Port Antonio
Among the best kept secrets in the Caribbean has always been Port Antonio, a tropical Eden and the jewel in Jamaica's crown. Portland offers visitors unparalleled natural beauty rugged, fascinating coastlines, a romantic beaches, hidden coves, rivers, and waterfalls with the Blue Mountain range providing a spectacular backdrop Port Antonio, as the capital of Portland, has maintained its charm as a peaceful rural township and is home to one of the most wonderful harbors in the Caribbean. A walk through town is really a walk in history, with its narrow streets lined with buildings from another era including the neo-Romanesque Anglican stone church (1840) and the charming gingerbread DeMontevin Lodge (1881), now a well-known guest house on Titchfield Peninsula. Fort George (1729) over looks the harbors, with its cannons pointing out to sea. Just outside of town lie the ruins of Mitchell's Folly built in 1905 of cement and also sea water. Navy Island, just off the twin harbors is a beautiful spot, once owned by Errol Flynn. It's worth taking the ferry and delighting in the view of the town with the hills rising above it. In the late 19th century, Port Antonio was renowned as the world's banana capital, some claim that Jamaica's tourism was born here when banana boats coming back from Boston, U.S.A. brought the firs tourists to our shores. Precisely because of its seclusion, Port Antonio has attracted many celebrities and also rich individuals. Portland offers an enchanting vacation experience. Sparkling waterfalls, many of which are small secret gems, such as Scatter Water Falls and Nanny Waterfalls; romantic coves with wonderful beaches; the enchanting Rio Grande River weaving its way through the deep valley and rolling hillsides covered with lush tropical forests; picturesque banana plantations; spectacular mountain views in the Land-of look-Behind, Maroon Country, are some of the features which draw those seeking the authentic and still natural Jamaica. A wide variety of tastes are satisfied by the range of accommodations provided in and around Port Antonio ranging from luxury hotels and villas, to small intimate hotels and simple guesthouses. There are no large resorts or high rise building to attract masses of tourists, but the beauty and tranquility of this area gives it probably the highest rate of return visitors to the island. If you can stir yourself from the wonders of Port Antonio itself, there are several trips to take and attractions to be visited. For more information visit the writer at: http://www.mobay.com/town2.htm Ljao/jan/1v21