On the eastern end of the island, Portland has long been considered a hidden Jamaican gem. Popular in decades past with celebrities like Errol Flynn, the easternmost parish has now become a quieter off-the-beaten-path alternative to the more popular destinations for tourists who want to luxuriate in the natural green beauty of the land of wood and water. It’s Jamaica’s wettest parish (and thus the greenest parish) but don’t let the thought of rain stop you – it’s typical for it to cloud over, rain briefly, and then clear up again. Getting to Portland from Kingston, where the closest airport currently is, can be…a journey, but new and better highways are promised by the government.
Recommended Stays
Frenchman’s Cove is a resort that was a highlight of the parish for us, with a long history going back decades. The beach is beautiful, and as the name suggests, is in a cove with the lovely and unique touch of a river emptying directly into the sea. (You have to try out the swing – see photo below). The sea is not super-serene but the crashing waves do add to the beauty of the setting. It’s often considered one of the best beaches in Jamaica.
We found the accommodations at this hotel to be really spacious, great size for a family of 4, and to really maintain the 1950s feel but without feeling at all old or run-down. The hotel grounds are also expansive and lush with natural beauty.
Geejam Hotel was another unique and memorable experience that we loved. Be warned, it’s not cheap though! But there is nothing stuffy about this luxury hotel, and there’s an obvious passion by the owners for Jamaican culture and in particular Jamaican music (be sure to check out the studio while you are there). There’s a long list of celebrities that have stayed here and recorded here, and it’s also one of the hotels on the island with a Michelin key.
The hotel’s beach is small and across a street that felt frightening to cross, but it was still lovely. Also, be sure to ask for a drive to the beautiful Winnifred Beach, a public beach nearby that has received international attention for both its beauty and commitment to remaining public.
Recommended Activities
One of the most famous sites and sights in Portland is Blue Hole, also known as Blue Lagoon. It’s an incredibly deep body of water (once rumoured to be bottomless) that is stunning to behold, and where you can swim if you so choose. The picture below gives you a sense of the lush vegetation that surrounds it, which is what Portland is known for.
We mentioned Winnifred Beach in reference to Geejam, but it’s a public beach and accessible to anyone, so no matter where you stay in the area, it’s worth a visit (and worth providing some financial support!) It’s rare to find a beach in Jamaica this beautiful that does not restrict access.
Our Portland Bucket List
Rafting on the Rio Grande is definitely on our Portland bucket list. This is one of the parish’s most popular tourist experiences, lasting 2-3 hours, so we will be sure to plan accordingly when we go. It sounds like a unique and amazing opportunity to see some of Portland’s undisturbed beauty while travelling serenely down one of Jamaica’s largest rivers.
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