I just returned from an incredible 8 day break in beautiful Jamaica. I’ve been to Jamaica more times than I can count over the years, but always to the main tourist areas- Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios. When planning this Jamaica adventure for my fiance’s birthday and first time visit, I wanted to do something different- to take the road less traveled. It was important to me that the experience feel new and exciting for both of us despite my prior trips. Also, Kevon is Grenadian and loves the rugged, local feel of the off the beaten path countryside there. That led us to Portland- a lush, jungle rich parish on Jamaica’s northeast coast- a bold choice that definitely did not disappoint.
We stayed at Geejam Hotel in Port Antonio- a hip luxury boutique hotel nestled into the jungle hills over a beautiful beach vista. The hotel has INCREDIBLE views of the rich greenery and surrounding ocean vistas. It also has a delicious restaurant and bar and a full service music studio that has served as the creative haven for major artists from Jay Z to Popcaan. We did a lot away from the hotel but we also spent a few days just lounging on the deck and in the private hot tub for our room- Ska- one of 4 uber private luxury cabins at Geejam that feel like your own personal jungle tree house.
We hired a driver for the week (based on hotel reference) which is always a great move when traveling to an unfamiliar destination. He took us out every day we ventured off property and we were able to tailor each day to our casual whims and desires. He also facilitated our currency exchanges and was able to procure just about anything we could want. Our trip included bamboo rafting on the Rio Grande River, dancing the day away at the local favorite Sunup Day Party, dipping in the crystal clear waters on Boston Beach and eating as much as humanly possible because all of the food was so fresh and seasoned to perfection as only Jamaicans can (more on that and our favorite spots in another post).
When you stay at larger Caribbean resorts in main tourist areas you tend to meet and spend a lot of time with other visiting guests and having a very Americanized experience. It is easy to spend a week in a country on a trip like that and learn very little about the people who actually live there and their culture. On this trip we spent most of our time meeting and getting to know local residents and their way of life which was so refreshing. Even though this was my umpteenth trip to Jamaica, it left me feeling deeply connected to this magical place in a way that my other trips never did. We also made friends and connections that will continue to grow.
