If you love lighthouses and warm weather, then look no further than the tropical island
of Jamaica and the fantastic Negril hotels. Jamaica is home to seven lighthouses, all of
which are spectacular in their own right. A visit to each of these lighthouses will be a
history lesson in itself.
The Morant Point Lighthouse is the oldest on the island. Built in 1841, this lighthouse
consists of a cast iron tube 100 feet long and 18 feet wide at the base. A masonry wall
has recently been built around the seaward side of the base of the lighthouse to help
protect it from any potential damage during a hurricane. Painted with red and white
horizontal bands, Morant Point is located at the easternmost point of Jamaica, about 30
miles from the city of Kingston.
The Negril Point Lighthouse is located on the extreme western end of Jamaica. This
completely white lighthouse was built in 1895 to guide ships safely to the western shores.
Negril Point is one of Negril's most famous landmarks. During the day you can take in the
beautiful views from the top of the 100 foot structure. You will see breathtaking views of
lush countryside and the Caribbean Sea. If you choose to visit the lighthouse in the
evening, you will be treated to one of the most spectacular sunsets you have ever seen.
Just a short walk from your Negril resorts and you can be at this landmark.
To visit the highest lighthouse in the western hemisphere, make a trip to Lover's Leap
Lighthouse. This lighthouse is built right where the Santa Cruz Mountains come to an end
on Jamaica's south coast. Built on top of a 1,700 foot cliff, this 100 foot tall
lighthouse is very impressive. The lookout lends itself to a stunning view of the crystal
blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. If you are scared of heights, you should consider
remaining at one of the Negril Jamaica resorts. The Lover's Leap legend says that two
young slaves leapt to their deaths to avoid being separated. They were eventually chased
to the edge of the cliff where they decided to leap to their deaths rather than be
captured and separated. There is a wooden carving of the two lovers at the site to
remember this touching story. You can make an entire day out of a trip to this lighthouse,
as there is also a restaurant right on site. If you are feeling spunky you can traverse a
three mile trail that leads you down the cliffs to Cutlass Bay. Don't bring your swimming
suit however, as swimming is prohibited.
About the Author
Whichever of the seven lighthouses you choose to see while staying at one of the
many Breezes Negril Jamaica
resorts you will be sure to enjoy yourself. There is always something new to discover
at each of these amazing sites. Breezes is a quick and easy way to get started planning
your trip to enjoy a stay at the Negril resorts. Breezes can provides you comfortable,
clean Negril hotels for
you to relax after your lighthouse excursions.
A
vacation in Jamaica accommodation rentals provides many opportunities that
you will find hard to discover when you stay in a hotel or all-inclusive
resort.
Staying in Jamaica villas, cottages and apartments allow you to meet many
local people who are not putting on a tourist show. They are real people
living real lives, which you will be sure to find interesting. And these
contacts open up all kinds of avenues for you to enjoy the kind of Jamaica
vacation that is truly unique, not one that has been packaged for hundreds
of people at a time.
Consider doing things that take you off the beaten track away from all the
tourists and attractions that are manufactured for entertainment. Find a
driver who will take you on a journey into the countryside where you can
slip back in time and get a glimpse of the real Jamaica.
In
South Trelawny, there is a place called Two Hills Falls and Park that is
just about an hour's drive from Silver Sands villas. It is an exciting drive
which starts on the North Coast highway but quickly finds it way into the
hills, passing through sugar cane fields and picturesque towns. Places with
names like the Queen of Spain Valley, Wakefield, and Dromilly.
You
will see old country houses showcasing English architecture from another
century. Gingerbread eaves and rusted zinc roofs under the hot tropical sun
as brightly coloured washing pegged out on makeshift lines flutter in the
breeze blowing through the tall coconut trees.
There
is a hand-painted sign nailed to a utility pole on the edge of a dirt road,
advertising the Two Hills Falls and Park. From here a dirt track takes you
down through banana and coconut trees to a rustic old bridge made from odd
planks of wood and posts buried in the Martha Brae River.
Now
the exciting sound of the waterfalls can be heard. Across the shaky bridge,
there is a picnic area cleared and again very rough benches and tables have
been constructed under tall fruit trees like the starapple and jackfruit.
While
Two Hills Falls and Park is not spectacular like Dunn's River Falls, it is a
beautiful spot where one can picnic and swim in the river. There are areas
for fires and camp-style cooking.
Be
warned, there are no bathroom or other facilities here. This is an unspoiled
beauty spot that you can enjoy without having to jostle with crowds of
tourists. If relaxing on the bank of the river with a cold drink, waiting
for your jerk chicken to cook sounds like fun, then Two Hills Falls and Park
will be just your cup of tea. But go there on your next stay in Jamaica
accommodation rentals, because who knows when this undeveloped beauty spot
will be converted into another mass tourism attraction.
There
are small farms all around and if you are lucky, you may meet Donavon
Beckford, one of the local small farmers, who will be happy to show you his
ground. Perhaps some of the ground provisions and fruits served to you at
Silver Sands villas were reaped from
Donovan's small farm.
About the Author
Prem
Chadeesingh is an authority on vacation rentals in Jamaica. He writes for
Mysilversands, a company dedicated to providing quality accommodation in
Jamaica villas, cottages, and apartments
by the sea.
Prem lived
at Silver Sands Jamaica for over seven years. He holds a BASc degree in
Industrial Engineering from the University of Toronto and an MBA in
International Business from City University of New York.
For information on other outdoor adventure activities in Jamaica,
visit our other Jamaica Pages
