Jamaica is a constitutional monarchy and as a member of the British Commonwealth, the Queen of England, Elizabeth II is the head of the country. She is represented in Jamaica by a Governor General.Local Government is organized on a parish basis, with two parishes, Kingston and St. Andrew.Each parish has a capital town which is its centre of Local Government administration. Kingston, situated in the south-eastern part of the island, is the capital city. The other city, Montego Bay, is the leading tourist resort and is located on the island's north-western coast.Other important towns include Spanish Town, the former capital; Mandeville, in the heart of the bauxite mining area; May Pen; and the tourism centres of Ocho Rios and Port Antonio.
This Villa is situated on the outskirts of Ocho Rios, Ocho Rios is considered the garden center of Jamaica. Some of these gardens include Shaw Park Gardens and Coyaba River Garden & Museum. Of course, no visit to Jamaica is complete without seeing Dunns River Falls which can be considered the most well-known attraction in this area. Many have climbed this series of falls which tumble from the mountains until it reaches the sea ... definitely worth the climb ... you will feel rejuvenated! Ocho Rios is also lined with many white sand beaches.
We invite you to visit the 1/4 mile stretch of white sand beach nestled into a lush tropical jungle. Cool out under a palm tree with a fresh fruit cocktail served in a coconut at the "Village Beach Bar". Or try Caribbean cuisine like fresh fish, lobster, conch or spicy jerk chicken from the grill. Capture a golden tan while drifting peacefully across turquoise waters on a lie-low float. From waving fan coral to colorful clownfish and graceful rays, you'll find plenty to look at while snorkeling the bay's reefs. Kayak the coastline or hike the natural trails or experience a seaside massage. Try the seasonally fresh native fruits like Mangos, guineps, guava, ortanique, sugar cane, pineapple, papaya or naseberry. Challenge a friend to backgammon, checkers, or join a domino game. Reggae Beach has it all.Ocho Rios_The name "Ocho Rios" has two possible origins: it is either a direct translation from Spanish meaning "eight rivers" or an adulteration of "las chorreras" (the spouts), reflecting the large number of waterfalls in the area. Ocho Rios is located in St. Ann's parish about 60 miles from Annotto to Discovery Bay on a half-moon shaped cove in the middle of Jamaica's northern coastline. It was formerly a fishing port and was also known for its banana exports. Now it is a pretty resort town with stunning waterfalls and beaches and interesting colonial-period buildings like the Geddes Memorial Church and the Anglican Church. The town's business and commercial center is Pineapple Place.
When not indulging in the many activities available--horseback riding, polo, golf, tennis, shopping, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, swimming or sunbathing--there are a number of interesting sights worth seeing in the environs of Ocho Rios:Rio Nuevo_In 1658 it was the site of a clash between Spanish and British troops over who would possess the island. As we now know, the British won the fray.Port Maria_Located on Pagee Beach, it has a number of well-preserved buildings of the colonial period.Dunn's River Falls_The Dunn's River cascades over a number of rock terraces on its way to the sea and a beautiful beach. The stepping stones of the falls allow easy access up and down their 600 feet, under a stimulating shower. There is a Dunn's River feast every week with dancing, music and swimming.
