Jamaica , the home to Rum and Cocktails

Hello all, this week I wanted to visit Jamaica , Beautiful beaches and laid back lifestyle, with rich tropical forests and stunning waterfalls.

Beautiful crystal clear waters !

A little History of the Island, Christopher Columbus is believed to be the first European to visit the island back in 1494, Jamaica has been under Spanish rule, British and Dutch, with Sugar cane , tobacco and cotton being grown there from way back in the 17th century.

The island has a rich culture and fertile soil, Its no wonder a couple of my favourite films were filmed here and if you are a ”Bond” fan good place to see some of the sets filmed on this wonderful Caribbean Island. I know they have had some trouble of late, and not many of the cruise lines call there at the moment, but I am assured by my guests the Island is beautiful., and most definitely the island for RUM.  When they do call in its usually into Falmouth Royal Caribbean, Princess and Holland and America go there in the main season November to March. Marella even offer a stay and cruise option. However check the itineraries as a lot have changed due to the unrest. A state of emergency was declared due to gun crimes and the Foreign Office still has a warning in place: “You should limit your movement outside of resorts in the area at this time, and exercise particular are if traveling at night. however I am sure things will get back to normal , so people can enjoy this beautiful Island.

On to more positive things , So which films were filmed on the Island well to name but a few, Cocktail (Tom Cruise) , a couple of the Bond Movies, Dr No , Thunderball and Live and Let Die . But my favorite has to be Cool Runnings with the Jamaican Bob slay team. I love that film must have seen it about 15 times now and still get emotional for them.

Dunns River Falls is a must sea, Dr No being filmed here and it still looks as beautiful as it was over 50 years ago when filming took place . There is an entrance fee, but by the sounds and looks of it well worth it.

Reech Falls was used in the filming of Cocktail , While every island scene in Cocktail was filmed in Jamaica, the most beautiful place featured in the movie has to be the small waterfall cascading into the emerald green pool where Tom Cruise and Elizabeth Shue have their erotic rendezvous.  The romantic Reach Falls is the place to be, for those who appreciate untouched nature at its best. Listen to the music of rushing water complimented by the chirps of the local birds who live in the surrounding forests. Also look out for yellow billed parrots while wading in the emerald green pool. Or try to find the other minor waterfalls hiding in the nearby caves, simply stunning.  Anyone got a picture feel free to share with us.

I have had a look at the things to do and I think I would enjoy a visit to Firefly House, Named for the luminous insects seen in the warm evenings, home of the playwright Noel Coward. Guests to the house include Queen Elizabeth  ll and the house is still as it was when the Queen Mother lunched there in 1965, Noel Coward is buried there in the grounds. Then visit the local bars for their famous rum, first distilled on the sugarcane plantations of the Caribbean in the 17^th century, rum is part of Jamaica’s history, and something they take a lot of pride in. Made from molasses and sugarcane juice, and left in oak barrels to mature, the rum can have many variations. From light and gold rum used in cocktails, to dark, spiced and premium rum, enjoyed neat. My dad brought several different ones home from his visit there, and I have to say neat over ice is the way I like it best.

Sit back chill and have another Rum !!!

So next time on to another Caribbean Island to explore some more……..

if you want me to do a special about your time on one of the islands drop me a line with your pics to [email protected]

Check out these fantastic taylor made cruises for you ….

Costa Rica, Jamaica & The Panama Canal with Cahuita Park & Banana Plantation

Bahamas, Jamaica & Mexico with Fort Lauderdale Stay & Everglades National Park Tour

the starting price from £1599.

till next time Chill and Relax …………………..