our-jamaica-2014-lozrez

Our

Jamaica 2014

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE JAMAICA HOTEL & TOURIST ASSOCIATION

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minister’s letter

14

WELCOME Persons visiting our island for the first time are often struck by Jamaica’s mesmerising beauty and the natural warmth and hospitality of our people.

As you immerse yourself in this land of contrasts, colours and tastes you will be taken on an enriching journey of sumptuous cuisine, spectacular scenery and unique encounters that are a pleasureseeker’s dream come true.

As Jamaicans, we celebrate our unique heritage and cultural diversity, which are as much intertwined in this “land of wood and water” as they are in the hearts of the people. Even our varied and breathtaking landscape is part of our unique signature as a nation. We are pleased to welcome you to our island home and encourage you to take every opportunity to connect with us as a people, whilst enjoying Jamaica’s unspoilt beauty.

There are so many ways to experience Jamaica. Whether you are trekking through our majestic Blue Mountains, windsurfing across the sparkling blue ocean, dancing to our pulsating reggae rhythms or savouring our mouthwatering local cuisine, we promise you a

truly authentic travel experience that will create memories that will last a lifetime.

Coupled with this, I am confident that our excellent range of accommodations will satisfy your particular personality and taste — from the faster tempo of some of our larger properties and fun-filled family retreats to the more intimate hideaways off the beaten track. We are renowned for our world-class offerings and accommodations, and the high rate of repeat visitors that come to our shores is testament to this.

As Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, I take pleasure in welcoming you if this is your first visit, and if you are a return visitor, welcome back!

Feel free to lose yourself in the culture, food and music of this unique country. Jamaica welcomes you with open arms.

Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill Minister of Tourism and Entertainment

Š D. YURMAN 2013

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jhta letter

16

WELCOME Welcome to our Jamaica‌ to our spectacular natural beauty, intriguing culture, rich history and unforgettable people.

As travel and tourism continues to grow internationally and new destinations emerge, we remain grateful that our Jamaica continues to be a favourite for so many. We welcome home our many returning visitors and are also thrilled to welcome those visiting us for the first time. We encourage all of you to share in the kaleidoscope of experiences that Jamaica offers, which we know will refresh and re-energise you.

There is so much to enjoy as you explore not only our six resort areas but also the many diverse offerings in communities across the length and breadth of our island. Taste our cuisine, learn about our fascinating heritage and immerse yourself in our culture!

You will feel the warmth and vibrancy of our people whose indomitable spirit

and renowned hospitality have made us a world-class destination.

All of us are committed to making your vacation experience the best ever. Wherever you stay, large or small, luxury or bohemian, indeed, Jamaica has it all — from luxury villas, to large, internationally acclaimed hotels, to quaint and cosy cottages.

Jamaica also boasts attractions that are eco-friendly, adventurous, historical or cultural; and a wide variety of shopping experiences that are indicative of the diversity and innovation found in our island. We are one fabulous destination and we know that you will find a piece to claim as your very own.

Thank you for visiting our Jamaica.

Enjoy and come back soon!

Evelyn Smith President, JHTA

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director of tourism’s letter

18

WELCOME Our Jamaica — The Home of All Right!

I welcome you to the warm, crisp island breeze of Jamaica! Throughout these pages you will be introduced to this slice of heaven known to the world as Jamaica, but to 2.8 million of us, it is home.

Hands down, Jamaica is a beautiful place to be. Not just because of her topographical charm, but more important because of her warm spirited people. It is more than just our firm handshakes or beautiful smiles — it is the sincerity that radiates from within. As hard as it might be, we have attempted to capture that essence of Jamaica in the pages of this book.

Our Jamaican hospitality begins the moment you decide to visit and continues long after you have waved goodbye to our shores. Wherever you go, you will take pleasant memories of your adventures here, because we are an unforgettable people.

While here, you will discover our unique blend of cuisine, accommodations, attractions and events that is rarely found elsewhere, but is zealously sought after. After all, this is

the birthplace of reggae, the land of jerk cuisine, the home of sprint king Usain Bolt and the best place to enjoy Appleton Rum or Red Stripe, the great Jamaican beer. Jamaica is the “home of all right!”

We willingly share our awardwinning destination, which has been featured in many blockbuster films, music videos and advertisements. And our people — our ambassadors such as our athletes, artistes and chefs — have consistently kept Destination Jamaica top of mind around the globe.

I invite you to soak up the exhilarating Jamaican vibe while you are here and be amongst the millions who have adopted Jamaica as their home away from home.

Jamaica! Get All Right!

John D. Lynch Director of Tourism and Chairman of The Board

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contributors

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1. Max Earle is passionate about the beauty of his homeland — Jamaica — that fact goes beyond questioning. Spending more than 40 years behind a lens, and 20 years as co-owner and creative director of Frame by Frame Productions, he says there is still no shortage of spectacular scenes that unfold every day. His images have graced the pages of numerous magazines, websites and commercial productions. His unique vision has been hailed in this way: ”Through Max’s lens we see glimpses of all elements of Jamaica... the very essence of the feel of island life... from its boisterous nature to the quiet still moments with nature... combined with the feel of fleeting moments that make us all want to be there, at that time.” He continues to pursue his passion and is in the final stages of publishing his first book.

2. Kinisha Correia is a business owner and writer living in Kingston, Jamaica.

Her preferred writing focus is on holistic and eco-chic living, while her business specialises in PR, communication and event planning for the niche wellness and community development industries. She’s passionate about spreading wholesome good vibes!

3. Emma Sharp Dalton-Brown is a native Jamaican with a B.A. in philosophy from the London School of Economics, a Food & Wine Diploma from Leith’s in London and a Certificate in Journalism from New York University. Emma worked in London for five years as a freelance chef, regularly appeared on a cooking show called ”Good Food Live” and wrote for BBC Good Food and Best magazines.

She currently lives with her husband and two sons in Kingston, Jamaica, where she is a regular contributor for the Jamaica Observer; teaches private cooking classes; and writes menu plans and recipes for people with chronic health problems. Emma has also written extensively for MacoCaribbean.com, and has contributed to MACO and FRESH magazines. She is proud to add Our Jamaica to the list.

4. Roland Henry as a young boy idolised Superman, not just for his otherworldly strength and flying abilities, but for his

alter ego journalist Clark Kent. Kent’s Metropolis was a heady mix of adventure and frenzy at every turn. He was always in the right place at the right time, and Roland wanted every bit of that.

It’s what led him to study Media and Communication — specialising in print and online journalism — at the Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication (CARIMAC) before being employed with the Jamaica Observer newspaper for seven years. Whilst there, he amassed experience in both the advertising and editorial sides of the business, covering beats from finance to fashion. His work has appeared in the New York Post and SkyWritings, as well as several smaller publications on the island.

5. Dr. Brian Hudson was born and raised in England. He became a naturalised citizen of Jamaica after marrying a Jamaican woman he met whilst they were both postgraduate students at Hong Kong University. Brian has lived in Ghana, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Grenada and Australia, where he now resides with his family. A geographer and urban planner, he is the author of many academic papers and books, including, amongst others, The Waterfalls of Jamaica and Waterfall: Nature and Culture. His memoir How I Didn’t Become a Beatle describes his life as a student and drummer in Liverpool. The title of his second memoir Whe’ Yu’ From? comes from a question often put to him in Jamaica. This tells the story of a boy with an insatiable curiosity who grew up to realise his ambition to see the world. Dr. Brian Hudson is now an adjunct professor at Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.

6. Cookie Kinkead was born in Kingston, Jamaica. Cookie is inspired and innovative.

Her low-key approach and infectious vitality bring out the best in her subjects whether she is photographing people, travel or interiors/style.

7. Mina K. Robertson is a first- year student at the University of the West Indies Faculty of Law. After graduating from Campion College she became an IB Diploma graduate of AISK in 2013. Pursuing a career in fashion, she is a contributor of the

Style Observer and has launched her own website — taureanalphabet.com. She also interned at the National Gallery of Jamaica and styled for advertising campaigns.

8. Mark Rogers’ travel assignments have taken him to 54 countries. He’s well known in travel trade circles for his coverage of the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, the South Pacific and Asia, as well as California, where he is based. In 2005, Mark won backto-back awards for his writing: the CTO Worldwide Travel Writer/Photographer Award for Best Feature Article in a Trade Publication, for his cover story on St. Lucia in Travel Agent magazine; and the Marcia Vickery-Wallace Award for excellence in travel journalism, presented by the JTB for his Hurricane Ivan coverage.

9. Kaili McDonnough Scott is based in Kingston, Jamaica, and is the editor of KÚYA, a real estate magazine, and runs Market at the Lawn, a local flea market at Devon House.

10. Jean Wilson is a Jamaican communicator who has had an extensive career in journalism, public relations and advertising. Her work has taken her into many areas, including tourism, entertainment, and politics. She has an abiding interest in all aspects of Jamaican culture and has written a book of poems, No More “Smalling Up” of Me, which was published by Ian Randle Publishers, Jamaica. These days she is focusing on writing about her experiences as a Jamaican child living in London and getting ready to publish her completed novel set in both London and Jamaica.

11. Leisha Wong is a journalist based in Jamaica who is dedicated to bringing an authenticity to her readers, whether she is writing about art, food, interior design or architecture. She is the editor for Kingston Kitchen magazine and has written for a host of international and local publications, including Pride magazine in London; Ocean Drive and Florida International Magazine in Miami; The Daily News in New York; and the Jamaica Observer, SkyWritings, KÚYA and MACO in the Caribbean. She is proud to add Our Jamaica to her list of magazines.

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A Subsidiary of The McClatchy Company 3511 NW 91 Avenue, Miami, Florida 33172 Tel: 305-376-2735; Fax: 305-995-8108 OurJamaicaMagazine.com Publisher Garry Duell Jr. Chief Operations Director Giovanna Sánchez Editorial and Design Director of Editorial and Design Vanessa Molina Santamaria Editor Desirée Vichot Art Director Alfredo Añez Photography J. Kevin Foltz Managing Editor Rosa Calderón Senior Editors Carolina Cardona, Tere Figueras Negrete Associate Editors Jenny Acosta-Horta, Christine Borges, Soledad Sastre Graphic Designers Jessica Becerra-Ortiz, Edwin Cruz, Ethan Duran, Carlos Martín, Rodrigo Nuño Ruíz Contributing Designer Michael Cotto Production and Distribution Production Manager Luisa Zelaya-Morillo Distribution Manager Walter Franco Advertising Services Coordinators Dayan Stephani Agudelo, Ileana Sañú Falcone Advertising Sales International Sales Juan Villar, jvillar@hcpaboard.com Sales and Marketing Jamaica Elena Lynch Tel: 876-469-3123 E-mail: elena@ourjamaicamagazine.com Interactive Media Director of Interactive Media and Marketing Angel Marotto Accounting Director of Finance Thomas Bardon Accounting Supervisor Cecilia Roca Administrative Manager / Publisher’s Assistant Jeanie Schoonmaker Our Jamaica is a publication of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA).

2 Ardenne Road, Kingston 10, Jamaica Tel: 876-920-3482, 926-3635-6 / 2796; Fax: 876-929-1054 info@jhta.org Copyright ©2013 by HCP/Aboard Publishing.

All rights reserved. Reproduction by permission only.

Cover photo: © National Geographic Image Collection/Alamy

table of contents

24

WHAT’S INSIDE 36

Welcome to Jamaica

38

History

44

Museums and cultural centres

44

Sightseeing Suggested itineraries

48

Kingston

64

Port Antonio

70

Ocho Rios

90

Falmouth & Discovery Bay

94

Montego Bay

94

48

116 Negril 130 South Coast

116

cartier.com Ocho Rios: Island Village • Tel: 876 • 675 • 8998 Montego Bay: 24 Shoppes at Rose Hall • Tel: 876 • 953 • 9755 Negril: 2 Time Square Mall • Tel: 876 • 957 • 4922 Falmouth: #106 Historic Falmouth Pier • Tel: 876.632.4875 www.casadeoro.com • info@casadeoro.com • Fax: 876 • 953 • 3377

New Collection TANK ANGLAISE

table of contents

26

146 140

Make a Splash Top beaches and waterfalls

146

Sports Exciting activities and sports

154

Weddings & Spas Beautiful settings and relaxing treatments

160

Feeding the Soul Traditional cuisine goes international

168

Arts & Culture The artistry of our people

176

Calendar of Events What’s happening during your stay

178

Useful Information Transportation, tipping and more

182

Map of Jamaica

184

JHTA Members

154 160

Scan this QR code with your smartphone to see the digital edition of Our Jamaica in a flash at ourjamaica.customtravelmags.com.

Ocho Rios: Rios: Island Village • Tel: 876 876 • 675••675 8998• 8998 Ocho Island Village • Tel: Montego Bay: Shoppes at Rose Hall •Hall Tel: • 876 • 953 Montego Bay:24 24 Shoppes at Rose Tel: 876• •9755 953 • 9755 Negril: 2 Time Square Mall • Tel: 876 • 957 • 4922 Negril: 2 Time Square Mall • Tel: 876 • 957 • 4922 Falmouth: #106 Historic Falmouth Pier. Tel: 876.632.4875

Falmouth: #106 Historic Falmouth Pier. Tel: 876.632.4875 www.casadeoro.com • info@casadeoro.com • Fax: 876 • 953 • 3377

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36

WELCOME TO

JAMAICA OurJamaicaMagazine.com 37

history

38

THE HALLS OF HISTORY

By Jean Wilson Strolling through the halls of history can lead to interesting discoveries and new insights into the Jamaican mystique.

A sampling of the treasures in three of the museums in downtown Kingston bears this out.

The National Gallery of Jamaica Consider the priceless artefacts found in the 1990s that are now part of the Taíno Collection at the National Gallery of Jamaica. The earliest settlers of Jamaica, the Taínos gave the island its Arawak name, Xaymaca, which means “land of wood and water.”

One of the three Taíno carvings found in a cave near Aboukir in St. Ann Parish is an imposing mahogany zemi, or idol, mounted on a ceremonial staff, which may have been the symbol of authority for the ruling cacique, or chief. The Taínos believed that zemis, which they carved out of wood or bone,

From left to right: Mosaic of Marcus Garvey in Liberty Hall; Rastafarian art featured at the National Gallery; Opposite page: Mural at the entrance to the National Gallery

OurJamaicaMagazine.com 39

history

40 Drums and tortoise shell combs found at the Museums of History and Ethnography

At the Museums of History and Ethnography, there are many reminders of British colonial rule. The museums are part of the Institute of Jamaica, a legacy of the colonial period. were physical manifestations of spiritual beings or ancestral spirits, as well as gods who watched over them.

Religion was central to Taíno life. People worshipped several gods, including the supreme deity, Yucahu Maorocoti, who represented sea and cassava, their main sources of sustenance. Cassava figured prominently in their religious practices, and tribute was paid to Yucahu in the form of freshly baked cassava bread.

This bread, known as bammy, is still a staple of the Jamaican diet today. Fried Fish and Bammy is a widely popular dish.

A carved bird, perhaps a pelican, and a small spoon — both also found in the Aboukir cave — are of special significance. The flat sphere carried by the bird was used on ceremonial occasions to hold the hallucinogenic cohoba powder, which worshippers inhaled so that they could communicate with the zemis. The spoon was used to place the powder on the sphere.

These three relics joined a dujo, a ritual stool representing a Taíno hammock, which was found in St. Catherine Parish. It features a zemi head at the top and stylised human feet. Carbon dated to A.D. 1000–1170, it could be the oldest anthropomorphic (possessing human features) Taíno relic.

The artefacts belonging to the Taíno, as well as those of the Spanish colonisers, have a rightful place in the National Gallery, which chronicles Jamaican culture and aims to present “a definitive collection of Jamaican art.” Works of major Jamaican artists,

including Osmond Watson, Barrington Watson, Albert Huie, Gloria Escoffery, Edna Manley, Karl Parboosingh, Carl Abrahams, Eugene Hyde, Kapo and Alvin Marriott, are now part of the museum’s permanent collection.

Museums of History and Ethnography By the time the British arrived in 1655 to take Jamaica from Spain, nearly all the Taínos had been wiped out. Most had succumbed to European diseases or brutal treatment at the hands of the colonisers. Some had escaped to the hills, and it is possible that they may have intermarried with the defiant African Maroons. The Spanish colonists resorted to the enslavement of Africans to replace the Taíno labour force.

Jamaica was a British colony from 1670 to 1962, when political independence was achieved. At the Museums of History and Ethnography, there are many reminders of British colonial rule.

The museums are part of the Institute of Jamaica, which is a legacy of the colonial period. Established in 1879 by then-British Governor Sir Anthony Musgrave “for the encouragement of literature, science and art,” it continues to be a major force in cultural development.

In the permanent collection, one of the many African items is a beautifully crafted Ashanti stool — a fitting reminder of the great kingdoms of Africa. Symbolic of the Ashanti’s

Mosaic at Liberty Hall

OurJamaicaMagazine.com 41

history

42

Experience the power and influence of Jamaica’s first and most enduring international star, the Rt. Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Order of National Hero. observance of ancestral leadership and authority, the stool was handled with deference and passed down through the generations. Ceremonial stools such as this were linked to the legend of the golden stool, which was said to have fallen from the sky onto the lap of Osei Tutu, marking him as the first king of the Ashanti.

Moving on to the unsightly and chilling, guests can view a collection of instruments of punishment and torture, including neck restraints with hooks and leg and wrist shackles, that were all designed to restrict movement and prevent slaves from escaping.

Also in evidence are tongue restraints that made it impossible to eat or drink, as well as branding irons and other grim reminders of the horrors of the slave experience.

But there are plenty of pieces that uplift the spirit here, too, such as the exquisite emancipation goblet, attractive Port Royal tortoise shell combs (1660–1692) and, of course, the drums that played such an important role as communication tools and musical instruments for the enslaved population.

Marcus Mosiah Garvey Multimedia Museum Walk into the museum that bears his name and experience the power and influence of Jamaica’s first and most enduring international star, the Rt. Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Order of National Hero.

The museum is housed in the restored Liberty Hall, the Legacy of Marcus Garvey. Using touch-screen technology, visitors can immerse themselves in his life and work. Amongst the exhibits, they can also see his trusted walking stick and other memorabilia.

Garvey, who was born on August 17, 1887, in St. Ann Parish, was a philosopher, educator, visionary and an extraordinarily

charismatic leader, who made a resounding impact at home and abroad.

After experiencing the injustice of racism in the West Indies and during his travels in South and Central America and Europe, Garvey questioned the black man’s lack of influence, power and wealth in the world, and vowed to help change the status quo. Later, in attempting to fulfil this mission by establishing the Black Star Line, he was to encounter disappointments and false accusations leading to imprisonment.

In 1914 he founded the worldwide movement known as the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities’ League, which aimed to achieve selfdetermination for African people everywhere. Each division was required to have a Liberty Hall to host social, cultural, intellectual and economic activities.

Rastafarian philosophy is deeply rooted in Garvey’s teachings, as is classic reggae music. For his song “Redemption Song,” Bob Marley took the words, “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery,” directly from a Garvey speech, the text of which is on display at the museum. Garvey influenced and inspired numerous leaders of many liberation movements, including Nelson Mandela and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who said of Garvey, “He was the first man on a mass scale and level to give millions of Negroes a sense of dignity and destiny and make the Negro feel he was somebody.”

The full Garvey story is well told at the Marcus Mosiah Garvey Multimedia Museum. Liberty Hall, The Legacy of Marcus Garvey, offers educational and entertainment programmes, as well as other community outreach activities reminiscent of the spirit of the old days when Garvey himself was there.

Jamaica’s Pirate Past

By Mark Rogers

From left to right: © INTERFOTO/Alamy; Max Earle

B

ack in the day, you could say, “What happens in Port Royal stays in Port Royal.” During its peak in the 17th century, Port Royal was a hotbed of pirate vice and villainy ruled over by the Welsh buccaneer, Captain Morgan. At the time, Jamaica was a British colony. When a call went out for a private navy to protect Port Royal — no questions asked — Captain Morgan and his privateers showed up to defend British interests against marauding Spanish and Portuguese sailing fleets.

Gold and jewels taken in plunder piled up in the coffers of Port Royal as Morgan and his men made merry in Port Royal taverns with colourful names like The Black Dogg and The Sign of the Mermaid.

Captain Morgan lived to the ripe old pirate age of 53, even serving as Jamaica’s Lieutenant Governor. When he died in 1688,

he was laid to rest on the Palisadoes, a spit of land serving as natural protection for Kingston’s harbor.

Port Royal itself didn’t fare very well after Morgan’s demise, being devastated by a violent earthquake in 1692 that shook so hard eyewitnesses swore the ground moved like the waves of the ocean. The earthquake also swallowed up Morgan’s grave and half the cemetery.

Today, prime sites to visit in Port Royal are Fort Charles, St. Peter's Church and the Port Royal Archaeological and Historical Museum, which is comprised of 16th-century buildings that once housed the British Royal Navy. Some Jamaicans firmly believe that when the sun hangs high, Captain Morgan and his ghostly privateers can be seen in the heat haze over the streets of Port Royal.

OurJamaicaMagazine.com 43

sightseeing

44

EXPLORE THE ISLAND

By Jean Wilson The six main resort areas of the island — Kingston, Port Antonio, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Negril and the South Coast — offer riveting, relaxing and romantic options for every traveller. If you have limited time or want a primer to some top must-see spots, we’ve drawn up a few suggestions for three-day itineraries that will maximise your time in some of Jamaica’s most popular areas.

From left to right: Colours of the Jamaican flag; An orchid blooming in Hope Gardens; Opposite page: Bob Marley statue in front of the Bob Marley Museum

OurJamaicaMagazine.com 45

sightseeing

46 From left to right: Entertaining dolphins and trainers at Dolphin Cove; Climb through YS Falls

Day 2. Travel on the high road through the misty Blue Mountains to Portland. Pass through fertile coffee country. Go rafting on the Rio Grande River flowing through the lush Rio Grande Valley. Visit the Errol Flynn Marina. Lunch at Boston Beach Jerk Centre, where the aroma of pork and chicken being grilled is simply irresistible.

Day 3. Get into the rhythm of Kingston. Start with the Trench Town Culture Yard and move on to the Bob Marley Museum, where you can learn about Bob and see his favourite things.

Drop in at Devon House, where you can shop and have lunch.

Enjoy a night out at Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records.

Three-Day Itinerary from Montego Bay Day 1. Visit nearby historic Falmouth. On the way, stop at Greenwood Great House to catch a glimpse of the luxurious lifestyle of the plantation owner. Go on a walking tour or trolley tour and admire the Georgian architecture. Enjoy an interactive cultural experience at Outameni.

Day 2. Take a stroll through the town and stop at Sam Sharpe Square, where the monument honouring the national hero who led the Emancipation Rebellion of 1831 stands. Shop at the

Harbour Street Crafts Market. Refresh yourself with a swim at Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club; eat, access watersports and laze on the white-sand beach. Have a night of fun, food and drinks galore at Margaritaville on Montego Bay’s Hip Strip.

Day 3. Tour the Rose Hall Great House, once home of Annie Palmer, the infamous White Witch of Rose Hall who murdered her husbands. Get retail therapy at the Shoppes at Rose Hall.

Escape with Chukka Cove Caribbean Adventures at Sandy Bay for a thrilling horseback ride through the surf.

Three-Day Itinerary from Negril Day 1. Travel to Treasure Beach, a fishing village in St. Elizabeth.

Visit romantic Lover’s Leap, where a pair of star-crossed lovers came to their tragic end. Have lunch at Little Ochie, the popular seafood restaurant in Alligator Pond. On the way back to Negril, admire beautiful Bamboo Avenue.

Day 2. Play with the dolphins at Dolphin Cove in neighbouring Lucea. Stroll along gorgeous Seven Mile Beach, which offers options for eating, drinking and watersports. Explore exciting West End with its famed high cliffs. Watch the Negril sunset over drinks and dinner at the Lodge at Tensing Pen. Day 3. Take a boat ride on the Black River in St. Elizabeth to spot exotic birds and American crocodiles. Climb YS Falls; have fun with zip lines, river tubing and swimming pools.

Take the Appleton Estate Rum Tour and learn about rum production and receive a complimentary bottle. For a taste of Negril’s nightlife, go dancing at Bourbon Beach, Alfred’s Ocean Place or The Jungle Night Club.

Right photo: Max Earle

Three-Day Itinerary from Kingston Day 1. Join morning joggers and walkers at Emancipation Park, an oasis in Kingston’s business district. Head over to Port Royal, now a fishing village but once a notorious pirates’ lair. Artefacts in the Fort Charles Maritime Museum tell the tale. Enjoy delicious fish at Gloria’s. Take the short boat ride to Lime Cay, where you can swim in the clear waters and lounge on the beach.

Jamaica on Film

By Sole Sastre Pristine beaches, dramatic mountains, lush forests and busy cities provide ideal set changes, so it’s no surprise that many filmmakers flock to Jamaica. But sometimes, the island itself goes from backdrop to starring role, flexing its creative muscle and showing off its stunning good looks. From thrilling spy capers to period dramas, Jamaica’s got a face that’s made for the movies.

Dr. No (1962) — The mysterious murder of a fellow agent leads James Bond — actor Sean Connery — to Jamaica, where he stumbles upon the island of the evil Dr. No. The Harder They Come (1972) — Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff stars as an aspiring young country boy who leaves his village to make it big in Kingston.

Papillon (1973) — Starring Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman, this movie is based on the true story of Henri Charièrre, whose multiple attempts to leave a penal colony finally pay off.

Cocktail (1988) — Tom Cruise is a young, ambitious New York City bartender who finds love and gains a new perspective on life when he escapes to Jamaica.

Lord of the Flies (1990) — When their plane crashes, 25 schoolboys find themselves stranded on a remote tropical island, miles from civilisation.

Cool Runnings (1993) — This riotously funny film is loosely based on the improbable but true story behind the Jamaican bobsled team that made it to the 1988 Winter Olympics.

Wide Sargasso Sea (1993) — A prequel to Jane Eyre, this is the story of Bertha Mason’s youth and early marriage to Mr. Rochester in Jamaica.

How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998) — Angela Bassett is a successful woman who reevaluates her priorities when she meets a hot, young islander whilst on vacation in Jamaica.

Knight and Day (2010) — Cameron Diaz turns up the heat as a small-town girl caught in the middle of fugitive super-spy Tom Cruise’s dilemma.

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KINGSTON

The soul of Kingston is its eclectic mix of beautiful people, exquisite fare, vivacious nightlife and the bustle of the daily grind set against a backdrop of towering green mountains and a picture-perfect ocean horizon. Though the city itself is only a wee dot on the map, its soul is far-reaching, stretching across oceans to touch lives the world over.

The great town of Kingston was born in 1692 after an earthquake struck the nearby seaside village of Port Royal, forcing the inhabitants to relocate farther inland.

Kingston eventually became Jamaica’s largest city and subsequently its capital.

Kingston is a place of opportunity for Jamaicans from all corners of the island and a true melting pot with African, Chinese, Jewish, Middle Eastern, Indian and European cultures interplaying seamlessly. Together, Kingstonians epitomise Jamaica’s “Out of Many, One People” motto.

Max Earle (2)

By Kinisha Correia

From left to right: A fishing boat off Kingston harbour; A rose blooming in Hope Gardens; Opposite page: St. Andrew Parish Church

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50 From left to right: The Jamaican flag waving in front of Devon House; A gazebo in Hope Gardens

Sightseeing The city is abuzz with stimulating sights and sounds. A walk down any busy Kingston street will rouse outsiders’ senses through its greatest asset: the people. Jamaicans are particularly humorous and entertaining, whilst remaining insightful, and they are always approachable.

Kingston is also the hub of Jamaican resourcefulness. Take, for example, Coronation Market — a vibrant farmers market in the heart of downtown, where people from all over the island come to sell their fresh produce. Step back from this scene of bright personalities and colourful fruit and vegetables, and you may glimpse the Kingston Harbour, a quiet seaside escape that sits serenely beside the busy hum of city life.

Another quiet zone is Emancipation Park in New Kingston, the city’s financial centre. At the park’s entrance is a stunning statue of a man and a woman staring into the heavens, symbolising the Jamaicans’ rise to freedom. The work, titled Redemption Song, was created by renowned artist Laura Facey Cooper. Beyond its gates the park offers manicured lawns, water features and an open track that can be used by walkers and joggers alike.

According to the Guinness World Records, Jamaica boasts the most churches per square mile in the world. Some of Kingston’s historic churches are stately monuments reflecting those strong Christian roots. St. Andrew Parish Church, Coke Methodist Church and Holy Trinity Cathedral are a few noteworthy churches in the city. All three are grand models of architectural elegance.

A fine example of Old World architecture is Devon House. Built in the late 19th century by Jamaica’s first black billionaire, George Stiebel, the expansive 11-acre property features gardens enveloping a regal manor. Now a national monument,

Max Earle (2)

A true melting pot, together Kingstonians epitomise Jamaica’s “Out of Many, One People” motto.

Redemption Song in Emancipation Park

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52 Coke Memorial Methodist Church

Jamaica boasts the most churches per square mile in the world.

Devon House has a shopping village on the premises where guests can find Jamaican-made food, apparel, works of art and crafts. The Devon House I Scream shop can’t be missed; it has earned a reputation for having the best ice cream in Jamaica.

The 200 acres that make up the Royal Botanical Gardens — commonly called Hope Gardens — are adorned with exotic tropical plants and dotted with green areas for casual picnics and social events. This is also the home of Hope Zoo. “Hope Zoo is a great place to learn and simply enjoy the beauty of the natural world,” says zoo curator Orlando Robinson.

Not to be missed is the Bob Marley Museum. The reggae legend’s hometurned-museum is a great place for anyone interested in exploring Rastafarian culture or gaining further insight into the life of Bob Marley. To this day the museum is a gathering spot for Rastafarians, whilst also being a place to explore history and purchase a wide range of memorabilia.

Whilst the Bob Marley Museum highlights the life of the legend, Tuff Gong is an ode to Marley’s work specifically. Like the museum, Tuff Gong is owned by the Marley family but has been established as a place for artists to produce, continued on pg. 56

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Market at The Lawn

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any residents claim that Jamaica has seasons. April showers are followed by scorching summers, and then the soggy autumn is followed by refreshingly cool holiday months. And although there is no “white” Christmas in Jamaica, the island doesn’t lack holiday cheer. A beloved annual event is the season’s signature shopping venue: Market at The Lawn.

Market at The Lawn is an annual open-air market that takes place on the north lawn of Devon House on the last Sunday of the month from October to December. Vendors from all across the island make their way to the market to showcase their wares, which range from arts, crafts and handmade jewellery to locally assembled furniture, clothing, antiques and vintage items. It’s as if London’s Portobello Road or New York

City’s Brooklyn Flea met the Kingston Craft Market and Coronation Market all at once.

“I love participating at the holiday markets; there is such an air of festivity, and it’s the place that everyone in Kingston goes to when they are looking for one-of-a-kind gifts,” says Rebecca Tulloch, proprietor of Gypsy Merchants Ltd. The wholesale and retail jewellery supplier has been a vendor at Market at The Lawn since it began in 2009.

Market at The Lawn has something for everyone, including a kid’s play area, a small food emporium — or guests can choose to indulge at Devon House’s famous ice cream shop — and even its very own wine bar, courtesy of Bin 26. Contact Annette McDonnough at 876-428-6523, e-mail thelawnkingston@gmail.com or visit marketatthelawn.com for information.

Rifght photo: Courtesy of SLEEK Magazine

By Kaili McDonnough Scott

True Jamaican warmth for discerning world citizens

W W W. S P A N I S H C O U R T H O T E L . C O M 1 St L ucia Aven u e, K i ngsto n 5, J am aica • 876 92 6 0 0 0 0

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record and rehearse music. According to General Manager Marie Bruce, “Tuff Gong represents the legacy Bob Marley left for the reggae industry as an avenue to continue to build on the genre.” This house of music is also one of few vinyl record factories left in the world. Thanks to a recent restoration process, Tuff Gong offers a revitalised tour experience, which includes views of Marley’s very own instruments.

For a luxurious stay in the heart of New Kingston, opt for the new Spanish Court Hotel. With its modern, Asian-minimalist aesthetic, this boutique hotel offers ultra-comfortable rooms, a rooftop pool and the indulgent Zen Spa. Other high-end options in the city include Strawberry Hill, the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel, The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites and The Jamaica Pegasus.

The budget conscious can choose from The Knutsford Court Hotel, Altamont Court Hotel and Hotel Four Seasons.

Shopping Kingston thrives on the quest to stay on top of the world’s most cosmopolitan sensibilities, whilst always adding its own twist. “’Eclectic’ immediately comes to mind when I reflect on the fashion landscape here in Jamaica. We move to our own beat. Our women, definitely not all a size 2, are exquisitely styled from head to toe and are as confident as any top

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DINING OPTIONS Alexander’s Jamaican / International In the Courtleigh Hotel & Suites 85 Knutsford Blvd.; 968-6339 Cocoro Restaurant Japanese In the Mayfair Hotel 40 West Kings House Close; 876-926-1610 Gazebo Bar and Restaurant International At the Golden Shore Resort Limited Lot 288B Windward Drive; 876-982-9657 Hotel Four Seasons Kingston Jamaican 18 Ruthven Road; 876-926-0682 / 8805 The Melting Pot Restaurant & Lounge International In The Knutsford Court Hotel, 16 Chelsea Ave.; 876-929-1000 ext. 304 or 3010 689 by Brian Lumsley Jamaican / International 20–22 Trinidad Terrace, New Kingston 876-906-9937 Rojo Restaurant International In the Spanish Court Hotel 1 St. Lucia Ave.; 876-926-0000 Strawberry Hill Jamaican / International Irish Town, Blue Mountains above Kingston; 876-944-8400 The Venetian Room Caribbean In the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel 17 Waterloo Road; 876-926-2211-3

runway model,” affirms Novia McDonald-Whyte, an editor at one of the island’s leading newspapers, the Jamaica Observer.

According to McDonald-Whyte, Kingston’s top fashion retail outlets include Signatures Boutique, SoHo, Eurowear, Shhh Boutique, No. 7 Boutique and Flirt Boutique. She also attributes the success of events like Jamaica’s Fashion’s Night Out — a mass retail event during which stores offer their customers deep discounts — to the country’s love affair with style.

Like the fashion scene, the world of locally made products is also flourishing in Kingston. Jamaican-made soaps, candles, T-shirts, hair and skin care lines, honey, jams and jellies, sauces, and jewellery can be found throughout the capital. They make for perfect souvenirs and unique gifts.

For arts and crafts, a handful of outlets such as Grosvenor Galleries, Island Art and Framing, Craft Cottage and the National Gallery of Jamaica can suit your needs. Impressive pieces can also be found along Kingston’s streets, a testament to the nation’s creative spirit.

Shoppers may also want to visit Kingston’s many fairs. A popular fair held at Devon House several times a year is Market on The Lawn, which features art, craft, jewellery, fashion, food and all manner of items in between. Kingston Kitchen is another trendy fair, but its focus is food — from quick eats to fullon feasts, as well as condiments of all kinds. The city also hosts a number of Christmas fairs. Aside from being a shopper’s retreat, Kingston fairs are also a hub for relaxed socialising.

Dining Jacqui Sinclair, celebrated food writer and co-director of the Kingston Kitchen food fair, is a prime example of Kingston’s eclectic approach to food.

“The Kingston food scene is constantly evolving and improving… You have Indian, Japanese, vegetarian and vegan, not to mention a new wave of modern takes on traditional dishes. Kingstonians are natural foodies, and the collective palate is becoming more adventurous,” says Sinclair.

This convergence of world cultures through food is exemplified at the Marketplace — a dining courtyard surrounded by restaurants that specialise in cuisine from all corners of the Earth. There’s East Japanese, which specialises in sushi and other Japanese dishes. China Express serves some of the best Chinese in town.

G’s BBQ is great for ribs and all things barbecue. Saffron Indian Cuisine can curb your cravings for dishes from the subcontinent, whilst Caffé da Vinci can address any hankering for Italian food. Catch Seafood Bistro serves up all things seafood. You can always pick up some tasty Lebanese treats at Shams Bakery. And if you’re into raw vegan cuisine, head for Mi Hungry. Of course, being in Jamaica, you couldn’t go wrong with Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records, a high-tech sports bar that specialises in Jamaican goodies and a hot nightlife.

And throughout all of Kingston you can relish this same global dining experience. Café Africa, for instance, serves authentic African cuisine; Kushite’s Vegetable Cuisine offers gourmet vegetarian food; and there are a wealth of Chinese restaurants — owned and operated by Chinese residents who add an authentic Jamaican twist to their offerings. Rojo Restaurant in the Spanish Court Hotel serves local and Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant setting.

There are also tons of mid- to low-end lunch spots. Lorna’s Catering is a popular breakfast and lunch restaurant that isn’t pricey but can certainly satisfy with a hearty traditional meal. Kingston is also jam-packed with cosy eateries such as Susie’s Bakery & Coffee Bar, Café Fusion, 24 Seven Café at The Jamaica Pegasus and Cannonball Café, which all sell the standard coffee, tea, sandwiches, pastries, salads and tasty local grub.

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60 Usain Bolt's Tracks & Records sports bar

Nightlife and Events Jamaicans love good food, good music and good fun; so it’s no wonder that all those loves collide into a lively social scene. On holidays, party sprees feature back-to-back events for weeks on end. One such time is Carnival season, which coincides with Easter. Parties are hosted day and night until the big Bacchanal Carnival road march. Thousands of costumed people stomp through Kingston’s streets for that event every March/ April. From December through the New Year all-inclusive events including The Frenchmen, Soiree, Zen Events and Utopia reign supreme.

Phillip Palmer, director at Dream Entertainment, one of Kingston’s most successful event promoters, says,“Kingston city truly never sleeps; there is always something happening.” His Friday night, after-work routine begins with a meal at the Cove, cocktails at CRU bar, a meet-up at Mahogany Bar at Devon House and dancing on Appleton Uber night at Club Privilege. Add a bit of gambling at any of the city’s gaming lounges — Macau Gaming Lounge & Bar, Odyssey Gaming or Treasure Hunt Gaming — and you’ve got a perfect Kingston night out.

Though Kingstonians listen to all kinds of music, reggae dominates.

The reggae-filled Kingston nights still draw many to the island. Some even

return to Jamaica quite regularly.

Patricia Meschino, a Rhode Island native and a writer for Billboard magazine, is one such person. “As a reggae lover and someone who has spent more than 20 years writing about it, the city continues to be an inspiring place that I will always want to spend time in,” she says.

There are a number of cultural offerings in the city to suit all tastes.

Reggae Month involves activities, concerts and documentaries celebrating reggae’s international impact.

The Jamaica Observer Food Awards is an annual event that celebrates eateries and the people who work with food throughout the country.

Style Week and Caribbean Fashion Week are two separate Kingstonbased events that host Caribbean fashion designers and stage runway shows mirroring the setup of New York’s Fashion Week. For more artsy types, Kingston on the Edge showcases the city’s native artistic talent; and Kingston Pon Di River is a literary arts festival. Jamaica has always been a lure for sports enthusiasts who can participate or watch countless highoctane competitions, and the capital offers an array of these, including the annual Kingston City Run – half-marathon and 5K, the JAAA invitationals, the JMMC Rally and the recently launched Caribbean Premier League Twenty20 Cricket.

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Avis Rent-A-Car 1 Merrick Ave., Kingston 10, Jamaica, W.I. Tel: 876-924-8248-9 / 800-744-0006 Fax: 876-929-4998 E-mail: md@avis.com.jm Mgr. Dir.: Michael DaCosta; Dir.: Joan Chin Bijoux Jewellers Various Locations: Ocho Rios, Taj Mahal Shopping Centre: 876-974-5446; Island Village: 876-675-8755; Montego Bay, Shoppes at Rose Hall: 876-9539530; Sangster International Airport: 876952-6718; Kingston, Dominica Drive, New Kingston: 876-926-4788. Exclusive dealers for Breitling, Hublot and Michele watches.

Also Raymond Weil, Michael Kors, Fossil, DKNY, Armani and Kenneth Cole watches.

Designer jewellery from Pandora, Roberto Coin and Judith Ripka. Diamond, tanzanite, emerald, ruby and sapphire jewellery. Lladro porcelain, Swarovski and Waterford crystal.

Duty- and tax-free prices.

Bob Marley Museum 56 Hope Road, Kingston 6 Tel: 876-927-9152 / 876-978-2929 Fax: 876-978-4906 Website: bobmarleymuseum.org Bob Marley Museum, known as the home of the legend Bob Marley, offers a guided tour that includes a glimpse into his recording studio, a viewing at the Bob Marley theatre and also on-site is the gift shoppe, which offers an array of souvenirs and memorabilia.

Caribbean Airlines Limited Air Jamaica Hangar, Norman International Airport; Tel: 888-359-2475 Website: caribbean-airlines.com; airjamaica.com Caribbean Airlines currently serves 19 destinations out of its Trinidad and Jamaica hubs.

We are proud to be the “Caribbean’s leading airline” that provides reliable, seamless travel connections and Cargo services to North and South America and Europe, focused on providing customers with greater access to economic and trade opportunities.

Fly Caribbean Airlines today and experience the warmth of the islands The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites 85 Knutsford Blvd., New Kingston Tel: 876-929-9000 E-mail: sales@courtleigh.com Website: courtleigh.com The only address you will ever need to make the right impression in Kingston. The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites offers discerning guests unparalleled personalised service with deluxe rooms, suites and our ultra-luxurious penthouse floor.

Island Car Rentals Kingston & Montego Bay, Jamaica W.I. Reservations Centre Tel: 876-929-5875 Fax: 876-929-6987 Website: islandcarrentals.com Dir. Operations & Reservations: Dulcie Moody. Over 800 vehicles.

Jamaica Tourist Board 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5 Tel: 876-929-9200; Fax: 876-929-9375 E-mail: info@visitjamaica.com Website: visitjamaica.com As Jamaica’s national tourism organisation, the Jamaica Tourist Board is responsible for the worldwide marketing of Jamaica as a premier vacation destination. It is dedicated to supporting activities which will positively impact growth in the tourist industry and in the economy.

The Knutsford Court Hotel 16 Chelsea Ave., New Kingston

Tel: 876-929-1000 E-mail: sales@knutsfordcourt.com Website: knutsfordcourt.com The Knutsford Court Hotel offers the best of both worlds, whether you’re travelling for business or leisure. You’ll find a selection of standard, superior and junior suites, onebedroom suites and townhouses in a lush garden courtyard.

Spanish Court Hotel 1 St. Lucia Ave. Tel: 876-926-0000 E-mail: info@spanishcourthotel.com Website: spanishcourthotel.com Spanish Court Hotel is located in Kingston, the “heartbeat” of Jamaica. This is a modern and chic hotel that is the home of The Restaurant at Spanish Court, The Café, The Sky Terrace and The Zen Spa. Swiss Stores Kingston 107 Harbour Street Tel: 876-922-8050 Hours: Open Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Website: swissstoresjamaica.com Time-honoured tradition of excellence and dedication since 1935. Exclusive Rolex and Tudor dealer for over 75 years. Swiss Stores Ltd. is also the agent for Victorinox Swiss Army, Citizen, Rochet, Caran d’Ache and Cross.

The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel 81 Knutsford Blvd., New Kingston Tel: 876-926-5199 / 876-926-3691 E-mail: reservations@jamaicapegasus.com Website: jamaicapegasus.com The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel has an enviable reputation as the Caribbean’s premier business and leisure hotel. Kingston’s Preferred Hotel offers deluxe rooms and prestigious luxury suites in a lively, upscale atmosphere.

Our

Jamaica 2014

JAMAICA ZINE OF THE OFFICIAL MAGA ASSOCIATION ST HOTEL & TOURI

Take us with you as you explore Our Jamaica from coast to coast!

• Fun things to do and see • Best shops and restaurants • Maps and tips • Events and special offers • Share your photos and comments

OurJamaicaMagazine.com

JHTA HOTEL / RESORT MEMBERS Altamont Court Hotel 1-3 Altamont Terrace, Kingston 5 876-929-4497-8 / 5931

Christar Villas Ltd. 99A Hope Road, Kingston 6 876-478-3933 / 7864 The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites 85 Knutsford Blvd., Kingston 5 876-929-9000 Golden Shore Resort Limited Lot 288B Windward Drive Lyssons, St. Thomas 876-982-9657 / 734-0923-4

Hotel Four Seasons 18 Ruthven Road, Kingston 10 876-926-0682 / 8805

Mayfair Hotel 4 West Kings House Close, Kingston 10 876-926-1610-2 / 929-3703

The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel 81 Knutsford Blvd., Kingston 5 876-926-3690-9 / 3100-8

Medallion Hall Hotel 53 Hope Road, Kingston 6 876-927-5721 / 5866 / 6116

Kircamp Properties / The Gardens 23 Liguanea Ave., Kingston 10 876-927-8275

Spanish Court Hotel 1 St. Lucia Ave., Kingston 5 876-926-0000

The Knutsford Court Hotel 16 Chelsea Ave., Kingston 10 876-929-1000 / 3407

Strawberry Hill Hotel & Spa P.O. Box 590 Liguanea, Kingston 6 876-944-8400

Liguanea Club 80 Knutsford Blvd., Kingston 5 876-926-8144 / 5 or 6

Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel 17 Waterloo Road, Kingston 10 876-926-2211-3 / 9334-9

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PORT ANTONIO

Naturally protected by mountains on one side and the sea on the other, Port Antonio is literally a world unto itself. Most people travel to Port Antonio overland and are treated to some of the most splendid views in the country.

Port Antonio’s initial claim to fame was as a shipping port for bananas. The famous Caribbean tune “Day-O” (The Banana Boat Song) — sung most famously by Harry Belafonte in 1956 — was inspired by the town and its export. It could be said that it was Jamaica’s original tourist destination, with distinguished visitors enjoying the area’s charm as early as the 1890s.

The most exuberant celebrity to be associated with the town was old Hollywood legend Errol Flynn. Famous for his high-adrenaline roles and his equally unrestrained approach to life, Flynn was swept away by the town, famously saying, “Port Antonio is more beautiful than any woman I have ever seen.” Soon after, Hollywood starlets, business magnates and members of royal families were converging on the sleepy town.

From left to right: A banana flower; A colourful doorway in Port Antonio; Opposite page: Errol Flynn Marina

From left to rifght: © Tim Gainey/Alamy; Angelo Cavali/Getty Images; Opposite page: © Cookie Kinkead

By Mark Rogers

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Sightseeing Any venture should start at Port Antonio’s lively West Street, where you can meander along narrow sidewalks and peer into quaint shops in buildings festooned with Victorian architectural details. Market Square is at the heart of the town, where you’ll also find the Musgrave Market. Here you can browse through stalls flaunting bright fruits and vegetables, as well as handicrafts. As you explore the town, keep an eye out for Port Antonio’s Victorian Clock Tower, the red-brick Georgian-style Courthouse adorned with distinctive iron verandas, and the 19th-century DeMontevin Lodge Hotel, a Jamaican National Heritage site. Guests can stay overnight at DeMontevin or drop in for a meal surrounded by choice antiques. For dessert, try the “Blue Drawers,” a house speciality made of cornmeal, coconut and brown sugar spiced with nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla.

The Errol Flynn Marina along the southern side of West Harbour features the cruise ship pier, the marine police, coast guard stations and the customs office. But don’t discount the marina just because you don’t have a boat. You can still enjoy strolling along the waterfront promenade, browsing through the boutiques, taking a dip in the ocean or joining Lady G’Diver on a scuba diving excursion.

If you’re in town in October, you’ll notice an unusual amount of action, as fishing boats from around the world arrive for the Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament, the oldest competition of its kind in the Caribbean. During the tournament the town’s nightlife bumps up several notches, as restaurants and taverns swell with fishermen exercising their bragging rights over the day’s catch.

The beaches in Port Antonio are relaxing and friendly. Both Boston Bay and Winnifred Beach invite you to spend the day frolicking in the surf and then satisfy that beach-induced hunger with some of the best jerk on the island. Long Bay’s swells are great for surfers who can rent anything they need at the Blue Heaven Surf House. The gentle blue swells at Frenchman’s Cove are complemented by the verdant scenery. Spend the day living out an island paradise fantasy there, or disconnect from the daily grind by staying at the Frenchman’s Cove Resort.

Of course, no one says you have to unplug completely in Port Antonio. Properties like the Geejam, the Trident Hotel and the Blue Lagoon Villas — all part of the Geejam Collection of properties — invite guests to relax in high style. Modern, understated luxury envelops guests without sacrificing an ounce of the town’s laid-back vibe. Other breathtaking properties in the area include the Hotel Mocking Bird Hill, Goblin Hill Villas and Bay View Eco Resort & Spa, which sits on 30 acres of unspoiled nature.

Legend and lore surround Port Antonio. One of the most intriguing myths concerns Folly Mansion, which was built in 1901

by American millionaire Alfred Mitchell as a residence for him and his wife, Annie Tiffany, the heiress to the Tiffany fortune. The 60-room mansion was an impressive structure of Doric columns and grand stairways. But after Mitchell’s death in 1911 and his widow’s return to the U.S. after World War I, the mansion was abandoned and fell into disrepair, crumbling away in the humid climate. The ruins that remain stand out dramatically in their tropical setting. The location has become a favourite destination for curious visitors, inspired photographers and directors shooting videos. It is located next to the Folly Point Lighthouse, which was constructed out of masonry in 1888 — making it fireproof — and is still in operation today. History buffs can also explore the remnants of Fort George. Completed in 1729, it was built to defend the town from Spanish attacks. It later served the British during World War I and now the barracks of the fort house classrooms for Titchfield High School.

Nature Lovers Port Antonio is a great place to enjoy waterfalls. Some of the most thrilling and beautiful cascades include Reach Falls, Somerset Falls, Scatter Falls, Nanny Falls, White River Falls, Fishdone Waterfalls, Kwaaman Falls and Tacky Waterfalls. Swim in sun-bathed pools surrounded by tropical trees, with the rush of falling water as your soundscape.

Nature lovers and romantics should make a stop at the Blue Lagoon, a land-locked cove that was once thought to be bottomless and has served as a backdrop to several Hollywood movies, including Cocktail and Club Paradise. It’s now known to plunge down 180 feet. Yellow-billed parrots and black-and-scarlet frigate birds, along with countless other species, make their home here, making bird-watching a favourite activity. Explore the area further with tour operators like Attractions Link, which can arrange a number of excursions for hikers, bikers and bird enthusiasts. Or enjoy the waters and scenery at your leisure by staying at one of the dozen or so waterfront properties that rest on the edge of the lagoon. The private luxury villas are picturesque, expansive and come fully equipped with many amenities.

One of the most unique things to do in Port Antonio is take a slow rafting trip on the Rio Grande. The trips typically depart from the town of Berrydale and can run from one to three hours.

Unlike white-water rafting, these excursions unfold at a much slower pace. The 30-foot bamboo raft seats two — not counting the captain steering the raft. As a passenger, all you have to do is settle back and enjoy the ever-changing scenery of forest and

© Cookie Kinkead

River rafting on the Rio Grande

farmland and the colourful birds flying past. For a romantic escape, book an evening trip, available on full-moon nights. At the end of your ride, you’ll arrive at Rafter’s Rest at St. Margaret’s Bay, where the local women cook up some of the best callaloo in all of Jamaica. You’re sure to feel satisfied after a bowl of this spicy Jamaican soup. You’ll also be offered a potent rum punch, made with 151 proof rum.

A hike to the top of the 7,402-foot Blue Mountain Peak may prove to be elusive, but if you reach out to tour operators like Jamaica Explorations, they can help you make all the arrangements for a hike through the Blue Mountains. There’s a seven-mile trail to the top, and many hikers start before dawn to bask in the sunrise at the peak, where you’ll be rewarded with amazing views that stretch as far as Kingston. On a clear day you can even see Cuba to the north.

It’s at these heights that Port Antonio opens a window to the local Maroon history and culture. Maroons are descendants of escaped slaves who established free communities in the rugged mountains of the northern part of the island in the 17th century.

Nanny, sometimes referred to as Queen Nanny, led the Maroons in the mountains of Portland for many years, managing the growing community and organising slavefreeing raids. Her work eventually led to the 1739 peace treaty offered by the Jamaican governor that included 2,500 acres of land for her people. She was officially made a National Hero in 1976, and her image graces the $500 Jamaican dollar bill, which is commonly referred to as a “Nanny.”

All Maroons fought hard to preserve their freedom and heritage, and self-governing Maroon settlements exist on the same land to this day. Travellers can get to know a little more about their vibrant story at the Charles Town Museum and Safu Yard.

Maroon history, artefacts, traditional herbalism and musical performances that include dancing and Koromanti drumming are presented regularly.

JHTA HOTEL / RESORT MEMBERS

Bay View Eco Resort & Spa Anchovy, Williamsfield, Port Antonio, Portland 876-993-3118 Geejam Outpost Ltd. San San, Port Antonio, Portland 876-993-7000 / 7246 Goblin Hill Villas Port Antonio, Portland 876-993-7443 / 5737 / 7549 Hotel Mocking Bird Hill Port Antonio 876-993-7267 / 7134 Trident Hotel Anchovy, Port Antonio P.O. 876-633-7000 / 7100

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Dining at Mille Fleurs in Hotel Mocking Bird Hill

P ORT ANTONI O

DINING OPTIONS

Boston Jerk Centre Jamaican A collection of roadside stalls in Boston, east of Port Antonio Frenchman’s Cove Beach Jamaican Outdoor grills on Frenchman’s Cove Beach; 876-993-7270 Mille Fleurs European / Caribbean In the Hotel Mocking Bird Hill, North Coast Highway; 876-993-7267 The Old Country Kitchen Restaurant & Bar Authentic Jamaican / International At Bay View Villas Anchovy, Williamsfield; 876-993-7759 Panorama Jamaican / International In the Fern Hill Club Hotel, Mile Gully Road; 876-993-7374 San San Tropez Italian On San San Bay; 876-993-7213 Woody’s Low Bridge Place Jamaican Drapers just outside Port Antonio; 876-993-7888 Your Place Jamaican Highway A4, Drapers. No phone

Dining, Shopping and Nightlife Taxis are relatively inexpensive in Port Antonio, making an escape from your hotel to the nearby restaurants, shops and nightlife in the area an easy proposition.

Head downtown for lots of eateries that serve everything from Rastafarian vegetarian dishes to Jamaican specialities like curried goat or ackee and saltfish. For the very best jerk cooking, stop at any of the outdoor jerk centres in Boston Bay. And for classic Jamaican fare in a more formal environment, the Mille Fleurs Restaurant at the Hotel Mocking Bird Hill is a great place to go. Savour a locally sourced, seasonally inspired meal whilst being treated to breathtaking views of Port Antonio’s harbour.

Shopping in Port Antonio can be extremely rewarding, as fine jewellery and other high-quality fashion items can often be found at a much lower price point than in other parts of the island. The Royal Mall is a double-decker structure designed in a hodgepodge of architectural styles ranging from Gothic to Art Deco. Here you’ll find a variety of boutiques and shops selling stylish beachwear, Blue Mountain coffee, premium rum, cigars, jewellery and Jamaican handicrafts. Head over to the Musgrave Market for a fine selection of Jamaican products, from woodcarvings to hand-woven straw items.

Also, keep an eye out for members of the Rio Grande Valley Craft Co-op, an organisation of local artisans who make and sell their handcrafted goods throughout the area.

Most nightlife in Port Antonio is low key. Evenings are spent enjoying a quiet dinner and taking in the natural peace and beauty of the region. But if you want to check out the local music scene, the action can sometimes even get a little over the top at the Roof Club. Keep in mind that this is the one place in Port Antonio where the beat can get heavy and the atmosphere electric.

Though mostly an unassuming town, Port Antonio does regularly rub elbows with music industry giants thanks to the Geejam Recording Studio. Artists such as Keith Richards, No Doubt, Bjork and Common have all recorded at Geejam and have stayed at its villas near San San Bay. Perhaps the biggest homegrown talent is the group The Jolly Boys, who have been laying down an infectious mento groove for decades. This Port Antonio export is comprised of five musicians and led by the charismatic Albert Minott. The Boys attained international fame in the 1990s and enjoyed a resurgence after recording a mento-infused cover of the Amy Winehouse hit “Rehab.”

© Cookie Kinkead

Anna Bananas Jamaican 7 Folly Road; 876-715-6533

Trident’s thirteen oceanfront villas are seductive, cloistered retreats that blend modernist design with an inspired take on 50s and 60s era dÊcor. The spacious, airy interiors flow organically between bedroom, bathroom and living areas, while private terraces with soaking pools complete an environment of clean, conscious and luxurious living. Resort amenities include an infinity swimming pool, restaurants, bars, lounge with pool table, screening/meeting rooms, spa, helipad, gym and private beach.

www.tridentportantonio.com Telephone: Toll-free 1-888 4 GEEJAM (433 526) - USA and Canada or +1876 633 7000 - all other countries Email: reservations@geejam.com

ocho rios

OCHO RIOS

By Mina Robertson At the hub of Jamaica’s garden parish of St. Ann is the culturally rich and eclectic town of Ocho Rios, which Jamaicans and honorary Jamaicans alike refer to as “Ochi.” Its mystique and beauty will pull at your heartstrings as you immerse yourself in all that nature has to offer nestled along the town’s single one-way street.

Without a doubt, the je ne sais quoi of this major cruise ship port will leave you spellbound.

From left to right: A Chukka Caribbean Adventures catamaran; Mystic Mountain’s fun slide; Opposite page: Scenic views in Ocho Rios

Left photo: Courtesy of Chukka; Opposite page: © SuperStock

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Beautiful birds and the Pirates’ Village at Dolphin Cove

The record-setting Dunn’s River Falls is the only natural waterfall in the world that can be climbed, and it flows just feet away from the main road.

Sightseeing Almost synonymous with the Land of Wood and Water is the record-setting Dunn’s River Falls. This is the only natural waterfall in the world that can be climbed, and it flows just feet away from the main road. As if the attraction’s 600 feet of cascading water wasn’t enough, visitors can pick up one-of-a-kind craftwork and souvenirs on the compound, grab something jerk and a cold Red Stripe or even “tie de knot.” The rustic charm of the expanse was designed for all to wander with its lush landscapes and the mellowing sound of the falls in the background.

Newly opened for the under age 7 set who can’t climb but still want a taste of adventure are the children’s play areas. A Mento Yard is also set to open for those who want to experience Jamaica’s indigenous music. The falls cater to all,

Right photo: © Cookie Kinkead

Some call Ocho Rios the heart of the island, as it sits about two hours away from other major urban centres like Kingston, Montego Bay and Port Antonio.

Today, it is one of the most vibrant locations on the island. From pirate base and fishing village to one of the most famous tourist attractions the world over, Ocho Rios is every irie adventure seeker’s paradise.

Dunn’s River Falls

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Memories are waiting to be made at Dolphin Cove, where the animals don’t just put on a show for you but want to play one-on-one. from the daredevils to the not so adventurous. Natural wading pools, the Whirlpool Climb Tour and staircases that line the falls await less courageous visitors, whilst true thrill seekers can take on the Tornado Tour from beach to peak.

Paying homage to the movie Cool Runnings is Mystic Mountain, where the adventure continues just down the road from Dunn’s River. Take the Sky Explorer up the mountain. As your legs dangle over the canopy, feel on top of the world; take in some of the most breathtaking views the North Coast has to offer. Feel like an Olympian as you speed through the forest on the gravitydriven 3,280-foot bobsled ride and exhilarating zip line. To take full advantage of the view, there’s a 246-foot waterslide and an infinity pool. Don’t forget to stop at the gift and photo shop, where you’re guaranteed to become the subject of your family’s jokes.

Memories are also waiting to be made at Dolphin Cove, where the animals don’t just put on a show for you but want to play one-on-one. This attraction appeals to all age groups, as you can watch the playful dolphins and eerie shark shows, meet and touch these new friends or go swimming with them in the deep. You can go home with bragging rights, too: Have a shark sit on your lap and snorkel with the stingrays. True adrenaline junkies must take the Wild Fun Jet to Dunn’s River Falls or go under water with the mammals on the Dolphin Trek. The less adventurous can relax on the gorgeous beach or take a stroll on the Jungle Trail walk to interact with snakes, iguanas and a variety of colourful birds.

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76 Bottom photo: Horseback riding with Chukka Caribbean Adventures

Those looking to combine an educational and cultural experience with fun activities for the whole family can’t miss Prospect Plantation. Still a working farm, a tour of the grounds takes you through growing sugarcane, allspice, coffee, banana trees and more. The historical great house was built in the early 18th century and boasts a gorgeous bird’s-eye view of the island below. Activities include horseback riding, camel rides, feeding the ostriches and more.

One of the island’s most untouched natural attractions is the stunning Turtle River Falls and Gardens, formerly known as the Enchanted Garden Resort and Spa. Spend the day exploring the 14 waterfalls and become one with nature in the Walk-In Aviary, where the birds will perch on you as you feed them. This peaceful oasis has some of the most exotic foliage in the island, just waiting to be explored. A similar experience can be had at Coyaba Gardens and Mahoe Falls, as well as the Cranbrook Flower Forest.

The fun continues at the Green Grotto caves. Walk through Mother Nature’s limestone architecture, once a hiding place for pirates and runaway slaves. Be blown away by the eerie yet magnificent Grotto Lake.

When it comes to adventure, Chukka Caribbean Adventures has you covered.

From white-water rafting and river tubing to ATV safari rides and the dune buggy adventure, these tours will fill your vacation with goose bumps and screams of excitement. For scuba diving, glass-bottom boat rides, parasailing and so many other hair-raising activities, call Resort Divers for the friendliest guides in Ocho Rios.

From top to bottom: © GlowImages/Alamy; © David DuChemin/SuperStock

Those looking to combine an educational and cultural experience with fun activities for the whole family can’t miss Prospect Plantation.

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Shopping There’s no way you can leave Jamaica without taking a piece of it with you.

The most unique and cost-effective souvenirs can be found at the Original Ocho Rios Craft Park. The vendors welcome you with warm smiles and jokes whilst displaying their handmade jewellery, woodwork, paintings and so much more. For a taste of old-time Ocho Rios, take a stroll down Main Street, where you are sure to find some hidden treasures. Taj Mahal is a must for the most en vogue in duty-free sunglasses, jewellery and watches, but you can also find liquor, spices, perfumes and clothing at this plaza. Island Village and The Harbour Shops are shopping stops for when you‘re looking for something special, though they look more like parks than plazas. Don‘t forget to pick up a few jars of Walkerswood Traditional Jerk Seasoning or Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce — which you can easily find at a number of local retailers — and share the flavours of the island with the folks back home.

© Cookie Kinkead

Taj Mahal is a must for the most en vogue in duty-free sunglasses, jewellery and watches.

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Delectable grilled lobster

OCH O RI OS

DINING OPTIONS

Almond Tree Restaurant Jamaican / Continental In the Hibiscus Lodge Hotel, Main Street; 876-974-2813 Cardiff Hall Restaurant International In Cardiff Hotel & Spa Runaway Bay; 876-973-6867-8 The Dinner Terrace Continental / Jamaican In the Jamaica Inn; 876-974-2514 Evita’s Italian Restaurant Italian Eden Bower Road; 876-974-2333 Ginger Lily Asian In Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa; 876-974-2200-19 The Jade Samurai Japanese In Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort & Spa; 876-972-7400 Le Papillon Restaurant Continental In the Royal Plantation, Main Street; 876-974-5601 Moonstone by Vincenzo Italian In the Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort; 876-633-4000 Passage to India Indian Main Street; 876-795-3182 The Verandah Restaurant International In Franklyn D. Resort; 876-973-4591-8

Dining The kitchen at Christopher’s in Hermosa Cove, an outstanding villa hotel in Ocho Rios, is centred around a 900-degree wood-fired oven, which is regularly stoked with pimento or mango wood. They specialise in regional and Spanish cuisine, as well as a number of traditional Caribbean standbys with a twist. And for the perfect pre- or after-dinner cocktail, don’t miss Isabella’s Rum Bar, also in Hermosa Cove. Featuring an expansive globally sourced rum collection and delicious cocktails prepared with fresh juices, even the most sophisticated rum aficionado will be pleased.

For true Jamaican food, visit local watering hole Faith’s Pen. You have to stop at this cluster of huts for a truly Jamaican experience. The distinct smoke from the pans they prepare the food in is intoxicating. You can’t say you’ve come to Jamaica without stopping at Miss Cherry’s hut for roasted yam, saltfish and a soda.

Evita’s Italian restaurant — right up the road from Mystic Mountain — has the most beautiful views and quaint décor. The real intrigue of Evita’s, however,

If your dream vacation includes pristine white sand beaches, indulgent spa treatments for two, the finest island cuisine shared under the stars, and an endless array of world-class activities — then let us welcome you to Couples Resorts, the highest rated all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean.

Tranquil Days. Intimate Nights. Romantic Always.®

®

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82 is that it manages to slip in a little scotch bonnet pepper in almost all of its traditional Italian dishes. It’s no wonder celebrities always make a stop there whilst in Ocho Rios. Passage to India, arguably offering the best Indian food on the island, is reopening in Soni’s Plaza. Be sure to stop at the Ocho Rios Jerk Centre, too, where the music can be heard from a mile away. In town you’ll find a variety of fast-food spots and Chinese restaurants, including Andy’s Bar & Grill.

Nightlife If you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, you’ll find Ocho Rios to be one of the livelier towns on the island. It offers entertainment for every mood, whether you prefer dancing the night away at a nightclub or kicking back to reggae music and shooting a game of pool whilst mingling with locals. Several well-known clubs play a variety of music for every taste, and most offer frequent promotions, such as ladies’ night or an inclusive entrance fee that allows you to drink for free once inside. Head to Main Street for smaller, more intimate pubs and billiards spots.

A few restaurants also bring in DJs at night to energise the scene. Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville is a local favourite.

One of Ocho Rios’ best-kept secrets is Bamboo Blu. Located in Mammee Bay, it is about five minutes outside of Ocho Rios and right on the beach. Other nighttime hot spots include Turtle River Park, in the centre of Ocho Rios and select beaches, where music shows and events are often held. Look for flyers advertising these performances well in advance. It’s a great opportunity to see some of Jamaica’s best-known artistes. The good energy and easygoing vibe of Ocho Rios make for some of the best experiences.

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Miss T’s Kitchen

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estled on a side street, just off the hustle and bustle of Ocho Rios’ Main Street, is a creative culinary oasis serving up authentic Jamaican food. It is so good, in fact, that it drew international Food Network star Guy Fieri to the island for some bone-sucking-good oxtail.

Anna-Kay Tomlinson, the little powerhouse behind Miss T’s Kitchen, opened her restaurant in 2009. She was inspired by her son Liam (who has Down syndrome), as well as the rest of her family. She became a testament to the power of hard work and courage when she represented Jamaica at the 2013 South Beach Wine & Food Festival, showcasing her creative vegan cooking. Her impressive skills drew the attention of Fieri, who later visited the island and filmed a few episodes of his show, “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” there.

So, what is it about her cooking that sets her apart from the crowd? Tomlinson says it is a love and passion for what she does. But a visit to her quaint establishment — where Dutch pots double as washbasins and rum barrels double as tables — demonstrates that it is also her creativity. Daily specials — such as Curry Jam-Thai Mussels, Oxtail Madness and Lobster Greek Salad — offer a unique and diverse dining experience. “I like an eclectic fusion,” she says. “So I try to do a mix-up, adding a flair and gourmet touch to our specials.”

By elevating this authentic Jamaican experience Tomlinson joins other local chefs who have inspired her journey, including the late Norma Shirley, Steve Sowa and Cindy Hutson from Ortanique on the Mile.

Tomlinson adds, however, that Hutson has

© Cookie Kinkead (2)

By Leisha Wong

been the most influential. Hutson was the driving force behind the Jamaican contingency participating at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival.

But her roots are in good ol’ Jamaican food. “I love Jamaican food,” Tomlinson says.

“It’s extremely soulful and comforting, and one of my favourite things to do is to drive around Jamaica and eat at all the little food stops!” Her concept for Miss T’s Kitchen was born from this. “The rustic wood, zinc, banana trees and authentic Jamaican food combined to create a distinctive Jamaican experience,” she says.

The oxtail and beans, curry goat, escoveitched whole snapper and rundown shrimp are amongst Miss T’s specialities. It made quite an impact on Fieri, who became an instant fan. “He said my oxtail was the best he has ever had,” she says proudly.

Being the first time he hosted his show outside the U.S., Tomlinson was honoured to have Miss T’s chosen as his prime shooting location. “The experience was enthralling with the amazing crew filming over four days, and Guy ‘doing his thing’ with me in the kitchen on the fifth day. He is really a cool guy and comes across as the star that he is.”

Another celebrity fan of Miss T’s Kitchen, is “The View” host Sherri Shepherd, who visited the island in August 2013 with her husband, Lamar Sally. The couple visited the restaurant twice and would have visited a third time, but unfortunately the restaurant was closed. “She absolutely loved the oxtail, jerk chicken and curried goat with steam veggies, which she had both nights,” Tomlinson shares. In fact, Shepherd loved the food so much that she Tweeted about her authentic Jamaican food experience.

Jamaica NATURALLY...

Hand-thatched gazebos overlooking coral reefs. Art-filled villas with private dip pools. Twelve acres of tropical sanctuary. Pimento-smoked delicacies served on a seaside veranda. A secluded resort located near Jamaica’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Whether you crave adventure or solitude, romance or reconnection, experience Jamaica naturally at Hermosa Cove, the villa hotel in Ocho Rios.

Reservations: US & Canada 1-855-811-2683 or Jamaica Office 1-876-974-3699

www.hermosacove.com

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86 Chukka Caribbean Adventures Tel: 876-953-6699 Website: chukkacaribbean.com In operation since 1983, Chukka is an international tour company providing a variety of experiences in Jamaica, Belize and Turks and Caicos. Chukka has been awarded the Nature Adventures Excursion Operator of the Year by the World Travel Awards for the last five years and is Earth Check certified. At Chukka, it’s time to play and we take pride in showcasing the natural beauty of the Caribbean. Our unique and unforgettable experiences provide opportunities for local residents and businesses. Chukka delivers fun consistently, safely and reliably.

Couples Resorts Couples find their own place in the sun at this all-inclusive, with every opportunity for romance to blossom — no singles, no children, no extra charge for dining, entertainment or sports.

Ideal wedding and honeymoon location offers four restaurants, four bars and freshwater pool overlooking the sea.

Dolphin Cove, Ocho Rios Tel: 876-974-5335 Swim and enjoy various activities with friendly dolphins in their natural habitat. Also pet and snorkel with stingrays, swim with and feed the sharks, and have photos taken with birds, snakes and iguanas. Relax on 80 feet of pearly white-sand beach. Take a glass-bottom boat ride to Dunn’s River Falls. Includes Pirates’ Village with boardwalk, cafés and shops. US$49.50 adult; $33 ages 6–11 years.

Hermosa Cove Hermosa Street, Pineapple, Ocho Rios, St. Ann Tel: 876-974-3699 / 855-811-COVE (2683) E-mail: hermosacove@hermosacove.com Website: hermosacove.com Hermosa Cove, a boutique resort, is the perfection combination of villa flexibility and hotel convenience. Nine exquisitely appointed villas, tucked away on 12 acres of tropical forest. Four star, EP. House of Diamonds 11A Soni’s Plaza: 974-06161; #7 Taj Mahal Shopping

Centre: 795-2921; #4 Harbour Shops: 795-2921.

Finest in diamonds and rare jewellery collection.

Huge selection of branded and natural colour diamonds. Swiss watches, Maurice Lacroix, Perellet, Festina Gold, Bertolucci, Chase Durer and more.

Jewel Resorts St. Ann, Jamaica Tel: 876-973-4520 / 800-605-2512 Website: jewelresorts.com Discover paradise at Jewel Resorts! We offer three of the most beautiful resorts in Jamaica: The adults-only Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort & Spa, all ages Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort and adults-only Jewel Paradise Cove Beach Resort & Spa. Surrounded by a lush landscape, the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea and sun-kissed beaches, these Jamaican resorts offer a perfect getaway for unforgettable all-inclusive vacations!

Miss T’s Kitchen 65 Main St., Ocho Rios, St. Ann Tel: 876-795-0099 E-mail: misstskitchen@gmail.com Website: misstskitchen.com Miss T’s Kitchen is a rustic Jamaican restaurant and bar providing a selection of Jamaican dishes and beverages. The innovative, “authentic Jamaican” product combined with the rocking rhythms of old time Jamaican music sets the scene to bring you back to the good times.

Rainforest Adventures Bobsled Jamaica at Mystic Mountain Tel: 876-974-3990 This environmentally friendly attraction boasts over 100 acres of land. Great for all ages and provides ample opportunities to view and explore the unique seaside, tropical forest ecosystem through four unique and exhilarating adventure tours, including the Sky Explorer, Bobsled Jamaica, the canopy zip line and a unique waterslide. Special events are set atop majestic Mystic Mountain.

Nighttime festivals showcase Jamaica’s music scene. Wedding packages lift couples up to say “I Do” at 700 feet.

Sandals Golf & Country Club Upton, Ocho Rios; Tel: 876-975-0119-21 Website: sandals.com

Swiss Stores Island Village; Tel: 876-675-8975 Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Website: swissstoresjamaica.com Time-honoured tradition of excellence and dedication since 1935. Exclusive Rolex and Tudor dealer for over 75 years. Swiss Stores Ltd., is also the agent for Victorinox Swiss Army and Citizen.

JHTA HOTEL / RESORT MEMBERS

Beaches Boscobel Resort & Golf Club Oracabessa, St. Mary; 876-975-7777 / 7666 The Cardiff Hotel & Spa Runaway Bay, St. Ann; 876-973-6671-4 Club Ambiance Runaway Bay, St. Ann; 876-973-6167 / 4705-6 Columbus Heights (Tourism Consultants LTD) Ocho Rios, St. Ann; 876-974-1921 Couples Ocho Rios Ocho Rios, St. Ann; 876-975-4271-5 Couples Sans Souci Ocho Rios, St. Ann; 876-994-1206-14 Crystal Ripple Beach Lodge White River Bay, Ocho Rios; 876-974-6132 Fisherman’s Point Turtle Beach Road, Ocho Rios 876-974-4147 / 973-4809 Franklyn D. Resort Runaway Bay, St. Ann; 876-973-4591-8 Goldeneye Oracabessa, St. Mary; 876-622-9007 Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica Hotel Runaway Bay, St. Ann; 876-973-7000 / 7655 Hermosa Cove Villa Resort & Suites Hermosa Street Pineapple, Ocho Rios 876-974-3699

FINE ITALIAN DINING OVERLOOKING OCHO RIOS

Enjoy fine dining in Ocho Rios, Jamaica in the setting of an authentic 1860's Gingerbread house with wooden floors and mahogany bar.

You can enjoy lunch or dinner indoors or outdoors, on our verandah overlooking the cruise ship piers and Ocho Rios.

Open 7 days, 11am to 11pm.

Eden Bower Rd. opposite Taj Mahal Shopping Center. www. evitasjamaica.com

876 - 974 - 2333

Hibiscus Lodge Hotel 83 Main Street, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-2676 / 2594 / 2813 Jamaica Inn Main Street, Ocho Rios, St. Ann; 876-974-2514-8 The Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort & Spa Mammee Bay, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-972-7400 Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort Ocho Rios, St. Ann; 876-633-4000 Mystic Ridge Jamaica Ltd. 17 DaCosta Drive, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-431-8685 Prospect Plantation Villas Ocho Rios P.O., St. Ann; 876-994-1373 / 1452 RIU ClubOcho Rios Mammee Bay, St. Ann; 876-972-2200

Overlooking Ocho Rios Number one for Romance, Ambience, Good Food and Great Value.

Enjoy fine dining in Ocho Rios, Jamaica in the setting of an authentic 1860's Gingerbread house with wooden floors and mahogany bar. You can enjoy lunch or dinner indoors or outdoors, on our verandah overlooking the cruise ship piers and Ocho Rios.

The menu, specializing in Northern Italian food, also has an extensive selection of creative Jam-Italian fusion dishes of fresh pasta, seafood, vegetarian, and meat entrees.

Open 7 days a week from 11am to 11pm.

All major credit cards accepted.

Ask about free transportation.

Eden Bower Rd. opposite Taj Mahal Shopping Center. | www. evitasjamaica.com | 876· 974·2333

Rooms On The Beach Ocho Rios Main Street, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-2008 / 6632 Royal Decameron Club Caribbean Runaway Bay, St. Ann 876-973-4675 / 6348 / 4802 Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort Main Street, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-5486-9 / 5691-6 Sandals Royal Plantation Golf Club & Spa 142 Main Street, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-5601-2 Shaw Park Beach Hotel Cutlass Bay, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-2552-4 / 795-1300 Sunflower Beach Resort Villas / Leisure Holiday Runaway Bay; 876-973-4809 Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort, Spa & Conference Center Ocho Rios, St. Ann; 876-974-2200-19

Miss T’s Kitchen is a welcome oasis in the heart of Ocho Rios. Serving up “Authentic Jamaican” cuisine and beverages, this fusion of flavours and laid back atmosphere will make your experience unforgettable.

65 Main Street, Ocho Rios, Jamaica • T: (876)795-0099 F:(876)974-5911 • E: misstskitchen@gmail.com • www.MissTsKitchen.com MissTsAd2013_7.25x4.75Ad.indd 1

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FALMOUTH & DISCOVERY BAY

By Mark Rogers From left to right: A conch shell on the beach; Columbus Park in Discovery Bay; Opposite page: Falmouth Court House

From left to right: © Derek Trask/Alamy; © Cookie Kinkead

For years, Falmouth registered nary a blip on tourist itineraries.

At most, travellers caught a glimpse of it as they zipped between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. This strategic location, also within easy reach of the countryside, was actually the reason behind Falmouth’s economic boom in the 1800s. Being a port city, local products — predominantly sugar and rum — were the cornerstone of its economic growth. Its affluent past lives on in the town’s fine collection of Georgian structures that feature many late 18th-century brick buildings, a number of early 19th-century timber-frame houses and a few impressive cut-stone public buildings, most notably St. Peter’s Anglican Church and the Falmouth Court House.

It is fitting then that a new cruise ship terminal would put Falmouth back on the map. The world-class Historic Falmouth Cruise Port, a two-berth port ample enough to accommodate some of the largest ships in the industry, brought with it a

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renewed interest in the town and reinvigorated local businesses. Cruise passengers are now greeted by a selection of shops and restaurants housed in carefully reconstructed Georgian-design buildings as they disembark. But being within easy reach of Jamaica’s most popular destinations and just a short cab ride from two major towns (Montego Bay is about 30 minutes west, and Ocho Rios is about 45 minutes east), Falmouth is also well worth a stop for visitors not on a cruise holiday. Tours that operate within the town of Falmouth include Falmouth Heritage Walks, for the town‘s only official walking tour around the historic district and a recently launched culinary walking tour; Chukka Horse & Buggy; and Swamp Safari.

A number of seasoned tour operators, such as Chukka Caribbean Adventures and Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours, run excursions in the area. Many of Chukka’s activities are held in and around Good Hope Estate, which overlooks the picturesque Queen of Spain Valley and is located approximately six miles from Falmouth, a short 20-minute drive. The tours here can be thrilling — think dune buggy, river tubing, zip line and ATV adventures — or more relaxed and cultural affairs, like a formal tour of the grounds with lunch, a high tea at the estate or an authentic feast followed by a leisurely tour of the premises. Additionally, an expansion of Good Hope will feature amenities presented in partnership with iconic Jamaican brands, including the Appleton Tasting Tour, a coffee bar by Blue Mountain Coffee and the Walkerswood jerk pit, which will provide a little history of jerk cooking and feature a spice garden.

Visitors can also take a quick drive to Dolphin Cove in Ocho Rios, named the Caribbean’s Leading Adventure Excursions Operator for 2011 and 2012 and the Caribbean’s Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction for 2013 by the World Travel Awards. Get up close with dolphins, watch thrilling shows and interact with exotic birds. Other nearby activities include riding catamarans, teeing off at a nearby golf course and taking a tranquil river raft ride on the Martha Brae.

A unique

Chukka Caribbean Adventures offers activities in and around Falmouth, including ATV adventures.

Discovery Bay Located in St. Ann Parish, Discovery Bay is believed to be where Christopher Columbus landed in 1494. Whilst his second voyage to the New World was motivated by the search for gold, it might have been Discovery Bay’s clear waters, green hills and perfect sands that beckoned the famed explorer and his crew. Originally known as Dry Harbour Bay because of the nearby Dry Harbour Mountains, it was renamed Discovery Bay in 1947 in honour of Columbus.

Whilst the beauty and tranquillity of this area is more than enough reason to spend a day, it is Columbus Park specifically that draws visitors. This open-air museum features a mural depicting Columbus’ arrival, as well as a number of artefacts that date back to that time, including a cannon, anchors, sugar-boiling coppers and a waterwheel.

Many of these items were excavated by the Kaiser Bauxite Company, whose Port Rhoades bauxite-loading facility accounts for much of Discovery Bay’s economic prosperity. History buffs and those looking to interact with rarely seen treasures flock to this unique attraction.

Today, quaint villas dot the shoreline, and one of the best spots for authentic Jamaican jerk, the Ultimate Jerk Centre, can be found on Main Street.

Jamaican experience

Operated by River Raft Limited, 66 Claude Clarke Avenue, P.O Box 1178, Montego Bay, Jamaica (876) 952-0889 / Fax (876) 979-7437 www.jamaicarafting.com / j.gour@cwjamaica.com

Jamaica Swamp Safari Village Come take a walk on the wild side

Home of the famous crocodile jumping scene in James Bond’s ‘Live & Let Die’ Guided Walking Tours & Exciting Crocodile Shows Foreshore Road, Falmouth, Trelawny / Telephone (876) 617-2798 Operated by River Raft Limited, 66 Claude Clarke Avenue, P.O Box 1178, Montego Bay, Jamaica Telephone (876) 952-0889 / Fax (876) 979-7437 jamaicaswampsafari.com / j.gour@cwjamaica.com

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MONTEGO BAY

By Mina Robertson

Left photo: © Rolf Nussbaumer/SuperStock

Montego Bay, the second-largest city in Jamaica, has a razor-thin edge. Both tourists and Jamaicans have developed a love affair with its endless possibilities and incessant beat. A favourite with the party crowd, the city has an all-consuming energy.

Named Bahia de Mantega by its early Spanish settlers, the capital of St. James Parish has expanded to become a major tourist destination without losing its colonial flair.

“MoBay,” as the city is affectionately known, has it all — from the fast-paced action of a city to the serenity of its multiple golf courses and white-sand beaches. Characterised by its cultural diversity and laid-back appeal, the city is one stop on your Jamaican holiday you won’t want to miss.

From left to right: Jamaica’s local orangequit bird; Hobie Cat sailing on calm waters; Opposite page: Rose Hall Great House

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Sightseeing An absolute must-see is the Rose Hall Great House. Its original owner, the treacherous Annie Palmer — also known as The White Witch of Rose Hall — has fascinated locals and tourists alike for generations. The infamous Palmer is said to have brutally killed her husband and several lovers before being killed herself. Now her spirit supposedly haunts the compound. The eerie nature of the property and the spooky stories surrounding it will draw you in, whilst the beauty of the great house will hold you captive. You can try to catch a glimpse of the White Witch yourself during the candlelit night tour. Then, once it’s all over, you can calm your nerves with a drink at Annie’s Pub. Without a doubt, this tour will give you stories to tell for years to come.

Chukka Caribbean Adventures’ 18th-century Good Hope Estate attraction is a scenic adventure about half an hour away from Montego Bay in the nearby town of Falmouth. Take a tour of the grounds, which include the great house, the gardens and cottages surrounding it, the Martha Brae River and even David Pinto’s pottery workshop. For an aerial perspective, take the zip line canopy tour that cuts through the compound.

© Cookie Kinkead

Good Hope Estate

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IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Rose Hall

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Few destinations offer the spectacular service and stunning surroundings of IBEROSTAR. Gracing one of Jamaica’s most breathtaking shores, IBEROSTAR Rose Hall Beach & Spa Complex offers the best in gourmet dining, spacious rooms and a range of activities to please every interest. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious, romantic getaway in an adults-only setting at IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Rose Hall, or looking to please every member of the family at IBEROSTAR Rose Hall Suites or IBEROSTAR Rose Hall Beach, you’ll enjoy the all-inclusive vacation of your dreams. Sparkling pools, stunning beaches, challenging golf and a relaxing spa, it’s all here and waiting to treat you like the star you are.

Montego Bay, JAMAICA Contact your favorite travel professional or visit iberostar.com

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The Greenwood Great House is another fine example of Jamaica’s rich past and is arguably the most well-preserved great house on the island. Originally owned by the family of poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning, the 200-year-old home houses the Barrett family’s original literary collection, furniture and oil paintings, as well as the largest collection of rare musical instruments in Jamaica. This award-winning home is a requisite stop on any Montego Bay itinerary.

Montego Bay is also a golfer’s dream. The city is home to some of the most beautiful golf courses in the region. And for absolute relaxation, you can’t beat a bamboo raft ride down the Martha Brae River. Only 20 miles from Montego Bay, this is the “ultimate romantic experience.”

For those wanting to get up close with nature, Dolphin Cove in Lucea is a quick 30-minute drive from Montego Bay. Boasting one of the largest facilities in the Western Hemisphere, its 23 acres of attractions include a large natural lagoon enclosure for their star dolphin inhabitants. Visitors can enjoy swimming with dolphins and stingrays, whilst future activities include zip-lining, river kayaking, mangrove adventure tours, a lazy river and so much more.

The Hip Strip of Gloucester Avenue is the place to go for a night on the town.

Lined with bars, restaurants and clubs it’s sure to satisfy revellers of all stripes.

At the end of this renowned party destination you’ll find Doctors Cave Beach,

Top photo: © Cookie Kinkead

At the end of this renowned party destination you’ll find Doctors Cave Beach, which is widely regarded as the best beach in the area.

Few destinations are passed down through the generations.

Secure your reservation today. (Rules and restrictions apply)

Ha lf Moon.com | Reser vation@Ha lf Moon.com | 888.830.5974

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This market is an attraction in itself, as there’s nothing like interacting with the local vendors who’ll share a few jokes and make you feel welcome.

Shopping You can’t leave Montego Bay without taking a few souvenirs. The Harbour Street Craft Market has the best deals on Jamaican memorabilia, including one-of-a-kind woodwork and hand-painted T-shirts. This market is an attraction in itself, as there’s nothing like interacting with the local vendors who’ll share a few jokes and make you feel welcome.

For the best duty-free shopping experience, head to Tropicana or Casa de Oro at The Shoppes at Rose Hall. Amongst the well-priced fine jewellery options you’ll find the “One Love” bracelet, truly a Jamaican emblem. At the 30 shops in this complex you can find everything from perfume and jewellery to dreadlocks caps and shot glasses — often with a dose of Jamaican humour proudly on display.

© Topcris/Alamy

which is widely regarded as the best beach in the area. Just a short distance away is Aquasol Theme Park, where you can spend the whole day enjoying watersports, go-cart racing or tennis. The activities and sights in Montego Bay extend as far as your imagination will take them. From snorkelling and horseback riding to banana boating and jet-skiing, you’re sure to get your adrenaline fix if that’s what you want, or simply let the world slip away as the tide pulls in and out.

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Dining For generations, both locals and visitors have stopped at Pork Pit to satisfy their jerk cravings. Other jerk lovers are loyal to Scotchies. Arguably the best jerk on the island can be found at this authentically rustic spot. Don’t expect any pretence here; the chefs prepare the meat right in front of you and hand it over in foil. For delicious fine-dining options, head to Half Moon Resort, where you can choose from five different restaurants ranging from casual to gourmet experiences.

One of Montego Bay’s best-kept secrets is Far Out Fish Hut, which sits right on the shore. The smell of the sea breeze will open your appetite for the just-caught seafood platters you’ll dream about all the way home. For fresh seafood and beautiful views, Marguerites Seafood by the Sea offers seafood in an ideal location. Specialities include a lobster and scallop dish flambéed table-side by the chef. The HouseBoat Grill offers a unique setting for an intimate, one-of-a-kind dining experience. Enjoy dinner downstairs in the cosy dining room, upstairs on the upper deck under the stars or sit by the waterside.

Right photo: Courtesy of Half Moon Resort

Fine dining at Half Moon Resort

Welcome to Jamaica.

Relax and Enjoy!

STOP and SHOP at over 70 airport retail outlets and restaurants before you HOP home.

STOP! SHOP! HOP!

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Marguerites Seafood by the Sea

MONTEGO BAY

DINING OPTIONS Great House International In The Tryall Club, Hanover; 876-956-5660-3

The HouseBoat Grill Seafood / International Southern Cross Blvd., Montego Freeport; 876-979-8845 The Oleander Room Jamaican / International In Sandals Montego Bay; 876-952-5510-5 Rosella Bistro Jamaican In The Wexford Hotel 39 Gloucester Ave.; 876-952-2854-5 Round Hill International At Round Hill Resort, Route A1; 876-956-7050 Scotchies Jamaican Falmouth Road; 876-953-8041 The Seaview Restaurant & Bar Jamaican In El Greco Resort, 11 Queens Drive; 876-940-6116 Sugar Mill Restaurant International At Half Moon Resort, Rose Hall; 876-953-2314 Three Palms International Across from Rose Hall Resort; 876-953-2650 The Vineyard Caribbean In Coyaba Beach Resort & Spa, 22 Mahoe Bay, Little River; 876-953-9150-3

After a long night on the Hip Strip there is no better nightcap than the famous malt milkshakes from the Pelican Grill. Offering both traditional Jamaican dishes — the oxtail comes highly recommended — and classic American fare, the staff at the Pelican Grill will make you feel like family and the food won’t disappoint.

Margaritaville is a welcoming retreat for families. Spend all day there watching the young and young at heart careen down the waterslide or bounce on the trampolines that hover over the sea. In addition to offering entertainment, they also serve up some tasty burgers.

Many visitors don’t expect to find the distinctly Jamaican fusion created by the strong island influence on the Chinese and Indian cuisine that took root here. For a fine introduction to Jamaican Chinese, head to Guangzhou Chinese Restaurant or China House Restaurant, and be sure to ask for pepper sauce — chopped scotch bonnet pepper in soy sauce (something you’ll find only in Jamaica). For a taste of Jamaica’s version of Indian cuisine, Mystic Indian will go above and beyond your expectations. On the other side of the culinary spectrum are the dishes at Tapas, a great spot to have a few cocktails whilst enjoying the Spanish small plates served with island flair. continued on pg. 108

Take us with you as you explore Our Jamaica from coast to coast!

Our

Jamaica 2014

• Fun things to do and see • Best shops and restaurants • Maps and tips • Events and special offers • Share your photos and comments

JAMAICA ZINE OF THE OFFICIAL MAGA ASSOCIATION ST HOTEL & TOURI

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SECURE WRAP may prevent your lugagge from: Damage & Mishandling Tampering & Manipulation Theft & Pilferage Foul Weather & Stains Wear, Tear & Scratches Introduction of Unauthorized items

AIRPORT LUGGAGE WRAPPING SERVICE Visit the Secure Wrap Station in the departure level of the Airport to weigh, pack & wrap: Luggage Boxes Duffle bags Carvings Art Sculptures Bubble wrap for fragile items is available! l

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Montego Bay Sangster Int’l Airport Kingston Norman Manley Int’l Airport Visit our new kiosk in Montego Bay to purchase travel goods like duffle bags, carry-on bags, locks, straps, bubble wrap. l

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Nightlife When the sun sets, it’s time to hit the Hip Strip. Good news for the 18 to 21 crowd: The legal drinking age in Jamaica is 18. Just walk down Gloucester Avenue for a night of guaranteed nonstop action. As night falls, family-friendly Margaritaville transforms into Club Ville. Don’t miss their Heineken All-Star Thursdays or Smirnoff Night Life on Saturdays. The resident DJs lay down the beat whilst the frenzied crowd is treated to great drink specials. You can also party by the sea at Pier 1 On The Waterfront, which is said to be the premier Friday night destination.

For a more relaxed vibe, mosey on over to Blue Beat Ultra Lounge — a haven for jazz and martini lovers — or head to the Acropolis Gaming Lounge. There you can try your luck at the slot machines and then wow the crowd at the karaoke club. In Montego Bay, it doesn’t matter where you choose to go; the music and good vibes are infectious.

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Mountain Art

By Jean Wilson

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igh in the mountains above Montego Bay is one of the most beautiful and tranquil retreats in all of Jamaica.

The Ahh… Ras Natango Gallery and Garden is in the community of Camrose, but for many it’s in another dimension altogether. Guests who take the 20-minute trip up the mountains are rewarded with sweet fresh air, panoramic views of the city — some 2,000 feet below — and the chance to slowly exhale and become part of a vibrant Jamaican family.

Ahh… Ras Natango Gallery and Garden is an ecotourism destination with two fantastic gardens and a fascinating story. It offers visitors the opportunity to learn about Jamaican history, culture and art whilst delighting in the beauty of the surroundings.

The whole experience starts when you meet the charming members of the Williams family. Ian — also known as Ras Natango — his wife Tamika and their son Ayale own the property and operate the attraction. After a complimentary drink, guests are escorted through the gallery, which is stocked with fine paintings by Ras Natango, an acclaimed artist, as well as other members of the family.

The gallery stop is followed by a guided tour of the property. With its terraced walkways and meticulously maintained gardens, the landscape is disarming. The botanical garden is a sanctuary for a wide variety of birds. Eighteen of the island’s 28 endemic bird species can regularly be seen on the property. You can even get a glimpse of the national bird, the red-billed streamertail, a brightly coloured hummingbird Jamaicans call the “doctor bird.”

Throughout the tour, the Williams’ story of determination will paint a vivid picture of how the rocky hillside terrain was turned into the place of their dreams one year at a time.

Once the tour is completed, guests can choose to continue enjoying the property lounging in a chair or hammock and just drinking in the scenery; taking an art class with one of the expert tutors on-site; or simply spending time with the community members.

You can also take a piece of paradise home with you, as all of the paintings in the gallery are available for purchase; and there is also a gift shop where you can pick up a number of authentic Jamaican crafts.

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Casa De Oro Jewelers Suite 7C, Shoppes at Rose Hall Tel: 876-953-3371; E-mail: info@casadeoro.com Website: casadeoro.com; Casa de Oro has been and continues to be the pinnacle of duty-free shopping in Jamaica, selling the top names in luxury watches, jewellery and accessories. CDO has one of the largest selections of brands in Jamaica, and is the exclusive agent for top name companies, including Cartier, Tag Heuer, Vacheron Constantin, Dior and more. Visit one of our stores in Ocho Rios, Negril and Rose Hall Montego Bay. Coffee Roasters of Jamaica Unit 3, 69 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10 Tel: 876-941-3759; Coffee Roasters of Jamaica

is the premier brand of 100% Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee. A family-run business, Country Traders Ltd., has been marketing coffee for over 20 years and is recognised by the Jamaica Coffee Industry Board.

The Grand Palladium Jamaica & Lady Hamilton Resorts & Spa Point Lucea, Hanover Tel: 876-619-0000-9 Website: palladiumhotelgroup.com The hotel is located on the Jamaican north coast with a spectacular view of the Caribbean Sea. The modern design and luxurious facilities are in perfect harmony with the attractive natural surroundings and boast the largest

spa, swimming pool and hotel in Jamaica with 1,056 rooms.

Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort and Spa P.O. Box 480, Montego Bay; Tel: 876-953-2485 E-mail: reservations@hiresortjamaica.com Website: caribbeanhi.com/jamaica Iberostar Rose Hall Beach & Spa Resort Rose Hall Main Road, Montego Bay Little River PO, St. James; Tel: 876-680-0000 Fax: 876-953-8019; Website: iberostar.com Jamaica Tours Limited 1207 Providence Drive, Ironshore, Montego Bay Tel: 876-953-3700 / 876-953-2825 Fax: 876-953-3845 / 876-953-2107 E-mail: jtladmin@jamaicatoursltd.com Website: jamaicatoursltd.com Jamaica Tours Ltd is the island’s leading Destination Management Company, offering exceptional tour and transportation services through the most modern and luxurious fleet of vehicles to all its clients.

Jewels In Paradise #26, Shoppes at Rose Hall, Montego Bay Tel: 876-953-9372 / 305-375-3076 E-mail: info@jewelsinparadise.com Website: jewelsinparadise.com Duty- and tax-free retailers in Jamaica for over 50 years. Representing fine watches and exquisite jewellery at substantial savings. We carry: Audemars Piguet, A. Lange and Sohne, Jaeger LeCoultre, IWC, Corum, Bell & Ross, Oris, Citizen and Swatch. Besides offering great deals on diamonds and beautiful jewellery, we represent the luxury brands of Roberto Coin and Carrera y Carrera.

MBJ Airports Limited Sangster International Airport is the primary gateway to Jamaica, served by over 40 international

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114 airlines to 75 cities worldwide. The airport boasts some of the best shopping in Jamaica! Our restaurants, souvenir and duty-free shops showcase the best that Jamaica has to offer!

Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Offshore Island Mahoe Bay, Rose Hall, Montego Bay Tel: 876-953-2301-8; Website: sandals.com

Montego Bay Convention Centre Half Moon, Rose Hall, St. James Tel: 876-622-9330-2; Website: mobaycentre.com The new Montego Bay Convention Centre, with over 142,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event space, is the first of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean. It boasts an exhibit space that is divisible into two halls, accommodating up to 6,000 persons theatre style.

Secrets St. James, Montego Bay A59 Montego Freeport; Tel: 876-953-6600 Website: secretsresorts.com/st-james-montego-bay Secrets St. James Montego Bay is an adults-only, AAA Four Diamond resort that presents guests with a quiet, relaxing ocean front getaway complete with UnlimitedLuxury® privileges. Peaceful. Sophisticated.

Paradise.

Sandals Carlyle Kent Avenue, Montego Bay Tel: 876-952-4140; Website: sandals.com Sandals Montego Bay Kent Avenue, Montego Bay Tel: 876-952-5510-5; Website: sandals.com

Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay A59 Montego Freeport; Tel: 876-953-6600 Website: secretsresorts.com/wild-orchidmontego-bay; Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay is an adults-only, AAA Four Diamond resort made for the youthful soul and the young at heart. This vibrant ocean

front getaway offers Unlimited-Luxury® privileges. Stylish. Radiant. Fun. Swiss Stores Montego Bay Shoppes at Rose Hall; Tel: 876-953-9274 Open Monday–Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

Website: swissstoresjamaica.com Time-honoured tradition of excellence and dedication since 1935. Exclusive Rolex and Tudor dealer for over 75 years. Swiss Stores Ltd. is also the agent for, Victorinox Swiss Army, Citizen, Rochet and Caran d’Ache.

Tropicana Jewelers 25 Shoppes at Rose Hall, Montego Bay Tel: 876-953-2242 303 Falmouth Cruise Terminal, Falmouth Tel: 876-952-6982 4 Time Square Mall, Negril Tel: 876-957-9530 Island Village, Ocho Rios Tel: 876-953-2290 Toll-free Tel: 305-395-6253 Website: tropicanajewelers.com Luxury duty-free retailer for over 35 years.

Luxury watch brands offered are Patek Philippe, Chopard, Bulgari, Panerai, Gucci, Piaget and Baume & Mercier. Designer jewelry from David Yurman, Chopard, Bulgari, Gucci and Marco Bicego.

JHTA HOTEL / RESORT MEMBERS

Altamont West Hotel 33 Gloucester Ave., Montego Bay, St. James 876-952-9087 / 929-4497-8 Braco Village Hotel & Spa Rio Bueno, Trelawny; 876-632-7226 Coyaba Beach Resort & Spa 22 Mahoe Bay, Little River P.O., St. James 876-953-9150-3

Doctors Cave Beach Hotel Gloucester Ave., Montego Bay 876-952-4355-9 El Greco Resort 11 Queens Drive, Montego Bay 876-940-6116 / 940-6120 Gloucestershire Hotel 92 Gloucester Ave., Montego Bay 876-971-4095 / 952-4420 Half Moon, a RockResort Montego Bay 876-953-2211 / 2344-93 Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa Rose Hall, Montego Bay 876-953-2650 Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort Montego Bay; 876-953-2485-9 / 2499 Hotel Gloriana 1–2 Sunset Blvd., Montego Bay 876-979-0669 Iberostar Rose Hall Beach & Spa Resort Rose Hall Main Road, St. James 876-680-0000 N Resort Falmouth, Trelawny; 876-617-2500 / 5900 Palm View Resort & Conference Centre 22 Delisser Drive, Montego Bay 876-952-1738 / 8321 / 1800 Relax Resort 26 Hobbs Ave., White Sands Beach 876-952-6944 / 979-0656 Richmond Hill Inn Union Street, Montego Bay 876-952-3859 / 5432 / 6107 RIU Montego Bay Mahoe Bay, Rose Hall; 876-940-8010

Round Hill Hotel John Pringle Drive, P.O. Box 64, Montego Bay 1, St. James 876-956-7050 Sandals Carlyle Kent Ave., Montego Bay 876-952-4140

Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Freeport, Montego Bay; 876-953-6600 Silent Waters Villa White Sands Beach P.O., Montego Bay 876-971-9119-21 Sunset Beach Resort & Spa Montego Freeport, Montego Bay 876-979-8800

Sandals Montego Bay Kent Ave., Montego Bay 876-952-5510-5

Toby’s Resort 1 Kent Ave., Montego Bay; 876-952-4370

Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island Mahoe Bay, Rose Hall, St. James; 876-953-2301-8

The Tryall Club Sandy Bay Main Road, Hanover 876-956-5660-3

Secrets St. James Montego Freeport, Montego Bay 876-953-6600

The Wexford Hotel 39 Gloucester Ave., Montego Bay 876-952-2854-5

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NEGRIL

By Roland Henry From left to right: Antique cannon near the Negril Lighthouse; Mural at The Caves Resort; Opposite page: The Negril Lighthouse

Max Earle (3)

From the balmy beaches to the spectacular sunsets, Jamaica’s most westerly point is famous for its rustic and naturally beautiful allure. And it’s perhaps this charm that inspired late reggae musician Tyrone Taylor’s ode to lost love when he penned “Cottage in Negril.”

Negril straddles the parishes of Hanover to the north and Westmoreland to the south and is a 75-minute drive from Sir Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. It is said that the Spanish, who came to the island’s western end circa 1494, named the location Negrillos, or “little black ones,” for the black cliffs that towered over the landscape to the south of the village. Another theory suggests that the area was home to a large and visible population of black eels. That name eventually evolved into Negril.

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Negril’s dramatic coastal rock formations, caves and caverns were the setting for many pirating adventures.

Sightseeing Compared to other places in Jamaica, not much is documented about Negril’s history; but it is known that this was once an enclave for notorious pirate Calico Jack Rackham and the site where he was captured. Negril’s dramatic coastal rock formations, caves and caverns were the setting for many pirating adventures, and

Max Earle (3)

In the 1960s, Negril’s meandering white-sand beaches, easy vibe and pristine beauty made it a haven for hippies in search of a tropical bohemia. This was a time when transportation to the town was difficult at best, and most visitors would disembark from ferries in Negril Bay and wade to shore. The lodgings were rustic and rickety, but most of the visiting “flower children” were happy to rent rooms from the locals.

When the roadways from Montego Bay were improved, Negril opened up to a new type of tourist, one eager to see another side of Jamaica. More recently, Negril has undergone major developments; but its free-spirited allure persists.

Today, extending beyond sun, sand and sea, another “s” has risen to prevalence in the area — saving the environment.

To that end, the Royal Palm Reserve, with its protected wetlands and forest; the Negril Coral Reef Preservation Society; and the Negril Marine Park were established to ensure that the delicate relationship between human consumption and nature remains balanced.

The Caves Resort

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it is believed that these natural hideouts were used to elude the authorities, as well as to store loot.

Bloody Bay, north of Negril’s Long Bay, was once a port for whalers. Nowadays, visitors who come to Negril over the winter months have the opportunity to go dolphin watching there instead.

The famous Negril Lighthouse, built in 1894 by the French company Bubbler and Bernard and topped with a lantern and gallery, also makes for an interesting stop. The automatic white light 100 feet above sea level flashes every two seconds. The light was initially powered by gas, then by acetylene in 1956 and finally became solar powered in 1985.

Negril has always been about recreation and relaxation, and Rhodes Hall Plantation offers both. Some 70 horses are kept on the property, where visitors can enjoy a serene trail ride through the hills looking for local birds and learning about the surrounding woodlands. More adrenaline-pumping excursions are available here, too. Chukka Caribbean Adventures offers ATV, Jeep, kayak and river-tubing tours. YS Falls, a spectacular natural site, is also close by.

Cousins Cove, a small inlet on the Hanover coastline, is a must-do. Although it isn’t as popular relative to other spots in the area, it’s as rich in heritage as it is beautiful. Here, visitors find a quaint fishing village where locals provide access to their way of life for well below the resort price. Learn to snorkel and scuba dive,

Max Earle

More recently, Negril has undergone major developments; but its free-spirited allure persists.

Bridge at Rockhouse Hotel

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or explore Ron’s Arawak Cave, where a colony of bats awaits. A 20-minute drive farther north, high into the hills of Cousins Cove, will take you to Blenheim, the childhood home of Jamaica’s first prime minister, Sir Alexander Bustamante.

Those looking to get wet can opt to make the quick drive to Lucea and spend a day at Dolphin Cove. Friendly dolphins perform exciting tricks and provide kisses galore for visitors who jump into the natural lagoon with them. Interaction packages include the Encounter programme, the Dolphin Swim programme and the Ultimate Swim with Dolphins programme.

Visitors to Negril must also check out the West End, which offers a bevy of attractions along the cliff area. One of the most notable is Rick’s Café, where patrons can enjoy the booze and the beats or jump from the rocks into sparkling turquoise waters. Those in the market for less of an adrenaline rush may opt to snorkel, scuba or see the sea floor via glass-bottom boat.

Negril boasts fantastic lodging options like Rockhouse Hotel and Tensing Pen. Perched atop the cliffs, these two West End boutique properties have

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mastered the art of cabana chic Zen. For more of a tropical resort-style experience, stay at the Samsara Cliff Resort & Spa. The oceanfront hotel is surrounded by five acres of lush vegetation and offers many activities for visitors who like to stay busy. For those wanting an all-inclusive experience in a perfect location with stunning views, there is no better place than The Caves Resort.

This open-air, seaside boutique hotel offers unrivalled views of the sea.

Shopping The de facto dress code in Negril is a T-shirt, sarong or caftan pulled over a swimsuit; so shopping can be as seamless as walking off the beach and into a craft stall. The Negril Crafts Market features Jamaican goods, from wooden chess sets and hammocks to Rastaman carvings. Those wanting to do some duty-free shopping may visit Time Square Shopping Mall on Norman Manley Boulevard. Other shopping districts include Plaza de Negril, Sunshine Village Plaza and Coral Seas Plaza.

“Perhaps Negril’s best cuisine. . .”

– Lonely Planet

& THE LODGE RESTAURANT “Excellent cuisine, spectacular sunsets, cliffs and ocean views.”

Toll free USA and Canada: 1.800.957.0387 • Tel: 876.957.0387 • Fax: 876.957.0161 • E-mail: reservations@tensingpen.com • www.tensingpen.com

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DINING OPTIONS

Ciao Jamaica utilises fresh seafood and local flavours

Bongos Restaurant Jamaican / Continental In Sandy Haven Resort, Norman Manley Blvd.; 876-957-3200 Ciao Jamaica Italian West End Road, Negril Cliffs; 876-957-4395 Cosmo’s Jamaican; Seven Mile Beach; 876-957-4330 Ivan’s Jamaican At the Catch a Falling Star Resort, West End Road; 876-957-0390 Kuyaba on the Beach Jamaican At Kuyaba on the Beach Resort; 876-957-4318 Le Vendome French In the Charela Inn, Negril Beach; 876-957-4648 The Lodge at Tensing Pen Jamaican / International West End; 876-957-0387 Negril Palms Restaurant Jamaican / International In the Negril Palms Resort, Norman Manley Blvd.; 876-957-4375 Pushcart Jamaican West End Road; 876-957-4373 Rockhouse Restaurant International In Rockhouse Hotel, West End Road; 876-957-4373 Rondel Restaurant Jamaican / Seafood At Rondel Village Norman Manley Blvd.; 876-957-4413 Sherita’s International In the Seawind Hotel Norman Manley Blvd.; 876-957-4692

Dining In addition to a beautiful shoreline, Seven Mile Beach also features a cluster of restaurants including, but not limited to, Cosmo’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar, Country Peppa’s Bar and Grill and the restaurants at Kuyaba and Legends Beach Resort. All of these favourites offer exciting tastes of Jamaican classics like jerk and authentic stews, as well as American staples like burgers and fries.

Ciao Jamaica is another Negril food oasis that offers the spice and adventure of local flavours paired with the classic elegance of Italian cuisine. The freshest seafood is the “catch of the day,” and the pizza is mouthwatering. And it doesn’t hurt that there’s a reminder of the tropics at every turn, with its seainspired murals and intricate fretwork.

High-end dining can be had at restaurants affiliated with the larger hotels and resorts in the area, many of which are amongst the island’s most superb properties. Rockhouse Hotel treats guests to a fabulous, inspired menu, which features a creative spin on international dishes made with local ingredients. If an haute dining experience proves to be a challenge, don’t worry. There’s a “pan chicken man” at nearly every turn, and from him you can delight in popular street foods like jerk meats, soups and roasted corn. Bongos Restaurant in Sandy Haven Resort invites you to a supreme experience of Negril’s finest dining, offering an exceptional fusion of Caribbean and continental cuisine accommpanied by an exquisite selection of world-class wines in an elegant setting.

Nightlife By day most of Negril’s activities take place on or around the beach, but after the sun sets, the resort town transforms into a party hub. Dance to scintillating beats at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, where local “spin doctors” keep churning out the ones and twos well into the morning. What’s more, the

bartenders have charm, charisma and perform stunts to entertain their audiences. The parties staged each night are usually themed and guests are always guaranteed a rocking, wild or wacky time.

Rick’s Café’s major attractions might be cliff jumping and a privileged view of the sunset, but the vibe and energy go well into the night, and patrons are encouraged to stick around and enjoy the music.

If you’re looking to party with the locals, try the Norman Manley Beach

Park Party every Sunday until 2 a.m.

Very different from a club experience or a hotel beach party, this is a dancehall session complete with a DJ or, in Jamaican terms, a “selector,” who toasts intermittently between musical selections and encourages partiers to raise their lighters when the big tunes play.

With its laid-back, low-key enchantment, Negril offers an eclectic mix of attractions that are sure to keep visitors enthralled and wishing they didn’t have to leave.

YS FallS A Jamaican Utopia Imagine cooling off in majestic waterfalls and pools, picnicking in natural gardens and ziplining over a lush paradise.

Nestled in the hills of St. Elizabeth, visitors can enjoy a tractor-drawn jitney ride through a working farm and sign up for a Chukka zipline ride. Get an intimate look at the stunning natural beauty of Jamaica with YS Falls.

Y.S. Estate. Middle Quarters, St. Elizabeth (876) 997-6360 • ysfalls.com • ysfalls@cwjamaica.com Opening hours: 9:30am - 3:30pm Closed on Mondays and ALL PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

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Beaches Negril Norman Manley Blvd., Negril Tel: 876-957-9270-4 Website: beaches.com Grand Pineapple Negril Norman Manley Blvd., Negril Tel: 876-957-4408 Website: grandpineapple.com Grand Pineapple Negril Resort is an authentic Caribbean Resort that delivers the best budget vacation experience in Jamaica.

Idle Awhile Hotel Norman Manley Blvd., Negril

Tel: 877-243-5352 / 876-957-9566 E-mail: stay@idleawhile.com Website: idleawhile.com Idle Awhile is a boutique hotel with eight rooms and six suites. On a prime location on Negril’s famous Seven Mile Beach, guests can stroll in either direction and find cafes, bars and nightlife. The hotel has a beach-chic ambience with gracious staff and comfortable accommodations. For action a little farther afield, we can arrange for a taxi to the town of Negril (eight minutes) or to the West End Cliffs (15 minutes), where you can find a variety of restaurants, bars and shopping. Negril is one hour’s drive from Sangster International Airport.

Ciao Jamaica Restaurant tantalizes the senses with Italian Jamaican fusion cuisine in a delightful sea view setting.

Relax on the hand-crafted Caribbean terrace as the sun sets and each course arrives more perfect than the last.

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 Simply the best food in Negril! 

Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa Norman Manley Blvd., Negril Tel: 876-957-5216-7 Website: sandals.com Kick back, relax and enjoy Negril’s longest, best stretch of white sand. Here, no building is taller than the highest palm tree and every detail soars far beyond expectations, including the incomparable Swim-up and Millionaire Suites complete with butler service.

JHTA HOTEL / RESORT MEMBERS

Beach House Villas Jamaica Ltd. Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4731 / 4647 / 9162 Beachcomber Club Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4171-4 Beaches Negril Negril, Westmoreland 876-957-9270-4 The Caves Resort & Spa Lighthouse Road, Negril 876-957-0270

Thin-crust Stone-fired Pizza • USDA Grade A Steaks Jerk Chicken Alfredo • West Indies Seafood Linguine Scampi Spaghetti • Scotch Bonnet Grilled Snapper Caribbean Calzones • Our Famous Key Lime Pie Pizza Delivery • Free Hotel Pickup • Free Wi-Fi

(876) 957-4395 • www.ciaojamaica.com Located on Negril’s West End Road across from Samsara Resort & Spa.

Charela Inn Hotel Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4277 / 4648-50 Cocolapalm Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4227 / 3455-7 Coral Cove Beach Resort & Spa 3 Old Hope Road, Little Bay Little London P.O., Westmoreland 876-457-7594 / 291-5324

Country Country Ltd. Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4273 Couples Negril Negril, Mestmoreland 876-957-5960-9 Couples Swept Away Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4062-6 Foote Prints On The Sand Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4300 / 3152 Fun Holiday Beach Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-3585 Gardenia Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril, Westmoreland 876-957-4394 / 616-1811 Grand Palladium Resort Point District, Lucea, Hanover 876-619-0000-9 Grand Pineapple Beach Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4408 / 4475 Hedonism II Rutland Point, Negril 876-957-5200 Hotel Samsara Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4395 Jackie’s On The Reef West Cliff Estates, West End Negril 876-957-4997

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Merrils Beach Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4751 / 3122 Moon Dance Villas Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-9000 Negril Palms Hotel Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4375 Negril Tree House Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4287-8 Negril’s Idle Awhile Ltd. Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-3302 / 3303 RIU Club Negril Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-5700 / 5985 RIU Palace Tropical Bay Resort Bloody Bay, Negril 876-957-5900

Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-5216-7 / 5230-1 / 5254-5 Sandy Haven Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-3200 Seashore Bay Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-618-5000-1 Seastar Inn Seastar Road, Negril, West End 876-957-0553 Seawind Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-9018 Shields Negril Villas Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-3112 / 9001 / 9006 Sunset at The Palms Resort & Spa Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-5350 / 5360

Rockhouse Hotel Lighthouse Road, West End, Negril 876-957-4373 / 0621-6

Tensing Pen Hotel West End Road, Negril 876-957-0387

Rondel Village Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4413 / 4651-2

Travellers Beach Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-9308 / 3039

Rooms On The Beach Negril Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-3500

White Sands Cottages Ltd. Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4291 / 4445

Tel: (876) 974-5335 www.dolphincoveja.com

Our

Jamaica 2014

JAMAICA ZINE OF THE OFFICIAL MAGA ASSOCIATION ST HOTEL & TOURI

Take us with you as you explore Our Jamaica from coast to coast!

• Fun things to do and see • Best shops and restaurants • Maps and tips • Events and special offers • Share your photos and comments

OurJamaicaMagazine.com

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SOUTH COAST

By Sole Sastre

Sightseeing Located on the less developed southern coast of the island, the aptly named South Coast is an area of pristine lands and unfettered wildlife. The Black River is the second longest river in Jamaica, along with the Great Morass to the north of it, and the main draw for an emerging ecotourism industry. An abundance of bird life and a healthy population of American crocodiles can be viewed on a safari boat tour through the wetlands. Spend the day on the river and then check out the historic architecture in the town of Black River, one of the oldest communities in Jamaica. Once a thriving seaport used to export logwood and sugar, its former affluence is showcased

Left photo: Max Earle

Imagine being able to get away from it all without having to travel very far. Picture the tranquility of bucolic country roads flanked by tropical mountains on one side and the Caribbean on the other. Such is the appeal of the South Coast. Only a few hours from Jamaica’s two international airports, it’s readily accessible but a world apart. The people who live here go about the daily business of living in an environment that’s truly idyllic.

From left to right: Flowers by the sea; Fishing boats along Calabash Bay; Opposite page: Jakes Hotel

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Black River

Opposite page: Max Earle

Black River is the main draw for an emerging ecotourism industry, with an abundance of bird life and a healthy population of American crocodiles. through impressive Victorian and Georgian buildings. Some standouts include the Parish Church of St. John the Evangelist, the Hendricks Building, the Black River Court House and the Waterloo Guest House — the first home in Jamaica to have electricity.

Fonthill Beach Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is another natural refuge. Though relatively small, the park is well organised, offering visitors a number of amenities, including a roped-off swimming area, showers, changing facilities, restrooms, picnic tables and lifeguards. It is part of the larger wildlife sanctuary, which is home to about 200 crocodiles and an array of wading birds. In addition, the sanctuary serves as the nesting grounds for hawksbill and loggerhead sea turtles and countless migratory birds.

Farther north in Lacovia — the longest village in Jamaica — is Cashoo Ostrich Park, an ideal stop for families. The small farm is not only home to African ostriches; it also offers horseback riding, river tubing, a petting zoo, a playground and plenty of picnic areas where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch.

YS Falls is another natural wonder that should not be missed — a 120-foot cascade over seven levels. Climb up the steps on one side of the cascade to admire its beauty without getting wet. And if getting wet was always your intention, you can wade in the natural pools, jump in the water courtesy of a rope swing, take a relaxing river-tubing ride or simply head to the bottom of the waterfall to the shallow pool fed by natural springs. For a thrilling aerial view of the site, go zip-lining through the canopy.

A few local attractions also provide a genuine sense of Jamaica’s heritage.

Lover’s Leap, with its spectacular views of Cutlass Bay and tragic backstory, is representative of the island’s past, whilst the new Ropes Challenge Course in the Treasure Beach Sports Park & Academy boldly faces the future. No visit to the South Coast is complete without a tour of the illustrious Appleton Estate, truly a Jamaican icon.

From the cosy bars and restaurants in Frenchman’s Bay and the brightly painted fishermen’s boats lining Calabash Bay to the solitary beaches of Billy’s Bay and Great Pedro Bay, you can certainly indulge in the peace and quiet that dominate the whole Treasure Beach area. Places like Jakes Hotel, Marblue Villa Suites, Treasure Beach Hotel, The Cove, Sunset Resort and Villas, Taino Cove and Idler’s Rest Beach Hotel all offer inviting accommodations that fit right in with the unassuming surroundings.

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Dining at Jakes Hotel

The South Coast is a place where you can delight in nature’s cupboards... the sea’s bounty is also well represented.

Dining, Nightlife and Shopping As far as dining is concerned, the South Coast is a place where you can delight in nature’s cupboards. Native fruits like ackee and breadfruit abound throughout the island, but the South Coast — and Lacovia in particular — has a wealth of cashew trees. Bearing both edible nuts and fruit, the trees themselves are also known to have medicinal and commercial value.

Of course, the sea’s bounty is also well represented here. Freshly caught fish and seafood can be purchased right from the colourful boats that reel them in, and the vendors that line the beaches do just that. Drive to Scott’s Cove for a mouthful of Jamaican-style fast food. Fish and bammy vendors set up shop at the crack of dawn to catch early commuters, but the fish is guaranteed fresh all day.

A more fiery approach to roadside seafood can be had along the 2.5-mile stretch of scenic road known as Bamboo Avenue. On this shady thoroughfare lined with towering bamboo trees, vendors sell the ever-popular pepper shrimp; but be warned, as it is does have quite a kick. Luckily, coconut water is also widely available, so you can cool down with a sip from your chilled coconut.

Only slightly more formal — and just because there’s something of a building — is the Pelican Bar. Built on a sand bar about 400 yards off the coast at Parottee Point, this shack has become an institution. Grill your own catch on-site or just order a beer and enjoy the 360-degree view.

Another local mainstay is Little Ochie in Alligator Pond. Housed within several seaside huts, here you can choose your fish or lobster and the chef prepares it to order. Every July it’s the site of the Little Ochie Seafood Carnival. Jack Sprat Restaurant at Jakes Hotel also serves the celebrated local seafood, but you can

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order a phenomenal pizza here, too. Bright Adirondack chairs, beach bonfires and live music make for a warm, festive atmosphere. This is also the place to close out the old and ring in the new, as the Fireworks and New Year’s Eve Party at Jack Sprat is legendary.

Right at the heart of the same property is Jakes Country Cuisine. Enjoy an intimate dining experience, either indoors or out in the terrace under the trees.

The menu — emphatically local, authentic and seasonal — changes daily based on the best ingredients available.

The restaurant at Sunset Resort and Villas on Treasure Beach treats diners to a fabulous menu featuring anything from fresh local seafood to USDA prime beef, as well as fantastic views of the Caribbean from their outdoor dining area.

At The Cove, also on Treasure Beach, the restaurant specialises in Jamaican standards, including curried goat, rice and peas and jerk dishes.

Those seeking a more epicurean take on the island’s fare should visit Marblue Gourmet at Marblue Villa Suites. With chef Axel Wichterich at the helm, local ingredients become active players in sophisticated combinations that reflect both years of experience and unbridled inspiration.

Whilst there’s no shortage of places to dine in the South Coast, nighttime entertainment is limited. Here even the good times are organic, spontaneously taking place at the local bars and restaurants where patrons — enjoying the hospitality — just naturally extend their stay. Dougie’s Bar at Jakes Hotel is such a place; guests make it up as they go along at this low-key watering hole where the rum punch is served in a wine glass and the gaming revolves around dominoes and backgammon. The Wild Onion, on the other hand, is a notable exception. Located in Frenchman’s Bay, the open-air nightclub features a dance floor and bartenders who can whip up some deliciously strong libations.

Retail devotees will encounter a relaxed approach when it comes to finding shopping destinations. Jakes Hotel is home to Cascia Tree Gift Shop, which sells crafts, clothing and beachwear; and Jack Sprat Record Shop, where you can find CDs, records, T-shirts and books on everything reggae. Nearby, Sophie Eyssautier’s Callaloo Butik infuses its Jamaican-style items with a French twist.

Annual Events There are also several events that take place annually. The Calabash Festival celebrates high literature in a low-key setting. Sunset Resort and Villas holds an annual Valentine Dinner Dance for Valentine’s Day, and their popular Gospel by the Sea Charity Concert is slotted for November 15. On tap for 2014, the resort will also hold a Tribute to Fisherman Lost at Sea Fundraiser on July 5, raising proceeds for the construction of the Fisherman’s Memorial in Treasure Beach.

Other events include the Treasure Beach Food, Rum & Reggae festival and the Treasure Beach Health & Wellness festival, which will debut in June 2014. Soccer enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Junior Soccer Cup tournament, which will be held July 22–29.

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Bound by Love

By Christine Borges

W

e’ve all heard the expression “take the leap” when it comes to romance; but in the 18th century, two lovers took it quite literally.

Their startling decision would eventually be commemorated in Jamaica’s renowned Lover’s Leap. Legend has it that a pair of slaves, Tunkey and Mizzy, were running from their master, Chardley, because he had plans to sell Tunkey off to another estate. Fleeing to avoid separation, they were chased to the edge of the cliff, where they decided it was preferable to jump together than to risk being caught and live apart.

This spot in St. Elizabeth is surrounded by breathtaking vistas of Cutlass Bay and the Caribbean Sea. The 1,700-foot drop emerges where the Santa Cruz Mountains come to an abrupt end at the South Coast. It’s become a tourist destination, not only because of the views — those of Rocky Point in Clarendon to the east and Treasure Beach in the west — but also because of the sheer heights; you can see clouds, birds and aircraft flying below the cliff.

Lover’s Leap is more than just a cliff, though. You’ll be able to visit a wooden carving of the two lovers at the site, breathe in the fresh air and view some relics of the past, a range of domestic instruments that give a sense of Jamaica's days gone by.

Head towards Lover’s Leap Lighthouse.

The tallest lighthouse in the Western Hemisphere and a National Heritage Site, it is the most recently constructed lighthouse in Jamaica. It runs on three power sources: electricity, generator and battery. Thrill seekers can hike along the three-mile trail that leads down to Cutlass Bay below, but be warned: Choppy waters make it unsuitable for swimming.

If you’re not feeling up for the tricky walk, there’s another option: Lover’s Leap Restaurant. With a nod to the romantic story, it is appropriately adorned with a heart-shaped motif that you may even spot in some of your dishes. The views and unpretentious dining ambience alone make this destination a must-see.

View of Treasure Beach

Appleton Estate Rum Tour Northwest of Mandeville near Siloah.

Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Tel: 876-963-9215; Take an air-conditioned bus ride to tour the rum factory and estate.

Tour explains the fermentation and distillation process. See the mini-museum, artefacts, wishing well, Italian café and gift shop. Enjoy taste samples and take home a complimentary bottle of rum. Groups of up to 150. Lunch available on request.

Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa Tel: 876-640-3000 Website: sandals.com Sandals Whitehouse presents three distinct European villages — Italian, French and Dutch — each offering fine dining, a grand

pool and magnificent gardens. Set along two miles of a horseshoe-shaped beach, this resort boasts ocean views from every room. Seven restaurants, six bars and three pools.

Jakes Hotel, Villas & Spa Calabash Bay P.A. Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth 876-965-3000 / 0635 / 3185

YS Falls Hours: 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Tel: 846-997-6360 Closed Mondays and public holidays. US$15 for adults and $7.50 for children.

Mandeville Hotel 4 Hotel St., Mandeville, Manchester 876-962-2138 / 2460 / 9764-5

JHTA HOTEL / RESORT MEMBERS

Golf View Hotel & Conference Centre 51/2 Caledonia Road, Mandeville, Manchester 876-962-4471 / 4474

Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa P.O. Box 5000, Whitehouse, Westmoreland 876-640-3000-9 Treasure Beach Hotel Frenchman’s Bay, Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth 876-965-0110-1 / 965-2305

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JUMP IN

By Dr. Brian Hudson Jamaica is renowned for its tree-shaded rivers and beach-fringed bays. The scenic beauties of its cascading streams and tropical coast are amongst the many attractions of this Caribbean island. They are also where locals and visitors delight in making a splash.

Many of its beaches are of gleaming white sand, whilst others are more yellow or even a darker colour. In the mountains, many rivers tumble over falls where the streams have carved their way through naked rock, their courses littered with boulders and stones that bear witness to the power of these waters. Whether you’re down by the shore or high in the mountains, visiting Jamaica’s many beaches and waterfalls is the perfect way to get to know the island.

From left to right: Kayaks on Long Bay Beach; Bathing babies in Montego Bay; Opposite page: Cliff jumper in Negril

Right photo: Courtesy of Half Moon Resort; Opposite page: © Prisma Bildagentur AG/Alamy

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Ocho Rios Ocho Rios has been described as “the bay of waterfalls,” and there are certainly enough falls in the district to justify it. Visitors to Dunn’s River can enjoy the thrill of climbing the spectacular series of falls that cascade down the luxuriantly forested hillside overlooking the white-sand beach. Picturesque cascades enhance the tropical landscapes of Shaw Park Gardens and Coyaba Gardens and Mahoe Falls. At The Ruins restaurant, visitors can enjoy a meal and drink at the foot of a natural waterfall that is illuminated at night.

Negril At the western tip of Jamaica, Negril boasts some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean. Lapped by a gentle sea, the beaches of Long Bay and Bloody Bay are separated by Rutland Point, off which lies the picturesque island of Booby Cay. This is a good place for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving — and even for a lazy picnic by the sea. The slow-moving Negril River enters the sea through the Great Morass, a nature reserve with wooden boardwalks.

No waterfall enlivens this river, but visitors to Negril who wish to experience Jamaica’s cascading streams need travel no further than Mayfield Falls.

Max Earle

Montego Bay West of Ocho Rios is Montego Bay, long known as Jamaica’s leading seaside resort town. Here, modern development has added to the number of bathing beaches that fringe the beautiful bay. The original Doctors Cave Beach is still there to enjoy, but Cornwall Beach is now a popular alternative for those who seek the pleasures of sun, sand and sea. A little-known waterfall named Silver Shower is not far from Rose Hall, the magnificent great house east of Montego Bay. It is one of the wedding venues offered by the Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa, with two other venues at nearby secluded beaches.

From top to bottom: Waterfall jumper at YS Falls; Beach at Jakes Hotel in South Coast

Top photo: Š Cookie Kinkead

Mayfield Falls is a series of 21 widely spaced little cascades in a setting of tropical flora at Glenbrook, a scenic 90-minute drive from Negril. Accompanied by a guide, visitors can walk up the river, frolicking in its sparkling waters as they make their way towards the uppermost fall, known as The Washing Machine. Here you can enjoy an invigorating natural aquatic massage behind the tumbling stream whilst looking through the curtain of falling water to the sunlit scene beyond.

South Coast Flowing through the YS Estate, the YS River cascades down the YS Falls before joining the Black River. For many years, this part of Jamaica was relatively unknown to visitors. Amongst locals, a popular place for relaxing holidays was Treasure Beach, southeast of the town of Black River. In recent years, more overseas tourists have discovered this peaceful corner of the island. Here the sandy beaches are far less crowded than those on the North Coast, and visitors enjoy relaxing seaside vacations with opportunities to explore the unspoilt Jamaican countryside on their doorstep. More recent luxury beachfront development has occurred northwest of Black River at Whitehouse, which now also boasts the all-inclusive Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa. YS Falls are within easy reach of Whitehouse, Treasure Beach and Black River. Not only is this cascading waterfall a sight to be enjoyed for its natural beauty, but it is also a place to make a splash. You can do this by bathing and frolicking in the several pools that lie at the foot of each step in the series of falls or by swinging, Tarzan-like, from the rope suspended over one of the natural water basins.

For those willing to go a bit farther, Maggotty Falls, near the southern edge of Cockpit Country, is worth a visit. Before most of its water was diverted to generate hydroelectricity, this waterfall was a well-known tourist attraction.

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Jamaica’s beaches and waterfalls are some of the country’s most prized natural treasures, a point of pride for locals — and a must-see for travellers.

It can still be an impressive sight, particularly when the Black River is at an advanced flood stage. The waterfall takes its name from the nearby market town of Maggotty.

Kingston and Eastern Jamaica Kingston is better known for its cultural and nightlife attractions than for beaches and waterfalls. But these natural features abound on its doorstep.

Kingstonians flock to the beaches of the nearby Hellshire Hills, where stalls selling a range of local food add to the fun. In the mountains that form Kingston’s dramatic backdrop are innumerable waterfalls, one of which, Cane River Falls, was a favourite bathing place of reggae star Bob Marley.

Reggae Falls is the name of another waterfall in this part of the island. Set in a spectacular mountain valley, Reggae Falls is not a natural feature but a dam that was built as part of a hydroelectricity plant long since disused. Today, this artificial waterfall at Hillside is enjoyed as a picnic and bathing place by locals and visitors alike.

The beaches on the coast of the parish of St. Thomas, east of Kingston, are not well known; but they appeal to visitors who prefer an authentic Jamaican environment. One of them, at Rozelle, has a roadside waterfall where bathers can enjoy a natural shower after a dip in the sea. Inland, the Blue Mountains rise where many rivers cascade over waterfalls on their torrential descent to the coast. These are most easily reached from the Portland side of the mountain range. Somerset Falls is conveniently close to the coast road that gives access to the idyllic beaches near Port Antonio. Farther inland is Reach Falls, another beautiful spot where visitors can enjoy an invigorating splash in a cascading mountain river or just relax in an enchanting tropical setting. Other waterfalls in the area include Fishdone Falls, Jupiter Falls and Nanny Falls; but these, like others in the more remote mountain valleys, are probably best reached in the company of local guides.

Jamaica’s beaches and waterfalls are some of the country’s most prized natural treasures, a point of pride for locals — and a must-see for travellers.

Cocktails by the Sea

By Kaili McDonnough Scott

C

are for a drink by the seaside? Here are our top recommendations for the best drink spots with the best views on the island.

© Media Bakery

Floyd’s Pelican Bar This is unmistakably Jamaica’s premier seaside bar and was recently named by the U.K.’s Daily Telegraph as “one of the best beach bars in the world.” Unique and very quirky, the Pelican Bar sits on driftwood stilts on a sand bank around a quarter mile out to sea, just off the shore of Parottee in St. Elizabeth. The structure is a must-see for any visitor to Jamaica. (Parottee, St. Elizabeth; 876-354-4218) Dougie’s Bar at Jakes Hotel Dougie has been the head bartender at Jakes Hotel ever since it opened in 1991. A legend in his own right, repeat guests often flock to Dougie’s seaside bar to have a drink

with the man himself and shoot the breeze on just about any topic. No trip to the South Coast is complete without an afternoon cocktail whilst watching the sunset. (Calabash Bay, Treasure Beach; 876-965-0635; jakeshotel.com) Pier 1 On The Waterfront If you are in Montego Bay and are in search of nightlife, look no further than Pier 1, which doubles as a seafood restaurant. Friday and Saturday nights here are renowned, and dancing under the stars to the sounds of some of Jamaica’s best DJs doesn’t stop until the wee hours of the morning. (Howard Cooke Boulevard, Montego Bay; 876-952-2452; pieronejamaica.com) Rick’s Café A trip to Negril can’t be considered complete without watching the sunset at the legendary Rick’s Café on the cliffs

of West End. Rick’s Café has been serving patrons for almost 40 years, becoming a landmark for local partygoers and tourists alike. Apart from the signature drinks, such as Rick’s Famous Planters Punch and the Sunset, Rick’s Café is also famous as a cliff diving/jumping point. (West End, Negril; 876-957-0380; rickscafejamaica.com) Blue Beat Blue Beat is in a league of its own; it is the only jazz and blues bar in Montego Bay and only one of two on the island. Most of the action here happens during the weekend, which begins on Thursdays with a live show starting at 9 p.m., hosted by the bar’s in-house band, Scotch. Friday is Copacabana Latin Night, when the upbeat sounds of salsa and merengue can be heard resonating through the space. Having recently expanded, it now offers an outdoor setting. (Gloucester Avenue, Montego Bay; 876-952-4777)

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KEEP IT MOVIN’

By Mark Rogers Jamaica invites you to play from the moment you arrive. It’s an island with an unrelenting beat that inspires movement and action. Whilst visitors will find plenty of ways to enjoy their favourite sports, whether land- or sea-based, they’ll also find a few surprises along the way. Think paddleboarding, jungle river tubing or riding on horseback through the gentle surf of Jamaica’s North Coast. Beginners will discover a welcoming atmosphere where they can comfortably try something new, whilst sports aficionados will feel challenged by the championship golf courses, demanding marathons and spirited fishing tournaments.

Enjoy golf, cricket and surfing options throughout the island

From left to right: © Justin Horrocks/iStock; © Steven May/Alamy; Opposite page: David Neil Madden/Getty Images

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Half Moon’s Trent Jones Sr.–designed, par-72 course regularly plays host to world-class golf tournaments.

Land Activities ATV Adventures: Gear heads will enjoy getting behind the wheel of an ATV and heading off into a mud-spraying adventure. Chukka Caribbean Adventures‘ ATV Safari in Ocho Rios takes riders on an ATV tour of the vibrant Jamaican countryside. Beginners catch on fast as the group travels along dirt trails, traversing a colonial-era estate. Bring a bathing suit and sunblock; the two-hour tour ends with a refreshing dip.

Golf: Jamaica’s golf paradise is an expanse along the North Coast on either side of Montego Bay. This area boasts the island’s A-list of links, with four championship courses that keep dedicated golfers delightfully occupied for the length of their stay.

It’s a safe bet that there’s only one course in the Caribbean where you can tee off under the eye of Jamaica’s most famous witch, Annie Palmer. The White Witch Golf Course was designed by Robert von Hagge and Rick Baril and is operated by Rose Hall Developments Ltd. The course is set on the grounds of the 4,000-acre Rose Hall plantation, where Annie Palmer is said to have killed one lover after another, earning her the moniker “White Witch of Rose Hall.”

Golfers here can enjoy views of the sea from 16 of the course’s holes.

One of the island’s most posh resorts is Half Moon, a RockResort. Their Trent Jones Sr.–designed, par-72 course regularly plays host to world-class golf tournaments, including the Dunhill Cup Final of the Americas.

The golf course at The Tryall Club, designed by Ralph Plummer, challenges players with tricky trade winds. The celebrated course has been the site of

Courtesy of Half Moon Resort

Cricket: Jamaica is in love with cricket. What to some visitors looks like a confusing group encounter is a thoroughly fascinating contest to others. Chances are you won’t go in search of a cricket match, but you may just stumble upon one during your travels. Even if you don’t know all of the rules or understand the logic behind cricket, slow down and take in the give-and-take on the field.

If you want to know more, it’s easy to find a die-hard cricket fan itching to explain the finer points of the game.

Championship golf at Half Moon Resort

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major tournaments, including the Johnnie Walker World Championships and Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf. Rounding out Montego Bay’s big four is Cinnamon Hill, which is also part of the Hilton and is operated by Rose Hall Developments Ltd. The Cinnamon Hill course is steeped in history, being situated on a 400-acre, 18th-century sugar plantation.

There is a total of 12 golf courses in Jamaica, including Negril Hills in Negril, Sandals Golf & Country Club in Ocho Rios, and Caymanas and Constant Spring Golf Club in Kingston. Golfers with a yen to connect to the past should make tracks to the Manchester Country Club in the less frequented town of Mandeville, in Jamaica’s interior. The course was built over a century ago and is Jamaica’s oldest. With nine greens and 18 tee boxes, golfers can enjoy a full 18 holes of play.

Horseback Riding: Riding a horse through the saddle-high surf is as Jamaican as having a Red Stripe and an order of jerk chicken. This experience is not to be missed, and it’s a great photo op to impress the folks back home. Most of the ride will involve a relaxed excursion through the countryside with a final cooldown in the sea. Various tour operators offer the excursion. One of the most experienced is Chukka Caribbean Adventures; they offer a Horseback Ride ’N’ Swim along the beaches of Sandy Bay. Additional operators include Island Routes Caribbean Adventures, Double ’A’ Ranch in Montego Bay and Hooves Ltd., in Ocho Rios. It’s also easy to book a horseback swim through your resort. If you have your heart set on a wet and wild ride, make sure the excursion includes a stretch in the sea.

Some people prefer their horses win, place or show. If that’s the case, place a bet on the ponies at Caymanas Park in Kingston instead.

Running: Usain Bolt‘s electrifying performance at the 2012 Olympics — where he captured Olympic and world records in the 100 metres, 200 metres and 4-by-100 metres relay — inspired runners everywhere. At the 2013 World Championships, the island‘s “Lighting Bolt” once again struck gold, and he was not the sole Jamaican to do so. Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce earned three gold medals for the 100 metres, 200 metres and 4-by-100 metres relay. Fellow runners Yohan Blake, Warren Weir and Veronica Campbell-Brown have also helped solidify Jamaica‘s standing as a sprinting powerhouse. Visitors who want to see if some of that greatness rubs off can hit the ground at the Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K that takes place every December in Negril. Runners can load up the night before the race at the Pasta Party hosted by a number of the hotels along the beach, and spectators are always welcome to join the party.

Tennis: Tennis is alive and well in Jamaica. Players have myriad options, day or night, clay court or hard surface, as many of the major resorts throughout the island feature courts. Most vacationers fly in to Montego Bay, where you can hear “match point” at Rose Hall Resort, El Greco, Holiday Inn SunSpree, Hotel RIU, Iberostar, Round Hill, Royal Decameron, Sandals and Sunset Beach.

Horseback riding in Sandy Bay

© Cookie Kinkead

East of Montego Bay along the North Coast, schedule play at Beaches Ocho Rios Resort & Golf Club, Breezes Runaway Bay, Breezes Trelawny, Couples Ocho Rios, Crane Ridge, Goblin Hill, Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort & Spa, Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort, Royal Decameron and Sunset Jamaica Grande.

If you’re based in Negril, you can get served at Beaches Sandy Bay, Couples Negril, Couples Swept Away, Hedonism II, Hotel RIU Palace Tropical Bay and Sandals Negril Beach Resort and Spa; whilst farther south you can find love at Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa. Travellers flying in to Kingston can perfect their backhand on the tennis courts at The Jamaica Pegasus.

If you’re looking to raise the level of your game, check out some of the regularly scheduled clinics and lessons organised by the pros at the Half Moon Resort, Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort and The Tryall Club.

Watersports Diving and Snorkelling: Maybe you haven’t found the right place or time to learn how to scuba dive. No problem. In Jamaica, you can easily take a resort course that in a couple of days will have you exploring the depths. If you already have certification from the Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI), you’ll have plenty of dive sites at hand.

Montego Bay Marine Park is a primo site for scuba diving. An array of dive operators can be found at Doctors Cave Beach. For a thrill, dive 80 feet below the surface to explore Widowmaker’s Cave. Farther east along the coast, in Ocho Rios, you can dive an artificial reef on a sunken minesweeper. Negril Marine Park also offers plenty of underwater adventure.

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Fishing: Take one look at a restaurant menu in Jamaica and you know there are fish in those waters just waiting to be hooked. Anglers can arrange a charter and take advantage of the company of experienced fishermen who know where the prize catches lurk, including marlin, wahoo and dorado. Time your visit for one of the island’s annual fishing tournaments and you’ll be in for exciting memories that will last a lifetime.

Non-Motorised Watersports: Almost every beachside resort offers an array of non-motorised watersports. Most, if not all, of these are free of charge to overnight guests. Vacationers can go from one to another, trying their hand at kayaking, windsurfing, sailing in a Sunfish or Hobie Cat, snorkelling and boogieboarding. Don’t be shy if you don’t catch on at first. Just flag down a member of the resort’s activities team and ask for a lesson.

Paddleboarding: Visitors to Jamaica have a great chance to try the latest trend in watersports — stand-up paddleboarding. It’s often described as a combination of surfing and kayaking. It’s much more beginner-friendly than surfing, because it requires less balance and technique. You can enjoy paddleboarding in calm waters, but as you get acclimated to the board, you may want to ratchet up the thrill by catching a wave and riding it in towards shore. Check in advance if your resort offers paddleboarding — the various Sandals resorts in Jamaica are a good place to start.

River Tubing: For a mellow afternoon, search no further than a river tubing adventure. Chukka Caribbean Adventures’ Jungle River Tubing trip offers a relaxing ride on a rubber tube. You’ll drift through gorgeous country, with a stop for an al fresco lunch and drinks in good company. The river tubing adventure is a great option for families, since it’s suitable for children ages 6 and up.

Yachting and Sailing: Close to a hundred years ago when Jamaica was primarily agricultural, the island welcomed its first tourists — sailing men and women who explored the Caribbean on ships and yachts. Many fell in love with Jamaica and set anchor in colourful seaside towns like Port Antonio. One of these early visitors was the dashing Hollywood actor Errol Flynn. Today, the Errol Flynn Marina in Port Antonio is one of the most heralded on the island.

Other standouts include the Royal Jamaica Yacht Club in Kingston and the Montego Bay Yacht Club.

If you don’t have the means to own a yacht, no worries. There are plenty of charter companies providing bareboat, skippered and fully crewed rental options. For a romantic evening in Jamaica, you can’t beat a sunset sail upon a sleek catamaran.

Island Annuals

By Mark Rogers

Left photo: © National Geographic Image Collection/Alamy

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edicated sports enthusiasts — whether you want to cheer from the stands or compete on your own — can amp up the adrenaline rush of their vacation by scheduling their visit to coincide with some of the island’s most popular annual sports tournaments.

In April, iron men and women head down to Jamaica’s South Coast, where they compete in Jakes Off-Road Triathlon held at Treasure Beach. Athletes hurl themselves into a 500-metre swim, a 25K mountain bike ride and a 7K country run. If you’re going to test yourself, you’ll have the option of going solo or as part of a three-person relay team.

Montego Bay sets the scene for the Montego Bay Yacht Club Easter Regatta.

Things kick off with a race to Mosquito Cove for a series of contests in various classes. If you’re not there to race, grab a Red Stripe, chill on the shore and watch the yachts compete for first place.

Fast becoming a popular event is the Jamaica Soccer Cup (JSC). Supported and endorsed by the St. Elizabeth Football

Association, the Minister of Tourism and the Jamaica Football Federation, international soccer teams of boys and girls ages under 10 through under 18 are invited to Jamaica to play against local teams. Always great fun, the JSC will be held July 22–29.

The Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament has taken place every October since 1959. The event reels in plenty of competitive fishermen from around the world manoeuvring to land the largest marlin. Another great fishing competition is the South Coast Hook ‘N’ Line Fishing Tournament at Jakes Hotel.

The Jamaica Open golf tournament will take place around the end of November at one of the island’s most beautiful resorts, Half Moon, a RockResort, in Montego Bay. Jamaica’s grandest event for runners is the annual Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K, which takes place every December in laid-back Negril. The race is organised by Jamdammers Running Club of Kingston. In the past, athletes from 30 countries have competed.

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A PAMPERED “I DO”

By Leisha Wong Relaxing spa treatments at The Zen Spa; Opposite page: Jamaican bride poses in Negril

Left photo: stockhouse/Veer; Opposite page: Ikonica/Getty Images

Whether it’s the heady aroma of romance wafting in on the refreshing trade winds, the humbling grandeur of the sunsets, the sultry humid nights or the verdant green of its hills, Jamaica’s diverse landscape plays host to thousands of destination weddings each year.

Hosting weddings is second nature in Jamaica. Many of the island’s hotels are staffed with romance coordinators (also known as wedding planners), who can handle every detail of the event, from makeup and flowers to photography, documentation and, of course, the wedding feast — leaving the bride and groom to simply indulge in the carefree experience.

Beyond the wedding day, these luxurious resort and boutique hotels offer an extensive array of amenities sure to keep the whole wedding party occupied. Romance, adventure and pampering await in Jamaica.

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The Barefoot Bride Carefree and relaxed, Jamaica is ideal for couples looking to tie the knot with sand between their toes. In Port Antonio, Frenchman’s Cove sits on a world-famous stretch of white sand in a secluded bay, the unique meeting point of a cool, freshwater stream and the balmy Caribbean Sea. Radiating Old World glamour with Caribbean sophistication, the Jamaica Inn is one of the island’s most beautiful properties, defined by understated luxury and an exclusive cove beach. Private balconies and verandahs, unforgettable room service breakfasts and unrivalled views of the ocean provide a romantic setting. An equally beautiful experience can be had at the Sandy Haven Resort. This luxury boutique hotel located on Negril’s Seven Mile Beach offers a unique beach wedding experience. Seven Mile Beach is Jamaica’s most stunning stretch of white sand and crystal-blue water.

Located on a crescent-shaped beach in Montego Bay, Half Moon, a RockResort, is a spectacular award-winning property. It offers not only a stunning private beach but also luxurious suites, villas and rooms; a 68,000-squarefoot spa oasis; a championship golf course; and a dolphin lagoon. Your event will be carefully and elegantly coordinated by a group of dedicated wedding professionals.

Classic Romance For those whose dream wedding involves luxuriant opulence with a distinctly Jamaican vibe, a number of resorts are the perfect fit.

For a quintessentially Jamaican affair, look no further than Strawberry Hill. Perched atop Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, this stunning property overlooks the sea and Kingston.

Multiple event venues on the property cater to parties with a varying number of guests, all of whom can be wined and dined at the on-site restaurant. Or, you can say your vows as the waves crash on the rocks below you at Tensing Pen or Rockhouse Hotel in Negril’s West End. Accommodations come in the way of independent cliffside cottages, and the happy couple can choose to book all the rooms on the property to host a perfectly private affair.

When bigger is better, The Tryall Club is Jamaica’s destination of choice. Located in Hanover, just minutes outside Montego Bay, The Tryall Club offers luxury not found anywhere else in Jamaica. This community of exquisite villas, set on 2,200 acres, offers top-notch accommodations and an incredibly comprehensive wedding package that can include boating, beach parties, excursions and more.

The historic setting of the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel is the wedding destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a

Courtesy of Jamaica Inn Ocho Rios

Beach wedding set up in Ocho Rios

classically elegant venue for those looking to get married in Kingston. A mainstay of the gracious Jamaican experience, all weddings at the Terra Nova are given personal attention whilst still receiving the signature Terra Nova service, including award-winning food, beautiful décor and a dedicated staff of professionals.

An All-Inclusive Experience There are also a wealth of options for those seeking the convenience of having it all on one bill. The entire Sandals portfolio offers an unparalleled experience for all types of brides. And whether tying the knot for the first time, renewing your vows or celebrating your life together on a honeymoon, Sandals and its team of dedicated romance concierges can make your romantic adventure an unforgettable experience.

At Couples Tower Isle the wedding coordinators can help you say “I do” on their famous private island, Tower Isle. This all-inclusive package comes with a private mento band, couples massage, personalised wedding stationery and breakfast in bed. However, with wedding packages to suit all budgets, as well as a bevy of add-on options, you are sure to have a wedding that’s perfectly you.

The promise of “Unlimited Luxury” is faithfully kept at the Secrets Resorts, where you can stay in a private swim-out suite at their Wild Orchid location or in a magnificent space overlooking the Caribbean at their St. James location. And that limitless guarantee extends to your fully coordinated wedding, whether it’s in an elegant ballroom, at a private beach or in a stunning gazebo above the clear-blue sea.

Serene Escapes Spas in Jamaica offer a wealth of treatments that make use of the natural healing and rejuvenating ingredients found throughout the island.

The Zen Spa at the Spanish Court Hotel is perched above the hustle and bustle of Kingston, offering a respite from the urban jungle. Treatments like the Beach, Lime, Coconut Body Cocktail body scrub transport you out to the waves and leave your skin buttery soft.

Voted amongst the top 25 resorts in the Caribbean

by Travel + Leisure magazine, Round Hill just outside Montego Bay has played host to the rich and famous for years. Drawing from the island’s inherent strengths, the hot stone massage is performed with stones gathered

from the Caribbean Sea. The spa’s signature Hangover Massage includes Jamaican sweet basil, which stimulates the immune system and detoxifies the body.

In Negril, the design your own spa treatment combinations at the cozy Village Spa in Rondel Village use allnatural ingredients, like freshly harvested seaweed for their Peppermint/Seaweed Wrap. Samsara Cliff Resort & Spa’s oceanfront facility makes the most of its location, even offering couples moonlight massages on Negril’s dramatic cliffside. It too draws on natural ingredients, including the Body Scrub with Brown Sugar and Cocoa Butter.

Off Jamaica’s tourist-beaten path, Jakes Driftwood Spa at Jakes Hotel is one of the island’s most distinctive facilities. Like many of its peers, it draws from the island’s natural energy to create its treatments; but Jakes makes theirs a truly unique experience. Irish moss (a species of red algae), aloe, coconut, mango and coffee are all incorporated into their services; and if you feel up to it, you can also take a yoga class on their roof deck.

The Fern Tree Spa at the Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay is a 68,000-square-foot oasis that heals and restores body and mind. Whether in a spa suite, an over-water spa bungalow, a spa cottage with friends or an elegant treatment room, your whole experience can be designed to cater to your specific needs. You can even be assisted by a spa elder who can guide you through your personal holistic healing process. An extensive menu includes all the standard favourites, as well as unique treatments like the Jamaican Bush Bath, heated seashell massages and the Coconut Milk & Avena Soothing Soak.

Taking a decidedly alternative route, the spa at Jackie’s on the Reef offers treatments that target the mind, body and soul. The bamboo massage makes use of bamboo stalks of various sizes to provide deep tissue work whilst promoting circulation and lymphatic drainage. The raindrop technique used here is based on a traditional Lakota (Native North American) practice that involves seven aromatic oils placed strategically along the spine to help balance and rejuvenate the mind. The Craniosacral treatments offered at the spa involve distinctive therapeutic light touches throughout the body that enhance the functioning of its various internal systems, including lymphatic and respiratory. It is a natural way of relieving and reducing pain and stress, as well as minimising the effects of various other diseases.

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Dreaming of Diamonds

By Christine Borges What this shape says about your partner: Don’t let this shape’s name fool you; the wearer is decisive and fun loving.

Pear The Pear diamond’s teardrop shape has the sparkle of a round shape with a less conventional look. This shape is great for those that want to make wide fingers look slim.

What this shape says about your partner: They are adaptable and even-tempered.

Round The round cut diamond, also known as the brilliant cut, reflects more light than any other shape, which may be why it’s the most popular shape.

What this shape says about your partner: They are trustworthy and easygoing. They don’t need a lot of frills.

Asscher The Asscher cut diamond is square with angular corners. The facets are rectangular and seem to descend into the stone (also known as a step-cut), adding plenty of sparkle when the light strikes it.

What this shape says about your partner: They’re feminine and meticulous.

Princess The square shape of the Princess cut diamond is modern yet understated. It combines the brilliant effect with a geometric step-cut. The sparkles can be attributed to the extra faceting around the diamond’s rim.

Emerald Also a rectangular step-cut shape, it has fewer facets than the Asscher. You’ll want to look for an emerald-cut that offers maximum brilliance.

What this shape says about your partner: They’re efficient and straightforward.

RyanKing999/Thinkstock

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any think the adage “diamonds are a girl’s best friend” rings true when it comes to engagement rings. It’s a commitment you will wear until your wedding day — and oftentimes forever more. But with so many shapes to choose from, how does one know which sparkly rock will suit their significant other? The decision-making process can be a trying one; from cut and clarity to shape and band, options are quite varied. So heed this advice, instead: Choose a diamond shape that matches your mate’s personality.

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ELEVATING LOCAL CUISINE

By Emma Sharp Dalton-Brown

Right photo: © Food and Drink Photos/Alamy

For a country whose cuisine is perhaps the most distinguishable and unique in all the Caribbean, it’s interesting how difficult it is to find Jamaican food throughout the rest of the world. Perhaps it’s because of how intimate Jamaicans are with their cuisine. Dining in Jamaica involves so much more than just a chance to eat something tasty; it’s a wholly spiritual experience founded on traditional family recipes, homegrown ingredients and pride in one-of-a-kind dishes.

But there is hope for the world, as Jamaican cuisine is gaining fame in culinary circles. Our “soul food” has the potential to impact others not just physically but also spiritually, enriching souls with the flavours and spices that make Jamaica unique.

From left to right: Painting of local ackee; Jamaica’s famous scotch bonnet peppers; Opposite page: Gourmet dining in Jamaica

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162 From left to right: Delicious dining at Half Moon Resort; Fresh scallops from Marguerites by the Sea

Gaining International Fame Has Jamaican food become popular like Asian cuisine? Not quite. Executive Chef at Rio Nuevo Village in St. Mary, Dennis McIntosh, received his culinary training in the U.K. During that time, he learned that Jamaicans living abroad never had the opportunity to expose their national cuisine to the world because they simply ate Jamaican meals at home. “If we got Jamaican food at a restaurant, we’d say things like ’They never do the rice and peas right,’” says the 2012–13 Jamaica Observer Food Awards Master Chef.

But Chef McIntosh has high hopes for the future of Jamaican cuisine. “We have acceptance for our coffee, rum and jerk; and overseas chefs are coming here,” he notes. “The word is spreading and opportunities are opening. Jamaica has so much, but we must work with the seasons, and the interaction between farmers and chefs has to improve.

“What Adam Miller and Marika Kessler are doing at Potosi Farms in Falmouth is particularly notable,” he says of the farmer and his business partner wife, who both believe that sustainable farming is a big step forward for Jamaica. “Take [some] hotels for example,” Chef McIntosh continues. “[Their] focus is on variety, not quality.” It is not sustainable to offer so many different dishes with such a vast

Opposite page: Courtesy of Half Moon Resort

“There is nothing I love more than driving in the country, stopping at a rum bar and asking someone to cook up something for me,” Anna-Kay Tomlinson proclaims. The chef and owner of Miss T’s Kitchen in Ocho Rios says that a whole brown stew snapper with crispy fried bammy and fried plantain is what feeds her soul. “Jamaican food like this is my inspiration,” she continues, “and I take it up a notch at my restaurant.” As a result, the Jamaica Observer’s Table Talk Food Awards named Tomlinson Food Ambassador of the Year 2012–13.

Between the likes of Tomlinson’s well-sought-after oxtail stew and exquisite offerings of Chef de Cuisine Brian Lumley, who won Chef of the Year at the Taste of the Caribbean 2013, this little island of less than three million is fearlessly fighting to feature Jamaican food on an international level.

White-glove service at Half Moon Resort

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variety of ingredients, and it will do nothing for showcasing Jamaican cuisine in the long run.

Theo Smith, chef and owner of Great House Caterers, believes that quintessential Jamaican dishes like jerk pork are all well and good. “But utilising our local produce like mangoes and chayote (better known as cho-cho by locals) really sums up Jamaican cuisine now,” he says. “We need to show these products and their flavour profiles to the world — for example, oxtail ravioli,” says Smith, who won the Gold Spoon in the pork category at the Taste of Jamaica 2012–13 culinary competition.

Another way to show off Jamaican produce is with Chef Lumley’s scotch bonnet cheesecake, which he made during a culinary competition. “That’s an ingredient that defines our cuisine,” he insists. “Imagine a Jamaican dish without scotch bonnet. It would not be the same.”

Perhaps the best way to show the world how unique, delicious and purely Jamaican our cuisine is, is through the young Jamaican chefs who are competing against international chefs. Chef Lumley says, “These competitions are part of the development as a chef, showing things that culinary school cannot teach. They improve your speed, ability to think on your feet and your creativity, as well as giving the opportunity to refine your cuisine.” Within this vast pool of culinary minds, he claims, they can all brainstorm and come up with ways of improving a dish.

Inspired Home Cooking That said, Chef Lumley still daydreams about the dishes that ultimately feed his soul. “Curried tripe, stew peas with pig’s tail and rundown with natural

Courtesy of Half Moon Resort

Gourmet chefs are gaining fame in Jamaica and around the world

Locally Grown Products

By Emma Sharp Dalton-Brown Ackee Originally from West Africa, ackee is Jamaica’s national fruit. Teamed up with salted fish, onions, tomatoes, thyme and garlic, it constitutes ackee and saltfish.

Breadfruit Brought to Jamaica in the late 18th century from the Pacific, breadfruit has become a staple starch for Jamaicans. It is best boiled, roasted or fried.

a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, Jamaican pimento brings Jamaica’s infamous jerk seasoning, soups, pickles and baked goods to life.

Blue Mountain Coffee Grown in a very specific region and at specific heights in the Blue Mountains, this coffee is unique and smooth in flavour, lacking the bitter tone of most other coffees.

Yampee A close relative to the yam, yampee is very delicate in flavour and texture. Found in the winter, yampee is a real treat to eat when roasted, sliced in half and served with butter.

Star Apple The star apple — available in green or purple — is halved and eaten like a grapefruit to reveal a soft flesh “star” and almond-sized black seeds inside.

Scotch Bonnet Pepper This is one of the hottest peppers on the Scoville scale. You will find them bubbling in Jamaican soups, chopped up in almost every dish and scattered in jerk seasoning.

Jamaican Nutmeg Spice Nutmeg seeds are usually found alongside a mini grater. Jamaicans use it in desserts — such as banana bread and sweet potato pone — in porridge and in rum punch.

Jamaican Pimento / Allspice Known as allspice because it tastes like

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coconut milk,” he reflects. “These dishes take me back to my childhood — soul food with no additives.”

He’s not the only one whose palate and soul are nourished by culinary nostalgia. “A Saturday soup feeds my soul,” Chef McIntosh relates. “While I was living in the United Kingdom, I’d be playing football on a cold Saturday then come home and smell the pumpkin soup cooking in the pot, and see the dumplings bubbling,” he reminisces. “All the family would be around. Our soups are unique and welcoming.”

These inspirations affect what these local chefs present today. And the traditional Jamaican fare they reflect on is equally important as modernising the cuisine they serve the international community. The two are certainly tied together.

Street vendors and cook-shop cooks will continue to create what Jamaicans call “soul food.”

“Much of what we do and have done has been handed down with no written recipe,” Chef McIntosh reminds us. As a result, each dish slightly differs each time it is executed, but the names, flavours and soul remain the same.

The creative caterers and prominent chefs turn this soul food into something that the rest of the world can embrace. The solution may come from Chef Theo Smith’s inspiration, which he simply states is “customer feedback.”

“I love and have passion for food and the industry, but the customers are the reason I am cooking. They are the focus of why and what I am cooking.”

“Cuisine plays a huge part in the identity of a country, its culture and history,” says Sean Garbutt, marketing director for Walkerswood Caribbean Foods. “By sharing the flavours of our bountiful island... we are inviting you to get to know us even better.”

© numb/Alamy; Opposite page: Max Earle

Creative caterers and prominent chefs turn Jamaican soul food into something the rest of the world can embrace.

Appleton Rum: Thoroughly Jamaican

By Emma Sharp Dalton-Brown

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ver the past 260 years, Appleton Estate rum has garnered international fame by winning some of the most coveted spirits awards in the world. And if you ask Joy Spence, the master blender at Appleton Estate, the rum has Jamaica to thank for its unique, award-winning flavour.

“The soil, the topography of the land, the sugarcane variety, the water, the yeast, the distillation, the ageing and the blending process are different to other rum producers,” says Spence.

The basic process to make rum is simple: boil down fermented sugarcane products — the juice itself, molasses or syrup — and produce a liquor that is at least 7 percent alcohol. But the process of cultivating one of the world’s great spirits is not just nuanced; it reflects generations of artistry honed down to a science and the signature of the land where the beverage was created.

Whilst most rum producers obtain their molasses from outside growers, Appleton

cultivates its own sugarcane — a varietal that has come to reflect the unique circumstances present at the estate. “Every day at about 2:30 in the afternoon we have showers of rain, rather than artificial irrigation,” says Spence.

“These showers are essential for making the soil rich and perfect for growth.”

Additionally, a natural spring on the property, whose source is the Black River, is filtered through the underground limestone before enriching the soil. The minerals in this process contribute to Appleton rum’s distinct character.

But the growing and harvesting of raw material are not the only aspects of making this liquor that are kept strictly in-house. According to Spence, the yeast used in the fermentation process is grown on the estate, ensuring a consistent flavour profile; and the pot stills used in distillation have a design that is unique to Appleton. According to Spence this design is responsible for imparting the final product with an orange peel top note.

At the Appleton Estate, ingredients and process were born in one same spot, making a world-class rum that is thoroughly Jamaican.

Appleton’s Rum Categories The Standard range includes Appleton Special, a gold rum, and Appleton Genesis (Appleton White), which is an aged white rum. When rum ages, it usually acquires a golden colour from the oak barrels that give the liquor a more rounded taste. However, Appleton Estate removes this colour by using activated charcoal.

The Appleton Estate range — a premium range — includes V/X; Reserve; 12 Year Old, which indicates that the youngest rum in the mixture is 12 years old; and 21 Year Old, indicating that the youngest rum in the mix is 21 years old. In 2012 the estate released their Limited Edition 50 Year Old Jamaica Independence Reserve in time to celebrate the country’s golden anniversary. It was widely recognised as the world’s oldest barrel-aged rum.

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arts & culture

ENERGISING ARTS

By Kinisha Correia Jamaica’s culture is, in simplest terms, mesmerising. The easy sway of reggae music, the hard-hitting thump of dancehall, the rich proclamations of Jamaican art, the raw humour of the theatre and the sensuality of Jamaican dance all interact to create a kaleidoscope of beauty.

All cultural items in Jamaica are interconnected, interplaying to form a unified and commanding collective. Music sits as the centrepiece of Jamaica’s cultural assemblage, orchestrating the nation’s players, strumming the chords of societal influence and blowing the horn for global impact.

From left to right: Handmade crafts; Revivalist painting in the National Gallery; Opposite page: Singer at Sumfest concert

Opposite page: Anthony Pidgeon/Getty Images

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Conversation by Barrington Watson in the National Gallery

The root and history of Jamaica’s art world can be explored at the National Gallery of Jamaica.

Music Jamaican music’s cultural impact is far-reaching. Snoop, better known by his former stage name Snoop Dogg and most recently Snoop Lion and Snoopzilla, is a prime example. The superstar rapper grew dreads, overhauled his image and music, and is now perpetuating a reggae style. Similarly, highly sought-after bands such as SOJA hail from the U.S., don locks and fly the flag of a united world through conscious reggae music, following trailblazer Bob Marley.

Kingstonian singer Tessanne Chin — one-time back-up singer for reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, whose dynamite performance on “The Voice” in 2013 had Maroon 5 judge Adam Levine singing her praises — understands reggae‘s international appeal. “Reggae music as a whole is not just about the beats,” Chin explains. “It’s about the message. The events around the world that weren’t heard or said on the news being translated through the music. Jimmy Cliff and Bob Marley are still so fresh and popular because the message is still relevant.”

Dancehall music, reggae’s brash offspring, has its own equally robust international cultural bearing. A mix of gritty civil statements and unadulterated party music, dancehall has become a staple of such far-off lands as Japan, Germany and France. Dancehall artistes such as Popcaan, Konshens and Busy Signal all hail from Jamaica and tour internationally on a regular basis. Meanwhile, Damian Marley, Tarrus Riley and Chronixx are leading the conscious reggae scene. It is true as well that other music infiltrates Jamaican genres — from hip-hop to calypso, samba, jazz and African tones.

Carleene Samuels, a leading music video and film producer in Jamaica, endorses Jamaica’s distinct music/culture dance. “Our music by far has had the most impact on global culture, as well as on our culture at home,” she says.

“Reggae music, in particular, has had a great social impact in Jamaica, speaking to the ills, the fun, the hopes and celebrations of all generations.” That impact stimulates other forms of expression and the energy of the nation at large.

Patrick “Tony Rebel” Barrett, a longstanding reggae artiste and creator of Rebel Salute — a conscious reggae stageshow held every January in Jamaica — agrees. “Music exposes the culture, but the culture also prescribes the content of the music.” Rebel Salute is the largest alcohol-free, vegetarian entertainment event in Jamaica, a testament to Barrett’s belief that the content and presentation of music impacts cultural norms and values.

Art The art world in Jamaica is no less inculcated by international influences. For purists like Melinda Brown, the creative director at ROKTOWA, a downtown Kingston organisation that supports and showcases the work of inner-city artists,

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Art found at the National Gallery

CULTURAL EVENTS Don’t miss out on some of Jamaica’s most popular cultural events.

For more details and events, check visitjamaica.com/events.aspx.

January: Accompong Maroon Festival, Rebel Salute, Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival February: Official Reggae Month, Bob Marley Celebrations March: JAMFEST Spring Break Concert Series April: Jamaica International Kite Festival May: Style Week Jamaica / Fashion-Block June: Kingston Pon Di River, Caribbean Fashion Week, Jamaica International Ocho Rios Jazz Festival, KOTE Urban Art Festival July: International Reggae Day, Reggae Sumfest, Jamaica Festival August: Reggae Film Series, The Dream Weekend, Mello-Go-Roun’ October: Peter Tosh Birthday Celebration

this incites concern. “The Jamaican art scene has reached a critical threshold where it is in danger of looking solely abroad for inspiration. Like a spiritual seeker wandering the world looking for answers, one hopes that the local artist returns to the source and discovers that the answers all along lay within.”

The root and history of Jamaica’s art world can be explored at the National Gallery of Jamaica. Open since 1974, it is the oldest and largest art gallery in the English-speaking Caribbean — a fact that tells the tale of the importance of art in Jamaica and the country’s leadership role in cultural exploration.

Douglas Reid, curator at Grosvenor Galleries, also in Kingston, acknowledges the transformation of the art scene in Jamaica, noting a diversification of artistic styles expanding from self-taught and intuitive approaches to the more modern installation and performance art.

New developments are plentiful in the world of art in Jamaica. The Ahhh…

Ras Natango Garden and Gallery, for instance, is positioned as the island’s only ecotourism art gallery. According to the owner of the hillside hideaway, artist Ras Natango, “The natural setting connects beautifully with the art, and the views of Montego Bay are spectacular.” The sanctuary’s garden flaunts stone sculptures, tropical flora and a juice bar.

Kingston on the Edge Arts Festival (KOTE), a series of art events held in Kingston annually, aspires to display the growth of art in Jamaica. The collection of events travels each night for one week across Kingston, engaging venues, artists and art lovers. A panorama of Jamaica’s unconventional, KOTE stages visual arts as a main focal point but is also a platform for other forms of artistry as well. KOTE 2014 will be held June 20 through June 28.

Theatre The theatre is a place of artistic expression that has a sturdy position on Jamaica’s cultural terrain. Actress/producer extraordinaire Makeda Solomon speaks to the booming theatre industry in Jamaica saying, “Over the past 20 years, it is refreshing to see the throng of theatre faithfuls that religiously return to experience life-enriching productions at venues that consistently churn out quality, highly entertaining plays, pantomimes and reviews.”

With much of Jamaican theatre bearing comedic nuances, serious social issues are often tackled on stage in formats. Theatres and playhouses such as Pantry Playhouse and Fairfield Theatre frequently play to sold-out audiences.

REGGAE SUMFEST 2014 THE GREATEST REGGAE SHOW ON EARTH

Celebrating 22 years of Promoting Music, the Universal Force 

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JULY 13-19

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Contact info- Summerfest Productions Limited Units 9 & 10, Parkway Plaza, Rose Hall, St. James, Jamaica Telephone (876) 953-2933 Fax (876) 953-8295 US Line (954) 719-5323 offfice@reggaesumfest.com Reggae Sumfest @reggaesumfest

WWW.REGGAESUMFEST.COM

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On Film Building on the base of Jamaica’s truest cult classic, Perry Henzell’s 1972 film The Harder They Come, the country’s film industry has recently been ignited by fresh new energy. Young directors with worldly perspectives have set the trade on fire, including Storm Saulter, Jay Will and Ras Kassa. Saulter’s Better Mus Come is a political drama that has gained affirmative reviews globally; Kassa’s “Welcome to Jamrock” is a Damian Marley music video articulating strong social assertions; and Will’s “Feel the Rush” video is an award-winning rendition of a UEFA Champions League theme song featuring Shaggy.

Jamaican music videos mirror Jamaica’s nightlife and quite often feature a strong dance presence. Jamaica is a dance culture. Some professional dance companies in Jamaica include the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC), the Company Dance Theatre, Movements Dance Company and L’Acadco.

The country is also flooded with extremely talented amateur dance crews.

An amateur but highly skilled display of dance is the annual International Dancehall Queen contest, held in Montego Bay. Women from all over the world come to compete in body-shaking, daredevil dance routines that personify dancehall in its highest forms.

Annual Events Always coming back to the realm of music, renowned Director Jay Will sums up the powerful role of Jamaican music in our society and its impact in our daily life. “It can shape the lifestyle and sometimes behaviour of most of our youth and adults in this generation,” he says. “Hence it is important to recognise and appreciate the power of music.”

It is no wonder then that music events are plentiful in Jamaica. The Jamaica Festival has been hosted since 2008 and commemorates Jamaica’s independence in late July to early August. Each year a festival song is chosen that is felt to embody the jubilation of the season.

The Jamaica Jazz & Blues festival is held every January on the outskirts of Montego Bay and is a three-night-long lineup of live performances from world-recognised local and international acts such as Chaka Khan, Alicia Keys, Shaggy, Celine Dion and Tarrus Riley, to name a few.

Reggae Sumfest happens at the end of July with three hard-hitting nights of performances. The first night is Dancehall Night and brags a list of current top dancehall artistes. The other two nights are International Nights, showcasing performances by both local acts and international celebrity performers.

Not to be forgotten is Jamaica’s love of soca and calypso music. This love culminates every year around Easter time in Bacchanal Jamaica carnival. The carnival includes an all-day road march highlighting music trucks and thousands of costumed revellers. Carnival season features a surplus of fêtes starring a variety of Caribbean soca acts. That reenergising Jamaican spirit is what keeps its culture alive, ever transforming and always a presence not to be ignored.

The Faces of Jamaica

By Roland Henry

D

eep in the hills of Belvedere in St. Andrew Parish, artisan Gene Pearson masterfully works on his signature ceramic masks; no two are alike, and each is fired to perfection.

Two giant heads positioned atop concrete posts mark the entrance to Pearson’s Red Hills oasis, urging visitors to explore what lies beyond the huge wrought iron gate.

His foyer walls are adorned with elaborate masks that invoke the Afro-Jamaican aesthetic and Pearson’s Rastafarian faith. Though the raku artist creates faces of both sexes, he’s particularly known for his take on the female form with its regal features, primarily the strong cheekbones, oval eyes, gorgeous pouting lips and signature plaited hair. Each piece echoes the struggle and triumph of the Jamaican female, from heroine Nanny of the Maroons to the modern woman.

His living space — more like a showroom, really — has no bare walls; there are ceramics, bronze sculptures, bowls, vases and even a couple of the artist’s framed drawings.

Pearson compares his artistic approach to that of European Fabergé eggs, where each piece’s intricacy, beauty and singularity augment its value.

“I got inspiration for doing these masks from a Fabergé eggs exhibition while I was in art school,” Pearson says, admitting that each of his pieces is different and intricate because of its particular character.

Behind the artist’s home, steep concrete stairs lead to a work studio, and it’s as if this, too, is one of Pearson’s pieces; embedded pieces of broken masks peek out of some of the steps. In fact, broken masks are strewn all over the yard creating a kind of desolate beauty and perhaps providing a fleeting glimpse of the once-glorious hopes the artist had for them as celebrated pieces within his collection. He feels closer to nature with the creation of each piece.

“It’s a process that involves and integrally uses water, earth, wind and fire,” Pearson explains. “It’s a composition, a delicate balance, and I do not limit myself as to what I can

produce; when you fire some they break or burn up and others take on a life of their own.”

And his pieces are celebrated the world over. He was amongst the first Jamaicans to attend what is now the Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts. There, Pearson studied under the tutelage of Jamaican artist Cecil Baugh before earning a degree in ceramics in the mid-1960s.

Pearson’s collections can be found at the National Gallery of Jamaica, the Bank of Jamaica and the Hardingham Collection, as well as the private collections of international celebrities like Stevie Wonder, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Diahann Carroll and Maya Angelou. His ceramic works have also served as official Jamaican gifts to various heads of state, such as President Nelson Mandela of South Africa and former U.S. President Bill Clinton, and other public figures.

He is humbled by the fact that his pieces can be found far and wide. “I use the masks as my passports,” he says. “They get to go everywhere.”

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calendar of events

176 Local marching band performs on Treasure Beach

Fi Wi Sinting Somerset Falls, Portland 876-913-0103 Jamaica Fat Tyre Festival St. Mary, Ocho Rios; 876-975-3393 Jamaica Polo Association Tournament Kingston; 876-972-2762 Sugar Cane Ball Round Hill Resort, Montego Bay 876-956-7050-5 / 383-0992 The Pineapple Cup Miami / MoBay Race Montego Bay 876-979-8469 / 361-2396

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Make sure to check the calendar to see what’s happening on Jamaica during your stay. Dates and venues are subject to change without notice.

For more details and events, check visitjamaica.com/events.aspx.

January Accompong Maroon Festival Accompong, St. Elizabeth 876-952-4546 Bacchanal / Jamaica Carnival Kingston; 876-922-3840 / 923-9138-9 Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium, Falmouth; 876-953-8282 / 305-932-9931 Caribbean Travel Marketplace Montego Bay; 876-952-0045 National League Netball Matches National Stadium, Kingston 876-920-1534 / 926-0074 Rebel Salute Richmond Estate, St. Ann 876-934-0827 February Official Reggae Month Islandwide; 876-924-3100 Bob Marley Celebrations Islandwide; 876-978-2991-3

March Misty Bliss Hollywell, Kingston 876-960-2848-9 Jamaica Orchid Society Show Kingston; 876-927-6713 JAMFEST Spring Break Concert Series Negril; 410-787-9500 ext. 230 Elasha Spring Fest Montego Bay; 876-413-7012 Royal Jamaica Yacht Club Spring Tournament 2014 Kingston; 876-924-8685 / 8686 Kingston City Run Kingston; 876-929-9000 Trelawny 10K Road Race Falmouth, Trelawny 876-610-0818 / 393-6584 April Expo Jamaica National Arena, Kingston 876-922-8880-3 / 8869 Jamaica International Kite Festival Richmond Estate, St. Ann 876-974-6810 MoBay Yacht Club Easter Regatta Montego Bay 876-979-8038 Treasure Beach Off-Road Triathalon Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth 876-978-9950 / 965-0635

Trelawny Yam Festival Hague Showgrounds, Trelawny 876-610-0818 May Jamaica International Invitational Athletic Meet National Stadium, Kingston 876-978-7102 / 9983 Clipper Round-the-World Yacht Race Errol Flynn Marina, Port Antonio Style Week Jamaica / Fashion Block Kingston; 876-969-9645 / 3829 June Kingston Pon Di River Kingston; 876-382-5624 All Jamaica Grill Off Kingston; 876-383-4900 Caribbean Fashion Week National Arena, Kingston; 876-968-1090 Earthbound Jamaica Eco / Green for Life Festival River Falls, St. Elizabeth; 876-754-3381 Jamaica International Ocho Rios Jazz Festival Islandwide; 876-927-3544 Kingston on the Edge Urban Art Festival Kingston; 876-412-4978 AMCHAM / BMW Golf Classic Montego Bay; 876-929-7866-7 July International Reggae Day Kingston; 876-622-5986 Portland Jerk Festival Folly Oval, Portland 876-322-2140 / 373-6220 Hi Pro Low / High Goal Family Polo Tournament St. Ann; 876-952-4370 / 383-5586 Jamaica Festival Kingston & Montego Bay 876-926-5726 Little Ochi Seafood Carnival Alligator Pond, Manchester 876-381-4818

Makka Pro Surf Contest St. Thomas; 876-750-0103 One Day International / Test Cricket Kingston; 876-922-8423-4 Reggae Sumfest Catherine Hall, Montego Bay 876-953-2933 The Seville Emancipation Jubilee Seville Heritage Park, St. Ann 876-922-1287-8 August Reggae Film Series Ocho Rios; 876-536-1546 Denbigh Agri-Industrial Show May Pen, Clarendon; 876-922-0610-2 Bath Food Festival Bath, St. Thomas; 876-860-2014 The Dream Weekend Negril; 876-631-6623 International Reggae Wine Festival Montego Bay; 876-971-0814 / 899-9574 Mello-Go-Roun’ Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, Kingston; 876-926-5726-9 Ocho Rios Seafood Festival Turtle River Park, Ocho Rios 876-336-8563 September Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) Venue TBD 876-926-3635-6 Jamaica Observer Food Awards Devon House, Kingston 876-920-8136 / 926-7655 World Tourism Day Islandwide; 876-920-4926 Race for Hope 5K Hope Gardens, Kingston 876-967-4903 CB Pan Chicken Competition Kingston, Montego Bay & Clarendon 876-924-6000 ext. 232 October Oktoberfest Alhambra Inn, Kingston; 876-848-8102

MoBay Yacht Club Annual Fishing Tournament Montego Bay; 876-979-8083 Jamaica International Synchronised Swimming Championships YMCA & Bournemouth Bath, Kingston 876-408-0150 / 816-0150 51st Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament Port Antonio, Portland 876-927-0145 / 925-0699 Lucea Across the Harbour Swim Meet & Regatta Hanover; 876-362-6445 Michael Holding Masters Cricket Tournament Islandwide 246-228-4717 / 718-270-5300 South Coast Hook & Line Canoe Tournament Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth 876-965-0635 / 3185 November Restaurant Week Kingston; 876-978-6245 Annie’s Revenge Montego Bay; 305-665-0557 Jamaica Open & Pro-am Montego Bay; 876-906-7636-7 St. Elizabeth Homecoming Week South Coast; 876-948-0292 Jamaica Epicurean Escape Richmond Estate, St. Ann 876-815-8500 / 855-0824 December Harbour Fest and Fireworks on the Waterfront Kingston; 876-362-6445 LTM National Pantomime Kingston 876-926-6129 / 906-4959 Reggae Marathon Negril; 876-922-8677 JMMC All Stages Rally Bog Walk to New Kingston 876-764-9904

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USEFUL INFORMATION As you get to know Jamaica, you’ll learn the ins and outs of the culture and people who call this paradise home. But it is always good to have a little help — and a nice crash course — when exploring a new destination. Here is your guide to Jamaica to get you started on a memorable stay. Phone numbers and rates listed were correct at press time.

Airlines Air Canada Air Europa Air Jamaica Air Turks and Caicos American Airlines British Airways Caribbean Airlines Cayman Airways

Copa Airlines

Delta Airlines Fly Jamaica JetBlue Airways Northwest Airlines Spirit Airlines United Airlines US Airways Virgin Atlantic WestJet Airlines

876-924-8211 800-238-7672 800-523-5585 876-926-1762 800-744-0006 800-247-9297 876-922-3460 800-422-9626 876-929-7778 876-929-7779 800-234-2672 876-968-5330 876-926-0326 800-221-1212 855-435-9526 800-963-3014 876-952-8459 800-225-2525 877-211-1546 800-231-0856 800-428-4322 876-971-8917 800-538-5696

Airports Norman Manley International Airport, Kingston 888-AIRPORT 876-924-8452-6 Donald Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay 876-952-3124 ATMs Most Jamaican ATMs (called ABMs) accept international bank cards with Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus or Plus logos.

Buses Buses are a cheap way to get around, although it will be an unfamiliar experience to most Westerners, since bus stands are rarely marked and vehicles do not follow a strict schedule. Some resorts offer bus excursions to different tourist sites. Check with your hotel’s concierge for more information.

Climate Jamaica enjoys a tropical climate, characterised by high temperatures and humid conditions year-round.

Average temperature ranges from 66 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius) to 99 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius).

Though it’s known for warmth and sunshine, the island sees two rainy seasons from May to June and September to November. Also, hurricanes may pass over the island primarily from June to September.

If it rains during your stay, don’t worry. Most times, the short tropical showers provide a welcome break from the afternoon heat.

Credit Cards Major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted throughout the island.

Currency The currency of Jamaica is the Jamaica Dollar. Licenced “cambio”

(exchange) centres and commercial banks are accessible in all resort areas. Official currency exchange rates vary daily, so it’s advisable to shop around for the best rate before converting your cash.

Customs and Duty United States residents who have been out of the country for 48 hours or more may take home items valued up to US$800 once every 30 days without incurring duty. Adults may include 200 cigarettes, 100 non-Cuban cigars and one litre of alcohol. A second litre of alcohol is allowed dutyfree if it is produced by a Caribbean Basin country. Family members who return home together may combine their personal exemptions on a joint declaration. Visit cbp.gov/xp/cgov/ travel/id_visa/kbyg/customs_duty_ info.xml for more information.

Canadian residents who have been out of the country for more than 48 hours can claim up to CAN$300 worth of goods without paying duty if they carry the goods with them. After each absence of seven days or more, they can claim up to CAN$750 worth of goods without duty. Except for tobacco products and alcohol, they do not need to have the goods with them. Visit cbsa-asfc.gc.ca for more information.

United Kingdom residents 17 or older may take home duty-free two

The stunning coastline of Negril

Half Moon Beach in Montego Bay

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litres of table wine and one litre of spirits or liquors, or two litres of fortified or sparkling wine or other liquors; 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco; 60 cc of perfume and 250 cc of eau de toilette; plus other goods worth up to £145. Travellers cannot group their allowances. Visit hmrc. gov.uk for more information.

DepartureTax There is a $17 departure tax that must be paid upon departure. However, airlines include this tax in their airline tickets.

Driving In Jamaica, drivers must keep to the left, although some flexibility is required to avoid collisions with pedestrians and domestic animals.

The speed limit is 30 mph (50 kmph) in urban areas and 50 mph (80 kmph) on highways. Given the mountainous terrain, rural roads are often winding, bumpy and narrow.

Tourists can rent cars in most major towns and cities, and, usually, clients must be no less than 25 years old in order to rent. The driver and all passengers are required to wear safety belts, and children under 3 years old must travel in infant carriers or child safety seats. All drivers are required to carry a valid licence.

Jamaica recognises valid international driver’s licences, but visitors from North America may use their country’s licence for up to three months per visit, and United Kingdom residents may use theirs for up to one year.

Drugs In Jamaica, the use, sale and possession of drugs such as marijuana (ganja), cocaine, crack, ecstasy, heroin and any other controlled substances is illegal. Offenders are subject to severe punishment, including arrest, fines and/or imprisonment.

Electricity Standard electrical service is similar to that of the United States and Canada: 110 volts, 50 cycles AC. However, there is 220 volts service available at some hotels.

Holidays 2014 On public holidays, all government agencies, schools and most private businesses are closed, and much of the country celebrates. Please plan accordingly.

New Year’s Day Ash Wednesday Good Friday Easter Monday Labour Day Emancipation Day Independence Day Heroes’ Day Christmas Day Boxing Day

January 1 March 5 April 18 April 21 May 23 August 1 August 6 October 20 December 25 December 26

Language The official language of Jamaica is English, although most locals speak Patois, a colourful dialect.

Safety As with any place in the world, you should always remember to follow

basic precautions to avoid possible predicaments. Keep all luggage in view at all times and your personal effects close to your body; don’t carry large amounts of cash; and avoid wearing expensive jewellery outside of your resort.

Taxis Taxis are the most convenient mode of transportation, but they are not always the cheapest. All registered taxis in Jamaica are required by law to have red “PP” licence plates. You are advised not to board any taxi operating illegally.

Although taxis have metres, drivers will rarely use them and will instead negotiate a fare with you. It is best to discuss this fare with the driver before boarding the taxi.

The fastest and most economical taxis are those used by locals, called “route taxis” — cars that drive a designated course and pick up and drop off passengers at will. These are shared cabs that will usually pack several people willing to go on the same route.

Tipping It is customary to leave a 10 to 15 percent gratuity at restaurants. Please make sure to check your bill, as some establishments will have already included the gratuity in your total.

Water All piped water in Jamaica is treated and purified in accordance to international standards. You may drink it, bathe in it and brush your teeth with it.

A1

Rose Hall Runaway Bay

Sandy Bay

Lucea A1

Green Island

MONTEGO BAY

Duncans Reading Lethe Copse

A1

B9

Johns Hall

B8

Discovery Bay

Browns Town

Montpelier Shettlewood B6

B3

Catadupa Saint Leonards

Sheffield Negril

Falmouth

A2

Savanna la Mar

Cave Valley Bluefields

Appleton

B6

Christiana Frankfield Spaldings

Whitehouse Middle Quarters A2

Black River

A2

Treasure Beach

MAP OF

JAMAICA

Mandeville

Alligator Pond

Llandovery Saint Anns Bay Oracabessa OCHO RIOS Prospect Higgin Town

PORT MARIA

A3

A3 A1

Annotto Bay Moneague A4

Buff Bay

A1

Hope Bay

B2

PORT ANTONIO Boston Bay

Linstead Bog Walk

Long Bay

A3

Chapelton A1 B3

SPANISH TOWN

MAY PEN

A2

A1

Newcastle Half Way Tree KINGSTON

Old Harbour

A4

Golden Grove

Port Royal Morant Bay A4

Lionel Town

members

184 JHTA MEMBERS

Braco Village Hotel & Spa Rio Bueno, Trelawny 876-632-7226

Sandals Carlyle Kent Avenue, Montego Bay 876-952-4140

Cocolapalm Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4227 / 3455-7

Coyaba Beach Resort & Spa 22 Mahoe Bay, Little River P.O. St. James; 876-953-9150-3

Sandals Montego Bay Kent Ave., Montego Bay 876-952-5510-5

Christar Villas Ltd. 99A Hope Road, Kingston 6 876-478-3933 / 7864

Doctors Cave Beach Hotel Gloucester Ave., Montego Bay 876-952-4355-9

The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites 85 Knutsford Blvd., Kingston 5 876-929-9000

El Greco Resort 11 Queens Drive, Montego Bay 876-940-6116 / 940-6120

Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island Mahoe Bay, Rose Hall, St. James 876-953-2301-8

Coral Cove Beach Resort & Spa 3 Old Hope Road, Little Bay Little London P.O., Westmoreland 876-457-7594 / 291-5324

Golden Shore Resort Limited Lot 288B Windward Drive Lyssons, St. Thomas 876-982-9657 / 734-0923-4

Gloucestershire Hotel 92 Gloucester Ave., Montego Bay 876-971-4095 / 952-4420

HOTELS / RESORTS

KINGSTON Altamont Court Hotel 1–3 Altamont Terrace, Kingston 5 876-929-4497-8 / 5931

Hotel Four Seasons 18 Ruthven Road, Kingston 10 876-926-0682 / 8805

Half Moon, a RockResort P.O. Box 80, Montego Bay 876-953-2211 / 2344-93

The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel 81 Knutsford Blvd., Kingston 5 876-926-3690-9 / 3100-8

Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa P.O. Box 9 Rose Hall, Montego Bay 876-953-2650

Kircamp Properties / The Gardens 23 Liguanea Ave., Kingston 10 876-927-8275

Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort P.O. Box 480, Montego Bay 876-953-2485-9 / 2499

The Knutsford Court Hotel 16 Chelsea Ave., Kingston 10 876-929-1000 / 3407

Hotel Gloriana 1–2 Sunset Blvd., Montego Bay 876-979-0669

Liguanea Club 80 Knutsford Blvd., Kingston 5 876-926-8144 / 5 or 6

Iberostar Rose Hall Beach & Spa Resort Rose Hall Main Road, St. James 876-680-0000

Mayfair Hotel 4 West Kings House Close, Kingston 10 876-926-1610-2 / 929-3703

N Resort Falmouth, Trelawny 876-617-2500 / 5900

Country Country Ltd. Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4273

Secrets St. James Montego Freeport, Montego Bay 876-953-6600

Couples Negril P.O. Box 35 Negril, Westmoreland 876-957-5960-9

Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Freeport, Montego Bay 876-953-6600

Couples Swept Away Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4062-6

Silent Waters Villa White Sands Beach P.O., Montego Bay 876-971-9119-21

Foote Prints On The Sand Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4300 / 3152

Sunset Beach Resort & Spa Montego Freeport, Montego Bay 876-979-8800

Fun Holiday Beach Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-3585

Toby’s Resort 1 Kent Ave., Montego Bay 876-952-4370

Gardenia Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril, Westmoreland 876-957-4394 / 616-1811

The Tryall Club Sandy Bay Main Road, Hanover 876-956-5660-3

Grand Palladium Resort Point District, Lucea, Hanover 876-619-0000-9

The Wexford Hotel 39 Gloucester Ave., Montego Bay 876-952-2854-5

Grand Pineapple Beach Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4408 / 4475 Hedonism II Rutland Point, Negril 876-957-5200

Medallion Hall Hotel 53 Hope Road, Kingston 6 876-927-5721 / 5866 / 6116

Palm View Resort & Conference Centre 22 Delisser Drive, Montego Bay 876-952-1738 / 8321 / 1800

NEGRIL (WESTMORELAND) Beach House Villas Jamaica Ltd. Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4731 / 4647 / 9162

Spanish Court Hotel 1 St. Lucia Ave., Kingston 5 876-926-0000

Relax Resort 26 Hobbs Ave., White Sands Beach 876-952-6944 / 979-0656

Beachcomber Club Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4171-4

Strawberry Hill Hotel & Spa P.O. Box 590, Liguanea, Kingston 6 876-944-8400

Richmond Hill Inn Union Street, Montego Bay 876-952-3859 / 5432 / 6107

Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel 17 Waterloo Road, Kingston 10 876-926-2211-3 / 9334-9

RIU Montego Bay Mahoe Bay, Rose Hall 876-940-8010

Beaches Negril P.O. Box 12 Negril, Westmoreland 876-957-9270-4

MONTEGO BAY (ST. JAMES) Altamont West Hotel 33 Gloucester Ave., Montego Bay, St. James 876-952-9087 / 929-4497-8

Round Hill Hotel John Pringle Drive, P.O. Box 64 Montego Bay 1, St. James 876-956-7050

Hotel Samsara Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4395 Jackie’s On The Reef West Cliff Estates, West End Negril 876-957-4997 Merrils Beach Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4751 / 3122

The Caves Resort & Spa Lighthouse Road, P.O. Box 3113, Negril 876-957-0270

Moon Dance Villas Norman Manley Blvd., P.O. Box 2588, Negril 876-957-9000

Charela Inn Hotel Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4277 / 4648-50

Negril Palms Hotel Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4375

Negril Tree House Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4287-8

White Sands Cottages Ltd. Norman Manley Blvd., P.O. Box 60, Negril 876-957-4291 / 4445

The Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort & Spa Mammee Bay, St. Ann 876-972-7400

RIU Club Negril Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-5700 / 5985

OCHO RIOS (ST. ANN) Beaches Boscobel Resort & Golf Club Oracabessa, St. Mary P.O. Box 63, Ocho Rios 876-975-7777 / 7666

Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort P.O. Box 858, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-633-4000

RIU Palace Tropical Bay Resort Bloody Bay, Negril 876-957-5900

The Cardiff Hotel & Spa Runaway Bay, St. Ann 876-973-6671-4

Rockhouse Hotel Lighthouse Road, West End, Negril 876-957-4373 / 0621-6

Club Ambiance Runaway Bay, St. Ann 876-973-6167 / 4705-6

Negril’s Idle Awhile Ltd. Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-3302 / 3303

Rondel Village Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4413 / 4651-2

Columbus Heights (Tourism Consultants LTD) P.O. Box 383, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-1921

Rooms On The Beach Negril Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-3500

Couples Ocho Rios P.O. Box 330, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-975-4271-5

Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-5216-7 / 5230-1 / 5254-5

Couples Sans Souci P.O. Box 103, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-994-1206-14

Sandy Haven Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-3200 Seashore Bay Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-618-5000-1 Seastar Inn Seastar Road, West End, Negril 876-957-0553 Seawind Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-9018

Crystal Ripple Beach Lodge White River Bay, P.O. Box 24, Ocho Rios 876-974-6132 Fisherman’s Point Turtle Beach Road, P.O. Box 6201, Ocho Rios 876-974-4147 / 973-4809 Franklyn D. Resort Runaway Bay, St. Ann 876-973-4591-8 Goldeneye Oracabessa, St. Mary 876-622-9007

Mystic Ridge Jamaica Ltd. 17 DaCosta Drive, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-431-8685 Prospect Plantation Villas Box 28, Ocho Rios P.O., St. Ann 876-994-1373 / 1452 RIU Club Ocho Rios Mammee Bay, St. Ann 876-972-2200 Rooms On The Beach Ocho Rios Main Street, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-2008 / 6632

Hotel Mocking Bird Hill P.O. Box 254, Port Antonio 876-993-7267 / 7134 Trident Hotel Anchovy, Port Antonio P.O. 876-633-7000 / 7100 SOUTH COAST Golf View Hotel & Conference Centre 51/2 Caledonia Road, Mandeville, Manchester 876-962-4471 / 4474 Jakes Hotel, Villas & Spa Calabash Bay P.A., Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth 876-965-3000 / 0635 / 3185 Mandeville Hotel 4 Hotel St., Mandeville, Manchester 876-962-2138 / 2460 / 9764-5

Royal Decameron Club Caribbean Runaway Bay, St. Ann 876-973-4675 / 6348 / 4802

Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa P.O. Box 5000, Whitehouse, Westmoreland 876-640-3000-9

Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort Main Street, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-5486-9 / 5691-6

Treasure Beach Hotel Frenchman’s Bay Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth 876-965-0110-1 / 965-2305

Sandals Royal Plantation Golf Club & Spa 142 Main Street, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-5601-2

SERVICES AND ALLIED

Shaw Park Beach Hotel Cutlass Bay, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-2552-4 / 795-1300 Sunflower Beach Resort Villas / Leisure Holiday P.O. Box 150, Runaway Bay 876-973-4809 Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort, Spa & Conference Center P.O. Box 100, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-2200-19

Shields Negril Villas Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-3112 / 9001 / 9006

Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica Hotel Salt Coppers, Runaway Bay, St. Ann 876-973-7000 / 7655

Sunset at The Palms Resort & Spa Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-5350 / 5360

Hermosa Cove Villa Resort & Suites Hermosa Street Pineapple, Ocho Rios 876-974-3699

PORT ANTONIO (PORTLAND) Bay View Eco Resort & Spa Anchovy, Williamsfield, Port Antonio, Portland 876-993-3118

Tensing Pen Hotel West End Road, Negril 876-957-0387

Hibiscus Lodge Hotel 83 Main Street, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-2676 / 2594 / 2813

Geejam Outpost Ltd. San San, P.O. Box 7312, Port Antonio 876-993-7000 / 7246

Travellers Beach Resort Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-9308 / 3039

Jamaica Inn Main Street, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-2514-8

Goblin Hill Villas P.O. Box 26, Port Antonio 876-993-7443 / 5737 / 7549

AIRLINES & AIRPORTS AUTHORITY Airports Authority of Jamaica Norman Manley International Airport, Kingston; 876-924-8452-6 British Airways Norman Manley International Airport, Kingston; 876-656-8961 Caribbean Airlines Norman Manley International Airport, Kingston 876-924-8318 / 945-6322 Delta Airlines Inc. Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay; 876-952-4033 ASSOCIATIONS The American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica Room 119, The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel 81 Knutsford Blvd., Kingston 5 876-929-7866-7 The Association of Duty Free Shops of Jamaica P.O. Box 538, Montego Bay 876-952-6982-3 / 979-9028

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186 The Association of Jamaica Attractions Ltd. c/o Dolphin Cove, Dunn’s River, P.O. Box 21, Ocho Rios; 876-795-2272

Green Grotto Caves & Attractions St. Ann Development Company P.O. Box 205, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-973-3217 / 2841

Culinary Federation of Jamaica L & M Meat Complex, P.O. Box 6429, Runaway Bay, St. Ann; 876-871-4853

Kool Runnings Water Park Norman Manley Blvd., P.O. Box 3475 Negril, Westmoreland 876-957-5400 / 5620 / 5418

Island Car Rentals Ltd. 17 Antigua Avenue, Kingston 10 876-926-8861 / 5991 Sunsational Car Rental & Tours Ltd. Suite 206, Chatwick Plaza 10 Queens Drive, Montego Bay 876-952-1212

Mystic Mountain Limited P.O. Box 259, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-3990 / 382-6124

CONFERENCE CENTRES Jamaica Conference Centre 14-20 Port Royal Street, Kingston 876-922-9160-9

Jamaica Automobile Association 7 Central Ave., Swallowfield, Kingston 5 876-968-6007 / 929-1200-1

Negril Hills Golf Club & Resort Negril P.O., Westmoreland 876-957-4638 / 4240 / 3614

Montego Bay Convention Centre Rose Hall, Montego Bay, St. James 876-622-9330

Jamaica Rent-A-Car Asscn. Ltd. 31 Hope Road, Kingston 10 876-920-5289 / 920-2872

Sandals Golf & Country Club P.O. Box 771, Upton Ocho Rios 876-975-0119-21

National Cruise Council of Jamaica Shop #2, Montego Freeport Shopping Centre Freeport Montego Bay, St. James 876-953-6691

VIP Attractions (Lost World Airport Attractions) 2A Hillcrest Avenue, Kingston 6 876-618-3651 / 3652

DUTY-FREE SHOPS B.D. Dadlani Jamaica Ltd. DBA The Casa de Oro, Suite 7C, Shoppes at Rose Hall, Montego Bay 1 876-953-3371

Jamaica Association of Villas & Apartments Pineapple Place, P.O. Box 298, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-2508 / 975-5653

ATTRACTIONS Appleton Estate Rum Tour c/o Appleton Estate Siloah P.O., St. Elizabeth 876-963-9215-7 Blue Mountain Bicycle Tours Ltd. Shops 15 & 16 Santa Maria Plaza 121 Main Street, Ocho Rios 876-974-7075 Bob Marley Group of Companies 56 Hope Road, Kingston 6 876-978-2991 / 927-9152 Business Recovery Services Ltd. T/A Eco Tours — The Enchanted Gardens 11 Connolley Ave., Kingston 4 876-948-0012 / 974-8508 Chukka Caribbean Adventure Tours Ltd. Shop #2, Freeport Shopping Centre Montego Bay, St. James 876-953-6699 / 684-9934 Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club Gloucester Avenue, White Sands Beach P.O., Montego Bay 876-952-2566 Dolphin Cove Dunn’s River, P.O. Box 21, Ocho Rios 876-795-2272 Falmouth Jamaica Land Company 6A Holborn Road, Kingston 10 876-954-4321 / 305-539-6071 Five Star Watersports Ltd. Shop #14, Santa Maria Shoppes 121 Main Street, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-2446 / 4593 / 6838 / 795-3984

Zipline Adventure Tours Lethe Estate, Hanover; 876-366-0124 / 438-4994 AUDIO VISUAL COMPANIES Jamaica Audio Visual Company Ltd. (JAVCO) Shop #3, Half Moon Shopping Village Rose Hall, St. James 876-953-2546 Travelview International 2000 Dairy Ashford, #282 Houston, Texas, 77077 281-496-9799 Ventura Photo & Video Services 22 Market Street, Montego Bay, St. James 876-952-2937 AUDITORS Pricewaterhousecoopers 32 Market St., P.O. Box 180, Montego Bay, St. James 876-952-5065 / 6151 CAR RENTALS Bargain Rent-A-Car (Jamaica) Ltd. 1 Merrick Avenue, Kingston 10 876-926-8021 / 1958 / 1909 Budget Rent-A-Car / International Rental 53 South Camp Road, Kingston 4 876-759-1793 Fiesta Car Rentals (Ja) Ltd. 14 Waterloo Road, Kingston 10 876-926-0133 / 929-3832 Galaxy Leisure & Tours Ltd. 75 Red Hills Road, Kingston 20 876-925-4176 Hemisphere Car Rental Company Ltd. 51 Manchester Road, P.O. Box 299, Mandeville 876-962-1921 / 6111

Swiss Stores Ltd. 107 Harbour St., Box 171, Kingston P.O. 876-922-8050-4 Tropicana Duty Free Jewellers 42-44 City Centre Building P.O. Box 538, Montego Bay 876-952-6982 VVS One Limited T/A House of Diamonds, 7 Taj Mahal Plaza P.O. Box 889, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-795-2921 / 24 ENTERTAINMENT Dream Entertainment Ltd. Unit 28, Winchester Business Centre 15 Hope Road, Kingston 10 876-631-6623 Headline Entertainment Ltd. 8 Haughton Ave., Kingston 10 876-754-1526 Summerfest Productions Ltd. Shops 9 & 10, Parkway Plaza P.O. Box 1178, Montego Bay, St. James 876-953-2933 FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Jamaica National Building Society 2–4 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10 876-926-1344-9 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Echos Consulting Ltd. Technology Innovation Centre, 237 Hope Road, Kingston 6 876-512-2558 INSURANCE BROKERAGES Billy Craig Insurance Brokers 28–30 Portsville Plaza, Montego Freeport P.O. Box 214, Montego Bay 1, St. James 876-952-5070-1

CGM Gallagher Insurance Brokers 27 Harbour St., Kingston 876-948-6995 Fraser Fontaine & Kong Ltd. Insurance Brokers 28 Pawsey Place, Kingston 5 876-926-1140-4 MANAGEMENT COMPANIES Time Square Plaza Norman Manley Blvd., P.O. Box 2989, Negril 876-957-9263 MARKETING, PROMOTION & PUBLIC RELATIONS COMPANIES Amstar DMC Jamaica 1214 Providence Dr., Ironshore Industrial Estate, Rose Hall, Half Moon, Montego Bay, St. James 876-971-9887

Cleopatra’s Collection 13 Constant Spring Road Shop 22, Pavilion Mall 876-938-7633 / 968-4781

Perry’s Manufacturing Co. Ltd. 82 Hagley Park Road, Kingston 10 876-923-4810 / 4340

Cool Connection Ltd. / X-Pose Services 65 Red Hills Road, Kingston 20 876-924-5828 / 3436

Rainforest Seafoods Ltd. 23–25 Coconut Way, Montego Freeport, Montego Bay 876-953-6688

Denway Corporation Suite 19, Technology Innovation Centre 237 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6 876-322-9804 Diversey Jamaica Ltd. 83 Hagley Park Road, P.O. Box 230, Kingston 11 876-926-8678

Red Stripe 214 Spanish Town Road Kingston 11 876-923-9291 Schatzie Ltd. P.O. Box 61, Fontana Bogue, Montego Bay, St. James 876-953-6269

Earthwise Plastics, Inc. (Overseas) 2703 West 9th Street, Marion, Indiana 765-673-0308

Sealy Mattress Co. (W.I.) Ltd. 519 Spanish Town Road, P.O. Box 229, Kingston 11 876-923-8420 / 0363 or 765-2225 / 2233

Caribbean World Enterprises Ltd. 28 Queen’s Drive, Montego Bay, St. James 876-952-6404

Ecolab 6 Elgin Road, Kingston 5 876-926-0750 / 0755

Smith & Stewart Distributors Ltd. 2–10 McArthur Ave., Kingston 11 876-923-3020 / 5610

Jamaica Trade & Investment (JAMPRO) 18 Trafalgar Road P.O. Box 8658 C.S.O., Kingston 876-978-7755 / 3337

GraceKennedy Ltd. 73–751/2 Harbour St., P.O. Box 86, Kingston 876-922-3440-9 / 3540-5

Sun Island Jamaica Ltd. (CM Associates) 45 Molynes Road, Kingston 10 876-926-1330-4

MEDICAL SERVICES Heart Institute Of The Caribbean Ltd. 23 Balmoral Ave., Kingston 10 876-906-2105-8

Humiclima Jamaica Limited 77 Claude Clarke Ave. Flanker, Montego Bay 876-564-2959

Therapedic Caribbean Co. Ltd. 68 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 10 876-927-7307 / 9466 / 5439

Hospiten Jamaica Ltd. Half Moon Shopping Village, P.O. Box 2025 Half Moon, Rose Hall, Montego Bay 876-618-0290

Implementation Limited 56 Hope Road, Kingston 6 876-978-2997-9

RESTAURANTS & BARS Cosmo’s Restaurant Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-9072 / 4784 / 4330

J. Wray & Nephew Ltd. 234 Spanish Town Road, P.O. Box 191, Kingston 11 876-923-7331-5 / 6670

Evita’s Italian Restaurant Eden Bower Road, P.O. Box 118, Ocho Rios 876-974-2333 / 1718 / 1012

Jamaica Broilers Group McCooks Pen, St. Catherine 876-943-4370

Goddard Catering Group (Ja) Ltd. Norman Manley International Airport, Kingston 876-924-8131-6

Audience House 25N Half Moon Village Montego Bay, St. James 876-953-2211 ext. 6780

Omega Medical Services Ltd. Norman Manley Blvd., Negril, Westmoreland 876-957-9223 / 0307 PURVEYORS Appliance Traders Limited 35 Half Way Tree Road, Kingston 5 876-926-3371-5 Barnaby Engineering & Testing 27 Queens Ave., Kingston 10 876-929-6111 Bogues Brothers Industries Ltd. 471/2 Old Hope Road, Kingston 5 876-978-4310-4 Caribbean Producers (Jamaica) Ltd. Unit #2, L.O.J. Freeport Center 1 Guinep Way, Montego Bay 876-979-8725-8 / 8134-6

Jamaica Collections & Recovery Services Ltd. 56 Montgomery Ave., Kingston 10 876-908-2077 Jamaica Fibreglass Products Ltd. 155 Spanish Town Road, Kingston 11 876-758-7966 Jamaica Spring Water Company 154 Main Street, P.O. Box 335, Ocho Rios 876-974-5151 Matahari Enterprises Ltd. Lot 34 Bogue Industrial Estate, St. James 876-971-2763

Margaritaville White Sands P.O., Montego Bay 876-952-4777 / 3290 SPORTS COMPANIES Caymanas Track Limited Gregory Park P.O., St. Catherine 876-988-2523-6 TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES Columbus Business Solutions (FLOW) 6 St. Lucia Ave., Ground Floor, Courtleigh Corporate Centre, Kingston 5 876-620-2200 / 3111

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188

LIME (Cable & Wireless) 2–6 Carlton Crescent, Kingston 10 876-926-9455 / 936-2725 Strobe (E-Tech) Communications Limited 33 St. James St., Box 402, Montego Bay P.O. 876-979-0325 / 940-5424 TOUR COMPANIES & TOUR OPERATORS Blue Mountain Bicycle Tours Ltd. Shops 15 & 16, Santa Maria Plaza 121 Main St., Ocho Rios 876-974-7075 Caribbean and Latin Travel Consultant Limited 23 Haining Road, Kingston 5 876-906-3414 / 472-2127 Caribic Vacations Ltd. 1310 Providence Drive, Ironshore Estates White Sands Beach P.O., St. James 876-953-9895 / 9878 Hola Tours & Travel Ltd. Chatwick Plaza, 10 Queens Drive, Montego Bay 876-971-1298 Holiday Services Ltd. 1222 Providence Drive, Half Moon P.O., Montego Bay 876-953-2638 Ilandestiny Tours & Travel Ltd. Shop #1, Taj Mahal Shopping Plaza, Ocho Rios, St. Ann 876-974-6031 Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours 5 Kent Ave., Montego Bay 876-684-8672 Jamaica Cooperative Automobile Limousine Tours Ltd. 80B Claude Clarke Ave. P.O. Box 265, Montego Bay 876-952-7574 / 8277 Jamaica Cultural Enterprises 7 Charlton Way, Kingston 8 876-549-8570 / 374-6370 Jamaica Tours Limited 1207 Providence Drive, Ironshore P.O. Box 227, Montego Bay 876-953-3700 Jamaica Union Of Travellers Association (JUTA) Kingston 49 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 10 876-927-4534-36

Jamaica Union Of Travellers Association (JUTA) Negril Norman Manley Blvd., Negril 876-957-4620 Johns Hall Adventure Tours 26 Hobbs Ave., Montego Bay, St. James 876-971-7776 Kiuki Tours & Transportation Shop #1 Bisco Mall, Embassy Place 6-8 Union Street, Montego Bay, St. James 876-940-0521 Knutsford Express Services Ltd. 69 Gloucester Ave., Montego Bay 876-971-1822 Leisure For Pleasure Holiday & Tours Ltd. 9 Linstar Close, Kingston 19 876-924-7027 / 7330 / 833-6186 / 453-8117 Prestige Leasing & Tours Ltd. 3–5 Victory Bldg, Shop 10A Fourth Street, Montego Bay 876-952-8495 / 9363 Proversity Tours Jamaica 58 Half Way Tree Road, Kingston 10 876-620-4502 Sun Holiday Tours Holiday Village P.O. Box 531, Rose Hall, St. James 876-953-3144 / 2937 / 2762 Sunshine Adventure Jamaica Ltd. Providence Drive, White Sands Beach P.O., St. James 876-953-2919 Tourwise Ltd. 103 Main Street, P.O. Box 17, Ocho Rios 876-974-2344 / 2323 Tropical Tours Ltd. 28 Queens Drive, P.O. Box 85, Montego Bay 876-952-1126 Vacation Master Jamaica Ltd. Shop #44, Blue Diamond Shopping Mall Morgan Road, P.O. Box 394, Montego Bay 876-953-2691 / 8357 TRAINING & EDUCATION University of Technology, Jamaica School of Hospitality & Tourism Management 237 Old Hope Road Kingston 6, Jamaica 876-927-1680-8

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