Errol Flynn called Port Antonio heaven on earth--a description echoed by subsequent visitors who have found this island Eden to be, quite simply, the ultimate vacation destination. We call it Jamaica’s heart and soul retreat.
Nestled between twin harbors on the island’s northeast curve, where mist-shrouded mountains drop down to the sea, Port Antonio more than lives up to its reputation as "the most exquisite port on earth."Orchids, bananas and palm trees grow in profusion. Waterfalls drop into fern-edged pools. And some of the island’s most elegant villas and charming small hotels are tucked into hillsides overlooking secluded azure coves.
Founded in 1723, Port Antonio was Jamaica’s most important center for banana growth and export in the late 1800s. One of the island’s first hotels was built here in 1905, and it soon became a vacation mecca for the rich and famous of the day.
Hollywood’s elite arrived in the 1950s, a few years after Errol Flynn sought shelter in the harbor on his yacht and decided not to leave: He eventually bought several properties in the area, including a still-thriving plantation.
Today, Port Antonio’s unrivalled beauty makes it popular for movies and fashion shoots, while its resorts and villas continue to provide inspiration for celebrities, writers, royalty, and captains of industry, commerce and politics.
From the Romanesque ruins of the Folly, a mansion unwisely built of concrete and seawater, to Fort George, an 18th-century British stronghold whose cannons still point out to sea, the past is only a heartbeat away in Port Antonio.
Maybe that’s why life moves at a slower pace then it does elsewhere, so there’s more time to enjoy swimming, snorkeling or scuba-diving in the shimmering Blue Lagoon, which is fed by freshwater springs and said to reach a depth of 200 feet.A bamboo raft ride down the Rio Grande River or a dip in the refreshing pool at the base of Somerset Falls are other popular activities. Strolling through tropical Athenry Gardens and exploring the ancient stalagmites and stalactites of Nonsuch Caves, where rare fossils and Indian relics have been found, another.
Even the most active vacationer will be fulfilled by the leisurely hiking and horseback riding trips through the Rio Grande Valley which are offered by Valley Hikes, an award-winning eco-tour organization that also offers excursions to the historic Maroon settlement of Moore Town.
Basking on the smooth sand of Frenchman’s Cove or any of Port Antonio’s idyllic beaches could be the best choice of all--unless fishing is a passion. Port Antonio has some of the best deep-sea fishing in Jamaica, with marlin, tuna, kingfish and dolphin in abundance, and hosts the annual International Marlin Tournament in October.
Jamaica’s mouth-tingling "jerk"-style pork and chicken is a local specialty — and some of the island’s best can be found at Boston Beach, the "birthplace" of jerk cuisine in Jamaica, just east of town.
Accommodations in Port Antonio span the upscale elegance of villas and the luxurious resort hotels, to the hillside charm of moderately priced small hotels and inns.
Navy Island, set between Port Antonio’s two harbors and reached by ferry, was once owned by Errol Flynn and renowned for wild Hollywood parties. Today the island is far quieter—and a favorite for picnics and daytrips.
Picture-perfect, Port Antonio is a panorama of nature’s finest work. Errol Flynn said this place was more beautiful than any woman he’d ever seen. Others say it is simply enchanting. Come and experience the graciousness of another era set against the verdant beauty of nature. Port Antonio, naturally.
Activities
In addition to the highlighted sports, the following are also available in the resort areas: Camping, Jogging, Parasailing, Sailing, Snorkeling, Swimming, Tennis, Waterfall Climbing, Waterskiing
Biking
Bicycles are available for rental at some resort properties and at bike rental companies. (Some bike rental operators also rent motorcycles of various CC ratings.)
D&L Rentals
Tel: 876-993-3282
Rainbow Rentals
Tel: 876-993-2248
Deep Sea Fishing
Port Antonio is a center for this activity. Charters can be arranged for half or full days through hotels or directly through operators. Approximate cost for half a day, US$300, includes boat, captain, crew and equipment. Four to six passengers, depending on boat size. Popular game fish include marlin, tuna, barracuda, bonito, kingfish and dolphin.
Independent operator:
Bonita II
Tel: 876-993-3086
Golf
San San Golf & Country Club
18 holes, 6,200 yards, par 72.Facilities at this new course are currently being developed. Call for information.
Tel: 876-993-9345
Surfing
Boston Beach
The unusually high breakers on this beautiful Port Antonio public beach assure the surfer plenty of action.
Polo
Blue Hole Polo Centre - Matches are held here on a fairly regular basis.
Nightlife
(For some people, this is the ultimate "nightlife.")
- Center Point
- Lexus
- Club Tiffany
- Jamaica Crest
- Roof Club
