HAIRPIN bends taken at 60mph, dodgy air-conditioning and endless drop-offs - coach transfers can be the worst bit of a holiday, especially after a longhaul flight, writes NATASHA JONES

But  on my escape to the tropical shores of Jamaica, the journey to my resort in Ocho Rios was like a free excursion.

Moments after touching down in Montego Bay, our driver took delight in giving us a historical mini-tour, proudly revealing Usain Bolt's high school, the William Knibb Memorial in Falmouth, as well as Discovery Bay, where Christopher Columbus landed.

Racking up 30 holiday snaps before I'd even unpacked my bikini was good going, and a great way of getting into the swing of the beautiful, blissed-out vibes of the Caribbean's coolest island.

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After a large, strong rum punch at the Couples Tower Isle resort, a huge hotel complex, I was jammin' like a true fan of local idol Bob Marley, pictured right.

The luxurious resort has recently had a £16million refurbishment with 20 new ocean-view villas, wedding gazebo, dive pool and swim-up bar. The rooms are spacious with huge beds and flat-screen TVs. The iPod docking station is also a nice touch.

There are two large swimming pools as well as an amazing palm lined private sandy beach, which was great because of the absence of annoying trinket sellers.

When you need a drink, you stick your red flag in the sand and the bartenders come and serve you.

You don't have to lift a finger.

There are six all-inclusive restaurants and snack bars. The Patio Restaurant is an open-air, beachside diner. At breakfast choose from an array of tropical fresh fruit juices, cereals, pastries and made-to-order specialities. Lunches are huge international buffets.

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And there is Italian, Mediterranean and Asian cuisine for dinner, plus the Veggie Bar.
If you get peckish late at night, they'll rustle up jerk chicken on the barbecue at The Pool Grill.

For authentic Jamaican food, try 8 Rivers, a glamorous 1950s style restaurant.

Unique to this resort, Couples Towers boasts its own private island. But only the brave venture onto it. It's for those who dare to bare. Yes, for anyone who likes to let the sun warm their bits and doesn't mind who's looking, this is the place for you.

Don't worry if going nude isn't your thing though - the island is a boat ride away, so you won't have to see the swinging meat and two veg of passing holidaymakers if it's not your idea of fun.

Activities and some excursions are thrown in with the all-inclusive package. There's horse riding, plus a catamaran party cruise with music, dance performances and an endless supply of punch, all with the backdrop of a pink-streaked Jamaican sunset. There's also an 18hole golf course, glass-bottom boat trip, snorkelling, water skiing and a shuttle bus for shopping in Ocho Rios, which means Eight Rivers.

One excursion goes to the Dunns River Falls, made famous by Tom Cruise and Elisabeth Shue, who romped in the free-flowing waters in the Eighties movie Cocktail.

The climb is easier than it looks and lots of fun. You have to form a human chain to clamber through the waterfall, which incorporates hidden waterslides and holes where you get dunked along the way.

One day I headed to Port Antonio, in the parish of Portland, about an hour-and-a half from Ocho Rios on the north-east coast.

Hiring a local taxi driver for £80 for the whole day means you can do things at your own pace and the personal service is worth every penny.

The landscape on the drive to Portland is breathtaking with its steamy mountains, orange and ackee trees as far as the eye can see. It has a marina where the banana boats dock and there are beautiful white sand beaches and colonial houses.

The best way to see the Blue Lagoon is on a bamboo raft. After negotiating with a rafter, I managed to get the trip for £19.

The water is crystal blue and very shallow, plus there's a stop-off at another area featured in Cocktail, where the famous "flugglebinder" conversation took place. The bar is now closed, but you can get the idea.

Another must-see are the Somerset falls, which are much more tranquil than Dunns River.
Hop in a boat and sail beneath the waterfall, which is surrounded by flowers and colourful birds. If the mood takes you, you can also dive in for a dip.

As you travel along, you'll notice little shacks dotted along the side of the road, selling fruit and one of the staple dishes of Jamaica, jerk chicken.

You must have a leg, if you can brave the hot sauce, served very basically in tin foil and a side of hard dough bread. It's scrumptious and only costs about £2.

While a week on a sunbed, hoovering up the food and drink, is great for some, those with a thirst for history and sense of adventure will also find Jamaica jam-packed with goodies. What an island!

FACT FILE

YOU can stay for seven nights at Couples Tower Isle in Ocho Rios on an all-inclusive basis from £1,469 per person.

The prices are based on two adults sharing a room.

They include return flights with Virgin Atlantic, plus transfers and are based on departures until March 24.

To book visit virginholidays.co.uk or call 0844 557 3859.

The entrance fee to Somerset Falls is £7.60.