Where to Visit: Treasure Beach, Jamaica

Travelling on Jamaica’s South Coast, you’ll discover a treasure chest of coves and bays, where the Caribbean meets the island’s sandy and sometimes rocky shores. A mixture of dark and white-sand stretches, rocky coves, fishermen’s enclaves and secluded swimming spots, the South Coast’s shores promise a range of possibilities. Lined by a string of sleepy fishing villages and colourful roadside stands is a “treasure” of a beach off the beaten path of Jamaica’s more popular North Coast.

A favourite beach community of both locals and visitors alike, Treasure Beach is a spot that surely lives up to its name. Set against a background of lush greenery, this charming hideaway is a six-mile stretch of coral-coloured and sometimes black sands, private coves and rocky shores. For travelers who want to discover the South Coast’s vibrant local culture and people and are in search of untrodden beaches, a visit to one of Treasure Beach’s four main bays – Billy, Calabash, Great and Frenchman’s– is a must. In Calabash Bay, the largest of the four main bays, friendly fishermen dock their brightly painted canoes and unload the day’s catch.

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August 9, 2011 at 10:18 am | The South Coast, Where to Visit | No comment

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

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.

( via )

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

( via )

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

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

Travel Resources: 5 Things to Do in Portland, Jamaica

The parish of Portland on Jamaica’s east coast is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places on the island. With its stunning blue waters, romantic coves, remote white sand beaches, breathtaking panoramic views and some of the best food on the island Portland has long been a favourite getaway spot for everyone from celebrities to couples on their honeymoon and families on vacation. With it’s rustic charm, waterfalls, and river rafting it is perfect for any nature lover and this is part of it’s allure.

There’s no shortage of activities you can do while vacationing in Portland. In addition to sailing, water-skiing, wind-surfing, sunbathing and swimming visitors may choose to take a bamboo raft tour, stopping off at a secluded beach along the way and all this can be done in just one day or over a number of days, the choice is yours. To help broaden the scope a bit more, here are our recommendations for 5 Things to Do in Portland, Jamaica:

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March 7, 2011 at 3:12 pm | Portland, Travel Resources, What to Do | No comment

Where to Visit: Bloody Bay, Negril

Jamaica’s “Capital of Casual” Negril on the island’s intoxicating North Coast has been blessed with two shimmering beaches, one stretching seven crystal white sand miles and the other equally enchanting. Located just north of a slice of land jutting out towards Booby Cay is Bloody Bay – one of Negril’s most picturesque beaches. There is some debate about how the beach claimed its name. Some argue it was the site of a vicious pirate battle, but most believe hunters used to massacre whales there, turning the sea blood-red. Shrouded by this seemingly dark past, Bloody Bay still mystifies and intrigues beachgoers with its beauty.

( via Destination 360 )

In the 18th century, this hidden treasure was a safe haven for pirates, most notably the infamous “Calico” Jack Rackham, (given this name due to his penchant for wearing calico undergarments), and his equally bloodthirsty women pirates, Anne Bonney and Mary Read. They are said to have frequented this pirate hideaway right up until their capture by the British in 1720. Once a trade secret, this secluded stretch is lined today with a string of all-inclusive properties, including two Riu Hotels, SuperClubs flagship Grand Lido Negril, Couples Negril and a private beach at Sunset at the Palms. However, these sugary white sands and azure waters are not just accessible to resort guests. Many patches are still open to the public.

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March 4, 2011 at 4:10 pm | Where to Visit | 2 comments

Travel Resources: 5 Things to Do in Negril, Jamaica

If you’re looking for sun soaked thrills on your Caribbean vacation look no further than the black cliffs, azure waters and mellow vibes of Jamaica’s “Capital of Casual”, Negril. Outrun your cares on seven miles of white sand beach on the island’s western-most point. Negril’s casual, laid-back pace and natural beauty make it a favorite escape for locals and visitors alike. Here, anything goes and everyone is welcome. There’s so much to do here that visitors might need a list of recommended activities to guide your search. For this very purpose, here’s a fun-packed list of 5 Things to Do in Negril, Jamaica!

( via Camelot Photography )

Seven Mile Beach

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. Simply lay out in the sun or enjoy any (or all) of the water sports activities available right at your fingertips. Snorkeling, windsurfing, jet ski’s and glass bottomed boat rides are easily found along the coast. The choice is yours.

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February 25, 2011 at 12:42 pm | Negril, Travel Resources | 2 comments

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

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