Mandeville, Jamaica - Mandeville Travel Guide

Mandeville lies cradled high atop the Don Figuerero Mountains in the parish of Manchester. Said to be the "most English" place left on Jamaica, one can still see ladies going to market in dresses and hats and manners are frequently observed. This mostly rural city is home to a wide array of folk. Many people from abroad, both natives and foreigners, come to quiet Mandeville to retire. Large houses loom on the hillsides as testament to the incoming wealth. Local people are frequently farmers and shopkeepers. Local money also comes from the bauxite mining operations in the surrounding valleys. The red hued soil itself is mined and refined for its aluminum ore.

Mandeville Things to See

On Mandeville square you’ll be able to admire the Mandeville Courthouse, a perfect fusion between Georgian architecture and Jamaican finishings. One of the few original constructions left in Mandeville, the Courthouse was finished in 1820. Another period building is The Rectory that used to be a pub and an inn, and is now a private residence. Other interesting sights are the Parish Church dating back to the early 19th century and the Police Station that was once Mandeville’s Jail and Workhouse. Next to the square the fruit and vegetable market is a colourful and lively place where to find the citrus fruit, which the area is famous for.

Mandeville is one of the few cities not located in a coastal area. Sitting on a plateau 2000ft above sea level, Mandeville is an oasis of peace with a backdrop of some of the most stunning mountainous Jamaican scenery to be found. Considered by many to have a very strong English feel (apart from the weather!), Mandville has long been a favourite spot for Jamaicans returning from abroad to retire. Mandeville enjoys all the benefits of a rural location combined with those of being a small city such as great restaurants, bars and shops.

For the traveler, the green hillsides and red-roofed neighborhoods are worth a visit. Souvenirs and local products can be purchased for exceptionally lower prices than on the coast. What may be a US$3 bottle of pepper sauce will cost only thirty cents here. Coffee and wood crafts are also much reduced in price. The best shopping center to meet all your needs is the Manchester Shopping Center. There is a pharmacy there as well as a supermarket, souvenir and book shop. Lunch can be found around back in a row of small eateries. Another place to shop is the new Bankhouse Mall. There is a lovely mural in the mall made of jigsaw pieces. Another similar to it and by the same artist is located on the second floor of a store called Impact.

The Marshall’s Pen Great House surrounded by an area of about 300 acres situated by the Winston Jones motorway is the ideal place for excursions on foot or on horseback and birdwatching. Overnight staying is possible in the house itself upon booking or at the camping facilities on the grounds.

In Mandeville’s surrounding area is the Milk River Bath situated 30 miles south of the city by the banks of the Milk River. The water flowing from the mineral spring, which is the world’s most radioactive source, is at a constant temperature of 30 degrees and is renowned to have curative power especially for people suffering from arthritis and rheumatic pain. However because of the high levels of radioactivity, people are only allowed two 15-minute baths a day.

Mandeville holds the key to many historical places of interest on the island and some fantasic examples of 19th century architecture such as the Mandeville courthous built in 1820.

There are few places to stay in the are. One is the Mandeville Hotel in downtown Mandeville. It is clean and has good food and a swimming pool. The rates run from about US$60 for a standard room to US$95 for a suite. This is an old and businessman oriented establishment though it is best if Mandeville is your only stop in the area.

Another hotel is located a few miles away in the higher elevated town of Christiana. The Villa Bella is much more picturesque and the meals are served traditionally and with much more flair. You can dine with a fair view of the surrounding mountainsides and the open air feel at night on the veranda is wonderful. It has some gardens to explore and will arrange transportation and Ecotours to surrounding attractions such as tours of Cockpit Country and the Alcan Orchid Sanctuary. High Tea is at 4:00.

Shooter's Hill dominates the landscape that it occupies. At its base is the famed Pick-A-Pepper Pepper Sauce factory. This sauce, though not the strongest, is the one frequently sold abroad. If you're lucky, you can find the peak on which the original owner is entombed. A cleared area is maintained around it and it is said that you can see Blue Mountain Peak in the far off Blue Mountains on a clear day. You'll pass this distinctive hill on your way to Christiana or Cockpit Country.

• Mandeville Food and Drink

  • Hungry Hut

    45 Manchester Rd Excellent Jamaican food

  • The Den

    35 Caledonia Rd Tel. +1 876 962-2116 Grilled Jamaican food

  • The Arches Restaurant

    at the Mandeville Hotel on 4 Hotel St. Tel. +1 876-962-7130 A mixture of Jamaican and international cuisine.

  • Bamboo Garden Restaurant Ltd.

    35 Ward Ave., Mandeville Tel. + 1 876 962-4515-6

  • Bloomfield Great House (restaurant & Bar)

    8 Perth Road Tel. +1 876-962-7130

  • Grove Ct. Restaurant & Lounge

    16 Park Cres., Mandeville Tel. +1 876 962-0855

• Getting Around - Mandeville Transport

  • By plane

    • Montego Bay and Norman Manley Airport in Kingston greet thousands of International tourists, businessmen, and visitors on a daily basis.
    • Getting around Jamaica is quick and easy by air. Air Jamaica Express operates from Montego Bay and Kingston to all areas with landing fields on a daily basis. Air Negril operates a daily service from Montego Bay to Negril. For more information, call Air Jamaica Express at +1 (876) 922-4661, 952-5401 or +1 800 523-5585, and for Air Negril, call +1 876 940-7747 or +1 876 884-6347.

  • By taxi

    • Taxis have predetermined rates between one location and another. All cabs have red PPV plates (Public Passenger Vehicle) along with regular license plates. Limousines, air-conditioned coaches and local bus service also connect all villages, cities and towns.
    • JUTO Jamaica (Taxi Company): + 1 876 952-0813 / 957-9197

  • By Bus

    • Slow, crowded buses (often minibuses) will stop anywhere along the route to pick up passengers. To catch one, stand by the side of the road with your arm outstretched.
    • Buses and coasters, run between Montego Bay or Kingston and every point on the island. Buses arrive and depart from each town's transportation station, which is usually near the main market.
    • Coasters, or private minibuses, display red license plates with the initials 'PPV'. They depart their point of origin when they're full (often overflowing) and drop off passengers en route.

Need to find a place to stay while you are in Mandeville? Thanks to the Jamaican Tourist Board Online Site you can find one. These guys are great. They've basically compiled a constantly updating list of the Hotels, All Inclusives, Guest Houses, and Apartment Resorts for most of the hotspots in Jamaica.