Port Antonio

[monipie]

Hi all: I'm new to the boards and have been searching through past postings to get more information on Port Antonio. We are going there for two weeks next year. I see most people go to Montego Bay or Ocho Rios. Is it not a popular destination or is it so off the beaten track that most people just don't go? We want that type of atmosphere of less people, but I'd also like to hear about must see/do and what not to do, etc. Anyone who has been is going, tell me about it!! I only have 275 more days to go before my trip! Yay!

[Magician]

Re: Port Antonio

Welcome to the Board Ramona! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Port Antonio is a very nice place, and it does have that off the beaten path ambiance. It's distant location from the airports makes it much quieter and secluded.

Being on the leeward side of the island, it makes it much wetter but at the same time more lush. The showers usually come during the night, and in brief downpours, and most of the day will be sunny and warm. The vegetation is very dense and pretty. The coastline is made up of a series of coves. The most famous of which is the Blue Lagoon. A very deep natural pool, with crystal clear water that is famous for changing color.
Make it a point to see it at different times of the day, to see different colors.

Not far from Port Antonio, you'll find Boston Bay, where you'll enjoy the best jerk food in all of Jamaica. That coast is also the best for surfing, and you can surf or watch other do it.

Rio Grande river on the West side of town offers river rafting, a very pleasant experience, and you can have a swim and a picknic upriver. Narrow and steep inland roads are nice for an afternoon drive, of if you preffer, a way to get to some magnificent mountain hiking territory.

The town of PA also has some quaint places to eat, and a picturesque town square. Farther afield is Reach Falls, a romantic place to spend part of your day.

Port Antoni is a good place to go for a relaxing holiday break.

[monipie]

Re: Port Antonio

Thanks for your quick response! Does anyone have any pictures or trip reports they care to share?

[tami625]

Re: Port Antonio

I visited Port Antonio in 2001, it was the best time i ever had...i stayed at the Trident Resort & Villas(gorgeous grounds) I ate everyday @ Boston Jerk Center, partied @ Dragon Bay Resort over the weekend...Really nice place to just relax and commune with nature...hearing the waves lap smash against the rocks at night was very relaxing, almost hypnotic.

[DiamondDave]

Re: Port Antonio

Hi Ramona!!

If you go down to the Archives you can search around for some older reports....

Have a great time!!

[CurtisD]

Re: Port Antonio

Hello Ramona,

If you are going to PA you will soon become a fanatic on and about the area.
There is so much to see and do. All that Magic and Miko have said is true.
DiamondDave has given you the key that will unlock a treasure chest.

Getting to PA is an effort but I love it so much that I take it as an adventure.
One that makes the journey all the more exciting and worth it.
I cannot even imagine getting to PA unless I have made this effort.

Take a flight into Kingston and unwind to get rid of the stress of preparing
the trip and also to get over the jetlag. Try this hotel. Only 15 minutes from the airport.
By doing this, you will be well prepared for the duration of your stay.

MORGANS HARBOUR HOTEL Port Royal

http://www.beachesparadise.com/Caribbean/morgans.html

Take a boat ride out to Lime Cay –
From Port Royal take a speed boat ride out to these sandy keys.

http://www.jamaicans.com/tourist/articles_travel/limecay.shtml

In the town of Port Royal. Buchaneer´s Roost Restaurante...
Lively local place. Enjoy a delicious hot soup and Lobster dinner.
OR go over to the popular GLORIAS for a fish dinner and the ambience.
OR have a nice meal at the hotel.
This hotel has the best and most spectacular romantic setting.
Looking out to the harbour with the mountains of Kingston in the background.
At nightime the lights add a special effect to the whole setting.

The sunrise in JAM is about 05:30am. This is a special time of day to
see the harbour and all its activities taking place.
For a stroll back in time, and definatley a Historical
learning delight, have a walking tour through Port Royal.

http://www.noquartergiven.net/jamaica.htm

The drive from Kingston to Port Antonio is over the Blue Mountain range.
It is an exciting two hour plus trip and down
the other side into the most beautiful area of Jamaica.
Filled with rivers and lush vegetation.
Make many stops along the way to throughly enjoy the fantastic scenery...
First stop is Strawberry Hill http://www.islandoutpost.com/interface.html
Stop at Newcastle where the soldiers live and train all year long..
Then stop at the tiny shop that sells Coffee, just for the fun off it.
You will see many places that are worth taking pictures off.

Check to verify that the road is open to thru-traffic.
Otherwise, take the coastal road east to Morant Bay, Hector´s River, Long Bay and onto PA.
Another route is up to Constant Spring, Stony Hill, Castleton Gardens.
This is the Junction Road to Annotto Bay, then east to Buff Bay and onto PA.

Read all about the area on these links

http://www.portantoniotravel.com/

http://www.visitjamaica.com/resorts/port/default.aspx

http://www.discoverjamaica.com/portant.htm/

PORT ANTONIO. RAFTING . http://www.jamaicans.com/tourist/por...tonioDoSee.htm

An early morning start allows you to be in time to get on
the Rio Grande River Raft so as to enjoy this three hour trip.
Stop half way down there to enjoy a snack or full
lunch with the world famous and entertaining Miss Betty.

The end of this ride will take you to Rafter´s Rest where
you can have a shower and get ready to continue the adventures....

BLUE LAGOON. The Best area. http://www.bluelagoonvacations.com/index.shtml
http://www.villasinjamaica.com/port_antonio.shtml This place has very private townhouses with one or two bedrooms, kitchen and living rooms.

It has an excellent location overlooking the famous San San beach and also the Blue Lagoon.

Moon San Villa located at blue lagoon. http://www.moonsanvilla.com/
Click onto EXCURSIONS and have fun choosing.

Please do not miss the chance to see the only Palace in Jamaica. http://www.jamaicapalace.com/

REICH FALLS, SUMMERSER FALLS, NON SUCH CAVES. http://www.sunvillas.com/villas/Bonn...ttractions.htm

For a one-of-a-kind exotic resort experience.. http://www.hotelmockingbirdhill.com/

There is an excellent selection of hotels for you to choose from.
Please do not listen only to me. There are many others who
will also bring their own ideas and positive recomendations.
You cannot go wrong on any of them. You will be in PA.
The most naturally beautifull part of Jamaica.

Have fun!

[monipie]

Re: Port Antonio

Thank you so much for the suggestions. We will be staying at Chateau en Exotica in the San San Estate http://iwms.com/exotica/ and fortunately or unfortunately, I'm the one planning the trip for 3 couples. So advanced preparation is key, but not TOO much since we want to let things unfold as we go. The suggestion about staying overnight in Kingston is a good one since we arrive around 5PM.

I tried looking in the Archives originally but when I clicked on the post I got a message stating that it was no longer available or had expired. Unless I'm doing something wrong...which, believe me, wouldn't be the first and last time! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

I would love to see some pictures other than the ones I've seen online which inspired us to go to PA this time around. Last time we spent in Montego Bay and had a great time. But we were much younger way back then and loved the partying life. Now I'm old and decrepit and wanna relax! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[Guest]

Re: Port Antonio

Ramona, I lived for 8 yrs in Port Antonio and go back to visit every time I'm in Ja. Be sure to check out Boston Jerk Stand, Rafting on the Rio Grande and the beach ( San San, Frenchmans Cove, Dragon Bay). Also, Navy Island is pretty close by for more beach stuff. It's a nice place if you are seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle.The villas by Blue Lagoon and Goblin Hill are nice. Own kitchen to cook etc. Have fun.
PS: The drive to get there from Kingston/Montego Bay is challenging.
Misyyad ( NC)

[CurtisD]

Re: Port Antonio

Ramona. My dear.
Girl, we do know how to spoil ourselves!

The Exoctic Chateau is a dream come true.

Just a few minutes drive up the hill
but yet a world away from the noise of traffic.

By the time you clear immigration and customs it will be after 6pm.

Darkness comes quickly and believe me,
it is like someone has turned off the lights.

Enjoy your first night at the hotel nearby.

You will have time to rest and the following day you can
continue the journey to PA. It will be a
shame to travel at night and miss all that beauty.

Read and see pics on PA in the archives trip reports.

http://www.jamaicans.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=forum;f=35

[monipie]

Re: Port Antonio

Well.....it's not EVERY day that I get to spend two weeks in heaven so you might as well go all out. Why do you think it's taking me a year to get there? [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]


Gotta save up those pennies!!! I think the Chateau arranges a driver so we wouldn't be the ones driving, so that's good. I really wanted to start my vacation right away and get to PA but you've brought up some good points about seeing things on the way...we'll see what we do. I have to ask the rest of the gang!

[CurtisD]

Re: Port Antonio

Hello Ramona,

I am so happy for you and just know that you will all have a fantastic time.

You know that it will be very important to get in the right mood and
therefore be able to enjoy and appreciate all that Jamaica has to offer.

Staying at the hotel in Port Royal is part of that solution.
After you have done this you will understand why and maybe even thank me.

The following day you can all get up and laze arround at your leasure.
Maybe take that boat ride to Lime Cay.
Maybe take a walk through the historic town of Port Royal.
All this is just to get a feel of Jamaica and will help
you to adapt to everything quickly so that the rest of your stay
in Port Amtonio will be even more rewarding.

Besides,the hotel Morgans Harbour will send a limo for you.

The following day,the other limo will meet you
in the afternoon and
take you on the most enjoyable trip over to PA
with stops along the way to enjoy the panoramic views.
I suggest this trip for the afternoon so that the sun will be behind you on the way over.
Doing this in the morning will mean that morning sun will be in your eyes the whole way over.

Well now its up to you and the group to decide.
Now matter what, have a great time!!!

[Laurel]

Re: Port Antonio

Hey Ramonie - First - welcome to the board!!

WOW!!! Just clicked into the web site for your digs .... YeeHaa!!!! I still have never gotten to the east side of the Island - but I have heard it is GLORIOUS!! We have just never gotten the opportunity .... YET!! Eastside - Soon Come!

You still have lots of time to prepare and lots of 'looking forward' ... have fun with that!

I will be thrilled once this 'fantastical and romantical' trip for you takes place .... you do know we insist on lots of photos!!

Keep us posted!!

[monipie]

Re: Port Antonio

Thank you all so much for your advice and suggestions. Now I have some new things to research!

I know, I hate playing the waiting game. Did I mention it's only 274 more days before I go?

Wasn't sure if I did or not... [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[Magician]

Re: Port Antonio

Curtis has a point about staying in Town the first night. In fact, since most airlines starve you on their flights these days, fish at Gloria's in Port Royal after arrival is an excellent idea.

If you decide to take the transportation to PA that night (which I hope you don't), Junction Road will get you there the quickest. However, if you go the next day, you must take Road B1 through Papine, Newcastle and Buff Bay.

It's an incredible drive, with breathtaking views, and great way to start your trip. Tell your driver to take you through New Kingston instead of the shorter Mountain view Ave. so that you get to see that too. After passing Hope Pastures, and Papone, the road will climb vigorously, passing the JDF (Jamaica Defence Force) training camp at Newcastle. (There you can make a side trip to Catherine's Peak).

Just before you reach Section, you'll pass through a gap in the Grand Ridge of the Blue Mountains, and if you turn around, you'll get a birds eye view of Kingston as far as eye can see. From there its a snaky descent to the coast, chisseled into a wall of a deep valley, with a vista on every curve. You don't want to miss this!

[monipie]

Re: Port Antonio

Morgans Harbour Hotel is booked for the one night I would need it, can you believe that?! Any other suggestions for lodging in Kingston? Thanks in advance!