How to Get the Best from your Jamaican Retreat

Travelling to Jamaica can’t fail to inspire you when you’re writing a travel blog. After all, the late Ian Fleming many of the novels starring the world’s most famous spy, the debonair James Bond, on this Caribbean getaway. Here’s how to make the most of your Jamaican holiday with activities that will ignite that creative spark.

Practice some yoga

Yoga has become quite popular in Jamaica, with centers springing up in a variety of spots on the island. There are several centers in the capital, Kingston, and you’ll also find some eco-friendly centers in Negril, in the west of the island, and in Montego Bay on Jamaica’s north coast. Bikram yoga and hatha yoga are just two yoga disciplines that you can try while you stay on the island. Practicing yoga in such a paradisiacal location makes the experience even more uplifting as you connect more deeply with your soul.

Go hiking

There’s nothing quite like being outdoors in the countryside for stumbling upon much need inspiration. The fresh air and the absence of rush hour traffic evokes that sense of calm you get on a hike. The Blue Mountain Trail will take you to Jamaica’s highest peak and through beautiful landscape on the way. This is a 3.5-kilometer hike, and should take about 2 hours 30 minutes. Have your notebook with you to capture any thoughts or feelings you experience during the hike.

An alternative route is the Mount Zion walk. Rather than a specific trail, this is a walking route that will take you to the Mount Zion in about 2 hours (or 40 minutes if you choose the more energetic option of running!). The path is well worn and will lead you through pastures, farms and orchards up to the mountain, where you will encounter a genuine Jamaican rural community.

Climbing the Dunn’s River Falls

If you’re staying in Ocho Rios, in the north of the island, you simply must visit the Dunn’s River Falls, which are open from 8.30 am until 4.00 pm. The best time to visit the falls is first thing and when the cruise ships aren’t in port, as this is a popular attraction. Being able to be just about alone with the falls to yourself for a few minutes is exhilarating and the inspiration will well up with you. Be warned that the current is strong in places, so you need to be able-bodied. If you bring a waterproof camera with you, make sure it has a strong wrist strap so that the current doesn’t your camera away down the falls.

Eating out

Of course, you can’t write well on an empty stomach! Jamaica has some marvelous places for wholesome cuisine that will suit creatives and spiritual travelers down to the ground. Vegetarians will feel right at home on the island. Just Natural, in Negrils, serves dishes made with natural ingredients and organic foods and is also vegetarian friendly.

Meanwhile, vegans will develop a soft spot for Rasta Ade Refreshment, in Negrils. Despite the cheesy, stereotypical-sounding name, the restaurant has a fine vegetarian and vegan menu, offering a veggie platter and dishes such as pumpkin rice. The restaurant has received excellent reviews on Trip Advisor.

Jamaica is an ideal corner of the world to get away and do some of your best writing. Tranquil and laidback, you might just be able to write a best seller. Time to start scribbling away!