The Road to Mandeville

Visiting Mandeville may make you temporarily wonder whether you are you still on Jamaica or have been transported to another island. It’s a high-altitude, land-locked city 64 miles west of Kingston with a decidedly English air. It has a village green and fields walled with stone where cricket matches are played, and even a traditional English pub, the Manchester Arms. The town is also the site of the Caribbean’s oldest golf course, the Manchester Golf Club, dating back to 1868. An architectural standout is the limestone courthouse with Doric columns, which was built in 1820.

If you have one day to spend in Mandeville, definitely stop by the 200-year-old Bloomfield Great House, where you can tour the property, take in expansive Mandeville views from the veranda and enjoy fine dining Monday through Saturday. 

You can also explore Martin's Hill Orchid Sanctuary, where rare orchids are on display, including 25 species endemic to Jamaica.

At dinnertime, consider Casa de Viola, an upscale restaurant serving international and local cuisine. Or try The Vineyard, celebrated for its international cuisine and exotic setting of bamboos and palm trees.

Images Courtesy of (in order of appearance): Jamaica Tourist Board (1)