And apologies for the old schoolyard gag: I took my wife on holiday to the Caribbean… Jamaica? No, she came of her own accord.
You see nobody needs a second invitation to Jamaica.
Unless, of course, you’re me.
And herein hangs a tail with me being off in another corner of the world when the first invitation came in.
I had sent a colleague to Orlando at the same time the second invitation came in and I had to stay back in the office to cover for him.
My old buddie Kevin Gleeson was the beneficiary of that mix-up.
Going back to that old joke (groan) and our friends in Yeah Mon Island are shining the light on the romantic side of the island.
Social island
Jamaica reached out across social media to invite followers to share their special romantic memories.
And understandably Negril Beach, one of the best beaches in the world was namechecked.
Rockhouse was highlighted as one of Negril’s most scenic dining venues.
Overlooking the volcanic cliffs on to the brilliant Caribbean Sea. Also named as an ideal spot
While the Martha Brae River through Jamaica’s breath-taking greenery is another favourite.
And the Rio Grande River is a fave boating route, specifically along the aptly named ‘Lovers Lane’.
Strawberry Hill Forever
Strawberry Hill Hotel is just as beautiful as it sounds, with beautiful views of Jamaica’s Blue Mountains.
And it was the location of choice for musical legend Bob Marley’s romantic getaways, set in 26-acres of vivid mountaintop gardens.
From Bob to Bond and GoldenEye, the home of Ian Fleming was named the ultimate proposal spot.
The resort was designed as an idyllic retreat attracting artists, writers and musicians from around the world.
With beautifully appointed villas enclosed in a lush jungle of tropical plants and trees.
Montego Bay
Now Jamaica seems to have the copyrwright on lyrical names (and a good few Scottish and Irish ones too).
And few are more recognisable than Montego Bay.
For foodies, the Sugar Mill Restaurant at the Half Moon counts the Queen and John F. Kennedy amongst its previous guests.
And for you lovebirds (no, not those two icons… I don’t want to end up in the Tower)
There are secluded spots for a proposal such as the candlelit overwater Sunset Gazebo.
So Jamaica? No, she came of her own accord. Of course.