Rock Shic

#506 Coffee Styling in Jamaica

Not too long ago, on a cold and wintry Saturday afternoon (not altogether dissimilar from our current weather conditions), I was one happy puppy when I discovered that our local coffee shop, the Roasting Plant, carried Blue Mountain Coffee from Jamaica.

Blue Mountain, you see, was where I fell in love with the smooth and aromatic taste of Jamaican coffee – or more specifically, the coffee that is grown and harvested at the Old Tavern Coffee Estate, situated high up in the mountains just a short drive north of Kingston (we stayed nearby at Strawberry Hill). 

Perhaps it was the good-natured charm of the hostess, Dorothy Twyman, who ran her estate in a rather intimate and unassuming manner, that won me over -- or the beautiful mountainside covered with coffee fields, overlooking mist, river streams, and waterfalls... whatever the case, the experience of visiting the coffee farm will forever remain an incredibly special, not to mention tasty, experience for me.  

My one regret was that I didn’t bring back more bags of those delectable coffee beans – word on the street is that they are some of the best (and priciest!) coffee around!

Me and Ms. Dorothy Twyman in her backyard, overlooking the the Blue Mountains of Jamaica.

#56 Marley Dreams

Sitting in front of Bob Marley's house

Camisole: Nine West | Skirt: Gap | Silk Shirt: Zara | Sunglasses: Miu Miu | Neckace: Calypso St. Barth | Bracelets: Misha Nicole | Hat: Old Navy | Bag: Michael Kors | Sandals: Banana Republic (go-to vacation essential!)

The city of Kingston is a full-immersion experience, and what better way to explore than to tread the footsteps of the great Bob Marley?  My journey began with a visit to Marley's old mansion, painted in Rasta colors – red, green, and gold.  Inside, you can still find the bullet holes on the walls from his attempted assassination).  It's a pretty cool place, with loads of Bob memorabilia and even houses the studio where Bob Marley used to record (still in use today).

Upon entering the estate, you see a mural painted with the Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie, Bob and his seven sons (whatever happened to the daughters?).  Oh, and the museum gift shop sells his daughter, Cedella’s  fashion line, aptly named "Catch a Fire." (Below is a photo of Bob, his wife, and three of their children in the yard, and you can find the designer-daughter to the right... pocket-book in hand of course -- a budding fashionista even then!!). 

The real experience, though, I must say, was the visit to Trench Town (via Emancipation Park).  Similar to the favelas of Brazil, these are clusters of impoverished townships in the hood that lays the very foundation from which Marley drew his roots and musical inspirations. So seeing it up close and personal, was a definite treat.  Below you'll see a photo of me in Culture Yard.  To the right, you'll notice a homage to one of Bob's favorite gardens of all time.  P.S. Check out the little model to my right with her fierce pose!!! Love.  I guess Marley’s memories live on in more ways than one!

Marley's first vehicle, a Volkswagen bus at Culture Yard in Trench Town, St Andrew.

Emancipation Park, uptown Kingston

#54 Mornings in Port Antonio

Bikini: Ralph Lauren | Cover-up: Oscar de la Renta | Hat: Old Navy

For a fun detour, I took a side trip from Strawberry Hill and visited a hotel called Geejam (close to some of the best attractions that Port Antonio, or Portland, as the locals call it, has to offer, including the aquamarine lagoon).  Similar to Strawberry, Geejam is also owned by a record producer, named Jon Baker (I guess that's just how they roll in Jamaica).

Part resort, part recording studio, and all luxe -- this recently-renovated spot is definitely an interesting spot in the sense that it caters to a lot of recording artists (Snoop apparently stopped by a few months ago and stayed to record some tracks, as did Alicia Keys with her little one in tow).  I've never seen anything like it. Though I guess it makes sense, if you run a successful recording studio and production company, why not open it up as a spacious hotel for those traveling through and increase your margins? Plus, from the artist's perspective, if your record company is going to foot the bill, why not jet away to somewhere nice and do your "9-to-5" gig there?? (Entourage included of course).  It's kind of a genius business model, and far more inspiring than a cubicle.

I found it fascinating, chatting with the folks at Geejam, that most musicians and actors are "nocturnal people" who do some of their best work from midnight to dawn.  It's a very different world than the one I occupy, where 9am meetings happen to be par for the course.

However, it is always good fun to be momentarily pampered like a celebrity at this intimate resort (Steam room in the shower? Check!). And I must say, a night at the Drum & Bass suite is quite the treat!!  The massively-large private balcony (which sits underneath the recording studio), has dramatic views overlooking the coast, and even comes with its own jacuzzi! (Can you say night dips under the stars??!).  

Mornings are the best time (though not so much for nocturnal celebs), when you can ease back and sip your cappuccino, listen to your ipod (or just the sound of the sea), and enjoy the gorgeous ocean view.  Totally ideal for relazation... very zen indeed.

With such a beautifully relaxed setting, you'd be hard pressed to leave!  

My very own hot tub!

Breakfast with a view!

#53 Under-the-radar paradise

Cover-up: Lauren Pierce for Calypso | Hat: Old Navy | Bag: Michael Kors

Part of the reason I wanted to go to Jamaica was to visit the Blue Lagoon – purported to be a large, deep, and stunningly beautiful cove near Port Antonio (sometimes called the Jamaica of 100 years ago).  It is known for its emerald-green and azure crystalline waters, and it boasts some Hollywood connections (i.e., this is where Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins swam together in the film of the same name). 

So was it worth it? You ask.  Well, yes and yes… the lagoon is indeed beautiful – a hue of magnificent turquoise blue (largely due to its great depth – running about 185 ft deep). 

Surrounded by lush, steep hills, the Blue Lagoon has a dreamlike feel upon your first encounter, a virtual Shangri-La!  Created by underground mineral springs (there were actually spots where you can see the mineral water bubbles through the ground), this is an unspoiled oasis that is truly worth your while (and still relatively non-touristy, not to mention the ultimate in seclusion style – you won’t find all-inclusives here!!). 

While the Lagoon is spectacular, it is also quite small (I guess I should have expected that).  Never fear though, as there is plenty of other tropical paradise to be found – such as the Frenchman’s Cove beach retreat (pictured below), that enlivens the whole experience.  I have to say, the peaceful getaway to the white-sand beaches of the cove was probably one of the highlights of my trip! 

Swimsuit: A. Che Swimwear | Wrap: Etro | Hat: Old Navy | Sandals: Banana Republic | Sunglasses: Dior

#52 Sunset in the Rio Grande Valley

Shirt: Urban Outfitters | Shorts: Bum Bum (Brazil beachwear brand) | Silk Shirt: Zara | Sandals: Banana Republic | Bag: Michael Kors | Hat: Old Navy | Sunglasses: Miu Miu | Earrings: Candystore Collective (From San Francisco, made by Nico Lopez) | Necklace: From Afghanistan | Swimsuit: BCBG

101km (63 miles) to the northeast of Kingston lies the sleepy Port Antonio parish, which is a bit off the beaten path and boasts some of the most scenic sites of the country, among them the Blue Lagoon, Frenchman’s Cove, and the Rio Grande Valley.

Gliding down the Rio Grande in rafts made of bamboo (said to have been initiated by the actor Errol Flynn in the 50’s – his reputation for womanizing and drinking lives on), is a popular pastime among both tourists and locals alike.  I heard that the moonlit raft trip, during particular times of the year when there’s a full moon, is the ultimate treat.  Judging by the beauty of our sunset raft, I can only imagine what it must be like to gaze upon a star-lit sky under a full moon! 

The best bits of the 11km journey are the frequent dips you can take in the river, which is crystal clear with gleams of aquamarine.  Oh, and just when you’ve exhausted yourself frolicking in the water with the blue herons – you’re rewarded with a traditional Jamaican homemade meal, cooked by the river over a wood-burning stove, with some of the best crayfish and spices I've ever tasted!!! Definitely a trip worth making…

#51 Maiden of Port Royal

Port Royal, located at the mouth of Kingston Harbour, is a city of pirate legends (linked to the Pirate of the Caribbean though not actually filmed there).  This was once one of the largest trading centers of the New World, with a reputation for being the wickedest city, whose name in folk lore conjures up visions of swashbuckling pirates and sea maidens in harbor taverns. 

Today, it reminds me of a sleepy fishing village (nearby Lime Cay is lined with stretches of white-sand beaches) – replete with historic buildings (some locals claim to be "haunted with ghosts") and brightly painted houses.  Not to mention, it serves up some of the freshest seafood in Kingston!

We were at an outdoor eatery called Gloria’s, when this local beauty – dressed simply but elegantly, caught my eye.  A young TV hostess, she definitely has both presence and character (and p.s. I love those sandals!!).

#50 Jamaican Bliss

Maxi Dress: BCBG | Hat: Old Navy | Sunglasses: Dior | Earrings: From San Francisco | Bikini: Rip Curl Australia

I’m on a constant quest for the exotic, magical, and sentimental – which may explain in part why I love traveling so much.  This time, I decided to go beyond the border and ring in my birthday (or "Earth Strong" as the locals call it) with a full-on Jamaican immersion experience. 

As it happens, our little private bungalow is high up in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, in a Georgian-style cottage called Strawberry Hill.  There’s nothing more tempting than the thought of some peace and intimacy in these secluded hills, with nothing but you and the forest, as you ease into a hammock and gaze beyond those coconut palms. 

I especially like that the place, formally an 18 century coffee plantation, feels far and removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown Kingston, but is within driving distance should the more intrepid wish to explore.  Otherwise, you can guarantee that I am more than happy to just lounge by the infinity pool gazing over Kingston – sip my rum mojito whilst chewing on the perennial beef jerky. (Oh, and do ask for their 2 for 3 nights special while you're at it!).

Fun fact, Strawberry Hill is owned by the Island Records impresario Chris Blackwell.  Apparently he hangs out here himself, so who knows; maybe we'll get an opportunity to rock out to Bob Marley together.