With each passing week we get closer to Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary and SO, having already featured some of the most iconic and authentic Jamaican spots and experiences, continues our countdown with the evolution of Jamaican art and its impact on the world, the VIP lounges at both gateways to The Rock, as well as some of the island’s most exotic locations.

Club Kingston

It’s an escape from the stress of airport security lines and crowded departure halls. Located at the Norman Manley International Airport, the Club Kingston lounge provides a sanctuary where one can unwind in a comfortable and stylish setting. Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, Club Kingston offers warm Jamaican hospitality and culture. Enjoy complimentary refreshments, including fresh fruits, pastries, sandwiches, along with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The more comes with courteous staff, access to the private meeting room; shower facility and a fully equipped Digicel Business Centre.

Club Mobay

Ensconced at the Sangster International Airport, the 10,000-square-foot lounge affords travellers luxury and comfort at its best. It’s a genius spot to people watch too since Club Mobay is where A-List celebs lounge. And why not? After all, the lounge boasts a complimentary premium bar — naturally featuring Red Stripe Beer — a business centre with high-speed, unlimited Internet access; express spa treatment; shower facilities, and a culturally themed kids centre. The more is knowing you get to fast-track through security and immigration.

Blue Lagoon

A beautiful, awe-inspiring sight, the Blue Lagoon in San San, Portland, is declared a national treasure and a heritage site. Is it any wonder Hollywood came calling and filmed the eponymously titled Blue Lagoon starring Brooke Shields and Club Paradise with Robin Williams there?

Geejam

Unspoilt, Portland was a must-do vacation spot for Old Hollywood with late screen legends the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Errol Flynn and Eddie Fisher frequenting ‘Portie’. Many moons after making its presence on the celebrity radar, Portland still has a magnetic pull on big-name musicians and actors. Owned by music mogul Jon Baker, the über-stylish Geejam Hotel (which also boasts a recording studio) is a revolving door of star-powered guests. Count Alicia Keys, Scarlett Johannson, Tom Cruise, Snoop Dogg, John Legend, Sharon Stone and Gwen Stefani, among the gliterrati who have checked in. Fabulosity — of the modern contemporary, serene kind — reigns supreme at Geejam.

Sky Juice

While the bag juice is a ubiquitous sight today, for pre-iPad generations of a not-so-distant past, nothing quite hit the ‘quench spot’ like sky juice. Immensely popular and available from handcart vendors downtown, mid-town and even a corner or two uptown, sky juice – shaved ice drizzled with generous helpings of coloured syrup and water – stands as an iconic, albeit slowly fading, Jamaican sight.

Somerset Falls

Somerset Falls, found in Portland, is an idyllic slice of Jamaican paradise and its natural charms may just win you over. Cascading waterfalls are set in a tropical garden setting that teems with radiant blooms and exotic birds. Opt for a boat ride to reveal “hidden falls”, or a dive off the rocks into cool, tempting waters for a swim. Either way, a great time is all but certain.

Green Grotto Caves

Having been through a revolving door of name changes (Rum Caves, Dairy Caves, Discovery Bay Caves among its monikers) since being discovered in the 18th century, the Green Grotto Caves is found between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. The much-visited atrraction, which was once a refuge of shelter for the Tainos, is a labyrinthe limestone cave with stalactites, stalagmites and an abundance of overheald ceiling pockets. The grotto is characterised by numerous chambers and light holes and a subterranean lake — the Grotto Lake.