Jamaica, with its sandy beaches, unrivaled blue waters and luxury resorts, is and has been a favorite for honeymoons. Undoubtedly, the Caribbean climate makes this island one of the best destinations for newlywed sun worshipers throughout the year. But there’s more to Jamaica than its white sand beaches; Incredible food, plethora of water activities, and friendly faces are just a few of the gifts of this Caribbean island – Jamaica is also leading the way in ecotourism and cultural education tourism. If you’re planning a Jamaican honeymoon, be sure to venture outside of the established resorts to experience some of the best cultural aspects of this romantic getaway and avoid bumping into other tourists.
Most of Jamaica’s resorts and accommodations are nestled along the waters, making the beaches somewhat crowded. If it’s quiet and solitude you’re after, check out the sleepy little town of Treasure Beach. A small, hard-working fishing village, it also boasts the island’s pioneering effort in sustainable tourism. Local farmers and fishermen are often seen in and out of Treasure Beach’s smaller lodges, which offer eco-tours and invite visitors to experience local culture and food. Explore sandy beaches and pirate coves while snorkeling on a lazy day, or take an excursion to nearby waterfalls, rum factory, or mineral baths. Taste the delicious local cuisine of pumpkin soup, fresh lobster, and crab. Treasure Beach isn’t overrun with tourism, but you’ll still find plenty of accommodation options, from small guesthouses to private villas with a personal cook. For more information on the area and places to stay, check out Treasurebeach.net.
Jake’s Resort at Treasure Beach is becoming less of a secret as more and more honeymooners discover its charms. Its 38 secluded cabins boast a heavenly setting with sustainable, eco-friendly design in mind. With a spa service, on-site pool, and two restaurants serving local cuisine, Jake’s has all the amenities of a luxury boutique resort without compromising the quirky and vibrant influences of local Jamaican culture. For more information, visit jakeshotel.com.
If you’re looking for a more personalized honeymoon vacation package, you can visit the Port Antonio website (portantoniojamaica.com) where you’ll find great information on eco-tours designed by the Portland Ecotourism Art Community Endeavor (PEACE). This local team works with a variety of local businesses, farmers, artisans, landlords, and traditional herbalists to educate and customize any type of vacation experience for backpackers and honeymooners alike. One particularly interesting tour they offer is the “Nanny of the Maroons” tour, which combines the wisdom of naturopathic healing and old age Rastafarian medicine. A romantic honeymoon tour would be the bird and butterfly tours, where a nature walk through the lush forests will inspire jungle romance. Accommodations in Port Antonio, in Portland Parish, range from guest houses, hotels, and villas, but again, far enough away from the touristy nightlife of Montego Bay or Negril. Located on the northeast coast of the island, it has a quieter and more poetic landscape with all the luxuries of a tourist community.