By Katie Allie
Hi, I’m Katie. Once upon a time I was a kindergarten teacher, and life was pretty good. I loved coming home each day with paint on my hands and funny stories to tell. I got to travel a lot, too. Every time I had a break, I was somewhere new, managing to travel on a very tight budget, and coming home with even better stories to tell. Since then, I started my own travel consulting company, and I’ve collected many moments and mishaps. I’ve haggled, made friends and found hidden gems. I am hooked on getting lost in the world, and I want to show you how wonderful it is, too.
In my work as a travel consultant, I often have potential clients approach me with a familiar tune: “I want to go somewhere tropical with beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and all the amenities, but I also want stuff to do. Where do you think I should go?”
My answer, almost always, is: “Have you considered Jamaica yet?”
I know you’re wondering, and yes, it is safe to venture outside the resorts, and I genuinely hope you do. Jamaica is home to one of the friendliest, most fascinating and thriving cultures in the Caribbean. It has so much more to offer than just sand, surf and Bob Marley. Here are a five reasons you shouldn’t go to the beach on your next trip to Jamaica.
Photo courtesy of Megan Evangeliste
You can hike, sip and cool off in the Blue Mountains.
Did you know they make great coffee in Jamaica? Blue Mountain coffee is grown in a specific region and elevation in a labor-intensive process that makes your morning cup of the black stuff a very special brew. The mountains themselves are gorgeous too, and with a network of hiking trails, plenty of tour operators to show you around and accommodations aplenty, there’s no reason you can’t see some of Jamaica’s interior too. For a little romantic luxury in the mountains, Island Outpost’s Strawberry Hill property doesn’t disappoint.
You can swirl your toes in one of the world’s only bioluminescent bays.
There are only a handful of bioluminescent bays in the world, and Jamaica is home to one of them. If you can time it with the moon cycles—the less light, the better—and bring a bathing suit, you’re in for a real treat. Several local companies will pick you up from your resort and bring you back, or you can catch a shared ride or taxi yourself, then arrange to go out with one of the boats in the lagoon once you’re there. It’s worth mentioning that it’s difficult to get a picture of the bioluminescence unless you have professional equipment, so put down the camera and enjoy the moment for this one.
A cooking class at Zimbali Retreats. Photo courtesy of Megan Evangeliste.
You can eat local.
Surely you didn’t come to the land of jerk chicken, ackee and salt fish, grilled beach lobsters, bammy, Jamaican patties and callaloo fritters just to eat the resort food, right? I didn’t think so.
If you’re not sure what some of those things are, join a food tour. There are tours all over the country that will introduce you to the local flavors, and if you still want to know more, why not try a cooking class? Zimbali Retreats runs a spectacular one that includes a tour of their organic farm, and they’re only 20 minutes from Negril. For a real, Saturday-at-a-local-market-experience deal, check out Coronation Market in Kingston. It’s a feast for both your eyes and your belly.
You can cruise on the Black River.
Cliffside accommodations in Treasure Beach, Jamaica. Photo courtesy of Megan Evangeliste.
Dunn’s River Falls, YS Falls and Martha Brae River rafting all deserve some attention. My favorite inland river experience, however, is the Black River. Way less touristic, it offers a chance to see local life and incredible opportunities to view birds and even crocodiles as you float along. If you’re visiting nearby Appleton Estate for a little rum tasting, you can’t miss this.
You can dance the night away.
If you’re up late, Jamaican dance halls are famous the world over, as much for their fashion as their dancing. You’ll be listening to dancehall instead of reggae, a high-tempo local fusion that will let you show off your best moves, or just watch the professionals show you how it’s done.
Happy limin’!
