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

Vacation Themes: Beaches: Puerto Seco Beach, Jamaica

One of the most picturesque natural harbours in the Caribbean, Discovery Bay on Jamaica’s north coast was renamed in 1947 to commemorate the place where it was once thought that Christopher Columbus first set foot on Jamaican soil. The area 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 )

The eastern side of the bay is rimmed with white-sand beaches including Puerto Seco Beach, whose pristine setting and relaxing appeal can only be described as breathtaking. With its soft sand and limpid waters, Puerto Seco Beach is a real charmer. Open to the public, it sports rustic eateries and bars and a fun park with a waterslide for kids not interested in sun-tanning. On weekends and holidays the beach is teeming, but during the week the place is often deserted. You can rent fishing boats, sea bikes and jet skis.

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October 19, 2011 at 2:07 pm | Vacation Themes, Where to Visit | No comment

Travel Resources: Top 5 Beaches in Jamaica

Looking for heaven on earth? The warm azure waters of The Caribbean Sea have a magnetic pull that very few (if any) can resist. Just looking at the ocean will tempt you to dive right in and Jamaica has some of the best beaches for you to enjoy the beauty of the sea and the shore. From the laid back to the energy-packed there are enough beaches here to suit just about any test. Here is a list of 5 of the best beaches in Jamaica:

Doctor’s Cave Beach

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. 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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October 12, 2011 at 11:15 am | Montego Bay, Negril, Portland, What to Do, Where to Visit | 3 comments

What to Do: Walkerswood Jerk Country Tour, Jamaica

Tucked away in the hills of St. Ann, Jamaica – Walkerswood Caribbean Foods has worked to bring a taste of the Caribbean to the world with an innovative line of traditional seasonings, cooking sauces, spices, preserves and canned vegetables. Sitting on seven acres, approximately six miles south of Ocho Rios, the Walkerswood Jerk Country Tour takes visitors on an in-depth, flavourful journey into the history of Jamaican cuisine.

( via Varun Baker )

If you’re unfamiliar with the term; “Jerk” is a style of cooking native to Jamaica in which meats are dry-rubbed with a very hot spice mixture called Jamaican jerk spice. Jerked food is a must-have for visitors and locals alike and if you haven’t had it yet you don’t know what you’re missing! Jerk is both a marinade and a preparation technique. In its most authentic form, fresh poultry or pork meat is massaged with a concentrated spice rub infused with allspice (pimento), cinnamon, peppers, onion, thyme and garlic hours before cooking. After marinating, the meat is placed on raised platforms of pimento wood over hot coals to slowly roast for hours.

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October 10, 2011 at 9:22 am | What to Do, Where to Visit | 1 comment

What to Do: Chukka Caribbean’s Zion Bus Tour, Jamaica

Once a small fishing village Ocho Rios is now one of Jamaica’s major tourism hubs. Fun and excitement blend with rest and relaxation within this astoundingly beautiful garden parish and there’s no shortage of things to do. Popular activities include swimming with the dolphins at Dolphin Cove and bobsledding through a tropical rainforest at Mystic Mountain.

( via Chukka Caribbean )

From ATV Safaris to Zip Line Canopies and River Tubing Chukka Caribbean Adventures is well known for its thrilling and adrenaline pumping tours that invite travelers to experience the wild side of Jamaica. In addition to these there are however a vast collection of calm and relaxing tours that allow you to simply sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful Jamaican Scenery. Their Zion Bus Line is one such tour.

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September 21, 2011 at 8:16 am | Ocho Rios, What to Do | No comment

Vacation Themes: Beaches: Cosmo’s Beach, Negril Jamaica

Located at the main entrance to Long Bay Beach Park on Negril’s famous seven-mile beach Cosmo’s is a steadfast beach favourite for anyone visiting Jamaica’s “Capital of Casual” and a great alternative to its busier counterpart for anyone looking to escape the crowds.

( via )

The beach is private so visitors need to pay a small fee to enter (about the cost of one bottle of beer). The beach is usually less crowded and attracts a mainly local crowd. Cosmo’s is comprised of three thatched bars and dining areas. Diners can sit inside or dine on outdoor tables with their feet in the sand. Both indoor and outdoor tables offer a view of the ocean. Best of all, hammocks are strung up on the beach outside the restaurant so you can sleep off your meal in the sun.

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September 15, 2011 at 3:12 pm | Negril, Vacation Themes, What to Do, Where to Visit | No comment

Where to Visit: The Hip Strip, Montego Bay 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, attractions and nightclubs. There are options for every taste and budget in Jamaica’s “complete resort”.

With its 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. Montego Bay’s Gloucester Avenue, also known as the “Hip Strip” is home to some famous spots ranging from sun-splashed shores awash with crystal-clear water to interesting shops offering a slice of authentic Jamaican apparel and restaurants that double as venues for events and amazing live entertainment. The Hip Strip is also known for some great Caribbean sunsets and tropical panoramic views of the bay.

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September 13, 2011 at 11:28 am | Montego Bay, What to Do, Where to Eat, 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

10 Reasons to Visit Jamaica Now: # 7 – Snorkeling: 5 Hot Spots for Snorkeling in Jamaica

Tropical coral reefs are among nature’s most diverse ecosystems, composed of thousands of species of fish, plants, corals, invertebrates, and microorganisms. Their natural beauty attracts thousands of tourists and divers each year. Snorkeling in the emerald waters off the coast of Jamaica to explore the beautiful living coral reefs and see the exotic fish that dwell therein is a popular activity in the Caribbean, let alone on the island itself and it’s something the entire family can enjoy together.

Though most coral reefs may require a boat to get to them all major tourist resorts in Jamaica, in areas such as Port Antonio, Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, and St. Elizabeth (to name a few) offer daily snorkeling trips. Usually all equipment, the boat experience and the crew and captain are included in the cost of a snorkelling trip. If you’re about to plan that next big vacation and you’re curious about the underwater aspect of Jamaica you’ll want to visit any (or all) of these 5 Hot Spots for Snorkeling in Jamaica!

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December 18, 2010 at 9:50 am | Travel Resources, What to Do, Where to Visit | No comment