Picture lush green foliage, beautiful scenery, sleepy charm,
a fascinating coastline of bays, estuaries and fine beaches ….this is Portland,
the parish of Jamaica that statistics confirm, experiences the highest rainfall
in the island. Its terrain is interestingly
varied as the parish extends from the highest peaks of the Blue
Mountains (over 7,000 ft above sea-level) down to the northern
coast of the island. Fourteen caves, seventeen rivers, romantic coves and
several sparkling waterfalls offer a veritable feast of natural attractions
that throughout the years, although they have been a source of income, their
potential as income earners for the parish has still not yet been fully
maximized.
Driving cars in Jamaica is for the brave and courageous and
sometimes visitors who arrange car rentals, after a day or so on the road,
avoiding our pot holes and the stray animals who wander absentmindedly across their
path, decide to forget about the driving and simply relax with their family on
one of the great beaches that are available – a much healthier pastime than
driving a car!
A beautiful marina, named after Errol Flynn, has in recent
years been constructed on Port Antonio’s waterfront. This accommodates berthing
of yachts as well as being deep enough to facilitate cruise ships. In days of
old, banana boats were a constant sight as Portland ’s very rich soil made this parish a
leading producer of bananas for export, as well as coconuts, breadfruit,
coffee, mangoes and ackee. This harbor
has for over four decades been the home base of a special sport, deep-sea
fishing, at the Annual Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament. The prized
Atlantic Blue Marlin is a fish that migrates through the Caribbean
in September and October according to the moon’s phases and anglers from all
over the world strive to catch the biggest marlin at this thrilling tournament.
Marlins can grow up to an impressive 16ft. in length. Of course when the catch is in, as families
relax on their boats, recipes are shared for preparation of this delicacy!
Portland, with its capital town of Port Antonio - an exciting town of yesteryear, a hotspot for
the rich and famous who revelled in this jewel of luxury small hotels
destination, is now known around the world as a Jamaican getaway for all types
of travellers, especially luxury travellers seeking authentic Jamaican
hospitality.
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