Trelawny Holidays

Trelawny's a serene region in northern Jamaica – it stretches from the powder-fine sands of Braco Beach to the old coastal town of Falmouth, 20 minutes’ drive away. In between are dozens of working sugar estates and idyllic sandy bays. And just inland are the mountain ridges, valleys and caves of Cockpit Country, Jamaica’s largest rainforest.

Some 10 beaches dot the coastline of Trelawny – each one with the full complement of white sands and clear Caribbean waters. In the east there’s Braco Beach, made up of fourcrescent bays and backed by rocks and palm trees. And furthest west is Burwood Beach, about 15 minutes’ drive away. Here there’s a kiteboarding school, and waterside barbecue shacks serve fresh fish, simply grilled.

Trelawny’s capital Falmouth boasts pretty little streets lined with well-preserved Georgian houses. Walking tours go through the town and give a history of the slave trade here. Down in Cockpit Country there are plenty of caves to explore, too. Quashie’s features an underground lake where visitors can take a quick dip under the stalactites and stalagmites.

Montego Bay, Jamaica’s second city, is a bustling place that’s popular with cruise daytrippers. It’s about 30 minutes’ drive from Falmouth and boasts more of Jamaica’s famous white sand beaches. Gloucester Avenue is known as the Hip Strip and has dozens of shops, bars and restaurants. And there are beautiful seaside courses at the nearby Rose Hall golf club.