Treasure Beach, Jamaica

Located on the South Coast, arid Treasure Beach lacks the heavy tourism traffic found on the wetter North Coast. The vegetation here is more reminiscent of Arizona than what most people associate with Jamaica. Long a farming community, the Treasure Beach area has only recently been "discovered" by tourism. Even with the slight increase of visitors, its still easy to relax and pretend you’ve found your own secret area.

There isn’t a whole lot to do in the area except enjoy the sunshine and frolic in the waves. There are a few little restaurants and bars to take care of your appetite and plenty of friendly people to talk with. A woman by the name of Rebecca Wiersma (965-0126) conducts tours of the immediate area but also including trips to Mandeville for golf.

There is plenty of camping if that’s your thing. Nannyland and Four M Cottage have room for camping and very basic necessities. If sleeping under the stars isn’t your thing then head for Jake’s. Jake’s is a collection of colorful and fun little cottages set along the cliffs. The decor is gaudy but seems to do justice to Jamaica. They also have something of a disco under the trees. If you want to meet Jake(a parrot), you’ll have to go to the Trans-Love Bakery where he abides with his love, a female parrot.