MY JOURNEY TO Jamaica
The chance to swim with dolphins
Discover the history It’s hard to imagine a time when these bright, confi dent,
proud Jamaicans were a slave people but my journey cut through what was formerly vast swathes of coconut and sugar plantations.
In places their historic legacy remains and a visit to a plantation house such as Rose Hall Great House or Greenwood Great House helps fl esh out Jamaica’s back story. Built in 1780 by the father of poet Elizabeth Barrett- Browning, the property is now lovingly maintained by current owners Ann and Bob Betton. Set on six acres, the house was once at the heart of an 84,000-acre plantation business which employed no fewer than 2000 slaves. From the stunning top-fl oor verandah Bob has the same 180-degree views of the coast those wealthy plantation owners once had as he painstakingly gathers, restores and displays the Caribbean’s largest authentic collection of antiques from the era. The house retains the atmosphere of the 19th Century – a time of both elegance and brutality – and each displayed piece reveals more tales of Jamaica’s past. Negril is known as ‘The Capital of Casual’ and is totally chilled. Set on seven miles of white-sand beach, it’s a place of carefree days and fun-fi lled nights. It is Jamaica’s most western point and renowned for its stunning sunsets.
Head to the beautiful little cliffside location of Rick’s Café and there’s no better way to end a day, or a journey, than by combining a sundowner with the spectacle of thrillseekers jumping into the crystal-clear waters below from the clifftops and the 35ft platforms.
The iconic Rick’s Cafe Negril
Traditional jerk flavours on the BBQ at Scotchies
www.sellinglonghaul.com
July/August 2013 49
Dare-devil divers at Rick’s Cafe
The beach at Half Moon Resort
Totally tropical
My room with a view at Half Moon Resort
THE ITINERARY DAY One
Montego Bay is known for its
beauty and the range of activities on offer. It’s a place where history and legend come together. Clients can take their pick from zip-lining, river-tubing, horse-riding, quad biking and much more besides through local operator Chukka Adventure Tours.
chukkacaribbean.com
DAY Two Falmouth is Jamaica’s
leading cruise port with a deep-water harbour suited to even the most gigantic mega-liner. It is receiving a massive injection of cash from government and cruise companies to add more cruise-client
facilities but remains a bustling local town with well-preserved Georgian architecture, an historic ‘clock of confusion’ which tells a different time on each of its four faces, an old courthouse and a rare phosphorescent lagoon which glows at night.
DAY Three Negril is big on beachlife and big on watersports. Everything from snorkelling to parasailing is on offer and the atmosphere is totally chilled. Days here are spent discovering secluded coves or lazing on the beach, while the nights bring beautiful stunning sunsets and reggae-fi lled spontaneous parties.
WHERE TO BOOK IT CARRIER
Offers seven nights at the Half Moon Resort including fl ights and private transfers from £1675. Rooms are traditional or contemporary in style and sit on the bay. Many have their own private pools.
carrier.co.uk
Add a touch of class and comfort to the booking with the VIP Attractions pass to the Club Mobay Lounge. This will fast- track them through the airport and add a welcoming meet and greet service. Rates from $50
www.vipattractions.com
Hand feeding the hummingbirds
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