Stout
If Red Stripe had a tall and strapping older brother he would be named Dragon Stout. This is a dark, rich stout, and it is made using caramel, roasted malts, brown sugar, and other ingredients. You’ll love its distinctive smoky taste if you’re a fan of stouts, and also its rich, and smooth texture.
Sangster’s Rum Cream
Sangster's Original Jamaica Rum Cream Liqueur is a great find while in Jamaica. Lovers of creamy rums will appreciate this drink produced by J. Wray & Nephew, particularly as there are different flavors to choose from. It’s so delicious that you should save some space in your suitcase from now to be able to take some back home with you.
Tea
Tea can refer to anything from coffee, to hot chocolate in Jamaica, but often when there is more weight behind the true meaning of the word, this would be in reference to “bush tea”, made from local plants, or tree bark.
There are many tours you can engage in on this island which take you through botanical gardens and teach you the uses and medicinal benefits of the many different plants found on the island. This knowledge is common in Jamaica, and has been passed down through generations. Knowing the benefits of “bush tea”, it has become a staple on the island, so don’t hesitate to try the various local tea varieties.
Coconut water
Coconut water is one of the most refreshing things you can drink while relaxing on gorgeous Caribbean beach. You’ll see coconut trees everywhere in Jamaica, but fortunately you won’t have to climb one to indulge.
You’ll either be approached by a coconut vendor, or you’ll run into one and make your own introduction, and when this happens, they’re likely to break a coconut open in front of you using a cutlass (machete), then hand you a straw to drink straight from the coconut.
If you have your own water bottle with you they’re also able to pour the coconut water in there, and some offer cups or bottles. Inside more mature coconuts you’ll find coconut jelly, also known as the meat of the coconut. Many people love eating this, and it can be quite filling.
Enjoy as many coconuts as you please, as they are fat-free, with plenty of antioxidants. Keep in mind though that coconut water is also a natural laxative.
Tia Maria
Coffee cocktail lovers will adore Tia Maria, which is made by blending Blue Mountain coffee beans, Jamaican rum, vanilla, sugar and other ingredients. The result is sweet and delicious, and sometimes milk is blended in over ice, or the concoction is just placed into a glass with ice, and then served. Throw in a banana for even more of a twist to this cocktail, and you’ll have something pretty close to a Dirty Banana �' just be ready with a witty answer just in case the bartender questions how dirty you really want it.
Try something new in Jamaica!
While in Jamaica, we recommended that you try everything at least once. It might take some time to get used to the Jamaican cuisine, but most of it is super delicious, and you’ll very likely find yourself craving things like oxtail and rice and peas, corn soup, and even ackee and codfish once you get back home. Don’t be shy to ask for a recipe or two of the things you love most. For more travel tips, read our post on
Frequently Asked Questions on Jamaican Food & Drink
What is the national dish of Jamaica?
Ackee and Saltfish is considered a national dish and the ultimate traditional Jamaican food.
Is all Jamaican food spicy?
Jamaican food doesn’t have to be spicy. Jamaicans use a variety of herbs and spices in meal preparation, and the result ranges from sweet, savory, spicy, and everything in between. If you don’t like spicy food, be sure to ask before you order how hot a meal is expected to be.
How hot is the Jamaican Scotch Bonnet pepper?
The Jamaican Scotch Bonnet pepper has a heat rating of 80,000 - 400,000 Scoville units. This is considered very hot by the standards of most, and in Jamaica scotch bonnet peppers are often used in pepper sauce recipes. For the sake of comparison, jalapeno peppers are about 2,500 - 8,000 in heat units.
What do Jamaicans eat for breakfast?
Breakfast is an important meal for Jamaicans, and most ensure they get their absolute fill before heading out and starting their day. Popular Jamaican breakfast options include Johnny cake with salt mackerel, steamed cabbage and saltfish, ackee and saltfish with bammy, callaloo with ripe plantain and hard dough bread, cornmeal porridge, saltfish fritters, fried dumplings and Jamaican hot chocolate tea. Jamaicans prefer tea over coffee, so you’re likely to find locals sipping on mint tea, or other herbal ‘bush’ variations.
How many meals do Jamaicans eat a day?
One to two meals per day will suffice for most Jamaicans, with breakfast and dinner being the most important meals.
What is the best Jamaican food?
There are so many interesting things to try in Jamaica, and the best food will depend on your individual taste. However, Jamaican jerk chicken is immensely popular, as is ackee and saltfish, and oxtail stew with rice and peas.
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- Passed hors d'oeuvres
- Premium bar, sparkling wine toast, signature
cocktail, and non-alcoholic beverages
- Cocktail tables with white linen
• Three-tiered white fondant wedding cake
with rose topper
• Reception table with white linen and whitecushioned Chiavari chairs
• Private two-hour dinner reception with selection
from the plated or buffet menus and a premium
bar, non-alcoholic beverages including freshly
brewed coffee and a selection of herbal teas
• One sweetheart table to include white linen,
standard place setting & 2 white-cushioned
Chiavari chairs
• Two-hour DJ entertainment
On Your Honeymoon
• Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine
in resort specialty restaurant
• Honeymoon package
- Chilled sparkling wine and sweet treat
- Romantic turn-down service on wedding night
- Breakfast in bed any morning of choice
• $100 Credit towards either a private
candlelight dinner, scuba, snuba, beach
or pool cabana
For Your Anniversary
• One free anniversary night on a future stay
with 7 paid nights in a Club or Butler category
RETIE THE KNOT PACKAGE
Applicable for up to 10 people.
Before You Arrive
• ReTie the Knot planning team
• Celebration gift registry and website templates
During Your Stay
• Onsite ReTie the Knot team: event
coordination, setup & breakdown
• 15% off select Red Lane Spa services for bride
and groom (not applicable to retail items)
• One 5x7 photo print
• One keepsake gift
At Your Ceremony
• Picturesque ceremony location*
• Pre-recorded musical accompaniment
• White or magenta dendrobium orchid bouquet
• White or magenta dendrobium orchid
boutonniere
• White-cushioned Chiavari chairs
• ReTie the Knot commemorative certificate
At Your Wedding Reception
• Private one-hour cocktail reception
- Passed hors d' oeuvres
- Sparkling wine toast, signature cocktail,
and non-alcoholic beverages
• Single-tiered white fondant cake
with dendrobium topper
• Reception table with white linen
& white-cushioned Chiavari chairs
On Your Honeymoon
• Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine
at a resort specialty restaurant
• Honeymoon Package
- Chilled sparkling wine and sweet treat
- Romantic turn-down service on wedding night
- Breakfast in bed any morning of choice
For Your Anniversary
• One free anniversary night on a future stay
with 7 paid nights in a Club or Butler category
Some of our destination weddings
Sandals Grande, St. Lucia, Large Group, Destination Wedding
I wanted to share (with permission) these gorgeous pictures from a destination wedding 2 weekends ago we had the privilege of being a part of and booked by Lia. She chose this over the water wedding chapel in St. Lucia with friends and family there to help celebrate. I love her flower crown and her dress and how happy she is. Picture perfect. Congratulations Kate and Curtis! We are so happy for you!
Beaches Resort, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Destination Wedding
Lia was very helpful for us in planning our destination wedding to Ocho Rios, Jamaica. We had gone through a few other travel planners first who didn't seem nearly as interested in our needs. We really appreciated the way Lia helped us navigate through some of the complexities, including the local laws of Jamaica and the planning with the resort itself. Even once we got to the resort and ran into a few snags, Lia was able to quickly get those resolved very quickly. We would highly recommend her for anyone planning a destination wedding or any other vacation. Thanks, Lia, for making our destination wedding the most special day of our lives.
Playa Del Carmen, Large Group, Destination Wedding
Wedding planning can be stressful and overwhelming, but if you're planning on having a destination wedding, especially with a large group, I would highly recommend using All Inclusive Weddings!
From beginning to end, they help with every step; i.e., finding the venue, creating a custom wedding website, and booking all your guests. Their office manager, Linze, was very responsive, helpful, and so sweet! Everything turned out smoothly and we couldn't be happier!
Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, Destination Wedding
Stephanie was our incredible travel agent for our destination wedding! She helped with every aspect, quick communication and AMAZING coordination with over 50 different people over 8 states. Stephanie from the beginning, gave options and talked through so many questions I had. I could not have asked for a better right hand woman! 10 out of 10 for Steph, we could not appreciate & trust her more!
Incredible Agent For Our Destination Wedding! 10 Out Of 10 For Steph!
Such an amazing week of memories,laughter & love! Thankful for our people and truly blessed beyond words ♥ï¸â™¥ï¸
Royalton Blue Waters, Montego Bay, Jamaica, Destination Wedding
My husband and I worked with the company's owner, Lia Vincent, and office manager, Linze.
Lia & Linze were both very warm and friendly, and from day one, we could tell cared about us as a couple and our destination wedding success, rather than just seeing us as more clients. I get stressed out easily, so planning my own wedding alone was overwhelming, even though my wedding was 10 months out. I ended up working with Linze, and we pushed up the wedding date with a little less than three months to prepare. I was initially nervous about using a travel agent / wedding planner, but it turned out to be a huge blessing, because it took away a lot of the stress and worry I was experiencing. A bride has so many things to worry about, so having someone else bear the brunt of the work and worry about the nitty-gritty details was a HUGE relief for me.
Why spend hours analyzing vendors and reading reviews, when you can have a pro do it? If you want an intimate wedding, if you want to elope, or if you want a huge all-out, go-into-debt-for-years wedding, and if you're in the market for a wedding travel agent, Lia and Linze should be at the top of your list!
The day of the wedding, everything was so beautiful, and so much better than I could have done on my own. Lia's company finds the best local vendors, so you know you'll get great value in your package, and what's nice is her company offers different packages for different budgets. We worked with and met AMAZING vendors! The reception was so elegant that as soon as I entered the reception, I felt amazement, joy, and relief because being the worrywart and control freak that I sometimes can be, it was hard for me to trust someone to somehow make everything perfect. Lia was able to give us the dream wedding we couldn't have done ourselves. Our family and friends were also amazed, and repeatedly told us how great the wedding, reception, and food were at the resort.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Destination Wedding
I used Stephanie Tindall to help me choose the perfect resort in PV Mexico for where my guests would stay for my destination wedding. She went round and round with me helping me find the perfect location. It had to be nice, trendy, not to outrageously expensive and within a certain mile radius of a marina where my guests needed to go for the wedding. She helped everyone get booked and when things became a little hectic as tracking sometimes can get. She took care of the details. One of my guests had passport issues and she helped talk them through what to do. It was such a relief to have a point of contact for travel related issues so I didn't have to be stressed about it. She did this all with a patient, positive? upbeat and kind attitude through the entire process. I highly recommend her.
Thank you again,
Darby Brown
UNICO, Riviera Maya, Mexico Destination Wedding
Unico was wonderful and the perfect place for our wedding! It was quiet and the ceremony was better than expected. We had it on the gazebo and it was away from everything, which was great. The photography was beyond our expectations. We have not received our video yet, but assume it will be just as great. I also used the in house vendor for make up and hair, and was not disappointed. The wedding coordinator, Nazareth, was so sweet and on point. We used the local host quite a bit with WhatsApp, which was quite convenient. Food and drinks were amazing. We were disappointed that 2087 restaurant was down for half of our stay for repairs. We ate at Mi Carisa on our wedding night, which was the perfect choice. Service was also best there. We scheduled 2 tours through the hotel, a sunset cruise and Chichen Itza express. The boat tour was nice. Chichen itza tour was too fast and ok. We really appreciate your recommendations and help booking our wedding and stay. It was wonderful! Thank you again, Juliet and Jason
Hard Rock Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Destination Wedding
We just got back from an AMAZING wedding weekend yesterday. I can't begin to thank you enough for your help and support during the entire process. Everyone had a great time. It truly was one of the best days of my life and I can't believe how stress-free it was once I got there. Thank you Thank you!
Secrets Playa Mujeres, Mexico, Destination Wedding
I have never used a travel agent before Lia. I have always been the "I can do everything cheaper by myself on the internet" type person; most of the time, it works great. When my husband and I decided to have a destination wedding, we were not sure about anything - number of guests, length of stay, etc; we also have very demanding jobs, requiring constant travels up until the week before our wedding. So we thought that a travel agent may be a lifesaver; as it turned out, she was. Lia was endorsed as an expert in destination weddings on the American Express Travel website. Although she lived over a 1,000 miles away, I felt comfortable.
As I am not a "girly" person, wedding planning was not my thing; however, party planning and event coordination are. Lia and I treated this "event" like a business and I loved that about her; I needed someone to be truthful and provide honest advice. As it is with my job, I like corresponding via emails because I can have all the information on hand and in writing at all time; Lia always accommodated that, and always very promptly. I'm not talking about several emails over a few months; I'm talking about over the course of over a year. Lia was there to provide support when I had a hard time reach the wedding coordinator; she was there when I freaked out at the resort regarding my brother's return transportation (as it turned out, my brother spoke with the wrong transportation company); she was organized to be able to provide me with spreadsheet of all guest arrival information; she always submitted my requests to Classic Vacation and the resort promptly. James and I cannot thank Lia enough to make everything go smoothly for the biggest event of our lives. All 48 of us had such a great time that we absolutely see another group vacation in the future.
UNICO 2087, Riviera Maya, Mexico, Destination Wedding
Read the full details about this destination wedding in our blog post, Mark and Casey Simpsen's Destination Wedding at UNICO 2087. This couple was also featured in the UNICO 2087 Resort blog post, UNICO Destination Wedding, Casey Shelley & Mark Simpsen
Beach Palace Cancun, Mexico, Destination Wedding
Lia being referred to me saved me so much wedding planning mental anguish! I had tried with a few other travel agents before I had two different people give me Lia's name, and with each of the previous TAs they had to look into things and call me back (I'm still waiting for those calls). Getting in touch with Lia was a whole new experience, she answered all my initial questions in that first phone call, had so many recommendations, and it was obvious she knew exactly what she was doing. By the time we hung up the first phone call, I had decided on a destination and venue (per Lia's suggestion). She was a God send! A year later, we are still having people talk about what a great trip it was and people are always amazed by what a great turn out we had. We ended up with about 60 people, all booking through Lia and everyone had a flawless experience. One even asked for her name when planning her destination wedding a few months later and was just as pleased! Lia told me a lot through the planning process that I was such a laid-back bride, but it really was because she left me nothing to worry about. She answered any question I had, was always quick to respond to calls and emails, and helped me plan the most perfect wedding ever. I wish I could re-live it all again!!
Cozumel Palace, Mexico, Destination Wedding
My husband Cameron and I got married at the Cozumel Palace in June of 2014 and could not have been more happy with our experience. A destination wedding was definitely the way to go for us and Lia was a great asset in our planning.
Throughout the process we felt completely at ease as she handled some of the most important details of planning for this special time. From her first recommendations of resorts and destinations to her help arranging travel for our closest family and friends we always felt grateful having Lia on our side. We highly recommend Lia Vincent and Palace Resorts for your destination wedding!
Le Blanc Spa Resort, Destination Wedding
I am truly so grateful for you and all of your help! Le Blanc was amazing! NOTHING could have been better, except maybe the weather, but the staff, food, and service were above and beyond! We will definitely go back there!! Love, Love, Love you for all of your help - Can NOT thank you enough!!
Beach Palace, Cancun, Mexico, Destination Wedding
Our Dream Wedding!
Lia was a phenomenal help from the beginning. She was referred to me by a friend, and I was incredibly thankful that we used her. When we started planning, we became overwhelmed with all of the information that is available.
We met with her for about 45 minutes one afternoon, took her pictures of spaces we had seen online and liked, and gave her a list of our "must-haves", a list of things that would be nice but didn't matter too much, and a list of things we absolutely did NOT want. She kind of thought about things for a minute, and then listed 3 resorts that fit every single one of our needs. She then ran sample pricing from EVERY location our guests would be traveling from so we could figure out what best fit our and our guests' travel budgets. After about a million more questions from me, we finally settled on her initial recommendation, the Beach Palace in Cancun. As we went through the process, any time I had a question, problem, or was just worried about something not being right, she was my go-to person. I'm not kidding, she would answer me in like, less than an hour 99% of the time. She even took my file home one weekend to give me more time to figure something out before she ran credit cards and got it booked. She was a Godsend!
Riu Palace, Riviera Maya, Mexico, Destination Wedding
My husband Cameron and I got married at the Cozumel Palace in June of 2014 and could not have been more happy with our experience. A destination wedding was definitely the way to go for us and Lia was a great asset in our planning.
Lia with Lia helped us plan our destination wedding in Riviera Maya, Mexico. We had a total of 11 people and she helped each of them set up their arrangements. From the beginning she was so helpful and always quick to respond. She made the entire process a breeze. She communicated with the wedding coordinator at the Riu Palace and made sure everything was just like we wanted. We did not have any issues at all, thanks to Lia and all of her thorough planning. Each of our guests bragged on her and said how easy it was to work with her. I would recommend Lia for all of your planning needs whether it be just a short vacation or a destination wedding. She knows what she is doing and will make sure all of your questions are answered and that you have the best vacation.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Destination Wedding
My husband and I got married in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico right off the beach. It was pure bliss, and everything I could have ever dreamed of! I may be biased, but destination weddings are certainly the way to go and thanks to our wonderful Travel Agent Lia Vincent at Vincent Vacations, we were able to find the perfect place! I had the opportunity to be able to edit the straight out of camera photos from my wedding! Here is a glimpse of our wedding day in paradise!
Iberostar, Grand Punta Cana, Destination Wedding
We had the most amazing time at our wedding. Our guests are still talking about what an amazing trip it was! Thank you for your help with organizing this unforgettable time for us, we cannot wait to put our pictures in our new frame!
Dreams, Puerto Aventuras Resort, Destination Wedding
Lia, thank you very much for all of your help with our PERFECT wedding vacation!
Excellence, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Destination Wedding
"It was beautiful! Everybody had a fantastic time!"
The staff was wonderful, the rooms were gorgeous, and the food was AMAZING! Our wedding could not have been more perfect and if you have any brides that want a beautiful wedding on a budget, The Excellence Punta Cana would be my number one recommendation. Emy and Livia were fantastic and everything was just PERFECT! Chris couldn't even believe how wonderful it was.
Thank you again for all of your help!!!
Dreams, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Destination Wedding
Our Dream Wedding!
As soon as Jimmy asked me to marry him, I knew we would want a destination wedding. We love to travel, and we love the beach, so there was no more perfect place to start our lives together than a beach in Mexico!
I am not the wedding planning type, and I knew that with a destination wedding, we could get someone else to plan the details for us. Luckily for me, my friend Lia at Vincent Vacations specializes in Destination Weddings. Lia had taken care of trips for us in the past, and I knew she was the perfect person to help me plan this trip. I was right! She helped me look through destinations, and we found the perfect spot: Dreams in Puerto Vallarta! The package came with a wedding planner, who took care of the details for me. 21 of our friends and family came with us, and everyone loved the resort. Our party ranged in age from 7 to 82, and everyone agreed it was an amazing trip. There were activities for the kids, and plenty of excursions for everyone to choose from. The staff was wonderful, and pampered us from the time we arrived. One of my bridesmaids had a broken foot and was on crutches, and was in a wheelchair some. The hotel staff assisted her anytime she needed it, including carrying her and her wheelchair up and down large flights of stairs. They were amazing! All the rooms are ocean front, with beautiful views. Jimmy and I stayed in the "Preferred" tower, and our room came with a great balcony with a hot tub! Most of our guests stayed in the other tower, but the resort is small enough, this was not a problem at all. They all loved their rooms as well. The wedding planner met with me in advance to work out the last minute details and timing. When our wedding day came, everything went perfectly. We got married on the beach right in front of the ocean. We had a sound system and a dj who played all the songs that we picked out in advance. My Dad is a minister, and he performed the service for us. We had 21 in our wedding party, but it felt like a much bigger wedding because lots of people watched the wedding. You could see people everywhere on their balconies watching, which made us feel like rock stars. We had a Mexican band that played a few songs after the wedding. The wedding came with a photographer and videographer who did amazing job! We took pictures right after the wedding, then we had dinner which also came with the wedding. We had steak and chicken which tasted great. Of course, I also asked them for chips and guacamole. (I love the guacamole in Mexico.) They were happy to oblige. They provided the wedding cake after which was amazing. After the wedding, my husband and I stayed for another 4 days, and it was paradise. I could not have asked for a more beautiful place to get married, or a less stressful way to do it. Thanks Lia and Vincent Vacations for making our special day an amazingly unforgettable experience!
Jamaica, Destination Wedding
Love the pictures one of our brides just shared from her elopement in Jamaica! Thank you for sharing with us! Did you know we book Destination weddings of all sizes? If it's just the 2 of you or a group of 250, give us a call!
Grand Fiesta Americana, Los Cabos, Mexico, Destination Wedding
This was the best and easiest decision we made about our entire wedding! Lia at All Inclusive Weddings is the absolute best, extremely intelligent, hard working, and so caring. She truly makes you feel like you are her only client throughout the entire process. We had about 120 people coming to our Cabo wedding and even had to switch resorts, visitors coming from all different states and even Europe. She was calm, and kept the bride and groom calm! Every detail was taken care of and it was made to be the most perfect wedding!
Finest, Playa Mujeres, Mexico, Destination Wedding
I just wanted to thank you for all your hard work to arrange the hotel and transfers for Ashley and Robbie's wedding. It was perfect and everything that she had ever dreamed of! The resort was amazing! We had great food at all the restaurants. The staff went over the top to accommodate any needs that you could have had! Everyone felt safe and the beaches are beautiful. Since it's more private you don't get the crazy vendors walking the beach trying to sell you stuff. Our family loved it so much and we defiantly will be planning another vacation. You will be the first I call if we need help to organize something! Thank you again for everything
We have been in business since 2013, and booking destination weddings since 2002!
Contact us today to learn more about All Inclusive Weddings!
