Where to Stay: Frenchman’s Cove Resort, Jamaica

Port Antonio, on Jamaica’s eastern coast, is nestled between the Blue Mountains and the Caribbean Sea. Port Antonio has preserved its charm as a sleepy fishing village while still offering the comfort, variety and adventure of a vacation hideaway – with its bottomless lagoons, lush vegetation, crystal clear waters, beaches, mountains and beautiful red sunsets.

( via Frenchman’s Cove Resort )

Best of all, everywhere you go there are friendly people. Port Antonio is the authentic Jamaica where guests mix with locals – no need for fences here. The area is still, thankfully considered relatively virgin territory and Frenchman’s Cove is a perfectly secluded spot that will make you fall in love with the water instantly. One of the most beautiful beaches in The Caribbean, let alone Jamaica this white-sanded shore, set against a magnificent backdrop of exotic tropical gardens and crystal-clear mountain streams, is so idyllic; it’s no wonder it was featured in the major motion pictures Club Paradise and Treasure Island.

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June 25, 2011 at 11:22 am | Portland, Weddings & Honeymoons, Where to Stay | No comment

Weddings & Honeymoons: Honeymooning in Negril, Jamaica

The black cliffs, azure waters, breathtaking sunsets and mellow vibes of Jamaica’s “Capital of Casual”, Negril have been known to seduce everyone from the luxury seekers to the to the backpacking traveler. Negril’s casual, laid-back pace and natural beauty make it a favorite escape for locals and visitors alike and the ideal destination for newlyweds celebrating the first days of their new life together.

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Negril is an exceptional place where every day holds another surprise for you. The area features some of the best snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing and dolphin watching as well as hiking and horseback riding tours. Frequently flocked to by thrill-seekers and sun-worshippers alike, Negril’s Seven Mile Beach boasts turquoise, see-through waters hugging a coastline of rocky cliffs and white sands that seem to trail on forever. If you’re seeking a vacation experience heavily based on relaxation and uninterrupted hours of one on one time to enjoy the majestic beauty of the Utopian coastal environment then a day spent on this beach is ideal.

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June 8, 2011 at 2:22 pm | Negril, Weddings & Honeymoons, What to Do, Where to Stay, Where to Visit | No comment

Where to Visit: Discovery Bay, Jamaica

One of the most picturesque natural harbours in the Caribbean, Discovery Bay was renamed in 1947 to commemorate the place where it was once thought that Christopher Columbus first set foot on Jamaican soil. Discovery Bay is home to Columbus Park, an open-air museum facility featuring various Columbian and Colonial artefacts. Since Columbus, many others have discovered the beauty of Discovery Bay, and over the years a small town has developed around the bay area.

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On one side of the bay lies the Kaiser Bauxite Company’s wharf and Columbus Park, which overlooks the azure cove from the western end. On the other side are various private homes, resorts and the family-oriented Puerto Seco beach, whose pristine white sand and relaxing appeal can only be described as breathtaking. Once, it was thought that Discovery Bay was the place that Columbus first landed in Jamaica, and that was the town’s claim to fame. Today, historians have proven otherwise, but Discovery Bay can now hold its own as a charming town resting on the edge of an exquisite notch of the Jamaican coastline.

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May 25, 2011 at 7:15 pm | Ocho Rios, Where to Visit | No comment

Travel Resources: 5 Succulent Seafood Spots in Jamaica

Jamaica is already well known for its white sand beaches, vast tropical terrain, vibrant nightlife and vivid culture but “foodies” may also know of the wide array of savory cuisines available on the island and where to find them. With a zesty collection of flavours guaranteed to please the palate Jamaica has some of the best food you will ever taste and seafood is a specialty. There are so many great places to sample succulent seafood in the island and if you are wondering where to eat here are a few choices, just to narrow down your options:

Pelican Bar

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Treasure Beach, in St. Elizabeth is known for being the perfect “get away from it all” experience. Complete with beautiful volcanic black sand beaches, exotic wildlife safaris, and quaint hassle free resorts, the place is like a fantasy isle on it’s own. It is here, well to be exact a quarter of a mile out to sea from here, you will find one of the most unique beach bars in the world, the Pelican Bar. A rustic wooden bar resting on stilts built on a sand bank in the middle of the sea the Pelican Bar is the perfect place to spend the day being busy doing nothing, sunbathe, drink beer, swim or snorkel in the shallow waters.

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May 3, 2011 at 6:09 pm | Kingston, Portland, The South Coast, Travel Resources, Where to Eat | 1 comment

Where to Visit: Reggae Beach, Jamaica

Located on the border of St. Ann and St. Mary, about 10 minutes east of the vibrant Ocho Rios, nestled in lush tropical greenery is the 1/4 mile stretch of white sand known as Reggae Beach. A famous Jamaican landmark, this breathtaking picture-perfect spot is a tiny slice of heaven. Lounge chairs are lined along the seashore, some grouped amongst shady random clusters of hundred year old almond and palm trees, while others are arranged closer to the waters edge. If you’re looking for a beach that doesn’t get crowded then this is the place to be.

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Enjoy soft reggae music and great Jamaican hospitality as you cool out under a palm tree with a fresh fruit cocktail from the “Village Beach Bar”. Or try some succulent Jamaican-style fish, lobster, conch or spicy jerk chicken from the grill. Capture a golden tan while drifting peacefully across turquoise waters on a lie-low float. From waving fan coral to colorful clownfish and graceful rays, you’ll find plenty to look at while snorkeling the bay’s reefs. Kayak the coastline or hike the natural trails or experience a seaside massage. Try the seasonally fresh native fruits like Mangos, guineps, guava, ortanique, sugar cane, pineapple, papaya or naseberry. Challenge a friend to backgammon, checkers, or join a domino game. Reggae Beach has it all.

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April 20, 2011 at 3:04 pm | Ocho Rios, Weddings & Honeymoons, What to Do, Where to Visit | No comment

What to Do: Dining at Hellshire Beach, Jamaica

Along the south coast of Jamaica visitors will find a number of narrow beaches that attract a local crowd. Hellshire Beach is the largest and most popular of them. Located just outside of the island’s capital Kingston, this beach offers a combination of natural setting, personality and local fare not found in more secluded spots. With interesting black sands, cool waters and a host of activities there’s more than enough here to keep you entertained.

( via Varun Baker )

Hellshire is most frequented by Kingstonians and residents of the neighbouring Portmore throughout the year. On the weekdays, it is lively; on weekends, it can get a bit crowded. On Sunday night, there’s a big party on the beach that starts late so you can enjoy the thumbing sounds of the latest Jamaican music mixed with the soothing sounds of the ocean into the early hours of the morning. There’s lots to do and watch at Hellshire: horseback rides, rent-a-tubes, some of the most amazing people watching ever. And of course, the water itself, which is as spectacular in February as it is in August. Yet perhaps the best part of this beach is the tantalizing food served there and dining at Hellshire Beach is a must do for anyone staying in Kingston (or just passing through).

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April 7, 2011 at 3:58 pm | Jamaican Food, Kingston, Where to Visit | No comment

Weddings & Honeymoons: Honeymooning in Montego Bay, Jamaica

With it’s sparkling white sand beaches, assortment of water sports activities and tours, pulsating nightlife and tantalizing cuisine Montego Bay is undoubtedly one of Jamaica’s most romantic destinations. Some lucky lovebirds choose Montego Bay as their destination, get there and simply let their feet tell them where to go, it’s easy to find a beach to dig your toes into or even a beach bar and grill to grab a drink and some food. Or simply kick back and enjoy the captivating beauty of the Caribbean Sea.

Energetic, stunning and exciting, Montego Bay summons the hedonist, gourmet and golfer in all of us to come out and play. A definite favorite among honeymooners in search of a good time, the second city is a great place to have your fill of relaxation and revelry. Treat yourself to something special with selections from Mobay’s extensive list of hotels, restaurants, attractions and nightclubs. There are options for every taste and budget in Jamaica’s “complete resort”.

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March 9, 2011 at 3:06 pm | Montego Bay, Weddings & Honeymoons, What to Do, Where to Eat | 1 comment

Vacation Themes: Beaches: Winnifred Beach, Jamaica

Located between the Blue Lagoon and Boston Bay just a mile on from the closed beach where Tom Cruise once juggled his bottles in Cocktail, Winnifred Beach is one of the most appealing beaches in all of Jamaica. Found in the Fairy Hill community in Portland on the island’s lesser traveled east coast this beach is home to a delightful reef just offshore that’s not only perfect for snorkelling, but for its clear, calm, bright-blue water justly popular with locals.

A long, unpaved road leads to the wide, white-sand beach that stretches along a sheltered bay. Thick groups of trees and vines act as a backdrop to the aquamarine water filling the foreground. At the base of the hill, large trees shade a flat strip of land, where several food and drink vendors prepare fresh fish dishes and Jamaican jerk delights – a specialty of Portland. There’s also a mini-field, perfect for a game of football. And on weekends, there are horseback riding tours down the beach and boat trips to nearby Monkey Island.

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March 8, 2011 at 1:22 pm | Portland, Vacation Themes | No comment

Fan Friday: The Top 5 Facebook Fan Comments of the Week!

It’s time again for our weekly “Fan Friday” feature! Each week we select five of the best fan posted wall posts and/or comments on videos and articles posted to our Visit Jamaica Facebook Fan Page and publish them right here on Island Buzz just to let you all know we’ve been listening and we appreciate all your great feedback.

Jamaica is one of the most popular islands in the Caribbean for a destination Wedding or Honeymoon, and it’s easy to see why. Seductive scenery and enchanting natural wonders are just some of the things that will make you fall in all over again while celebrating your nuptials. One of the best things about honeymooning in Jamaica is the variety of romantic moments couples experience while here. With acres of breathtaking white sand beaches, a bounty of tropical gardens and an ambiance drenched in romance and escape, honeymooning at Couples Swept Away is one of those experiences. Here’s how some of you posted in response to Weddings & Honeymoons: Honeymoons at Couples Swept Away, Jamaica:

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February 4, 2011 at 12:25 pm | Fan Friday | No comment

Vacation Themes: Beaches: Doctor’s Cave Beach, Jamaica

Energetic, stunning and exciting, Montego Bay on Jamaica’s north coast embodies a spirit that invites us all to come out and play. A definite favorite among travelers in search of a good time, the second city is a great place to have your fill of relaxation and revelry. Treat yourself to something special with selections from Mobay’s extensive list of hotels, restaurants, attractions and nightclubs. There are options for every taste and budget in Jamaica’s “complete resort”.

World famous white sands and crystal clear waters fed by a mineral spring combine at the beautiful Doctor’s Cave Beach in Montego Bay. Founded in 1906, Doctor’s Cave is nestled between the Marine Park and the Hip Strip. The translucent water is known for its mineral content and its golden sands and turquoise water provide the perfect place to enjoy the tranquil warmth of the Caribbean Sea. Visitors can even watch brightly colored tropical fish swimming close to the surface.

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February 1, 2011 at 9:30 pm | Montego Bay, Vacation Themes, What to Do, Where to Visit | No comment

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