So excited for all of you. Portland is one place in Jamaica I can recommend without hesitation. I KNOW each of you will fall in love with this special part of the island we all love.
So excited for all of you. Portland is one place in Jamaica I can recommend without hesitation. I KNOW each of you will fall in love with this special part of the island we all love.
Reach Falls is great for swimmers and non-swimmers, there were guys hanging around but really no need for a guide even. That hole you describe is a little unnerving but you don't have to do that to enjoy yourself.
SammyB has the area dialed in - but my $2.5J:
Eat or hang at CliffHangers on the way to or from Reach - please post something if you do, they were building a guest house last Dec and I would love to stay there if all is irie. The food was great and the bar/restaurant/guest house location is unbelievable.
Woody's is good for some cheap eats and hanging out.
Don' t miss eating at Soldier Camp, call to make sure he's open - if not, he may open up for you! He did for us, then an hour later the place was rocking!
GeeJam has great food and drinks but is pricey - old school Mento band Jolly Boys plays there every Wed I think. We stayed there and for once, I think someplace that expensive was worth it - maybe we can afford it again in the future... If you eat there, make sure you walk the property, lush and amazing.
GREETINGS future Portland Visitors…LOL
I tell you I’m stoked for ALL of you for different reasons. From getting to know you, I can say each of your visits will be individually rewarding and momentous. I mean you all are already enthusiastic and optimistic about your upcoming ventures that I hope the reality of being there exceeds your dreamy expectations.
Ms. agregory, Mr. BuffaloSoldier and Sr. Vince…I’m loving your positive VIBES!!!
No worries agregory, the wading/swimming area at Reach Falls is not deep and there is practically no undercurrent. Anyone can stand, swim and walk about with no problem. There is a security guard and life guard present at all times during public operating hours (I always give them each a little tip). The security guard is there 24/7. The life guard escorts the visitors through the fall’s portals. I didn’t go, but Tommy did and he said climbing and navigating was very easy. Two tips: One…wear water shoes. The bottom is stony for about 5-6 yards until you get in the middle of the “pool”. Two…take a heap of white rice to feed the fish. So amazing how you don’t see any fish until you toss in the rice or pieces of white bread. Reach Falls is truly an incredible place to visit.
BuffaloSoldier, I agree with you whole heartedly on both points. Portland’s exquisiteness is expansive. I know you are an adventurer, so that characterist will be satisfied without disappointment. The best part about the ventures is they are pretty close to all accommodations. I believe the furthest would be Reggae Falls and Bath which are in St. Thomas. So Mr. & Mrs. BuffaloSoldier, a variety of thrills will be a mere few miles away. Take your time and enjoy the magnificent scenery along the way.
True, and that expectation applies to you as well Sir Vince! As I’ve mentioned previously, I would LOVE to be there when you arrive in Portland so I can hand you your first red stripe!!! Your experience will only get more irie from there. I see how expressive you all are so I know for a fact your trip reports will be fabulous and will draw hundreds to this forum as you post. I know I’ll be there applauding every word and delighting at every photo. Also Vince, I thought of another place you and Mrs. Vince can consider for accommodations and that is Fairy Hill Psalms. Three bedrooms, three baths, huge kitchen and livingroom. I adore the owners Linton & Alicia. The price is very affordable at around $110/night for the entire private house. Check out their website. There is no view, but only a five minute walk to Winnifred Beach.
Odinson,
Seacliff hotel looks real nice
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/15026365
I too would love to stay there.
I second Woody's Ms. Cherry has the best rum punch on the island!
Trident has jazz on I believe Saturday nights
Food at Geejam is very good and as stated ask for a tour of the property
Enjoyed the food at Bikini Beach as well
Jerk sausage, Pork and festival at Boston, Haven't gotten a good batch of chicken
Long Bay is really lovely can't swim because of the strong under current but nice to just enjoy the vibe and grab a bite to eat etc
Winnifred is a nice local beach with zero harassment
Frenchman Cove you do have to pay but it's worth it.
Portland is truly special!
I saw that place Fairy Hill Psalms before. I'm fine with no a/c. We live in south Texas so we are kinda use to heat, humity ect. But, I read the reviews, and some complained about being hot and muggy. (I'm just looking out for my girls) I like the place, close to Winnfred beach too! Price is good too!
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Oh Vince...yeah it's one thing to be hot...but muggy too???? That would interfere with sleep and keeping the hair tamed!!! It felt very comfortable while I was there, but that was October and only for a about an hour. Thanks for the added info.
Everyone…Sammyb and I can suggest “eateries…entertainment…places to be-a-kid-again” to a certain extent, however your best go-to source on what’s what in Portland are your hosts and hostesses. Mr. Lloyd Edwards is very kind and approachable. The first time I called to request a visit to his place, he was out with guests. He had taken them to Frenchman’s Cove. That tells me he communicates with his guests and listens to make sure they have a great time even if he has to take them to the action himself. The same is true with Bigga. The daily joy for this man, who is always smiling, is to go out of his way to cater to his guests making sure they are happy and well fed.
I know the same will be true for you Vince wherever you decide to stay. Don’t be afraid to ask your hosts/hostesses anything. From where to eat (I know Bigga would say “Here mon!”) to where to have fun. Where to go and where to avoid. Portland is that kind of place. The amount of interaction you have with them is solely YOUR call. They are not intrusive or boundary invaders. Just plain old good-hearted people who want to assist.
My hope is that you ALL return with NEW discoveries to add to the Portland attractions like takinitslow and Odison. Thanks to them, I added Soldier Camp and Blacks on Winnifred Beach to my list for next reach. It’s all about sharing the love for Jamaica on Negril.com.
just a quick reminder that portland is extremely humid may to october, i mean really, really humid! and rainy!
Is anyone familiar with Norse Hill Estate? I'm interested in their 2 bedroom garden cottage.
Looking forward for our fist reach in Porty.Thanks everyone for the guidance ! Love ,Peace & Hairgrease- Biggs