Climbing the falls
Dunn’s River in Ocho Rios is the most famous of our falls, year round attracting the intrepid to hold hands in a human chain and clamber up 180 metres through cascading waters; but there are many other spectacular falls dotting the North coast, gushing down on the south and emerging from hidden places in the green hills.
Finding “One Love”- The Bob Marley Experience
Yielding to positive vibrations is easy in the land that produced musical icon, Bob Marley. The Bob Marley Museum where Marley lived and worked in the capital city Kingston; recording studios, clubs and music events are among the memorable highlights on a mystic journey of discovery in beautiful Jamaica.
Going beyond the blue – the Blue Mountain Experience
Retreat to the misty Blue and John Crow Mountains over 3,000 feet above the sea; take a hike in the Holywell National Park through mountain yacca to the sound of todys and solitaires; be a part of the coffee farmer’s world; stop for a snack and a spectacular view; take a bicycle tour and descend at your own sweet pace.
Solace on the South Coast
It’s the other side of Jamaica: wetlands, fishing beaches, rustic restaurants, shrimps in pepper sold from the road side, river safaris, crocodiles and cliffs. Swing into the spectacular YS Falls, wonder through gardens on nature tours or ponder the wonders of the world looking out for miles at Lover’s Leap.
Peeping into the Past at Plantation Homes
Jamaican great houses dot the landscape, beautifully built Jamaican Georgian structures once overlooking far-flung plantations - haunting legacies of the past when sugar was king. Rose Hall, near the resort city of Montego Bay, the infamous and wonderfully restored residence of the “white witch” Annie Palmer; historic Seville, in St. Ann parish, the patent for Seville Estate was provided in 1674 to a Captain of the Cromwellian forces which captured Jamaica for the British; Plantation tours at Prospect for example, aboard a jitney, jeep or camel offer a special thrill; but there are many other mansions, including Greenwood Great House in St. James, built by the Hon Richard Barrett, cousin of poetess Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and Devon House in Kingston, built in 1881 by the island’s first black millionaire …all tell the story of the trials and triumphs of a people.
Knowing nature’s harmony in Errol Flynn’s Port Antonio
You never forget Port Antonio, settled in nature’s lap in the green parish of Port Antonio, for years a favourite haunt of actor Errol Flynn who declared it more beautiful than any woman. In Portland’s lush landscape, experience nature at its best. Schedule a secluded sea bath and a mountain walk practically within minutes; Plunge into the depths of the Blue Lagoon, explore the Nonsuch Caves, feast on the famous Portland jerk pork and go back in time as you raft down the Rio Grande river.
Re-defining relaxation in Negril
It’s on the island’s most western tip and its feels like a world apart; far from the expected, dismissive of the routine, it’s known for its seven miles of white sandy beach, spectacular sunsets, fun-filled water sports and an unmatched laid-back style. Just “chilling” in Negril is one of the defining Jamaican experiences.
Getting out and about in a rural Community
Some seek partnerships for peace. Others just want to relate to people in their own setting, in the special places they call home. It is about community based development and sustainability. It highlights nature, heritage, culture and the delightful hospitality of ordinary folk who still see travelers as guests. Doing together and learning together – for a unique Jamaican experience this is as authentic as it gets.
Healing and renewal in an exceptional spa setting
Some say it’s mystic. The setting certainly helps whether by the sea or in a mountain hideaway. Natural hot springs, healing herbs and gentle hands… special knowledge of the spa experience dates back to the island’s early history. Modern technology merely enhances to make this a “must have” on the journey to renewal in Jamaica.
Moving it – being part of the sports scene in Reggae land
A marathon in a sea-side setting; hitting off a tee that may take your golf ball over picturesque aqueducts that once powered sugar factories, bowling off in cricket to the rhythm of music, swimming (perhaps with dolphins), sailing, bobsledding; football with the Reggae Boys, netball with the Sunshine girls; boxing, biking, hiking or just rapping with the sprint sensations who have made Jamaica the darlings of the world. Whatever your choice, it’s a different sporting sensation and lot more fun in Jamaica.
Worshipping with us in historic churches and sanctuaries
Reputed to have more churches per sq. mile than anywhere else, Jamaica is a joy for tours highlighting worship and praise. High atop a hill or nestled round a rustic bend, churches have overlooked the passing of the centuries, shielding in times of trouble, resisting and rising brick by brick from natural and man-made disasters to tell the story of the Jamaican people.
Following a food trail …
Jerked meats and Jamaica go hand in hand. History is represented in every tantalizing taste, telling of Maroons and their strategies for survival high in the dense interior. Follow a jerk trail from Portland to Montego Bay and cross country to Kingston. But don’t limit yourself in this foodies’ paradise. Sample the national dish of salt fish and ackee; enjoy a hot curry goat, mackerel and coconut run-down, rice and peas, breadfruit, cassava and yam. There is always a pot boiling and always enough.
Funding for this website was provided by the Private Sector Development Programme (PSDP), a joint initiative of the Government of Jamaica and the European Union. The views expressed in this product are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the PSDP.
