Because Jamaica sits plop in the Caribbean Sea, the beach has never lost its allure for natives who seek to escape from shoulder-jostling in city buses or rugged rides through the hilly hinterland.

Known to many as the ideal spot for relaxing and entertaining, the beach has a lot to offer sun worshippers - whether its variety of water sports, just lying back in awe of the horizon or enjoying romantic sunsets.

So Saturday Life took out our sunglasses and headed to where the hot sun lights up the white-sand Fort Clarence beach in St Catherine to find out why this is such a haven, and heaven, for many.

randy.bowman@gleanerjm.com

I can meditate ... and see sexy girls

Marlon 'Breda' Campbell, fisherman:

The beach is a place of relaxation and fun. It gives me the opportunity to get away from the stresses of life and to focus on nothing else but having fun. It is a place where you can learn more about the ones who you love and it also gives the opportunity for family to bond together more.

I like the beach also for the fact that I can meditate and reflect on life just sitting on the sand by the seashore. And I get to see sexy women in their swimsuits showing off their bodies.

It is a place where people let down their hair and you get to see them in a different perspective. I just like the beach for what it has to offer in life.

Where I unwind and meet people

Cristina Silvera, 18, high-school student:

Going to the beach is always a fun experience for me. No matter how many times I have been there, something unusual happens to make it a whole different experience.

The beach carries with it a lot of different activities, from beach parties, playing volleyball, making sandcastles, looking for shells to just hanging out with friends and family. I can unwind and take time off from everyday activities. Sometimes, lying on the sand and enjoying the sea breeze is good enough for me, and

sometimes I feel like swimming a bit, but whichever I choose, I get the same satisfaction.

Another reason is the delicious seafood prepared there, like fried fish with an accompaniment of festivals or bammy. Whenever I go to the beach, I always look forward to meeting new people. This, for me, is always fun because I enjoy socialising and making new friends.

Satisfies my every appetite

Kimberly Chin, 24, university graduate:

The beach is a place I find the utmost peace while at the same time have an activity filled day of water-sporting. Whether a quiet sun-soaking session to a vibrant jet-ski or parasailing ride, I can rely on the beach to satisfy my appetite. The beach is a place most islanders use as a means of recreation when all else fails to satisfy.

At night, it can become a haven for the adventurous skinny-dippers who prefer the chills and thrills of the unpredictable night.

If you are an Earth sign, you will still be drawn to the beach's lovely cuisine. Mouth-watering fish, conch, lobster, to name a few, can all be enjoyed in the breezy ambience. With reggae music in the background and creative characters entertaining patrons with gimmicks and catchy words of admiration, there is never a dull moment.

There's no need for a plan once you're heading to the beach. It will all unfold; your only task is to be there and allow yourself to soak it all in.