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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- Caribbean
- Jamaica
- Port Antonio
Port Antonio
An hour and a half's drive east of Ocho Rios lies the rugged
coastline of Port Antonio, where mist-shrouded mountains come right
down into the sea providing hidden coves and beaches. Orchids and
palms grow in profusion and waterfalls drop into fern-edged pools.
The town itself, which nestles between twin harbours, is relatively
unspoilt, with no high-rises, although there are some luxury
resorts like Jamaica Palace Hotel. Beaches in the area are among
the prettiest in Jamaica, especially Fairy Hill, San San, Dragon
Bay and Boston Beach.
Described in the past as 'the most exquisite port on earth'
(poetess Ella Wheeler), 'heaven on earth' and as 'the most
beautiful woman I have ever seen' (Errol Flynn), Port Antonio still
captivates visitors with its charm today. The seaside town has been
a favoured destination for the rich and famous for decades, from
Hollywood stars to billionaires and royalty, and the seclusion of
its beautiful beaches, the azure sea, verdant hillsides and lush
flora continue to enchant all comers to Port Antonio.
Port Antonio's banana industry boom during the late 1800s and
early 1900s brought unprecedented prosperity to the area, but the
Golden Age came to an end with the arrival of the Panama disease
that almost completely wiped out the banana industry. The town
still boasts a number of grand buildings from the days of the
banana boom, such as the Musgrave Market and the Georgian Court
House; and the remains of lavish hotels, like the ruins at
Frenchman's Cove, are a reminder of the extravagance and
extraordinary wealth of days past.
Today the main allure of Port Antonio is the undeveloped nature
of its tourism trade, its unspoilt character, and the protection
afforded to the environment and culture which has been fiercely
undertaken by the local community to ensure that future generations
will still be able to enjoy the natural wonders of this vacation
paradise.
Information & Facts
Language
The official language of Jamaica is English but a local
patois is also spoken, a mixture of English, Spanish, and various
African languages.
Money
The Jamaican Dollar (JMD) is divided into 100 cents. The island
is well supplied with ATMs, banks and bureaux de change. Banking
hours are usually Monday to Thursday from 9am to 2pm, and Friday
from 9am to 4pm. Cambio exchange offices are found throughout the
country, open later than banks and often offering better exchange
rates. Retain receipts as proof of legal currency exchange.
Exchange bureaux at the airports and hotels also offer better rates
than banks. Major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely
accepted. Both cash and travellers cheques are best taken in US
Dollars.