Connect to Nature at Casas de Tierra in Runaway Bay

When do you take a break? Is it after working hard until you wear yourself thin, or do you schedule regular periods of rest? I’d say I fall into the latter group, but even I often struggle with achieving work-life balance. After working hard for several consecutive weeks, I got some much needed R&R and the best sleep I’d had in ages at the Casas de Tierra in Runaway Bay, St. Ann. With that said, today I’m here to recount my recent weekend experience at the beautiful adobe-style poolside Cattleya Cottage, and share why you should consider a stay at Casas de Tierra the next time you need to reconnect with nature.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle9 Comments

No Passport Needed to Fly With A.S.W.I. in Kingston

From the beginning of time, humans have been fascinated by air. Since we have no wings, we’ve used our well-developed frontal cortices to create our own way to fly and in 1903, the Wright brothers executed the world’s first successful airplane flight. One century later, airplanes are now the modus operandi for moving goods and people, and gets the task done in hours instead of days by land or sea. Within Jamaica, however, land transport reigns supreme on a dense road network of over 20,000km. Nonetheless, Jamaica has three international and three domestic airports, which makes it possible to fly within Jamaica without needing a passport! Here’s how I took a recreational flight with the Aeronautical School of the West Indies (A.S.W.I.) in Kingston recently, and how you can too.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle19 Comments

Salt River, Clarendon

Salt River is a free public mineral bath located in a community by the same name near the coast of Clarendon, one of Jamaica’s south central parishes. Jamaica’s south coast isn’t popular with tourists because this part of the country isn’t marketed nor developed for tourism. Nonetheless, there are several gems here worth visiting and I aim to visit and write about as many as I can. Here’s how my family trip to Salt River went, updated for 2026. If you need a hotel in this side of Jamaica, browse here.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle41 Comments

A Local’s Guide to Spanish River in Portland

Oh Portland, my favourite parish! I recently celebrated my birthday by rafting on the Rio Grande, followed by a weekend stay at the Orange Bay Camp Ground. Before visiting, I’d scanned the area for hidden gems I could combine with this trip and realized that the Spanish River would be in close proximity. A section of it which we wanted to visit is now unfortunately commercialized and closed to the public unless previously reserved and in groups of 20+ persons. However, by local tip I discovered this inexpensive section at the mouth of the Spanish River where it meets the sea. Here’s how it went.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle26 Comments

Rafting on the Rio Grande in Portland, Jamaica

Rio Grande was the final river to complete my Jamaican bamboo rafting bucket list. This rafting experience is the most meaningful, as the Rio Grande is the birthplace of rafting in Jamaica. Originally designed to transport bananas from deep inland to the coast for export, these bamboo rafts were made popular by Errol Flynn in the early 1900s for recreation. The Rio Grande is one of Jamaica’s largest rivers at 3034km and lies in a beautiful valley. Rio Grande was named by early Spanish settlers in the 1500s, and rafting down a 10-km stretch of it is now one of Jamaica’s top tourist attractions. Here’s how my birthday rafting trip to the Rio Grande went.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle36 Comments

Unwind at Lowe’s Camping Ground in Portland

Picture this: you escape to warm, sunny Jamaica with your loved ones to unwind for a few days. Would you want an unforgettable camping experience surrounded by the beauty of nature or to stay at your private villa in the countryside with all the modern amenities at your convenience? Wouldn’t it be great if no one had to compromise on their travel taste because one property offered both options? Exactly. Welcome to the Lowe’s Camping Ground & Retreat (formerly Orange Bay Camping Ground) in Portland, Jamaica, which offers a diverse range of accommodations in paradise.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle22 Comments

Langley Great House, Saint Andrew

Langley Great House is a hidden gem located just off the Mount Airy main road in Mount James, rural St. Andrew. With no work for a 3 day weekend, my partner and I decided it would be worth the trek to visit despite finding very little useful information about it online. It ended up being very easy to find, hiding in plain sight! I hope that this article will stir new interest in Langley Great House because it would benefit from some investment and TLC– as is the case with all public ruins and great houses in Jamaica. Here’s how this adventure went.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle24 Comments

Hiking the Cunha Cunha Pass in St. Thomas

Have you ever done a hike which you know will forever be etched in your memory? I first heard about the Cunha Cunha Pass trail in high school history classes, as it’s an important Maroon trail filled with rich history. I’ve had it on my list to visit for years, but my compact car is not built for the treacherous roads which lead to Hayfield, St. Thomas– the start-point of this hike. That being said, the opportunity to visit Cunha Cunha Pass with Trekkers Adventures Jamaica knocked on Emancipation Day last month, and I answered the call! Here’s how it went + everything to know about this Jamaican national monument.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle26 Comments

Find Serenity in Kingston: Yoga Classes with Danielle

Did you know that yoga offers profound benefits that extend beyond exercise and flexibility? Yoga’s holistic approach encompasses the mind, body and soul, making it a truly transformative practice. Physically, yoga enhances flexibility, strength, and balance, promotes better posture, reduces the risk of injuries and assists with weight loss and toning. However, the best benefits come from the controlled breathing techniques employed in yoga which can alleviate stress and foster a deep sense of relaxation, mindfulness and mental clarity. These are the benefits I once reaped from yoga with online videos but somehow or the other, I stopped practicing during medical school. Thus, I was super excited to attend Danielle’s inaugural yoga class in Jamaica earlier this month. The mental clarity I gained from that session lasted for days. As such, I decided to have a chat with this Jamaican yogi and share how you can find your own serenity from Danielle’s yoga classes in Kingston, Jamaica.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle2 Comments

Nightlife in Kingston, Jamaica: The Best Spots

Kingston, the capital city of Jamaica, is renowned for its rich culture, lively music, art scene and vibrant nightlife. As the sun sets over the Caribbean, Kingston comes alive with an eclectic mix of clubs, bars, and entertainment venues that cater to a diverse range of tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a reggae enthusiast, a lover of dancehall beats, or simply seeking a memorable night out, Kingston offers an array of hotspots to explore. In this article, I’ll take you on a journey through the best spots for nightlife in Kingston which are perfect for 2026 & beyond. Check out this tour to experience Kingston in the daytime as well.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle20 Comments