|
Where it's at
Three hours east of Montego Bay in the parish of Portland
is Port Antonio. Nestled between twin harbours on the
island's northeast curve, where mist-shrouded mountains drop
down to the sea, Port Antonio more than lives up to its reputation
as the 'most exquisite port on earth.' The rugged coastline
and mountains provide hidden coves and secluded beaches that
also make it the most romantic setting in Jamaica.
History of Port Antonio
Founded in 1723, Port Antonio was Jamaica's most important
centre for banana growth and export in the late 1800s. Orchids,
bananas and palm trees grow in profusion. Waterfalls
drop into fern-edged pools, and some of the island's most
elegant villas and charming small hotels are tucked into hillsides
overlooking secluded azure coves, which used to be a haven
for pirates.
One of the island's first hotels was built here in 1905, international
celebrities, such as the likes of Errol Flynn, Ian Flemming
and Noel Coward, described Port Antonio as 'heaven
on earth,' a description echoed by subsequent visitors who
have found this 'Island Eden' to be the ultimate vacation
destination.
You may recognise much of the scenery of Port Antonio, as
the area has been the site for dozens of movies over the years.
Engulfed by greenery and frequented by birds and butterflies,
is the aptly-named 'Blue Lagoon,' a shimmering blue
hole with its vivid blue and emerald green waters is said
to be nearly 200 feet deep, is where parts of the movie of
the same name were filmed.
Visiting Port Antionio today
Even today, Port Antonio's unrivalled beauty makes it popular
for movies and fashion shoots, while its resorts & villas
continue to provide inspiration for celebrities, writers &
royalty. Port Antonio is a panorama of nature's finest work
and Errol Flynn is to have said that 'this place was more
beautiful than any woman he'd ever seen.' Others say it is
simply enchanting.
From the Romanesque ruins of the Folly, a mansion unwisely
built of concrete and seawater, to Fort George, an
18th-century British stronghold whose cannons still point
out to sea, the past is only a heartbeat away in Port Antonio.
The town of Port Antonio is much the same today as it was
at the turn of the century. You will find no high rises of
any kind here, although you will find some truly spectacular
resorts including the Jamaica Palace Hotel and Trident
Villas. One of the sites worth visiting is 'Navy Island,
once the secret hideaway of Errol Flynn and renowned for wild
Hollywood parties. The island is set between Port Antonio's
two harbours and reached by ferry. It is now slated for upscale
development, and is also a favourite for picnics and daytrips.
Beach activities
Bamboo raft rides down the Rio Grande River or
a dip in the refreshing pool at the base of Summerset Falls
is other popular activities. Basking on the smooth sand
of Frenchman's Cove where the brilliantly coloured waters
range from jade, emerald & turquoise to deep blue or any
of Port Antonio's idyllic beaches could be the best choice
of all, unless fishing is a passion.
Port Antonio has some of the best deep-sea fishing in
Jamaica, with marlin, tuna, kingfish and dolphin
in abundance, and hosts the annual international Marlin
Tournament in October. Other activities include Camping,
Sailing, Waterfall Climbing and Snorkelling; not
to mention the ultimate nightlife experience, Club Tiffany,
Lexus. |
