Right off the port we headed to a near by vegan (Ital) place. I knew I would have no trouble in Jamaica– there were three or four places near by, basically next door to the ship (win!)
We visited a place called Calabash Ital Restaurant. We ordered “a little bit of everything,” some juices and smoothies. It also had a small shop inside too! I picked up some neem toothpaste and two amazing tonics— a blend of herbs and such to give your body an extra boost. I swear this was part of the reason I felt so great on the vacation. I was even more excited when I noticed it was actually made by a guy I used to know in Miami! It was this guy who used to sell us handmade Jamaican patties in the health food store I used to manage. So random, right?! Such a small world! This whole thing is always my favorite about cruising and travel in general. We had such amazing food at the other ports we visited last cruise!
We then headed up the hill to these gorgeous botanical gardens– making a stop to buy fruit along the way of course 🙂
At the very top of the hill we arrived at the most beautiful botanical garden. This place was amazing. I kept day dreaming about how nice it would be to purchase the land and turn it back into the old hotel it used to be. Waterfalls, natural pools, lush greenery everywhere. We had a guided tour, before spending the rest of our time exploring the jungle on our own. We loved our guide, he was a sweet older man– he showed us a lot of the plants we already knew from home– but a few amazing plants we’d never heard of before. Like this one fern-like plant that tucks itself away when you touch it! I wish I could remember the name, it was the coolest thing I had seen in a long time. Another reminder of how amazing nature is.
If you’re into flora and fauna at all— or just into being in a jungle like place, I’d totally recommend the very short trek to Shaw Park Gardens or any of the other local gardens you can visit. Jamaica is so lush and filled with the most beautiful waterfalls– part of the reason why people visit so often I’m sure!
9 Comments
Where do you shop for Marlowe? I love her top in these photos!
We went to Jamaica on our honeymoon and fell in love with it. We have yet to go back but… someday! I am right there with you about living on a boat and sailing around the Caribbean, island hopping for the rest of my life. Dream!! This may be a weird thing to say, but Marlowe's lips are the most beautiful color!! Wish I had them! 🙂
What a wonderful day, Jamaica is so green and beautiful. A good friend of mine lives there now, I dream of visiting her one day. She's a vegetarian too and always says how good the food is. CJ xx
Oh such a beautiful place! Thank you for sharing the pictures. Everything looks so natural and raw…I love places like that. I have yet to visit Jamaica, but it is part of my bucket list.
make sure you find some ital places! the food is always so good!
I actually know that fern-like plant you're referring to! I don't know what it's called… But there used to be tons of that plant growing wild all over Cambodia (where I lived for 7 years) and my friends and I used to love playing with those plants, brushing our hands or feet up against the leaves and watching the curl up. So cool!
the guide called it a "shy lady" or "—- lady" i forget. but I'm pretty sure it was something lady! It was SO magical!
Love your shoes! Where are they from??
they're vintage! I got them from an etsy shop a few years ago. vintage shoe love —> though I dont know if they still sell, but maybe! they broke tis year and I got them repaired– i'll be so sad when I can no longer wear them!