Rafjam: Exploring the B&B and Waterfall

Nestled in the charming mountains overlooking Kingston lies the Rafjam Bed and Breakfast. My first visit to Rafjam happened by chance. Earlier this month, I visited the C-Pond Waterfall in Gordon Town and since that trail took less time than anticipated, we made the spontaneous decision to add this delightful B&B and its waterfall to the itinerary. Rafjam is located in Irish Town, a town that was originally inhabited by Irish settlers who came to work on Jamaica’s Blue mountain coffee farms in the 1700s– hence the name. Perfect for nature-loving friends and families, here’s my review and why you should take a day trip– or spend the night– at the Rafjam Bed and Breakfast.

Continue reading “Rafjam: Exploring the B&B and Waterfall” →

Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle11 Comments

Couples Tower Isle: Elle’s Review

Couples is a local family-run resort chain founded by Abe Issa in 1949, and its Tower Isle location in St. Mary on Jamaica’s north coast serves as their flagship resort. In 1978, Couples Tower Isle became Jamaica’s first all-inclusive hotel and to this day, it’s still super all-inclusive with all meals, drinks, excursions and watersports included in one upfront fee. Couples Tower Isle has undergone numerous renovations over its 76 years in operation, but still preserves its older charm and warm casual atmosphere. As such, I ran into many guests who proudly declared that they were on their umpteenth vacation at this spot as they refuse to visit anywhere else– I think the longest I heard was 27 visits! With that said, here’s my experience and why vacationers at Couples Tower Isle keep coming back.

Continue reading “Couples Tower Isle: Elle’s Review” →

Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle24 Comments

5 Unique Airbnbs in Jamaica for Under $100 Per Night

It’s no secret– Jamaica and the wider Caribbean are expensive destinations to visit because our economies rely heavily on tourism. That being said, a visit to Jamaica doesn’t have to break the bank if you know where to go. There is a wide variety of accommodations in Jamaica ranging from high end all-inclusive hotels and luxury villas, to more affordable nature lodges and even hostels. If you’re on a budget, feast your eyes on these five unique cabins and apartments, all for under $100USD per night. Each are steeped in nature and local culture, the best way to experience the island.

Continue reading “5 Unique Airbnbs in Jamaica for Under $100 Per Night” →

Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle6 Comments
Sunset and fog over the mountains with bird perched on tree branch

Alpinia: An Urban Oasis In Kingston, Jamaica

As a proud native of Kingston, Jamaica, I’m always happy to show off my city. This diverse city is the capital of Jamaica, and boasts a rich vibrant culture- home to the best of the island’s music, art, food, sports and cultural events. Kingston city is closely intertwined with the parish of St. Andrew, and boasts unbridled natural beauty in its three suburban city limits. Tucked away in the city’s sublime suburbs of Stony Hill lies Alpinia– an affordable one bedroom apartment and Kingston’s newest Airbnb. Here’s why you should book Alpinia on your next visit to Kingston, Jamaica.

Continue reading “Alpinia: An Urban Oasis In Kingston, Jamaica” →

Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle16 Comments

Bluefields Organic Farm: Connect to Nature with a Homestay in Jamaica

Jamaica is a leading Caribbean tourist destination because of its vibrant culture, delicious food, stunning landscapes and warm hospitality. In fact, of the island’s record-breaking 4.1 million visitor arrivals in 2023, 42% represented repeat visits which attests to the beauty of Jamaica and the welcoming nature of its people. The best way to experience authentic Jamaica is to stay with its people: living like they do, eating like they eat and going where they go. Read on to learn six reasons why a homestay at the Bluefields Organic Farm in western Jamaica can allow you to accomplish all that– and then some.

Continue reading “Bluefields Organic Farm: Connect to Nature with a Homestay in Jamaica” →

Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle14 Comments

Luxury Redefined at the Rockhouse Hotel in Negril

Perched on the rugged cliffs of Negril’s West End, the award-winning Rockhouse Hotel & Spa stands as a breathtaking beacon of luxury and tranquility in the westernmost corner of Jamaica. A stark departure from conventional resorts, Rockhouse boasts 40 individually designed villas and rooms stretched along the cliffside. This intimate retreat has become synonymous with unparalleled beauty, spectacular sunsets and a seamless integration of nature and fine architecture, earning it a spot on my list of Jamaica’s best boutique hotels. I was super excited for this stay, having booked it months in advance for a birthday surprise! Rockhouse met exceeded my expectations, so I thought it fitting to share my review on Adventures from Elle.

Continue reading “Luxury Redefined at the Rockhouse Hotel in Negril” →

Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle20 Comments

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.

Continue reading “Connect to Nature at Casas de Tierra in Runaway Bay” →

Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle9 Comments

Unwind at the Orange Bay Camp 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 Orange Bay Camping Ground in Portland, Jamaica, which offers a diverse range of accommodations in paradise.

Continue reading “Unwind at the Orange Bay Camp Ground in Portland” →

Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle22 Comments

Experience Life Off the Grid at Animal Farm

Nestled in the Montpelier Hills near Montego Bay, Jamaica lies the alluring Animal Farm and Nature Reserve. This 40-acre sanctuary sits in a lush rainforest valley which is supplied by the Great River, one of Jamaica’s fastest flowing rivers. Dr. Geoffrey Williams, the owner of Animal Farm, acquired the thickly wooded land in the 1990s and transformed it into a beautiful off-the-grid farm. Animal Farm is solar-powered, harvests water from the Great River and uses bio-gas for refrigeration and cooking. Animal Farm opened to guests in 2000 and quickly became a naturalist and ecotourist’s paradise, teeming with ferns, towering trees, flowering plants and beautiful exotic birds. Today, one can escape the hustle and bustle of city life with a stay in one of the farm’s eco-cottages, or enjoy an edutaining farm tour, hiking, birdwatching, bamboo rafting excursion or even a self-guided tour through the farm at one’s own pace. In this article, I recap my weekend getaway and share why Animal Farm deserves a spot on your Jamaican bucket list.

Continue reading “Experience Life Off the Grid at Animal Farm” →

Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle27 Comments

Glamping & More at Hidden Springs, Saint Ann

Last month, I was invited on a special road trip sponsored by Red Stripe. Red Stripe is a refreshing lager beer best enjoyed cold and on hot sunny days. This beer has become a Jamaican cultural staple, and is generously splashed onto jerk chicken during its preparation. Thus, there was no better company than Red Stripe to gather local talents on a ‘Jamaicanness Tour‘ to celebrate Jamaica’s unique food and adventure spots. They promised a day filled with fun, food and Jamaican experiences– and delivered. Our first stop was at Hidden Springs, an idyllic gem on Jamaica’s north coast which offers several accommodation options for the discerning traveler and nature-lover. These include two guest suites, glamping tents as well as a campground where you can pick a spot, and pitch a tent. Today, let’s recap my visit to Hidden Springs.

Continue reading “Glamping & More at Hidden Springs, Saint Ann” →

Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle17 Comments