Forget cream teas and pasties. There’s another ‘Cornwall’ to discover in Jamaica and at the heart of this county is Westmoreland Parish. This is where Christopher Columbus once landed. And where, today, the softest sands draw visitors to some of the most characterful beaches in Jamaica.
BEACHES
Bloody Bay Beach. Bluefields Bay. Seven Mile Beach. The shoreline in Westmoreland is as enigmatically named as it is enchanting. Bring your snorkel to the ocean here for reef encounters with rainbow coloured fish. It’s not all sea and sand-lounging though. Horse-riding along the more off-the-beaten-track Little London, close to Negril, is magical.
WATER
Thrill-seekers will have plenty to keep them occupied in Westmoreland. Just west of the parish capital, Savanna la Mar, JamWest offers everything from canopy tours to ATV adventures. Those with a head for heights can zipline, and try out the racing lines, suspended above the tropical trees. Meanwhile, the Jeep Safari tour could give you a glimpse of up to 90 species of exotic birds as you trace the boardwalk that ribbons through the Everglades-like landscape.
CULTURE
Dancing to its own beat for decades, bohemian Negril is brimming with energy, not to mention a lively music scene. Come here to clock up some time on Seven Mile Beach and dip into the aquamarine ocean. Hike or bike the Negril Hills with a guide. Or simply soak up the reggae spirit, following your ears to a beachside performance.
For another perspective on the beaches of Westmoreland, hike to the tip of Bluefield Mountain and enjoy 360-degree views of the bay.