While for many persons a vacation in Jamaica is
synonymous with staying at an all-inclusive resort, there is much to attract
a visitor throughout the island of Jamaica. below are just some of the
outdoor attractions in Jamaica.
If you love lighthouses and warm weather, then look no further than the tropical island
of Jamaica and the fantastic Negril hotels. Jamaica is home to seven lighthouses, all of
which are spectacular in their own right. A visit to each of these lighthouses will be a
history lesson in itself.
The Morant Point Lighthouse is the oldest on the island. Built in 1841, this lighthouse
consists of a cast iron tube 100 feet long and 18 feet wide at the base. A masonry wall
has recently been built around the seaward side of the base of the lighthouse to help
protect it from any potential damage during a hurricane. Painted with red and white
horizontal bands, Morant Point is located at the easternmost point of Jamaica, about 30
miles from the city of Kingston.
The Negril Point Lighthouse is located on the extreme western end of Jamaica. This
completely white lighthouse was built in 1895 to guide ships safely to the western shores.
Negril Point is one of Negril's most famous landmarks. During the day you can take in the
beautiful views from the top of the 100 foot structure. You will see breathtaking views of
lush countryside and the Caribbean Sea. If you choose to visit the lighthouse in the
evening, you will be treated to one of the most spectacular sunsets you have ever seen.
Just a short walk from your Negril resorts and you can be at this landmark.
To visit the highest lighthouse in the western hemisphere, make a trip to Lover's Leap
Lighthouse. This lighthouse is built right where the Santa Cruz Mountains come to an end
on Jamaica's south coast. Built on top of a 1,700 foot cliff, this 100 foot tall
lighthouse is very impressive. The lookout lends itself to a stunning view of the crystal
blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. If you are scared of heights, you should consider
remaining at one of the Negril Jamaica resorts. The Lover's Leap legend says that two
young slaves leapt to their deaths to avoid being separated. They were eventually chased
to the edge of the cliff where they decided to leap to their deaths rather than be
captured and separated. There is a wooden carving of the two lovers at the site to
remember this touching story. You can make an entire day out of a trip to this lighthouse,
as there is also a restaurant right on site. If you are feeling spunky you can traverse a
three mile trail that leads you down the cliffs to Cutlass Bay. Don't bring your swimming
suit however, as swimming is prohibited.
About the Author
Whichever of the seven lighthouses you choose to see while staying at one of the
many Breezes Negril Jamaica
resorts you will be sure to enjoy yourself. There is always something new to discover
at each of these amazing sites. Breezes is a quick and easy way to get started planning
your trip to enjoy a stay at the Negril resorts. Breezes can provides you comfortable,
clean Negril hotels for
you to relax after your lighthouse excursions.
A
vacation in Jamaica accommodation rentals provides many opportunities that
you will find hard to discover when you stay in a hotel or all-inclusive
resort.
Staying in Jamaica villas, cottages and apartments allow you to meet many
local people who are not putting on a tourist show. They are real people
living real lives, which you will be sure to find interesting. And these
contacts open up all kinds of avenues for you to enjoy the kind of Jamaica
vacation that is truly unique, not one that has been packaged for hundreds
of people at a time.
Consider doing things that take you off the beaten track away from all the
tourists and attractions that are manufactured for entertainment. Find a
driver who will take you on a journey into the countryside where you can
slip back in time and get a glimpse of the real Jamaica.
In
South Trelawny, there is a place called Two Hills Falls and Park that is
just about an hour's drive from Silver Sands villas. It is an exciting drive
which starts on the North Coast highway but quickly finds it way into the
hills, passing through sugar cane fields and picturesque towns. Places with
names like the Queen of Spain Valley, Wakefield, and Dromilly.
You
will see old country houses showcasing English architecture from another
century. Gingerbread eaves and rusted zinc roofs under the hot tropical sun
as brightly coloured washing pegged out on makeshift lines flutter in the
breeze blowing through the tall coconut trees.
There
is a hand-painted sign nailed to a utility pole on the edge of a dirt road,
advertising the Two Hills Falls and Park. From here a dirt track takes you
down through banana and coconut trees to a rustic old bridge made from odd
planks of wood and posts buried in the Martha Brae River.
Now
the exciting sound of the waterfalls can be heard. Across the shaky bridge,
there is a picnic area cleared and again very rough benches and tables have
been constructed under tall fruit trees like the starapple and jackfruit.
While
Two Hills Falls and Park is not spectacular like Dunn's River Falls, it is a
beautiful spot where one can picnic and swim in the river. There are areas
for fires and camp-style cooking.
Be
warned, there are no bathroom or other facilities here. This is an unspoiled
beauty spot that you can enjoy without having to jostle with crowds of
tourists. If relaxing on the bank of the river with a cold drink, waiting
for your jerk chicken to cook sounds like fun, then Two Hills Falls and Park
will be just your cup of tea. But go there on your next stay in Jamaica
accommodation rentals, because who knows when this undeveloped beauty spot
will be converted into another mass tourism attraction.
There
are small farms all around and if you are lucky, you may meet Donavon
Beckford, one of the local small farmers, who will be happy to show you his
ground. Perhaps some of the ground provisions and fruits served to you at
Silver Sands villas were reaped from
Donovan's small farm.
About the Author
Prem
Chadeesingh is an authority on vacation rentals in Jamaica. He writes for
Mysilversands, a company dedicated to providing quality accommodation in
Jamaica villas, cottages, and apartments
by the sea.
Prem lived
at Silver Sands Jamaica for over seven years. He holds a BASc degree in
Industrial Engineering from the University of Toronto and an MBA in
International Business from City University of New York.
With
more than two hundred miles of beaches to explore, you will never be far
from a beautiful stretch of sand when you stay in a Jamaica luxury hotel.
There is plenty to see and do on the island, but on those days when nothing
but a book and a suntan will do, you have an enviable choice of beaches to
consider.
Doctor's Cave Beach
This
beach once played host to a beach property owned by a local doctor, hence
the name. It differs from many others on the island because it requires a
small fee to gain access to it. However the beach is famous among those who
know Montego Bay well, which is where it is located. There are many
amenities nearby too if you travel from a Jamaica luxury hotel to get here.
Negril
Beach
Otherwise known as Seven Mile Beach - purely because that is how long it is
- there are many reasons why this beach is well worth a visit. If you long
to wander along miles of sandy shores instead of simply laying on them, this
is the perfect destination to choose. It is popular among those who live
here as well as those who visit, and everyone is very friendly. Enjoy jerk
grills and wander into the cool blue water for a swim whenever the mood
takes you.
Boston
Bay Beach
If you
want to book into a Jamaica luxury hotel that has ample surfing
opportunities nearby, look for one close to Boston Bay Beach. It is known
for its undercurrents, providing the perfect storm for those who are brave
enough to handle a board and stay upright on it. It is not restricted to
experienced surfers though - those of all levels can be found here enjoying
the scenery and the waves.
Blue
Lagoon Beach
Perhaps one of the most famous beaches that Jamaica has to offer, this is so
called because it has a lagoon that is an amazingly deep blue. The lagoon
drops to an incredible depth of 180 feet. The beach itself is several miles
long and is home to a gorgeous restaurant on the waterfront.
Long
Bay Beach
On the
eastern side of Jamaica you will find Long Bay Beach. This is a more relaxed
and laid back beach, offering seclusion and the perfect venue to relax all
day and top up your tan. You may find the ideal Jamaica luxury hotel nearby,
so you don't have too far to wander to get to the beach each day.
No
matter where you decide to stay on the island, you will always have a list
of beaches to choose from that are nearby. They are all quite stunning in
their own way, and while some are more relaxed and quieter than others, you
will always be able to find the perfect one for your own needs. With jerk
grills, reggae music, happy locals and plenty of people having a good time,
it is hard not to fall in love with this part of the world.
Cheryl
Matthews works for the Essential Hotel Collection. If you're looking for a
Jamaica luxury hotel, we offer a
handpicked portfolio of privately owned hotels. We have an intimate
knowledge of every property and can provide the perfect
Jamaica luxury hotel to make your island
dreams a reality.
Located at the corner of Oxford Road and Knutsford Boulevard in Kingston
directly across from the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Emancipation Park is a very
relaxing location that is relatively safe with security officers posted at
the park. One always encounters people walking and jogging during the early
morning and evenings. On mornings one also finds men sitting on the benches
reading their newspapers and at night couples relaxing on the benches gazing
lovingly into each others eyes while parents watch over their children as
they run and play. At Christmas, Emancipation Park is decorated with lights
on the trees that create a beautiful scene.
Emancipation Park is on the Liguanea plain in St Andrew and at one time was
the site of the Knutsford Park Race Course. The racecourse was later bought
by a conglomerate of businessmen who envisioned this site as a "city built
within a city", and gave the area the name New Kingston. The Liguanea Club,
a recreational and social club for the upper class in society, located on
Knutsford Boulevard, owned over 35 acres of the land and gave seven acres as
a gift to the Jamaican Government. In 2002 the Jamaican Government granted
approval for the transfer of the land to the National Housing Trust on the
condition that a park was built and maintained at that location.
To create Emancipation Park, the architect, Kamau Kambui, was hired and he
drew his inspiration for the design from many facets of Jamaican society and
the Jamaican countryside. Embedded in the park are many features which some
people simply pass without realising their symbolism. Because of Jamaica's
prior slave history with many of these slaves coming from West Africa, Kamau
Kambui, sought to pay tribute to these ancestors by incorporating West
African Adinkra symbols in the design of the Park. These symbols can be seen
in various areas of the Park namely the perimeter fence, the walls at the
entrance, the benches and garbage receptacles. The Adinkra symbols were
originally designed by the Asante (Ashanti) craftsmen of Ghana, West Africa.
They embody non-verbal communicative and aesthetic values, as well as the
way of life of the people who designed them. The symbols incorporate images
of humans, animals, plants and objects.
The landscape of the Park includes a wide variety of flowering plants and
trees such as the majestic Royal Palm, the Bull Thatch Palm, the National
Flower of Jamaica, the Lignum Vitae and the National Tree of Jamaica, the
Blue Mahoe. In addition there are the Bougainvilleas, Poor Man's Orchid,
Poinciana and Poui trees.
At the main entrance to Emancipation Park at the corner of Oxford Road and
Knutsford Boulevard, is the 11ft. bronze sculpture "Redemption Song" by
celebrated Jamaican artist, Laura Facey that was specifically designed to
depict "the birth passage and the process of traveling back to our roots"
said Kambui.
There are a million reasons why Jamaica is one of the most popular holiday
destinations in the Caribbean. In Jamaica, luxury hotels provide comfortable
and lavish accommodations, offering state-of-the-art facilities and
world-class service. However, there are more reasons than magnificent
accommodation to visit Jamaica. Luxury hotels will no doubt tempt you to
stay in and spend your days luxuriating in spas, dining in fine restaurants,
or lounging around the pool, but the island's most amazing attractions are
to be found outdoors.
The
island boasts white sand beaches, white-water rivers, large expanses of
plains, and lush mountains with an abundance and variety of flora and fauna
unlike anywhere else in the world. This includes 252 types of birds (27 are
endemic), 200 native types of orchids, 500 types of true ferns, and
approximately 50 types of coral. The locals are warm and friendly people
ready to provide guidance and aid in exploring the many cultural and
historic attractions of the island. Foodies will be in heaven with the
island's eclectic cuisine and the readily available supply of Blue Mountain
coffee, hailed by many as one of the best coffees in the world.
However there's also a lot more to the Blue Mountains than incredible
coffee. These mountains in the lush jungle north of Kingston are a favourite
destination of nature lovers and adventurers, including, hikers, bikers, and
bird fanciers. The jungle can be dense and going off-path can be dangerous,
so unless you have a guide, it's best to stay on the well-marked paths.
Listed below are some of the activities you should check out while visiting
the Blue Mountains in Jamaica. Luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, incredible
scenery, scrumptious food, and adventure galore, this island has everything!
Visit Holywell National Recreation Park
A
part of the Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust,
Holywell National
Recreation Park is located in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National
Park. Take a quick tour or take advantage of its camping facilities, which
include showers and shelters. Its trails wind through the rugged terrain,
and you will have the opportunity to spot some of the island's most
reclusive creatures. Be on the lookout for the national bird, the
streamer-tail hummingbird (known locally as the doctor bird) and the rare
swallowtail butterfly. No worries about missing civilization in the heart of
this wilderness of Jamaica, luxury hotels are just minutes away.
Tour
the Blue Mountains by Bicycle
There's no better way to experience the beauty of the Blue Mountains than to
dazzle all your senses in an adrenalin-fuelled ride down its mountainsides.
Not only will such a ride treat you to amazing sights, the crisp island
winds will bear the scent of the rain forest thick with towering trees,
blossoms, and ferns, and nearby coffee plantations. Then, cool off by
splashing in a waterfall before heading back home.
Tour
the Mavis Bank Coffee Factory
Love
Blue Mountain coffee? Then you should definitely check out Mavis Bank Coffee
Factory, the government-owned coffee plant located in the town of Mavis
Bank, northeast of Kingston. An hour-long guided tour of Mavis Bank Coffee
Factory takes you through the processing of coffee, from planting to
distribution. Make sure to take a few bags home with you, you won't find
better tasting or better quality beans anywhere in the world.
Cheryl Matthews works for the Essential Hotel Collection. If you're looking
for
Jamaica luxury hotels,
we offer a handpicked portfolio of privately owned hotels. We have an
intimate knowledge of every property and can provide the perfect
Jamaica luxury hotels
to make your island dreams a reality. Visit us at
Essential Detail
The surreal, misty magic of the cloudy castle that is Holywell Recreational
Park is a blissful, relaxing haven for anyone who ventures there. The dewy
atmosphere and high altitude secure its cool temperature, and an occasional
sprinkle from the fluffy clouds gently kisses your skin as you venture into
this woodland. Affectionately referred to as Holywell, the area offers more
than 300 acres of plants and birds indigenous to Jamaica as well as various
spots to camp or have that romantic picnic.
On our adventure, the WEEKEND STAR team met National Park Ranger Jermy
Shroeter, who shared other reasons you may want to visit. “Persons come here
to exercise and keep fit, but mostly people want to escape from the heat of
the town,” he said. “For other persons, it’s a spiritual vibe, their mind is
relaxed and we even have Christian groups who come to have prayers. It’s a
place for everybody.”
Everybody indeed, as the rangers on site also offer school tours which
explore the cultural heritage of the park. There are also several hiking
trails which offer different features and views, like the short Blue Mahoe
Trail which showcases a myriad of birds, butterflies and trees like the Blue
Mahoe and Soaptree.
There are longer trails, like the near 60-minute hike on the Waterfall
trail, which features different ferns; beware of the slippery terrain. But,
the trod was disappointing to say the least as the anticipated waterfall
seemed more like a faucet with low water pressure.
Among the trails are three cabins for accommodation: Hotlips, Mountain Yacca
and Cuppress - all named after trees at Holywell.
Cuppress is the attraction’s biggest cabin, hosting two bedrooms capable of
housing six people. There are camping spots perfectly situated outside each
cabin, and barbecue stations to get that grilled chicken or roasted fish
under way.
The cabins also have fireplaces, kitchens, dining and outdoor sitting areas
to add to your experience. The memories of visitors are engraved via
signatures and handwritten notes on the outside of the cabins, and we were
not to be left out, adding our own signatures to the sturdy logs.
If hiking or camping does not tickle your fancy, take your board games and
snacks and chill in a gazebo with your friends and family, and unwind in the
peace and crisp air that Mother Nature provides.
BEST THING: Panoramic view, misty mountain, cool atmosphere
WORST THING: Exaggerated waterfall
LOCATION: Holywell Recreational Park is snuggled in the Blue and John Crow
Mountains National Park on the border of St Andrew and Portland. Driving via
Papine, travel onward to Gordon Town and Irish Town, and continue towards
the Red Light community and Newcastle.
As
you are planning your trip to Jamaica, I am sure you are trying to decide
what attractions you should visit. Honestly, there are many to choose from.
One of the most long standing and popular attractions is Jamaica Dunn's
River Falls. Dunn's River Falls is located in Ocho Rios, Jamaica and is
explained by saying it is "600 feet of climbing pleasure".
Thousands of visitors visit Dunn's River Falls every year. The actual falls
are an amazing display of nature. The miniature dome-shaped waterfalls are
constantly flowing and dispensing into the Caribbean Sea. Visitors climb the
falls and enjoy hanging out in one of the several lagoons or pools along the
way.
When you travel up the falls, you will be accompanied by a guide helping you
along the way. For example they will tell you where to step to safely climb
the falls. To climb Dunns Falls you will have to wear sneakers or water
shoes to make sure you have a good grip on the stones when climbing. At the
base of the falls is a beach for those who would rather relax in the ocean
versus climbing the falls.
In addition to the waterfalls, the area has attractions such as live music,
craft markets, restaurant, and an area for special occasions like weddings
or family reunions. The restaurant has a wide variety of food from pork or
fish, spicy jerk chicken and curried goat as well as some traditional
snacks. In addition there are several outdoor grills in the picnic area if
you would like to bring your food as well.
Over the years, they've continued to build the area around the falls to make
it easier and more accessible for visitors to enjoy the attraction. Many
believe that the falls were "created" for tourist to climb, but it is all
very natural and made by the actual current of the water.
There are many ways to get to Dunns River if you are not staying in a resort
in Ocho Rios. One way is with a large group tour bus, this can most commonly
be arranged through the resort you are staying at. Another option is to hire
a private driver/tour guide to take you and your family. Although this may
cost more than the group travel, with the private driver/tour guide you can
stay as long or as little as you would like as well as make any additional
stops along the way.
If you are making a trip to Jamaica, make sure to put Dunn's River Falls on
your list of places to see, it is always on the top of the list of the
world's most gorgeous waterfalls.
To get your FREE
Guide on Jamaican Attractions to learn the best places to visit
when planning your vacation to Jamaica, please visit www.yourjamaicantourguide.com.
Montego Bay is the second largest city in Jamaica, and is the capital of St.
James Parish. But what really draws visitors to this Jamaican city is its
white sandy shores, charming plantations, ideal weather and excellent
tourist infrastructure. Sitting on the island nation's north shore, Montego
Bay is blessed with a gorgeous coast. It is also the home of Sangster
International Airport, the largest international airport in the country.
Fondly referred to as MoBay, the city is actually divided into two distinct
sections. One section is the city proper or often called "downtown", and the
other section is the beach area, which includes the suburb Ironshore and
where most all-inclusive resorts and hotels are located.
The
downtown area of MoBay is known to be crowded, noisy and busy. It is a stark
contrast to the resorts in the city that promote a relaxing and stress-free
lifestyle. The downtown represents the more gritty and urban side of Jamaica
that can be give travelers interesting insights about city living. If this
sounds like something you would like to do, make sure to come during the
day. Nighttime in the city proper is not really safe and streets are not
well lit. Be prepared to deal with beggars and touts, but if you're already
an experienced traveler, then it should not be a problem detecting tourist
traps. Another option is to ask a local from your resort or hotel to escort
you as you navigate the bustling streets of Montego Bay.
One
must-see neighborhood in the city and also the hippiest spot in town is
called Gloucester Avenue. Situated not far from the airport, Gloucester
Avenue is lined with shops, hotels and restaurants. This cool avenue is
definitely best explored on foot. If you love shopping and purchasing
duty-free items sounds very enticing to you, then head over to Harbour
Street. This area is actually a popular destination for cruise ship
passengers.
But
the first reason people flock to Montego Bay is undeniably its beaches. Most
of these beautiful sandy stretches offer public access, so it is easy for
anyone to go for a beach hopping adventure. Doctor's Cave Beach and Bathing
Club is one of the most prominent stretches in Montego Bay. This beach
captivates with its white sand and calm waters. It is even said that the
water on this beach is fed by natural spring sources, and thus, has
therapeutic capabilities. But take note that an admission fee is charged to
anyone who would like to access the Doctor's Cave. Because of its
popularity, Doctor's Beach can get crowded.
For
a more convenient time in the city, most visitors opt to stay in a resort.
After all the resorts in Montego Bay provide a well-rounded holiday
experience. You don't have to hang out the beach the entire day (although
that's perfectly alright) as activities like horseback riding, zip lining,
golf, fishing and guided river trips can all be arranged through your hotel
or resort.
The
restored 18th century plantation home named Rose Hall Great House and the
mansion, Bellefield Great House, and the Croydon in the Mountains plantation
are just some of the key landmarks to visit in Montego Bay. Martha Brae
River is the main destination for rafting enthusiasts, while bird lovers
should proceed to Rocklands Bird Sanctuary.
The town of Port Royal,
Jamaica, has had a storied history. Most of us learnt about Port Royal in
primary school as the sunken city. And, there are those who will say that
Port Royal over the centuries has become the forgotten town.
The area was once described as the wickedest city in the Western Hemisphere.
Port Royal is located on the southern coast of Jamaica. Port Royal was
initially colonised by the Spanish Crown; however, in 1655 the town was
attacked and captured by the English. The town of Port Royal soon became a
haven for pirates and buccaneers. Sir Henry Morgan is perhaps the most
infamous of all pirates to have emerged from the town.
After 1670, the importance of Port
Royal and Jamaica to England was evident due to trade in slaves, sugar, and
raw materials.
The town became the mercantile
centre of the Caribbean, with vast amounts of goods flowing in and out of
its harbour as part of an expansive trade network, which included trading
and/or looting of coastal Spanish towns throughout Spanish America.
Port Royal was a wealthy city of merchants, artisans, ships' captains,
slaves, and, of course, notorious pirates, who gave it its 'wickedest city
in the world' reputation.
The town of Port Royal has a large
deepwater natural harbour for protecting ships at anchor, and it was close
to Spanish shipping lanes and ports. Tragedy however struck the town of Port
Royal in 1692 in the form of an earthquake which saw parts of the town
sinking. Port Royal was never the same vibrant and engaging city it once was
after the massive earthquake.
Following the earthquake, Port Royal underwent a dramatic revival only to
fall again when it was ravaged by fire in 1703. A total of 16 hurricanes
between 1712 and 1951 smashed Jamaica, as did an additional six earthquakes
between 1770 and 1956.
Today, Port Royal is the opposite
of what the town used to be. The town is more of a laid-back coastal town,
where small-scale industries and fishing are critical components of life.
In recent times Port Royal has been undergoing a renaissance. January 20,
2020 was a historic day for Port Royal and Jamaica's tourism as the Marella
Discovery 2 docked at 8:09 am.
The Marella Discovery is a former
Royal Caribbean International Vision Class cruise ship. In 2011 the ship had
a US$53-million overhaul. The Marella Discovery 2 is quite impressive,
boasting an outdoor cinema, a rock climbing wall, two swimming pools, and a
mini golf course.
Data from the Ministry of Tourism
indicated that 1.92 million cruise passengers visited Jamaica in 2017, an
increase from 2016 when 1.655 million passengers arrived.
The Ministry of Tourism also
stated that spending per visitor increased to US$91.67 from US$90.24 in the
same time frame.
The local media reported that by
10:45 am passengers from the Marella Discovery 2 cruise ship were walking in
the town checking out historic sites such as the Giddy House at Fort Charles
and St Peter's Anglican Church, while other passengers patronised vendors at
the temporary artisan village.
Some of the passengers were taken
via tour buses to Culture Yard in Trench Town, where Bob Marley lived, as
well as to Emancipation Park in New Kingston, where they experienced a bit
of the Jamaican culture through dance and other cultural forms.
Tourism plays an important role in
Jamaica's development. And this is enhanced now that Port Royal has now
become the latest cruise ship port in Jamaica.
Head of The Port Authority of
Jamaica, operators of Jamaica's cruise ports, Professor Gordon Shirley said
the historic visit of the Marella Discovery 2 was off to a promising start.
Professor Shirley added that in a
month's time another cruise ship is scheduled to visit the town of Port
Royal.
We can only hope that the twin monster of crime and violence will stay away
from the developments in Port Royal. We can only wish this historic venture
all the possible success. Perhaps the visit of this major cruise liner is
the beginning of the renaissance of Port Royal.
Additionally, it is hoped that the
people of Port Royal will benefit economically from sharing their space with
tourists and the wider Jamaican society.
Port Royal needs more
opportunities not only in terms of jobs for its people but in terms of
infrastructural investment.
The cruise port undoubtedly will
serve as the catalyst in spearheading the development for both the town and
its inhabitants.
Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in
development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. Send
comments to the Jamaica Observer or waykam@yahoo.com, @WayneCamo.
For information on other outdoor adventure activities in Jamaica,
visit our other Jamaica Pages
