Jamaica — Port Antonio
November 2015
During a time lived in Charlotte, North Carolina, we were fortunate to be able to travel around the west coast of the US as well as the surrounding countries for long weekends and holidays. What would be a long travel from Europe, was only a couple hours flight from Charlotte, broadening our horizons of opportunities for new experiences and adventures.
For Thanksgiving back in 2015 we were looking at a last-minute travel to beaches and sunshine during an otherwise grey November month at home. After having searched the great database for inspiration on Mr and Mrs Smith we took the leap and booked our coming trip to Jamaica.
Port Antonio
Upon our arrival to Kingston we were greeted by a lovely driver who would take us to our home for the next three nights, the Trident Hotel in Port Antonio. Based on the north-east part of the island, Port Antonio is slightly away from the tourist track of the north-west, and authentic and original in every way. Having arrived in Jamaica at the end of the storm season and beginning of the high season, we were in for some shifting weather. Rightfully so, our arrival to the incredible coastal hotel was greeted by high seas and monstrous winds. The best thing with storms is being able to enjoy them tucked away safely inside. The beautiful sea-facing Trident villas gave us a miraculous front row view of the powerful storm, while enjoying some good food and wine inside.
The following day we were woken up by the bluest sky and a peaceful sea. Spending the day relaxing at the incredible pool of the Trident hotel, followed by a dinner and dancing at the Geejam hotel tucked away in the forest with stunning views over the coastline in between the tree crowns. Eating the best curry shrimp to date whilst listening to the Jolly Boys jamming away next to us, made it an evening for the memory books.
Rio Grande River
The next day we went for some rafting down the beautiful Rio Grande River in the Portland Parish, just a short drive south from Port Antonio. The trip down the river alongside thick vegetation and incredible views, took us ca two hours and we were incredibly fortunate to have bright sunshine all the way. With the possibilities of stopping for some food to enjoy halfway down, we settled for a couple beers each, making them some of the best beers we have ever had in the most spectacular scenery.
That evening we had been encouraged to try some of the best local foods around, the Soldier Camp, on the outskirts of Port Antonio. Having filled our bellies with curry goat, curry lobster, and jerk chicken to share, the last dinner on the island couldn’t have been spent better.
Blue Mountain Coffee
On our way to the airport the following day, we got up early to take a long detour up the Blue Mountains to experience some of the famous coffee farms of the region. Being the highest peak of the Caribbean, the drive up the mountain was a bumpy experience that kept going for hours. Having received a lot of rains over the last months, the roads had deteriorated somewhat making it difficult to pass in certain places. Arriving at the Old Tavern Coffee Estate just in time for a late morning coffee and tour, made the challenging drive every bit worthwhile. The owners are incredibly warm people and getting to hear about their work directly from them, made the experience very special.
Having filled our systems with some of the best coffees around and a few more bags of dark roasted coffee to enjoy upon our return home, we were ready to continue our drive. When reaching the airport, we felt incredibly fortunate to have experienced so much in just a few days. Jamaica is an island we would like to return to soon again.
