The Best Hidden Gems of Jamaica

Our Local Expert Says:

For those with stamina, the scenic Blue Mountain hike is the perfect activity

Description:

Challenge yourself with this truly breathtaking hike to Jamaica's highest point. Traverse the undulating and sometimes risqué foot path that leads to the Blue Mountain peak. Starting at Gordon Town and passing through Newcastle, this at times demanding hike takes you deep into the flora of the Blue Mountain with streams gushing from the most unexpected places. The exhilarating feeling of being high up in the clouds and away from civilization makes the burn well worth it. Be sure to arm yourself with the hiking basics and you may just want to overnight at the rustic cabins at Portland Gap before setting off for the peak in time for sunrise. Alternatively, you could try the downhill bicycle ride which involves no pedalling!

Our Local Expert Says:

At the foot of the Blue Mountains, great for hiking, picnics or camping

Description:

Every urban centre needs a place where people can escape from the pressures of metropolitan living. Kingston's hideaway is this park amidst the ridges and peaks of the fabled Blue Mountain Range. Visitors come for the picnic and camping areas, cabin facilities and beautiful trails through lush Jamaican rain forests and mountains. The park offers a panoramic view of Kingston and its environs, and it is a haven for indigenous species of birds. This sanctuary encapsulates the magnificence of the Jamaican mountains and is a must-see for visitors. Call for camp rates.

Our Local Expert Says:

A risque ride in a fishing boat take you to the unspoilt beaches of this tiny cay.

Description:

If you happen to be in Kingston and still want a taste of Jamaica's lovely beaches, take a ride over to Lime Cay, a small islet just off the coast of Port Royal. A short and exciting ride in a fishing boat or chartered yacht takes you across to the unspoilt beach where you can wade, swim or relax and read a book. You may just want to pack lunch and make a picnic of it or try lunch at nearby Morgan's Harbour before or after your trip as the food selection and amenities on the cay may be a bit limited.

Our Local Expert Says:

Garden and mini zoo. Scenic and peaceful

Description:

Come by to have some peace of mind while spending some time with your friends and family. A trek across the well-manicured lawns reveals elegant and majestic indigenous and non-indigenous plants and flowers. It is a popular destination for school excursions, picnics and couples looking for romantic surroundings. It also houses a small zoo, with exotic birds and other wildlife representative of the fauna native to the Caribbean and Latin America. Some work projects are being undertaken currently to further enhance the park's beauty.

Description:

Thirty minutes from Kingston, on the windward side of the island's highest mountain, you will find this restaurant hidden in the hills and trees. The menu features West Indian and international cuisine. The architecture, gardens and a spectacular view make this place unique. The decorations are tropical and the area is curtained by towering green mountains. Visitors who challenge these winding mountain roads will find fine, gourmet dining in a romantic atmosphere.