Port Antonio attracts visitors who want to experience authentic Jamaican culture and explore the natural wonders of the land. Visitors can ride a bamboo raft down the Rio Grand River, explore Foxes Caves, and enjoy the waters of Scatters Waterfalls. The Guava Trail offers a scenic hike through the Blue Mountains and local guides are willing to teach visitors about the traditional uses of local plants or take them birdwatching.
Frenchman’s Cove Resort is a 45-acre family owned private estate complete with its own white sand beach and a fresh water stream. Guests can choose to stay in the Great House or in one of 14 private one-, two- and three-bedroom villas. The Great House has 10 rooms with private baths and air-conditioning. Balconies overlook the gardens. Some suites include sitting rooms. Guests can also enjoy the bar and TV area, lounge, and open-air dining room that are located on the lower level. Private villas accommodate up to six guests. A room in the Great House costs $95 per night while a suite runs $125 per night. Private villas cost $145 to $295, depending on the size. All rates include a complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi Internet, and daily maid service.
Frenchman’s Cove Resort
P.O. Box 101
Port Antonio, Jamaica, W.I.
876- 993-7270
frenchmanscove.com
In 2003, the London Observer voted Great Huts Resort as “best environment of any small Jamaican resort”. This beachfront resort is an ecotourism destination consisting of African style huts and tree houses sitting on a fossilized coral cliff, 100 feet above the Caribbean. In addition to their premium huts that include private baths and hot and cold running water for $120 to $250 per night, the resort offers economical dwellings at a cost of just $35 per person per night. Economic dwellings consist of tents with electricity, shared-bath accommodations, and cold water showers. Full breakfasts are included in the rate. Other amenities include daily housekeeping, cable TV in the lounge, free wireless Internet, free cell phone use, a large book and film library, natural healing practitioners, guided tours and Saturday night African cultural shows of drumming, music and dance.
Great Huts Resorts
Boston Beach
Jamaica
876-993-8888
greathuts.com
Mockingbird Hill overlooks the double harbor of Port Antonio and offers views of Blue Mountain and the Caribbean Sea. ‘Birds of the West Indies’ lists this resort as being “one of the best places for bird-watching on Jamaica." Rooms at the resort are decorated with handcrafted bamboo furniture, locally printed fabrics and original art. There is no air-conditioning, but the resort says it’s rarely needed at their elevation. Also absent are television and telephones. However, the lobby provides free wireless Internet access and two computers for the use of guests. Economy rates start at $138 per night. Deluxe rates start at $320 per night. Suites are available starting at $460 per night. The resort provides free snorkeling masks, afternoon tea, Sundowner’s drink, and a small “exchange” library to all guests.
Hotel Mocking Bird Hill
P.O. Box 254
Port Antonio
Jamaica
876-993 7134
hotelmockingbirdhill.com
