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, the island 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 of many hotels in Port Antonio, and the first on the island, was the Titchfield Hotel built in 1905.

Try a guesthouse (it’s like a bed-n-breakfast). When staying in a guesthouse you will have the use of the kitchen in the house, or the barbecue area, to cook your own meals. There are markets close by. Make sure not to miss the fruit market. There are restaurants, bars, and many small shops just a short hop away. Reggae music can be heard everyday. There is plenty to see and do in the town oh so very close to your relaxing guesthouse.

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. The local food is something not to miss. You can’t get food anywhere else like this. 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 along one of the beaches or hillside. Boston Bay, just a short drive from Port Antonio, is the only place on the island where you can surf.

Reach Falls Jamaica

One of the most beautiful spots on the whole island 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 2010 watch PortAntonio.com develop into a place that more thoroughly describes each and every aspect of this magnificent town and showcases it fabulous people. Come visit Port Antonio soon.

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