"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." — Mae West
Are you looking for a tour guide who can take you deep into the hidden beauty of Jamaica? A guide who specializes in waterfalls that only a few know about? Are you searching for a unique experience that takes you off the beaten path to see the wonders of this island? Then I’m the perfect tour guide for you!
We’ll explore lagoons, hot springs, and waterfalls and learn about Jamaica’s rich history. You’ll blend in with the locals, discover the medicinal benefits of native herbs, enjoy authentic Jamaican food, and listen to real reggae music. From staying in rustic Airbnbs to camping in lush forests, learning the language and dances, and indulging in my favorite—exploring vegan cuisine—this experience is unlike any other.
We’ll hike the tallest peak in Jamaica, the Blue Mountains, or just relax in the cool, fresh air of Holywell. You’ll experience night swimming in rivers, street dances, downtown Kingston explorations, museum visits, and even rafting. As a self-taught vegan chef, I can also whip up some mouth-watering plant-based meals if you desire.
So book me as your tour guide for your first or next trip to Jamaica—I guarantee you’ll have a blast! Send me an email at naturessweetescapes@gmail.com or a DM on Instagram: @naturessweetescapes. You can also check out my YouTube channel, naturessweetescapes, and TikTok, .naturessweetescapes, for a glimpse of my beautiful home, Jamaica.
It all started when Izzy—an adventurous soul from far, far away—booked me for a one-week tour of Eastern Jamaica. From the bustling streets of Kingston to the hidden waterfalls in Portland, this trip was jam-packed with firsts and unforgettable experiences. Let me take you through our epic journey and share why this adventure made me fall in love with Jamaica for the billionth time.
Despite arriving later than planned—Izzy’s flight was delayed, and we finally picked him up just minutes to eight at night—I was determined not to let that slow us down. Nothing could stop the excitement that bubbled inside me as I prepared to introduce Izzy to the real Jamaica.
Our first stop was a roadside treat: freshly chopped coconut (locally known as jelly). What better welcome to Jamaica than nature’s Gatorade? It was the perfect pick-me-up before we headed to our first destination—a quick, exhilarating visit to the Hope River on Gordon Town Road. Trust me when I say that experiencing a Jamaican river at night is something you’ve got to try. Izzy’s eyes lit up as he witnessed the magic of the flowing water, and I couldn’t have been happier to share this hidden gem with him.
After our refreshing river dip, we made our way to Kamila's Kitchen in Jacks Hill.
The view was simply stunning—the city lights, live music, and spicy vegan delights (including a tantalizing Jerk Room Wrap featuring jerk mushrooms and a hearty vegan soup) set the perfect tone for the night.
From there, we headed to Hollywell where we pitched our tents for the night. Imagine sleeping under the cool hills of Portland, with Izzy experiencing his very first night camping in Jamaica.
Before dawn, Izzy was up exploring while I was still buried under the sheets – the cold held me hostage. I couldn’t help but admire his infectious energy.
Eventually, I got up, and we took some stunning mountain shots before starting the adventures. The adventure kicked off as we embarked on a whirlwind tour of Jamaica’s breathtaking waterfalls.
Cascade Waterfall: One of my all-time favorites, I couldn’t wait for Izzy to see what makes this place so magical.
It’s hidden, stunning, and the ultimate chill spot. Whether you're looking to unwind, connect with nature, or have a quiet cookout with a few friends, this gem checks all the boxes. The best part? You won’t find a crowd here—that’s my number one reason for loving it so much. There’s something special about enjoying a peaceful moment in a place that feels like your secret paradise.
From there, we discovered a new waterfall below it—one even I had never seen before. I was amazed. Another unique waterfall added to my catalog of waterfalls in Jamaica. Izzy got to brush his teeth in a Jamaican river for the first time. I was proud of giving him that unique experience.
Back on the main road, we had a little photo session – think "London’s Next Top Male Model meets Jamaica’s Next Top Female Model.”
Next stop? Fish Dunn Falls, a breathtaking cascade I hadn’t seen in years. Memories of past adventures flooded back.
We even took a mini hike to a secondary waterfall above it.
I relaxed on a stone while Izzy enjoyed the water, and before I knew it, nature had lulled me into a quick nap!
Our journey continued to the challenging but rewarding Balcarres Waterfall. Climbing a slippery rock to reach this hidden treasure was a little scary but so worth it. The way the water sculpted the rock was pure art. Each waterfall had its own story, its own mood, and each one brought us closer to the soul of Jamaica.
Afterward, we enjoyed a traditional Jamaican Ital lunch in Buff Bay, fueling up for our adventure. We had rice and peas with callaloo, cabbage, and carrots.
This was a true taste of local cuisine.
We rested and soaked in the ocean view before I called our tour guide to head to Marston Spring. Guided by our reliable tour guide, we ventured to a secret waterfall tucked away from the world.
Izzy bravely navigated the challenging paths, earning my admiration.
After crossing rivers and climbing stones, we reached a hidden gem.
We didn’t swim (it was deep), but we took in its mystery.
Though we only snapped photos, the cool water left us both in awe.
That night, we rested in the hills of Buff Bay.
The next day, we headed to Port Antonio and into the deep hills of Portland. We stopped for photos at a breathtaking viewpoint.
Cestan Spring was our peaceful morning waterfall. We crossed the Rio Grande after snapping shots of a photogenic bridge.
Cestan Spring remains one of my all-time favorites. Portland revealed stunning hill views and the mesmerizing Cestan Spring—a spot that stole both our hearts.
Izzy and I took a photo together – his goggles were his best friend the entire trip!
We met our guide Bill and hiked to Waterfall Number One in White River Valley.
We stopped at a mini waterfall before continuing to the main attraction.
We even braved rough paths and overgrown trails as Bill hacked our way to the majestic waterfall on the White River Valley.
I was proud of Izzy – it wasn’t easy, but he made it. When we finally reached the waterfall, Izzy was completely wiped out. All he wanted was to rest and take a refreshing dip to cool down—and that’s exactly what he did.
We took our usual round of photos, soaked in the beauty of the moment, and let the stillness of nature recharge us before making our way back to civilization. There are over thirteen waterfalls along this river, and I’ve only seen seven so far. One of my biggest dreams is to visit them all one day.
I couldn’t help but laugh when Izzy dozed off in the river—an image that perfectly summed up the unpredictable joy of travel.
After Izzy humorously napped in the river, we refreshed ourselves with jelly coconuts and headed to Great Huts in Boston for rest and lunch.
After lunch, we squeezed in one more adventure: Darren Waterfall. Another nighttime river visit – filled with laughter and memories before we ended the day.
The next morning, I witnessed my first sunrise at Great Huts.
It was breathtaking – the kind of moment that makes you feel grateful just to be alive.
As I stood there watching the sunrise, I saw myself waking up to more mornings like this. I was at peace in that moment—completely still, completely present.
For a second, it felt like it was my own vacation. I was so relaxed, so happy, and truly reminded of how fun life can be when you’re doing what you love.
As the sun finally rose in full glory, I captured a beautiful photo overlooking Boston Beach—one I’ll treasure forever.
We packed our bags and set out in search of Dry River Waterfall. But on the way, two of the car’s tyres got punctured. Funny enough, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise—it gave Izzy and me the chance to explore Port Antonio on foot while the tyres were being repaired.
We even found Izzy a proper hiking bag at one of the many Asian shops in the town. That’s when Izzy got to experience my usual method of exploring Jamaica—by taxi.
I called one of my trusted taxi operators, a man known as “Wild and Rich,” to see if he was working. Luckily, he was. After about ten minutes, he pulled up and drove us deep into the hills of Comfort Castle.
We waited for our tour guide, Bill, before beginning our journey to Best River Waterfall. We crossed the majestic Rio Grande, then paused at a serene mini pool to soak in the scenery. I was eager to push on toward Nanny Waterfall, but this little oasis was just too relaxing to rush.
Izzy took the opportunity to cool off, fully immersing himself in the peaceful energy of the place. You could see it—he wasn’t just enjoying the view; he was absorbing the beauty of Portland with every breath, every ripple, every moment.
We decided it was time to venture out to Dry River Waterfall. The journey wasn’t the smoothest, but we pushed through and made it there regardless. At Dry River Waterfall, we marveled at underwater beauty likened to the mythical Atlantis.
At the waterfall, there was a Rasta man bathing and collecting water. At first, his serious expression was a little intimidating, but I quickly grew impressed by him—he had only one arm, yet he swam across the Dry River with ease and returned carrying a large bottle of water like it was nothing.
We took a refreshing dip in the water, captured a few photos to preserve the moment, and then made our way back to civilization—refreshed, humbled, and grateful.
We then made our way to Frenchman’s Cove, where we decided to wind down and retire our adventures for the day.
Frenchman was, as always, a blast. It’s one of my favorite spots in the entire parish because it offers the best of both worlds: a river and a beach in one magical location.
We got playfully covered in sand by two energetic kids, took a dip in the cool river, and captured a few more memories before calling it a day. It was the perfect, peaceful close to our Portland experience.
It was our final day in Portland. We packed our bags and left Great Huts, excited to visit Nanny Falls. Unfortunately, due to heavy rainfall, the tour was canceled, which was disappointing, but we didn’t let it ruin the day.
Instead, we made our way to the stunning Blue Lagoon, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip. Izzy and I swam in the crystal-clear water and even visited the nearby mineral spring. The Lagoon was gorgeous and instantly earned a spot on my list of favorite places in Portland.
Next up was Reach Falls, another breathtaking location. This river is a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be explored. With every visit, it reveals something new and magical. We hiked to the Rabbit Hole, and along the trail, we passed countless beautiful spots. I wanted to capture every moment through my lens, but there was just too much to take in. I knew right then—I’d have to come back.
After a scenic and soul-refreshing trip to Reach Falls, it was time to take on the parish of St. Thomas. Along the way, we tried to find vegan food but had no luck, so we ended up fasting until we reached our Airbnb.
As we approached the border between Portland and St. Thomas, Izzy and I decided to have a little fun—we raced to see who was the fastest. Of course, he won… but not without trying to cheat! It was all laughs and good vibes—a perfect transition into the next leg of our journey.
Our first stop in St. Thomas was at Bath Fountain Hot Spring. Unfortunately, night had already started to fall by the time we arrived.
To add to that, the parish hadn’t seen much rainfall recently, so most of the waterfalls in the area were dried up. Still, we were determined to make the most of it. We returned later that night for our massage under the moonlight, but this was where I realized I had messed up. Izzy had wanted to experience Bath Fountain during the day—to see it, feel it, and soak it in with sunlight on his skin. I was so focused on sticking to the itinerary that I forgot the most important part of travel: enjoying the moment.
In trying to check off every stop, I had started taking the fun out of his experience. It was a lesson I needed—a reminder to slow down and truly savor each place, even if it meant skipping a few things.
So, we had an honest talk—and I listened. I decided to slow down and spend more time at each location, even if it meant skipping some places on the itinerary. What mattered most was that Izzy was creating meaningful, long-lasting memories—and honestly, I was just as happy with that outcome.
At Bath Fountain, we met Jahchucia, one of the massage therapists I trust the most. His energy was calm, his hands were healing, and he wasn’t in it just for the money. His peaceful spirit matched the vibe we both needed at that moment.
Later that night, we rested at Casa Angol Airbnb in Old Pera, St. Thomas. I brought out my camping stove and whipped up a pot of spiced curry peas—a recipe close to my heart. Izzy, with a big smile, said it reminded him of the spicy cooking back home in Nigeria. That made my night.
The next morning, we made a quick stop at Reggae Falls again, spending just a few minutes to take it all in before heading off to Kingston.
The next day, we made our way to Kingston, but not without stopping at the famous Cane River Waterfall in St. Andrew. This was a special moment for Izzy—he had been wanting to interact with locals more authentically, and this spot gave him just that.
Cane River is a popular hangout, especially on weekends, so it tends to get crowded pretty quickly. But that’s part of its charm—the lively energy, the music, the conversations, the people. Izzy blended right in, and it was beautiful to witness.
We spent a few minutes at Cane River before heading downtown to grab lunch at Ibo Spice Vegan Restaurant on Orange Street. Unfortunately, the food didn’t quite hit the spot for either of us—but that’s part of the adventure, too.
After lunch, we went herb shopping. Izzy was particularly excited about this, and we found a spot with a wide variety of local herbs. I ended up purchasing Chaney Root (also known as Similax Balbisiana), which is rich in iron. Izzy encouraged me to add it to my growing collection of herbs, and I’m glad I did—it’s a powerful addition.
We also stopped by Lemongrass, a charming herbal shop located at the historic Devon House. After exploring the grounds and soaking in the rich heritage, we made our way to Rafjam Airbnb, tucked away in the lush hills of St. Andrew, where we closed out the day in peace and comfort.
Our final day was packed with adventure, so we got an early start by visiting the two waterfalls located right on the Rafjam property.
After breakfast, we made our way to the Velmor Herbal Tour—one of the highlights of our final day.
Izzy was completely in his element. You could see the excitement in his eyes as he absorbed all the herbal wisdom shared along the trail. He asked questions, took notes, and was fully present in the experience.
While we explored, Velmor’s son went ahead to prepare our vegan lunch: a beautiful plate of steamed callaloo, creamy avocado, fried plantains, and fried breadfruit.
I snapped a few photos while we waited, the mouthwatering aroma making us more impatient by the second.
When the food was finally served, it exceeded all expectations. The presentation was perfect, and the flavors were out of this world.
I found myself begging Velmor for the secret blend of herbs she used to season the callaloo—and to my delight, she shared them with me.
The return journey was just as special—we left not only with full bellies but with a few handpicked herbs of our own, tucked into our bags like souvenirs from the earth.
Our next stop was Shanty-Man Ital Restaurant, but we were still so full from Velmor’s incredible cooking that we only grabbed a couple of June Plum juices to cool down and refresh.
With our juices in hand, we made our way to Port Royal, ready for one last coastal adventure.
We boarded a boat to the famous Lime Cay, and this was where Izzy had to truly face one of his fears—the open sea. The water was rough, and the boat rocked wildly with every wave, making all of us a bit nervous… especially me!
But instead of panicking, we laughed. Hard. Every time the boat went up and came crashing down, we couldn’t help but burst into laughter. It was wild, unpredictable, and unforgettable—just like the rest of this adventure. We eventually made it to Lime Cay, and the sea was just what we needed. After spending most of our trip in rivers and waterfalls, it felt refreshing to finally soak in the saltwater. We swam, floated, and fully embraced the calm of the Caribbean Sea. Our last adventure was a hike in the majestic Blue Mountains. It was a group trip with a few friends and co-workers, and I invited Izzy to join us. Looking back, it was the best decision I could’ve made for myself. I didn’t realize how exhausted I was until I was already on the trail. The elevation, the cold, and the days of nonstop adventure had finally caught up with me. I could barely keep going—and that’s when Izzy, without hesitation, carried me on his back almost to the peak.
That was the moment I knew—Izzy wasn’t just a guest or a client. He was a genuinely good person. He teased me, laughed with me, and motivated me all at once. He didn’t let me give up, and because of him, I reached the top. When we finally reached the peak, I was so exhausted that I fell asleep right there in the cold. I didn’t even feel the chill—just pure, heavy sleep. Nature had taken over once again.
When I woke up, it was time to descend and return to civilization. Izzy had his work cut out for him—carrying my bag, offering words of encouragement, and acting like both a gym instructor and a motivational speaker. He kept me going with laughter and support the whole way down.
On the way back down, we passed a few stunning spots we hadn’t noticed on the way up. Even though we were both completely drained, I couldn’t resist pulling out my camera. I just had to capture those final glimpses of the Blue Mountains—it was too beautiful to leave without a few last shots.
Our final adventure was the perfect celebration—a lively dancehall party in Kingston. It gave Izzy the chance to experience Jamaican culture in a whole new way—through the rhythm of the music and the joy of the dance. He even picked up a few moves and held his own on the dance floor!
To Izzy—plenty love and respect to you for trusting me with your time, your joy, and your first experiences in this little paradise I call home. I know you had a blast, and I’m so happy we crossed paths. We became friends after that hike to Blue Mountain Peak, and I’ll never forget your kindness, your patience, and the fact that you never left me behind—even when I was struggling.
Thank you for allowing me to share this story—your story—through my eyes. It was more than a tour. It was a journey of laughter, growth, unforgettable memories, and a reminder of why I love what I do.
So, would you go on a one-week adventure in the hills of Jamaica with me as your tour guide? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear your dream itinerary and take you on the next unforgettable escape. 🌿🇯🇲✨
Until the next adventure, keep exploring and embracing the unexpected beauty of life.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Whatta Gwaan!
You've discovered my blog. I'm delighted you're here. Maybe it's destiny. I'm Doreen Lillian Scarlett welcome to Nature's Sweet Escapes where I go on the far side of Instagram to document and share my adventures.