Retreat…Relax…Revel!!!

MY PEEK INTO MY JAMAICAN LIFE FOR LONELY PLANET

I’m a British-born writer, poet and children’s book author, of Jamaican descent.  I flit between my two islands.  The Caribbean inspires my work and has transformed my life.  Here, I recharge, connect to nature and sometimes, if the mood is right, dance from sundown to sunrise!

From undulating mountains to vast powder beaches, Jamaica is breathtakingly stunning.  Sunsets will silence you.  The rainbow of blues from sky to sea, forever enchant.  I am based in Montego Bay but I book a view with a room when I visit other parts of the island.  My mother heralds from beautiful, rural Portland and when there, I stay at Trident Hotel.  Here the treacle coloured cliffs and midnight blue frothy waves are framed by minimalistic architecture.  Not to mention, there’s a gym, spa, private beach, two restaurants and cinema room!  Kingston’s Strawberry Hill, nestled in the Blue Mountains, boasts panoramic views of the capital’s cityscape.  Or Rockhouse Hotel!  I’ve been known to drive for hours to dive into plates of mango, pineapple, callaloo and sweet plantain, dip in cave-cradled waters, then stay for a few nights!  Perhaps, my absolute favourite place to stay is Treasure Beach.  This bohemian, untouched community is one of the island’s most special hidden gems and has stolen my heart.  Book an ocean view room at Jakes or if with friends, a small villa, such as Destiny or La Sirena can prove more affordable.  And remember to visit Pelican Bar for fried fish and a Red Stripe.  In the middle of the ocean! 

"Rockhouse Hotel!  I’ve been known to drive for hours to dive into plates of mango, pineapple, callaloo and sweet plantain, dip in cave-cradled waters, then stay for a few nights!"

Escape the crowds of Doctor’s Cave and book a table at Half Moon hotel, Montego Bay’s natural cove, if you want a beach day.  For tranquillity and local vibes, visit Calabash Bay (St Elizabeth) or Frenchman’s Cove (Port Antonio).  Or bask at the Blue Lagoon or beneath a waterfall, such as Reach Falls or YS for pure relaxation!  For an extraordinary encounter, visit Trelawny’s Glistening Waters where when disturbed, the sea alights like constellations.  It’s magical and mesmerising. 

After dark, my favourite venues are equal parts uplifting music and scenery, such as Kingston Dub Club or Pier One.  My most memorable festivals include J’ouvert’s luminous powder speckled days and Sumfest’s star-studded nights! 

Every moment in Jamaica offers an experience.  Culinary included!  Zip between St Ann’s mountains for farm to table dining at Stush in the Bush or through Westmoreland groves for a Zimbali feast.  Flavours will dance around your tongue like carnival masqueraders because food, like so many other aspects of Jamaican life, is celebration! JW