Travel Resources: 5 Intimate Hideaways in Jamaica

Jamaica is one of the most sought after romantic destinations in the world, let alone The Caribbean. Whether old or young, eccentric or laid back, couples from across the globe travel to the island’s shores to experience its seductive charm. When you’re looking for a cozy, private place to stay try this list of 5 Intimate Hideaways:

( via Varun Baker )

Great Huts

Scattered on the cliffs overlooking Boston Bay, Portland (on the North east point of Jamaica), Great Huts is an oceanfront ecotourism resort described by many as “the perfect place to see the real Jamaica”. The uniquely built huts on the property create an African styled beach-jungle-cliff habitat village that presents a pleasant hideaway for the back-packing ecotourist as well as the easy-going romantic.

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January 24, 2012 at 1:24 pm | Montego Bay, Negril, Off the Beaten Path, Portland, Trelawny, Weddings & Honeymoons, Where to Stay | 1 comment

The Jamaica Tourist Board’s Soft Adventure Bloggers Meetup 2011

From November 9-13, 2011 The Jamaica Tourist Board invited 9 Bloggers from across the US and Canada to experience the “softer” side of adventure travel in Jamaica. Bloggers Stephen Barrymore of The Wanderer Cynthia White of Johnny Jet, Lindsey Davis of Go Nomad Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil of The Planet D, Michael Ortiz of Smart Women Travelers, Robert Lloyd of Stop Having a Boring Life, and Teresa Plowright of About.com were those selected to enjoy these 5 days exciting action.

Upon arrival on the evening of the 9th, our bloggers (now guests of the Iberostar Grand Rose Hall in Montego Bay) were ushered my a bellhop and almost immediately introduced to their very own personal Butler who ensured that they were comfortable and connected to the internet so that they could share the journey they were about to embark on with the world.

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November 24, 2011 at 3:04 pm | Montego Bay, Negril, News & Updates, Ocho Rios, Off the Beaten Path, Trelawny, What to Do, Where to Stay, Where to Visit | No comment

What to Do: River Boarding on the Rio Bueno, Jamaica

There’s more to Jamaica than just scrumptious food, stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. The island is bejeweled with fascinating hidden gems and natural wonders suited for anyone looking for an off the beaten path adrenaline rush or simply a tranquil day amongst seductive scenery. Numerous navigable rivers and exhilarating waterfalls offer a number of exciting opportunities for activities and adventures.

( via )

Famous for the popular sea swim on horseback riding tours, Braco Stables now offers hiking and biking tours as well as river tours on the Rio Bueno with rafting and kayaking options. For the most extreme thrill seekers, they now offer the new activity of river boarding. Gear up, grab a board, and follow their experienced tour guides into the splashing waters of the historical Rio Bueno river for an unforgettable journey downstream that will take you through many sections of captivating rapids and clear water pools.

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November 17, 2011 at 8:21 am | Off the Beaten Path, Trelawny, What to Do | No comment

Pon Di Road Weekly Roundup: Pon Di Road (Season 2 ) #10 – Good Hope Great House

Each week Calee, Stephen and their baby Nyla continue their unique exploration of Jamaica’s lesser traveled sites with a brand new webisode of Pon Di Road in Jamaica. So far the second season of the series has seen our traveling trio experience the likes of a secluded waterfall, charming beaches and flavourful Jamaican food.

In last week’s webisode of ‘Pon Di Road’ Calee and Stephen dig into Jamaica’s rich history by visiting one of the fascinating Great Houses of Western Jamaica Good Hope Great House in Trelawny. Let’s join them on this informative tour with the roundup of Pon Di Road (Season 2 ) #10 – Good Hope Great House.

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November 9, 2011 at 7:25 pm | Heritage, JTB TV, News & Updates, Trelawny, What to Do, Where to Visit | No comment

Where to Visit: Falmouth, Jamaica

Jamaica’s rich history and culture are equally appealing as its white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife. Across the island visitors will find various monuments and relics that speak to a plantation era of both hardship and triumph. In the 1800’s heyday of King Sugar, the Parish of Trelawny, Jamaica boasted almost one hundred plantations. For the architecture or heritage buff, the Parish and in particular it’s capital, the coastal town of Falmouth is a virtual goldmine.

When sugar was king and the profits from the sweet gold made the fortunes of men, families and nations, Falmouth was considered to be the most cosmopolitan city in the western world, the “Paris of the Indies”. In the late 1800s, following the demise of sugar as a globally lucrative agricultural product, Falmouth began a steady decline in importance, and soon the harbour, which once welcomed close to thirty ships in one day, saw fewer than that in a month. Now the sugar money is long gone, but many of the splendid original buildings remain, some in ruins, others masterfully restored to their former glory.

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October 26, 2011 at 11:54 am | Heritage, Trelawny, Where to Visit | No comment

Travel Resources: Top 5 Historical Sites in Jamaica

Jamaica is among the most romantic islands in the Caribbean, not only for its sensuous green landscape and turquoise waters but also for its fascinating history. 450 years of magical fables, stately estates, rich traditions and natural charm await you here. For the history buff looking for the top historical sites to visit in Jamaica, here is a list of 5:

Port Royal

Once known as the ‘Wickedest City on Earth,’ Jamaica’s famed Port Royal is undoubtedly one of the island’s most captivating historical sites still standing and during the late 17th century was one of the largest towns in the English colonies. Due to its prime geographic location in the middle of the Caribbean, the town was once a haven for buccaneers and pirates, including the infamous Sir Henry Morgan. From Port Royal, these privateers preyed upon and plundered the heavily laden treasure fleets departing from the Spanish Main.

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September 23, 2011 at 1:00 pm | Heritage, Kingston, Montego Bay, The South Coast, Travel Resources, Trelawny, What to Do, Where to Visit | 1 comment

What to Do: Falmouth River Tubing Safari, Jamaica

There’s more to Jamaica than just scrumptious food, stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. The island is bejeweled with fascinating hidden gems and natural wonders suited for anyone looking for an off the beaten path adrenaline rush or simply a tranquil day amongst seductive scenery. Numerous navigable rivers and exhilarating waterfalls offer a number of exciting opportunities for activities and adventures.

( via Chukka Caribbean )

On Chukka Caribbean’s Falmouth River Tubing Safari travelers can experience the cool clear waters of one of Jamaica’s most enchanting rivers, learn the rich history of the 18th Century Good Hope Estate a 2000 acre plantation; see the ruins of the plantation and live back in time for a day experiencing the legends of Jamaica. In the 1800’s heyday of ‘King Sugar’, the Parish of Trelawny boasted almost one hundred plantations. For the architecture or heritage buff, the Parish and in particular it’s capital, the coastal town of Falmouth is a virtual goldmine.

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September 3, 2011 at 8:30 am | Heritage, Trelawny, What to Do | No comment

What to Do: The Au Naturel Experience

With more nude beaches than any other Caribbean island, Jamaica is the perfect place to bare it all. Our au naturel beaches range from sedate and relaxing, to wilder and more self-indulgent. So it’s just a question of packing a towel and some serious sun block, and then picking a patch of sand that’s right for you.

( via Destination 360 )

Nude tanning is permitted on private beaches island-wide. Find a secluded spot to slip out of your suit at Oracabessa’s James Bond Beach or at Negril’s Bloody Bay. Or take a boat ride to an island shared only by fellow nudists, Negril’s Booby Cay. Ask for a little more privacy at Reggae Vibes, Ocho Rios, and the managers will corner off a section of the beach just for you. In Trelawny, Time & Place’s deserted white sand offers quiet seclusion that’s perfect for wearing nothing at all.

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August 18, 2011 at 12:17 pm | Negril, Ocho Rios, Trelawny, What to Do, Where to Stay | No comment

What to Do: Chukka Caribbean’s Dune Buggy Adventure

Jamaica is well known as the home of some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. White sands and golden sunshine is a source of appeal for many vacationers. However many travelers prefer to take a detour through the island’s striking mountains, backroads and hidden rivers, for their very own uniquely Jamaican excursion. One such excursion is the Chukka Dune Buggy Adventure.

With locations in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Trelawny this tour is for those who want to go off-road for a bumpy, dusty, dirty ride through Jamaica’s interior. Travel in the depths of the Cascade Rainforest where the sun plays hide and seek through the canopy of thick tropical foliage. Tour the historic hills of Rose Hall or take a tour through one of the great plantation estates of Jamaica the 18th century Good Hope Estate. With experienced and knowledgeable guides and so much to see this is an experience not to be missed. Start your engines in your Dune buggy built for two. Get ready for the drive of a lifetime ‘Caribbean Style’.

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July 8, 2011 at 12:09 pm | Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Off the Beaten Path, Trelawny, What to Do | No comment