Great Pond, Treasure Beach

Treasure Beach and Surrounding Area

Let Frankie and Jeanne look after you and introduce you to the local characters, and secret beauty spots... Ital Rest is 100 yards from a beautiful, quiet swimming cove, and close to the traditional fishing village of Great Bay, a long stretch of soft fine sand and clear blue waters, and one of the string of deserted beaches and unspoilt bays which together make up Treasure Beach. Held in great affection by many Jamaicans and independent travellers, Treasure Beach is often described as the most friendly, untouched and laid-back spot on the island.

Activities in the area include: swimming; snorkelling; hiking in the neighbouring mountains and nearby Cockpit country; sea-kayaking; body-boarding; horse-riding; mountain-biking; birdwatching; fishing; watching the sun setting into the sea, and the moon rising from it; star-gazing in the spectacular night-skies, and chillllllllling!

Nearby attractions include: Alligator Hole, seasonal home to a population of the endangered manatee or sea cow; the world-famous YS Falls, set amid lush rainforest; the Pelican Bar, on a reef one mile from shore, surrounded by pristine coral and marine life; mythical Lover's Leap, where the Santa Cruz mountains plunge 2000ft spectacularly into the sea; boat-safari down the beautiful Black River to spot crocodiles and a range of birdlife.

Annual events in the Treasure beach area incude: a Fishing Tournament in October, and in May, an Off-Road Triathlon and the Calabash Literary Festival, as well as various drama and community events organised throughout the year by the Treasure Beach Women's Centre, and extensive Christmas and New Year concerts and celebrations. Nearby is also the unmissable 'Rebel Salute' festival, where Rastas converge from across the island for the best in conscious dub and reggae, and January 6th sees the unique and historic Maroon Festival at Accompong, Cockpit Country.