St. Elizabeth Parish doesn’t get as many visitors as some of Jamaica's better known destinations. Perhaps that’s part of its charm. Located on the southwestern part of the island, this is a place where those seeking the unusual and the natural will not be disappointed. Having a vintage rum factory within parish boundaries doesn’t hurt either. Whether you want to feel the squish of sand between your toes, the rush of zip lining through the forest canopy or just the simple pleasure of fiery rum warming the belly, St. Elizabeth is the place to be.
The words “Jamaica” and “rum” are often found hugging the same sentence. Appleton Estate is one of St. Elizabeth’s treasures, located in the parish’s Nassau Valley. Part of a land grant from the King of England to Francis Dickenson, the Appleton Estate has been producing rum since 1749. Take a tour of this centuries old property, learn about its sometimes colorful history and see how rum is produced. Sample the finished product and take home some extravagantly packaged Appleton Estate Exclusive Jamaica Rum, sold on-site and at a few locales in Jamaica.
YS Falls is located on a working ranch and thoroughbred stud farm in one of St. Elizabeth Parish’s more secluded valleys. Once you arrive at the gate you’ll find a ticket office and gift shop, as well as a Jitney Tractor to take you on a 10-minute ride across the fields to the falls. A wooden pathway takes you to the top of the many tiered waterfall for a panoramic view of the estate. If you’re feeling adventurous, ride the zip line back down through the forest canopy. The waterfalls spill into pools, some of them suitable for swimming. A lifeguard is on-hand to steer you toward the safe spots. A shallow spring-fed pool is available for the little ones. Go on a guided tubing excursion on the river at the base of the falls. After your ride back to the gate, relax on the veranda of the small cafe before heading back to civilization.
The Santa Cruz Mountains come to a dramatic end on the south coast of Jamaica. Lovers’ Leap is a 1,700-foot drop-off to the sea below. The legend that sparked the name dates back to the 18th century when slavery was still in practice. Two star- crossed slaves, Tunkey and Missy supposedly jumped from this jagged outcrop rather than be separated. Whether this is fact or fiction, a carved wooden statue of the pair sits next to the Lovers' Leap Lighthouse. A moderately challenging 3-mile hiking trail zigzags down the cliff to the tumultuous waters of Cutlass Bay. Swimming is not a good idea. If you’d rather just enjoy the view, dine at the Lovers' Leap Restaurant, famed for serving its rice and peas dish in the shape of a heart.
Visiting the Accompong Maroon Village is another way to explore Jamaica’s past. Maroons were runaway slaves who fled from plantations to the Santa Cruz Mountains. Accompong was founded before the British signed a treaty with the Maroons in 1739. Descendants of the founders still call the place home. While you’ll be welcomed if you visit the village on your own, you'll get more out of that visit if you hire a local guide. A typical tour includes a visit to some of the community elders, historic sites and the village museum. Prepare to be entertained by local musicians and drummers. Lunch, Jamaican style, is included. Your tour guide will meet you at a prearranged locale of your choice.
Jamaica has its share of beaches, some lined with posh hotels, others with not a soul in sight. Treasure Beach leans toward the quiet side. It's a place where you can relax on a hammock strung between two palm trees or stroll the nearly vacant sands. The name has nothing to do with treasure of any sort. A Canadian came to visit in the 1930s and liked the place so much he built the Treasure Beach Hotel. Before that the tiny fishing village wasn’t officially on the map. The hotel is still there and though it’s been renovated and modernized, retains its low-key charm. Other small hotels and villas dot parts of the coast but the main attraction is the beach. One rather quirky property is Jakes, a beachfront hideaway with rooms and cottages with names like Seapuss, Octopussy and Sweet Lip. Unusual architectural and decorative features make each structure a work of art, inside and out.
