Port Antonio… the true retreat of Jamaica

Map of Jamaica

The greenest, most lush part of Jamaica, Port Antonio, the capital of the parish of Portland, gives you an inside look and feel of what true Jamaica is. Located 87 km (60 miles) northeast of Kingston, Jamaica’s capital, it is nestled in the tropical rainforest region. Not overbuilt like Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril, it offers the charm and warmth you can only get by blending in with the locals.

Port Antonio hotels show the diversity of the region; premium villas on the Blue Lagoon, Goblin Hill Villas at San San, the more moderate Fern Hill, Jamaica Palace Hotel, Frenchman’s Cove Resort, and the more conservatively priced Jamaica Heights Resort, Rio Vista Resort Villas, and many other small hotels in Port Antonio. The first hotel in Port Antonio, and in all of Jamaica, was the Titchfield Hotel built in 1905.

Downtown is where the heartbeat is… the market place with vendors selling everything from home grown food to T-shirts and souvenirs, restaurants, nightlife, and the locals, who will gladly show you around. It also boasts a beautiful marina built in 2006 which hosts the annual Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament. The Jerk Festival is another widely recognized district event, showcasing the legendary way the locals grill chicken and pork. The event attracts over 15,000 people each year.

Numerous white sand beaches populate the coastline, many hosting a variety of accommodations, from windsurfing, snorkeling, boating, fishing and many other water activities. Horseback riding is another popular venture whether seaside or hillside. Boston Bay, just a short drive from Port Antonio, is the only place in Jamaica where you can surf.

Reach Falls Jamaica

One of the most beautiful spots on the whole island of Jamaica is Reach Falls. Surrounded by rainforest, this pristine river setting has graced the big screen on multiple occasions, but still retains the tranquil ambience that is unique to Reach Falls. There are many levels of cascading water that create turquoise pools that refresh and invigorate.

Port Antonio is also home of the Rio Grande Rafting; floating down the river on a handmade bamboo raft learning the local lore from your trusted raft guide and being surrounded by beauty poets have struggled for years to put to prose.

During the fall of 2009 watch PortAntonio.com develop into a place that more thoroughly describes each and every aspect of this magnificent town and showcases it fabulous people.

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