Recently, I was asked by John A., “what is your favorite place in Jamaica.”? At first I smiled, because I was actually looking to buy some time. I could not believe that this was the first time someone asked me for “My favorite place in Jamaica.” Before John’s question, I don’t remember ever been asked that question and I can’t say I have ever given it serious thought.
I am from the Parish of St. Ann and lived in Ocho Rios and Walkers Wood, so by default or as we like to say in Jamaica “By Compulsory” my favorite place in Jamaica is Ocho Rios. There are lots of fun stuff to do all over the island and Ocho Rios leads the way when it comes to family or couples. Visit Dunn’s River Falls, Dolphin Cove, kayaking, Marth’s Brae River Rafting, horse back riding safari ride/tours, Bob Marley (Nine Mile) and so much more. As for hotels, Jamaica Inn rank among the best in the Caribbean along with Golden Eye Resort and others.
The fact that I was asked that question of my favorite place in Jamaica, made me stop to think, so John great question, you called me out. Lets leave Ocho Rios and continue on to second largest city in Jamaica, Montego Bay in the Parish of St. James. Montego Bay is a huge tourist destination and extremly popular for spring break as well as for cruise liners. There are several great beaches in Montego Bay with lots of beautiful hotels. These hotels start at five stars top luxury hotels to less expensive hotels. Half Moon, Round Hill Hotels & Villas, Secrets St. James are just a few luxury hotels that keeps visitors coming back.
Dolphin Cove, a fun fill day for the family
There are lots of interesting places to go such as Doctors cave Beach Club, Aquasol Beach Park, Sandals Beach, Cornwall Beach, White Witch of Rose Hall, Montego Bay Marine Park. Then there are safari tours, river tubing and rafting, Luminous lagoon where the water illuminate.
Then there is Negril, known for the beach lovers because of Seven Mile Beach. Visitors relax on the beautiful white soft sand beach while enjoying the blue crystal clear water. Tourist visit Negril just to experience the sexy sunset as Negril is located on the western point of the island. But there are lots more to Negril such as deep sea fishing, Scuba diving & snorkeling, Rick’s Cafe with cliff diving, horse back riding and so much more including great restaurants and hotels.
Let’s talk about Portland, maybe the best kept secret in Jamaica. There are plenty of activities in Portland starting with it’s breathtaking views, biking trails, great food and great outdoor history for nature lovers. The Blue Mountain is on the Easter most end of the island, opposite of Negril. Portland is home to Blue Mountain where they grow the world famous Blue Mountain coffee. Blue Mountain is describe in Bike Magazine as a bike trail that peaks at 7400 feet and the second highest trail in the West Indies and rank with the steepest natural pitch.
Blue Lagoon
Nature lovers, look no further than Portland for your outdoor activities. In the Blue Mountain are over 200 species of birds, over 800 species of endemic plants , home to the Papilo Homerus the 2nd largest butterfly in the world, and over 500 species of flowering plants. There are experience guides for daily tours. Also, the Blue Lagoon where the movie titled “Blue Lagoon” was filmed and visit Nanny Town and learn about the Jamaican Maroons of African descendants. Gather some information about one of Jamaica’s National Hero, Queen Nanny who is a Maroon. You can enjoy Summer Set Falls, Frenchman’s Cove Beach and Boston Bay Jerk food. As you see, there are plenty to do and see in Portland.
Blue Lagoon in Portland Jamaica
Kingston is the city and the Capital of Jamaica. The are lots of things to do in Kingston and places to go which I will discuss in another blog. Most folks visiting Jamaica are looking to get away from the city yet they may be interested in taking day trips to the city. We will cover it in my next favorite place in Jamaica.
