<h2>RESORT AREA SPOTLIGHT: PORT ANTONIO</h2>A quiet and beautiful haven situated in Portland parish on Jamaica’s northeastern coast, Port Antonio is known for its warm hospitality and tranquil setting. Without the tourist crowds of Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, this remote resort area charms visitors with its unspoiled beauty, secluded vibe, and natural attractions for eco-travellers.&nbsp;&nbsp; Not only is Port Antonio a favourite hideaway for visiting film stars and famous musicians, the region’s verdant landscape is often seen on screen and has been featured in many famous Hollywood films, including Blue Lagoon, Cocktail and Lord of the Flies. See another side of Jamaica and plan a trip to Port Antonio to discover the unspoiled beauty of this idyllic island paradise. Wander along lush green jungle trails, explore secluded beaches, idle down a winding river on a bamboo raft, and dine on authentic jerk cuisine.&nbsp; <h3>Here are just a few of the top things to see and do in Port Antonio:&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>Blue Lagoon One of Jamaica’s most beautiful natural wonders, the aptly named Blue Lagoon dazzles with a dramatic sapphire hue that changes in the sunlight throughout the day. The calm waters are almost 200-feet deep and are a mix of warm saltwater from the Caribbean Sea and icy cold fresh spring water.<img src="https://ttand.imgix.net/jtb-nature-portland-blue-lagoon-1627480080866.jpg" style="width: 650px;"> Photo:&nbsp;Nature, Portland | Blue Lagoon&nbsp;Rafting on the Rio GrandeA leisurely rafting trip along the Rio Grande is truly a one-of-a-kind Jamaican experience that allows you to relax and unwind in nature. Glide down one of Jamaica’s longest rivers aboard a bamboo raft built for two and take in the lush landscape before stopping for a lunch break and a refreshing swim.Frenchman’s Cove With pristine white sand and crystal-clear azure waters, the picture-perfect Frenchman's Cove is one of Jamaica's most recognized beach locations. Flanked by a canopy of emerald-green trees that surround the sparkling Caribbean Sea, the hidden oasis gets its name from an old folklore about an explosive battle between British and French swashbucklers. A perfect spot to laze away the day, Frenchman’s Cove is also home to a casual beach bar and grill that serves up authentic Jamaican cuisine and cold Red Stripe beers.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://ttand.imgix.net/jtb-nature-portland-frenchmanscove-1627480146683.jpg" style="width: 650px;"> Photo: Nature, Portland | Frenchmans CoveFolly RuinsBuilt in the early 1900s by American businessman Alfred Mitchell, Jamaica’s legendary Folly Ruins are the decaying remains of a 60-room Roman-style mansion that was once the most opulent home on the island. Abandoned for decades, the crumbling-yet-beautiful 100-year-old ruins are now used for private photoshoots and music videos. The landmark is closed to tourists but can be viewed from behind a fence along the roadside.<img src="https://ttand.imgix.net/jtb-portantonio-folly-ruins-1627480205851.jpg" style="width: 650px;"> Photo:&nbsp;Port Antonio | Folly RuinsReach FallsReach Falls is a luxurious eco attraction tucked away in the Montane Forrest on the John Crow Mountain Range approximately 45 minutes east of Port Antonio. The 4.6-hectare property is a peaceful biodiverse sanctuary where visitors can see 20 species of ferns, a variety of birds and even wild pigs. Spend the day enjoying the cascading waterfalls, swimming in the refreshing pools, and exploring the scenic underwater caves.&nbsp;Boston Jerk Centre Located just west of Port Antonio, Boston is credited as the original birthplace of jerk cuisine in Jamaica and the area is still home to the island’s original jerk pits, which date back to the 1940s. At the world-famous Boston Jerk Centre, foodies can sample an array of spicy jerk pork, chicken, steak, and even lobster prepared over hot coals in open fire pits. Don’t forget to pick up a spicy bottle of hot sauce or jerk seasoning to take home.Monkey Island A long-established hang-out located off the coast of Portland, Pellew Island (or Monkey Island) is a short five-minute kayak ride from San San Beach and can even be accessed on foot at low tide.&nbsp; With no formal infrastructure or roads, the small uninhabited island offers a true off-the-beaten path escape. The island’s primate inhabitants are long gone but visitors can spend the afternoon here exploring untouched jungle vegetation or go snorkeling in the clear blue waters and admire the colourful aquatic life of the surrounding coral reef.<h3>Where to stay in Port Antonio</h3>Looking for something a little different than the typical all-inclusive experience? Port Antonio offers an eclectic collection of boutique hotels and one-of-a-kind resorts for the discerning traveller.&nbsp;•&nbsp;Geejam Hotel: Located on an isolated hilltop, this world-famous boutique hotel has a private recording studio on-site, making it a sought-after hideaway for visiting musicians. Past guests include Drake, Alicia Keys, Gwen Stefani, and John Legend. Luxurious rooms and private villas feature contemporary design with creative accents and sweeping views. The property’s newly revamped Bush Bar now boasts an open-air stage for live performances.<img src="https://ttand.imgix.net/jtb-gee-jam-hotel-1627480320855.jpg" style="width: 650px;"> Photo: Geejam Hotel | Port Antonio | Jamaica&nbsp;•&nbsp;The Trident Hotel: Visitors who want a sleek, sexy and sophisticated stay gravitate to the gleaming Trident Hotel. The luxurious property’s 13 private oceanfront villas feature secluded terraces, infinity pools, and airy open-concept interiors appointed with mid-century modern design. The neighbouring Trident Castle is a popular venue for weddings and special events.&nbsp; •&nbsp;Kanopi House: Nestled within the treetops on a secluded hillside just outside of Port Antonio, this eco-chic property is a magical location for a scenic stay. The unique treehouse rooms and guest houses are built among 100-year-old Banyan trees that overlook Jamaica’s famed Blue Lagoon. The treehouse bar is a captivating spot for a midday drink and offers a creative menu of rum-based cocktails, wine, beer, and fresh-squeezed fruit juices.•&nbsp;Great Huts:&nbsp;Perched over Boston Bay, Great Huts is a unique ecofriendly hotel that pays homage to the island’s African Ancestors through its rustic design and decorative artworks. Private and secluded bamboo and thatch huts have been built among the fossilized rocky cliffs and are surrounded by the beach and jungle.<img src="https://ttand.imgix.net/008-jtb-nature-portland-greathuts-1627480563906.jpg" style="width: 650px;"> Photo: Great Huts | Port Antonio | Jamaica&nbsp; Port Antonio is the go-to destination for visitors who want the unique side of Jamaica.&nbsp; <img src="https://ttand.imgix.net/jamaica-heartbeat-logo-rgb-1616684945503.jpg" style="color: rgb(85, 85, 85); font-family: Poppins, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.75px; border-style: none; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; max-width: 100%; width: 324.01px; height: 178.746px;"> <div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: rgb(85, 85, 85); font-family: Poppins, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.75px;"><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;">Photo: Jamaica Heartbeat of the World logo</div></div><div> </div>

The Perfect Holiday Spot For Travellers Of All Types | Part 7 | Resort Area Spotlight: Port Antonio

Jamaica - Heartbeat of the World Part 7

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