“When people ask me why I still have hope and energy after all these years, I always say: Because I travel.”
-Gloria Steinem, My Life on the Road
Dear Gentle Readers,
There's something about Spring Hill, Portland, that always pulls me back in. This time, I returned not alone but with Jessica, for a second stay at OurEscape Cabin—a hidden oasis nestled in the lush Blue and John Crow Mountains. My mission? To finally cook at the beautiful waterfall I couldn't access during my last rain-soaked, solo visit.
Visit Nature's Sweet Escapes YouTube channel for an in-depth look at this amazing adventure! Also, follow me on Instagram at Nature's Sweet Escapes and on TikTok at .naturessweetescapes for more updates and behind-the-scenes moments from my journeys. Also, visit Jess's YouTube channel where you'll find a video of this adventure that's sure to bring a smile to your face.
As we journeyed to Portland, we had to stop to take in the breathtaking views.
This side of the island never fails to amaze. I was even on the lookout for the legendary Greenwich Ghost, but she was nowhere to be seen this time.
The drive from Holywell in St. Andrew to Portland is rich in history and culture, winding through the Blue and John Crow Mountains.
The journey starts in Papine, passing through Irish Town, Redlight, and Middleton. Irish Town was named after Irish settlers who worked as overseers on coffee plantations. Landmarks like Strawberry Hill Resort and Craighton Estate (a 19th-century coffee plantation now owned by the Ueshima Coffee Company) add charm and depth to the route.
You then pass through Newcastle, established in 1841 as a military training station to escape yellow fever outbreaks in Kingston. It still serves as a Jamaica Defence Force training site today.
Just beyond Newcastle lies Holywell, a 330-acre misty haven that forms part of the national park.
James Wiles, a British botanist who once worked with Captain William Bligh, renamed the area after his hometown in Lincolnshire, England.
From there, the road descends into Portland, passing communities like Section and Cascade, famous for their steep, lush waterfalls.
Eventually, the B1 road takes you to Buff Bay on the north coast.
We stopped at another viewpoint overlooking the majestic mountains before continuing our journey.
With all the recent rain, even the dormant waterfalls had come alive.
We stopped at Blue Patio for coffee for Jess, and the rain came again, so we stayed a while.
I bought curry fish because it was cold, and I decided not to cook in the rain.
We then made a spontaneous stop at Cottage Blue, another gem in Portland offering serene mountain and river views.
I’ve added it to my list of future overnight stays. But the main event was still ahead—Our Escape Cabin, a place that feels like home every time.
As soon as we arrived, I grabbed my camera before the sun disappeared behind the trees.
Surrounded by greenery, the peace of the place immediately settled in.
I explored the grounds and cottage again, my creativity flowing.
These cabins—ranging from tiny cozy homes to larger family-friendly spaces—are solar-powered, eco-conscious, and equipped with air conditioning, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and full kitchens. Luxury meets sustainability.
I reminisced about my last visit when I forgot my sleepwear and had to create content in a swimsuit. With no internet, I had only nature and my thoughts—pure bliss.
Back in the room, I couldn’t resist capturing more moments.
These cottages at Our Escape feel like poetry wrapped in wood and stone, a true home away from home.
I was buzzing with excitement on this second visit.
There’s something about this place that stirs my spirit and sets my creativity free.
Tucked within the lush folds of Portland’s rainforest, Our Escape is surrounded by enchanting gems waiting to be explored — from the refreshing cascades of Fish Dunn Falls to the dramatic drops of Cascade, also known as One Drop, and the serene beauty of Marley Balcarres Waterfalls.
Jess returned from her morning adventure just in time to join our photo session.
We basked in the magic of having direct access to a secluded river and waterfall an untouched sanctuary perfect for swimming, unwinding, and reconnecting with nature.
his waterfall, without question, sits among my top ten favorites in all of Jamaica. Its quiet power and unspoiled charm make it a dream location.
Before diving into more photos, I completed my Holywell blog post, sipping tea and soaking in the stillness. If you're longing for an off-grid retreat that speaks to the soul, Our Escape in the Blue Mountains of Portland is it.
Spanning 20 acres of pristine rainforest, the property offers a harmonious blend of rustic tranquility and modern convenience.
It remains, without a doubt, one of my favorite cottage stays in all of Jamaica.
I wrapped up my blog on Holywell just before stepping out to capture a few more photos.
If you're looking for a serene cabin retreat in Jamaica, Our Escape in the Blue Mountains of Portland is a dream come true.
his eco-friendly haven spans 20 acres of lush, untouched rainforest and features beautifully designed off-grid cabins — each one crafted to immerse you in nature while still offering the comforts of modern living.
The next morning, Jess woke up early to create content.
Inspired by the surroundings, I followed.
This particular cottage reminded me of a Tiny House, and it even had a gazebo.
I read a book in the quiet space while sipping turmeric and ginger tea made by Jess.
I settled into the sofa, drawn to a different view — a quiet space to read and lose myself in the embrace of nature.
There were two hammocks swayed gently, inviting me to rest.
Everywhere I looked, nature flourished.
The scene painted in every possible shade of green. Nature embraced me in its green glow — it felt like stepping into a living painting.
We got ready for our waterfall hike—about 15 minutes.
It took longer because we kept stopping for photos and videos.
When we finally arrived, the waterfall was perfect.
Jess jumped right in. I took photos below the fall and captured moments that felt straight out of a dream.
I snapped a few photos beneath the waterfall, where everything felt still and magical.
Spring Hill, once again, proved to be a dream I never want to wake up from.
Spring Hill, in Portland Parish, was once a plantation estate with deep ties to colonialism and slavery.
In 1817, it registered 250 enslaved individuals, and its owners were compensated after emancipation.
Today, Spring Hill is known for its ecological richness and natural beauty.
Hidden waterfalls like Fish Dunn and the area’s proximity to the Blue and John Crow Mountains make it an eco-tourism treasure.
Hidden waterfalls like Fish Dunn and the area’s proximity to the Blue and John Crow Mountains make it an eco-tourism treasure. Cooking at the waterfall was the main reason for my return, and with enough room to set up, everything was falling into place
Jess and I returned to the cottage to gather the pots and ingredients — it was time to bring our waterfall cooking adventure to life.
I even picked hot peppers planted at the cottage for my dish.
After forgetting my Bluetooth remote, I had to hike back to the cabin—twice! Talk about a workout.
My dish of the day: Curry Salmon Wrap with Stir-Fry Veggies and Fried Plantains.
I infused the salmon with a medley of flavors — sweet peppers, lemon pepper, thyme, red onions, French thyme (or oregano), turmeric, curry powder, and bay leaf — each ingredient adding its own magic to the dish.
The salmon, now richly seasoned, waited patiently for the fire — ready to transform into something unforgettable beside the rushing water.
The preparation was pure art.
Cooking at the waterfall while creating content for my blog and YouTube channel felt surreal.
Next came the stir-fried veggies — a quick and colorful medley that took only minutes.
Then it was plantain time. They sizzled to a golden brown, and I couldn’t resist.
One by one, I kept nibbling away until there were barely enough left for the wrap.
Creating content takes effort and patience, but the end result always feels spectacular.
Though I was eager to taste the fruits of my labor, I held off just long enough to capture the moment on camera.
Then, with my heart full and my plate ready, I returned to one of my favorite waterfalls in Jamaica for one last round of photos — because beauty like that deserves to be remembered.
It was time for more photos at one of my favorite waterfalls in all of Jamaica. Spring Hill, nestled within the Buff Bay River Valley, holds more than just natural beauty — it’s steeped in history. During the 18th and 19th centuries, this fertile region supported several plantations, including Mount Holstein, Shantomee, and Cedar Hurst. But today, it tells a different story — one of renewal, serenity, and raw, untouched beauty.
Spring Hill is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers like Jess and me. With hidden waterfalls tucked between towering trees and winding trails, it invites quiet exploration. Still, it’s important to note — many of these sites sit on private lands, so visitors should always seek permission and guidance out of respect and safety.
The content I captured was everything I had hoped for — I couldn’t get enough. But as the water rushed around me, icy and invigorating, I began to tremble. Still, I pressed on, moving a little faster to get each final shot.
I must admit, I was getting greedy. I had taken over a hundred photos and still wasn’t satisfied. That’s what Portland does to you — it pulls you in, again and again, until you find yourself in awe of it all.
I began to reflect on just how many reasons I have to love Portland.
Located on Jamaica’s northeast coast, Portland Parish is renowned for its lush landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultural heritage. Established in 1723 and named after the Duke of Portland, it stretches from the soaring Blue Mountains to the coastal plains, making it a natural hub for both agriculture and tourism.
Covering roughly 814 square kilometers, Portland is bordered by St. Thomas to the south and St. Mary to the west. Thanks to the northeast trade winds, it receives the most rainfall in Jamaica, blessing it with verdant vegetation and incredible biodiversity. The parish’s roots run deep — especially in its Maroon legacy.
The Windward Maroons, led by the legendary Queen Nanny, fiercely resisted British rule during the 18th century. Although Nanny Town fell in 1734, the spirit of resistance lived on through Moore Town, which continues to honor and preserve Maroon culture to this day.
In the 19th century, Portland became a major player in the banana trade, especially through the port town of Port Antonio. This economic boom attracted American investors and turned the area into a prime tourist destination, setting the stage for the elegant resorts and hideaways we see today.
Portland also boasts some of Jamaica’s most beloved natural attractions:
Blue Lagoon, a mesmerizing turquoise pool believed to be the crater of an extinct volcano.
Frenchman’s Cove, where a river flows directly into the sea, creating one of the most picturesque beaches on the island.
Somerset Falls, a serene retreat tucked within a lush garden.
Rio Grande, famous for its bamboo rafting adventures through scenic landscapes.
Reach Falls, with its cascading pools and hidden caves waiting to be explored.
Beyond its geography, Portland’s charm lies in its cultural fabric — its Maroon heritage, colonial architecture, and contributions to Jamaican music and the arts. Historic sites like the Port Antonio Court House and Christ Church tell stories of the past, while the parish’s lush backdrops continue to appear in films and music videos around the world.
After our waterfall adventure, I returned to the cabin, exhausted but fulfilled. The next morning, we drove back to Kingston through fog-draped mountains and the sounds of birds greeting the day.
Have you visited OurEscape Cabin? Would you visit after reading this blog? If you've been, what was your experience like?
I'd love to hear your thoughts. Until next time—see you on the next adventure in Jamaica!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Whatta Gwaan!
You've discovered my blog. I'm delighted you're here. Maybe it's destiny. I'm Doreen Lillian Scarlett welcome to Nature's Sweet Escapes where I go on the far side of Instagram to document and share my adventures..