Family Adventure in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

A Day of Heights and Art

Today was a day of contrasts, from the cool, misty peaks of the Blue Mountains to the vibrant art scene of Harmony Hall. It's amazing how much Jamaica has to offer beyond its beautiful beaches. Aisha, Ethan, and I were all excited to experience a different side of the island, and it certainly didn't disappoint.



Our day began early, fueled by a hearty breakfast at Moon Palace Jamaica. The buffet was as impressive as ever, with a wide array of options to satisfy everyone's cravings. Ethan, of course, made a beeline for the pancakes, while Aisha and I enjoyed some traditional Jamaican breakfast items like ackee and saltfish. With our bellies full, we set off for the Blue Mountains National Park.



Experience luxury at Moon Palace Jamaica, a stunning beachfront resort in Ocho Rios with all-inclusive amenities and endless activities for the perfect getaway.


The drive to the Blue Mountains National Park was an adventure in itself. The roads wound through lush, green hills, offering stunning panoramic views at every turn. I couldn't resist stopping several times to capture the scenery with my camera. Aisha teased me about my obsession with photography, but even she had to admit that the landscape was incredibly photogenic. The air grew cooler and crisper as we climbed higher, a welcome change from the warm coastal weather.



Arriving at the Blue Mountains National Park, we were immediately struck by the tranquility of the place. The park covers a vast area of tropical montane rainforest and is home to Jamaica's highest point, Blue Mountain Peak. As we started our hike, the sounds of the city faded away, replaced by the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves. Ethan, always full of energy, was thrilled to explore the trails, pointing out interesting plants and insects along the way. I was particularly fascinated by the diverse flora and fauna, a testament to the island's rich biodiversity.



We didn't attempt to reach the peak, as the full hike requires significant time and preparation, but we enjoyed a leisurely walk through the lower trails. The views were simply breathtaking. From certain vantage points, we could see all the way to the coast, the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea stretching out before us. It was a moment of pure serenity, a feeling of being completely immersed in nature's beauty.

The best view comes after the hardest climb.

After our invigorating hike, we made our way to Harmony Hall Art Gallery, located a short drive from Ocho Rios. This beautifully restored 19th-century Methodist manse is now a hub for Jamaican art and culture. As we stepped inside, we were greeted by a vibrant display of paintings, sculptures, and handicrafts, each piece reflecting the island's rich heritage and artistic talent. Aisha, with her keen eye for design, was particularly impressed by the intricate details and bold colors of the artwork. Ethan, surprisingly, also showed a genuine interest, asking questions about the artists and their techniques.



Explore the vibrant world of creativity at Harmony Hall Art Gallery in Ocho Rios, showcasing local and international artworks amidst stunning surroundings.


Harmony Hall is more than just an art gallery; it's a celebration of Jamaican creativity. The gallery represents over a hundred Jamaican artists, showcasing a diverse range of styles and mediums. I was particularly drawn to the paintings depicting scenes of everyday life in Jamaica, capturing the essence of the island's vibrant culture. We spent a couple of hours browsing the exhibits, admiring the talent and passion of the local artists. It was a truly inspiring experience, a reminder of the power of art to connect people and cultures.



Before leaving Harmony Hall, we couldn't resist purchasing a few souvenirs to take back home. Aisha picked out a beautiful hand-painted ceramic bowl, while Ethan chose a colorful wooden carving of a Jamaican bird. I opted for a small painting of a Blue Mountains landscape, a memento of our earlier adventure. These souvenirs will serve as a lasting reminder of our day exploring Jamaica's natural and artistic treasures.



For lunch, we decided to try Passage To India in Ocho Rios. I've always enjoyed Indian cuisine, and Aisha, being Jamaican, was curious to see how the flavors would compare to the local fare. We ordered a variety of dishes, including palak paneer, chicken vindaloo, and some naan bread. The food was absolutely delicious, a perfect blend of spices and aromas that transported us to another world. Ethan, surprisingly, enjoyed the naan bread and even tried a bit of the chicken vindaloo, declaring it not too spicy. Aisha was impressed by the authenticity of the flavors, noting that it was as good as any Indian food she'd had back in Toronto. The service was excellent, and the ambiance was warm and inviting. It was a delightful culinary experience that we all thoroughly enjoyed.



Experience authentic Indian flavors at Passage To India in Ocho Rios—where every dish tells a story of rich tradition and vibrant spices.


After lunch, we decided to do some shopping at the Taj Mahal Shopping Center. Aisha was looking for some duty-free jewelry, while I wanted to pick up some Blue Mountain coffee to bring back to Toronto. The Taj Mahal Shopping Center is a bustling marketplace with a wide variety of shops selling everything from high-end jewelry to authentic Jamaican crafts. We spent a couple of hours browsing the stores, haggling with the vendors, and soaking up the lively atmosphere. Ethan, of course, was more interested in the ice cream shop than the jewelry stores, but we managed to keep him entertained with promises of a sweet treat later on.



Explore the Taj Mahal Shopping Center in Ocho Rios, where local culture meets diverse shopping and dining experiences for every traveler.


As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Sharkies Seafood Restaurant for dinner. Located right on the beach in Salem, Runaway Bay, Sharkies is known for its fresh seafood and laid-back vibe. We arrived just in time to catch the sunset, the sky ablaze with vibrant colors as the sun dipped below the horizon. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore added to the ambiance, creating a truly magical setting.



Experience authentic Jamaican seafood dining with breathtaking beach views at Sharkies Seafood Restaurant in Runaway Bay.


We ordered a variety of seafood dishes, including grilled lobster, escovitch fish, and some conch fritters. The food was incredibly fresh and flavorful, cooked to perfection and served with a smile. Ethan, who isn't usually a fan of seafood, surprised us by devouring the grilled lobster, declaring it the best thing I've ever eaten. Aisha and I savored every bite, enjoying the taste of the sea and the warmth of the Jamaican hospitality. It was the perfect way to end a perfect day.



As we drove back to Moon Palace Jamaica, we reflected on our day of adventures. From the majestic Blue Mountains to the vibrant art scene of Harmony Hall, we had experienced a different side of Jamaica, a side that was both inspiring and enriching. It was a day that we would cherish forever, a reminder of the beauty and diversity of this incredible island.



Tomorrow marks the last day of our family adventure here in Ocho Rios. We plan to visit the Ocho Rios Craft & Curio Venders Association to pick up some last-minute souvenirs and then head to River Rapids Jamaica for some tubing fun. In the evening, we'll have a final dinner at Reggae Kitchen and Lounge, followed by drinks at Eight Rivers Lounge. It's bittersweet to think that our vacation is coming to an end, but we're determined to make the most of our last day in paradise.