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 Iโm older, I get tired so easily. Like, why does waking up early feel like a personal attack on my energy levels? ๐
Anyway, we were up bright and early to pack and start the drive from Clarendon to Ocho Rios. If you didnโt know, Ocho Rios is one of Jamaicaโs most famous tourist spotsโknown 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, Jamaicaโs roads can humble even the best shock absorbers!). And honestly? 10/10 recommend. If youโre a first-timer like us, take the bypass. Itโs such a scenic route that I caught myself whispering โwowโ every few minutes.
Coming from the Philippines and the Cayman Islands, Iโve seen a lot of beaches and mountain viewsโbut this was a different kind of beauty. We passed the infamous Flat Bridgeโyes, 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 untouchedโlike 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 Gullyโa winding road carved out of an old riverbed, now lined with hundreds of fern species growing on both sides. Itโs like driving through a living green tunnel. Absolutely magical.
We stumbled across a quirky little row of roadside stalls selling Jamaican crafts, wooden sculptures, andโฆ voodoo dolls?? ๐ I had to take a photo of this one sculpture in particularโit made me do a double take. Letโs just say it wasโฆ well-endowed. Lol.
We arrived at Hibiscus Lodge Hotel right at 3 PM and honestly, it couldnโt 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. Itโs 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 rushingโjust the two of us, finally in a moment where we could breathe.
Happy Anniversary, my one and only hubby. ๐
Hereโs to more slow mornings, scenic drives, and unexpected roadside wood carvings ๐
