Villa Taino is nestled just outside of Montego Bay, on Jamaica’s north coast. The north of this lush Caribbean island is known for its glitzy developments, crystalline waters and coral reef rich coast, whilst away from the tourist hotspots, there lies a fascinating, colourful culture with music built into its rhythms (birthplace of reggae) and craggy remote mountains through to tropical waterfalls and banana groves.
Montego Bay is an energetic hub of buzzing nightlife, downtown market life, duty-free shopping and parties galore; ‘Mo’ Bay’ (as it is known locally) is Jamaica’s second largest town after Kingston (Bob Marley’s birthplace). When it comes to beaches, there is everything from the celebrity dotted Doctor’s Cave Beach, which has an 100-year-old bathing club, through to less showy Cornwall Beach, known for its tasty fried fish.
Locally known “Hip Strip,” (Gloucester Avenue), runs parallel to the oceanfront, offering a colourful and vivid three kilometre stretch of bars, boutiques, street vendors and restaurants, whilst in contrast, Downtown is worth a visit, from the cobblestone Sam Sharpe Square, to patty shops, artisans and music vendors through to historical sites like the Gully Market, or local eateries offering an eclectic creole blend of African spices, jerk and plantain, or a shot of rum depending on the mood!
Holden's Reef (100m off-shore) is part of the barrier reef complex that covers much of Jamaica's north coast. Taking a kayak out to the live reef will offer a tropical treat of colourful fish and coral, with snorkelling in shallow water or deeper waters for scuba diving.
The north coast of Jamaica consists of the diverse parishes of St Mary, St Ann and Trelawny, the gateway to spectacular scenery once visitors venture a little from the resort complexes; sweeping cane and coconut plantations, rolling farmlands, mangrove swamps and craggy terrain ideal for hiking, or for a journey to a reggae Mecca, to Bob Marley’s birthplace where local Rasta guides will proudly offer tours.
Whether it be deserted coastline or hikes inland to hidden waterfalls, magical coral reef journeys, or bubbling local culture intermixed with shiny tourist hubs, live music or water sports, the north coast of Jamaica has it all.
