MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA

Our tour will depart from the quayside and proceed to Westgate Hills, a section of Montego Bay, which was owned by the Kerr-Jarrett family, owners of Belfield Great House. The area is currently a residential area showcasing many Jamaican homes of varied architecture.

Leaving Westgate Hills behind, we shall continue through the busy main street of the Town, before passing by the Barnett Street police Station; which is of great architectural significance and dates back to the late nineteenth century. Constructed of cut stone, the design features of the building are symmetrical and therefore indicative of the Georgian style architecture. The stone wall surrounding the compound is in pristine condition and is one of the few remaining walls of its type in Montego Bay. Our tour will then proceed onto Queens Drive, where we will have a delightful view of the airport and the seacoast, as we drive through the resort corridor of Montego Bay.

Continuing into the beautiful countryside, we will discover nestled in the lush greenery, Greenwood Great House which was built in 1690 by the Right Honourable Richard Barrette-Browning, for lavish entertainment of fellow plantation owners and their guests. Upon our arrival we will be able to see a fine collection of antiques and rare musical instruments.

At the famous Rose Hall Great House, which was once home to the ‘White Witch of Rose Hall’ we will be greeted by our house guide and a welcome drink of ‘Witches Brew’ a drink named after the infamous witch who once ruled the Rose Hall Plantation. Legend says that the witch – Annie Palmer – murdered her three husbands here, in addition to numerous slaves who worked on the plantation. It is also said that Annie Palmer was murdered by one of her lovers; a cunning slave who was determined to take revenge on her. We will learn more about this chilling tale.

Following our informative tour, we shall return to our awaiting ship, passing by the Spring Farm and Ironshore area where we will be able to see residential homes of diverse architecture. We will also travel past the '‘Hip Street' passing Doctors Cave Beach; once the playground for the rich and famous; and landmarks such as the Casa Blanca, one of the first hotels in Montego Bay.

TOUR NOTES: Please note that this tour will involve approximately one and a half hours walking whilst touring the Great Houses, over varying terrain’s; there will also be 75 steps to negotiate.

TEXT IS CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PUBLISHING