Things to see and do South

The site of Jamaica's most famous rum factory was completely renovated and modernized in 2017. From the moment you enter the lobby, you're in for a treat: the spacious lobby is classy, with plush sofas and Appleton-stamped cushions. The tour that awaits you is well-trodden: everything starts with a glass of punch offered, followed by a short film, a souvenir photo under the gigantic Appleton sign and the visit can begin! We will explain the different stages of the making of the famous rum: from the sugar cane to the voluptuous alcohol. The tour is punctuated by shady stops according to the explanations with tasting of sugar cane, sugar cane juice... Then, passage in the room of distillation (only place where the photos are forbidden), in the place of storage of tanks... And the long awaited moment, the rum tasting! In a sober and chic room, three glasses of rums of different ages are pre-filled and waiting for you with an explanatory card for each of them. There is a bottle of water to rinse your mouth between each tasting. In short, they have thought of everything! There is enough to make you feel like an expert! A small vial of rum is offered to you at the end of the visit and of course, this one ends with an obligatory passage, that of the big and magnificent store to leave with your beverage! The visits are only in English, too bad for those who are not fluent.

A heavenly place with waterfalls and 3 pools of natural mineral water, located on one of the oldest plantations of the island. To reach the waterfalls, one crosses the property by tractor with trailer along the river in a thick vegetation (count 20 minutes). A short walk leads to the main waterfall. Natural pools invite you to swim. A zipline offered here by Chukka is a must do here. A tree climbing course in the canopy is possible for the family as an option. Restaurants on the spot.

From the top of its 510 m, the cliff "of the jump of the lovers" dominates all the region. It owes its name to a legend, sung in reggae by Bim Sherman. Mr. Chardley was madly in love with his young slave, but she preferred a handsome slave from a nearby plantation. Unbeknownst to him, they formed a tender relationship. When Mr. Chardley learned of the lovebirds' affair, he went mad with grief and did everything he could to break them up. But the young couple's bond became even stronger. Mad with jealousy, he threatened the young man with death, but the couple continued their relationship secretly. During a night rendezvous on the cliffside, in a corner that served as their secret love nest, the lovers were surprised by old Mr. Chardley who had followed them. Seeing themselves discovered, they decided to kill themselves rather than suffer separation and reprisals. Embracing each other, they jumped from the top of the cliff into the sea. Legend has it that a moonbeam picked them up and carried them to a place where they could live out their love in peace. Today the bar-restaurant with terrace offers a sumptuous panorama. The sea spreads out as far as the eye can see, with its sometimes agitated waters on a jagged coastline. The lighthouse can be visited. The week is animated: dominoes on Wednesdays, karaoke on Fridays, concerts on Sundays... To get there, take a cab from Treasure Beach towards Junction to Southfield (200/300 JMD) and continue on foot for 30 minutes.

The structure of the building, rebuilt and renovated in 1908, dates from the era of slavery without the accuracy of origin. The police station served as a prison for convicts throughout the region.

In the heart of the inextricable Cockpit Country, known by Jamaican cavers, the Windsor caves are not very popular. It is not advisable to venture in alone, besides, near the caves, Jamaicans equipped with lamps and knowing the maze of galleries offer to guide you. Going deep into the earth, the caves, some of impressive dimensions, follow one another for more than a kilometer, inhabited by colonies of bats (more than 50 000!), in a labyrinth of stalagmites and stalactites.

The factory may not look like much, but this is where one of the world's finest coffees, Blue Mountains Coffee, is made from beans picked one by one according to strict rules in the high Jamaican mountains in the center of the island. The roasting days are the most interesting, as you can see the entire process of coffee making. A modest sales stand offers Blue Mountains coffee at a much better price than the supermarkets, a good deal. We recommend that you call ahead to let us know you're coming, thus avoiding the end-of-month inventory closures. Founded in Kingston on September 17, 1942 by Leslie Minott, the company began by exporting Jamaican spices to Great Britain and the United States. During the war years, exports were suspended and the company turned to bottling syrup. In 1943, the founder decided to settle in Mandeville and started the production of pimento oil, which he would export to Europe and its perfume industries. Coffee production did not start until 1952, when international prices boomed. Jamaican Standard Products is now the country's largest coffee producer with 45% of the production exported. At the height of the season, during the harvest period, the company employs some 450 people.

A visit for those who love to get lost. Ann M. Haynes-Sutton Ph.D., owner, manager of Marshall's Pen and environmentalist, will welcome you. It's true that Marshall's Pen is hard to find, but if you ask for "Old Mr. Sutton's house", you'll quickly realize that everyone here knows it and you'll end up at the stone columns that mark the limits of the property, which is 5 km from downtown Mandeville. Once the land of the Count of Balcarres, governor of the island from 1795 to 1801, the farm covered more than 1,600 hectares but has since been reduced to less than 10% of its surface. The old plantation only produces coffee for its own consumption. The remaining 120 hectares are now used to raise some 200 head of cattle. The owner's son, Robert Sutton, a renowned ornithologist and co-author of a guide to the birds of Jamaica, Birds of Jamaica. A Photographic Field Guide, has also turned it into a nature preserve. Birdwatchers, scientists and photographers of all kinds are very welcome and privileged to benefit from on-site accommodation and excursions in search of the rare bird. Indeed, more than a hundred species of birds have been listed in this family reserve, including 23 of the 25 endemic species of the island. Lovers of beautiful houses will admire this sumptuous colonial residence, with its English country flavors.

The Soroptimist Women's Auxiliary is a craft center founded by the lady patrons of St. Mark's Church, has an eloquent motto: God gives the birds their food, but they must fly to get it. Its aim is to provide training and short-term employment for young women in need. The workshop's gift shop offers handicrafts, baked goods, needlework and crochet. The workshop's most famous creation is Jah Clarence, a Rasta rag doll, and his wife Queen Clarice.

A nice garden is reached before reaching the heavy wooden gate of this church built in 1820. Outside is the cemetery in Mandeville, where the graves of the distinguished citizens of the past centuries contradict those of English soldiers who have not escaped a severe outbreak of yellow fever. On Sunday, the church receives the faithful in great dress, lace robes or fly and enrubannés hats for the ladies, strict black costumes and ties for the gentlemen. Religious songs resonate well beyond the church.