Ocho Rios Day 1: Fern Gully, Rio Cobre, Mahogany Beach

Ahh, where do I even begin?

Maybe with this: I think I have to come to terms with the fact that now that I’m older, I get tired so easily. Like, why does waking up early feel like a personal attack on my energy levels? 😂

Anyway, we were up bright and early to pack and start the drive from Clarendon to Ocho Rios. If you didn’t know, Ocho Rios is one of Jamaica’s most famous tourist spots—known for its waterfalls, lush greenery, and beach-meets-jungle vibe. Think tropical getaway, but with more culture and spice.

My brother-in-law suggested we take the Spanish Town bypass instead of the usual route because of the potholes (seriously, Jamaica’s roads can humble even the best shock absorbers!). And honestly? 10/10 recommend. If you’re a first-timer like us, take the bypass. It’s such a scenic route that I caught myself whispering “wow” every few minutes.

Coming from the Philippines and the Cayman Islands, I’ve seen a lot of beaches and mountain views—but this was a different kind of beauty. We passed the infamous Flat Bridge—yes, that narrow, no-rails bridge that crosses the Rio Cobre and has a bit of a reputation for being spooky and thrilling at the same time. The whole area is surrounded by forest so dense and green it almost looked untouched—like something out of a dream.

We also cruised along the Highway 2000, winding through majestic mountains that felt completely wild and uninhabited. Jamaica is seriously serving raw, natural beauty.

Just before reaching our hotel, we drove through the famous Fern Gully—a winding road carved out of an old riverbed, now lined with hundreds of fern species growing on both sides. It’s like driving through a living green tunnel. Absolutely magical.

We stumbled across a quirky little row of roadside stalls selling Jamaican crafts, wooden sculptures, and… voodoo dolls?? 😂 I had to take a photo of this one sculpture in particular—it made me do a double take. Let’s just say it was… well-endowed. Lol.

We arrived at Hibiscus Lodge Hotel right at 3 PM and honestly, it couldn’t have been a better choice for our first wedding anniversary. The hotel is nestled on a cliffside right in the heart of Ocho Rios, with views that stretch across the Caribbean Sea. It’s quiet, charming, and feels like one of those places where time slows down.

Here’s a preview of our hotel.

We spent the rest of the afternoon by the pool, soaking in the sounds of nature, no to-do lists, no rushing—just the two of us, finally in a moment where we could breathe.