Relax in Jamaica’s desert coast: Treasure Beach
Beach Essentials
When: February is a hot and happening time to visit Jamaica
Happenings: Be pampered in a lush and tropical paradise
Famed for: Indians in grass skirts & plundering pirates
Remember to bring: Fishing rod and sun cream
Where It’s At
Treasure Beach is an intimate hideaway set in lush tropical gardens at the edge of a turquoise sea. Manicured lawns extend down to magnificent mahogany trees onto a perfect white sand beach. A ramshackle fishing area on Jamaica’s southeast coast, Treasure Beach attracts an array of visitors from fashion models to penniless backpackers.
Indian Heritage
Treasure Beach is a relatively new name. In the 1930s, a Canadian built a hotel called The Treasure Beach Hotel and soon after, the name took hold. The first inhabitants of the area and Jamaica were the Tainos, previously called the Arawak Indians. These people, known for their grass skirts and feathered head-gear, are shown on Jamaica’s crest, coins and bank notes. The tribe lived peacefully by their fishing and hunting skills.
Pirate Legacy
Later on, Pirates found their way to Treasure Beach, then named Pedro, which was the original name for this area. One of the more notorious, William Rackham, made Pedro his headquarters. He would sail out, scuttle and plunder passing ships. Eventually, he was caught and hanged on a little cay, now called Rackham Cay. His name survives in Billy’s Bay, a small village located two miles down the road. Just past Billy’s Bay, seventeenth century English soldiers built a lookout at Starve Gut Bay and changed the name to Fort Charles. The soldiers however, never left, their legacy remains in the fair skin, red hair and blue-green eyes of the Treasure Beach people.
Visiting the ‘Desert Coast’
When you visit Treasure Beach, the residents treat you as guests. Nicknamed the Desert Coastfor its ever-present sunshine, this area of Jamaica is still unspoiled and largely unaffected by tourism. Here, you’ll discover the best of Jamaican’s natural beauty and charm, deserted sandy beaches, colourful coral reefs and mountains that reach the sky. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the rich culture and easy-paced lifestyle where fishing is as important as it was half a century ago. Watch out for Snappers, Barracuda, Mackerel Shark, White Shark and Yellow Jack in the surrounding waters.
MORE INFORMATION
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By Noreen Mustapha
