Living in Jamaica is a true privilege, there’s always a new paradise to discover without ever
leaving home. My Jamaica bucket list keeps growing, but right now, the place I’m most
bursting with excitement to visit next is Treasure Beach. This under-the-radar south coast
getaway in St. Elizabeth has been whispering my name for ages, and I’m ready to let you in
on why it’s calling me so loudly. Take my word for it: after you read this, you’ll want to head
there, suitcase in hand.
Why Treasure Beach is Calling My Name
Treasure Beach has a magnetic, one-of-a-kind energy that pulls you in the moment you
arrive. Forget the crowds and high-rise resorts of the north coast—out here, life is gloriously
unhurried. Think sleepy fishing villages where everybody knows your name, miles of
tranquil, almost deserted beachfront, and sunsets so enchanting you’ll want to bottle the sky’s
colors for later.
There’s something pure and honest here: farmers wave from pickup trucks, you smell
woodsmoke from beachside cookshops, and every morning feels like the start of a new
adventure. On my last trip passing through, I lost track of time just watching a group of boys
play football on the sand while fishermen untangled their nets in the surf. I found myself
standing barefoot in salty water, feeling like Treasure Beach was made for slow, meaningful
days.
But what hooks me most is the sense of real community. Locals always greet you with a
smile, quick to share a joke, a story, or directions to the best fried fish stall. You feel
welcomed—not as a visitor passing through, but as someone who belongs.
Activities I Can’t Wait to Experience
My upcoming Treasure Beach escape is going to be packed with those serene, sun-soaked
moments and a little adventure. Here’s exactly how I imagine my days unfolding:
Beach-Hopping & Swimming: Each bay—Frenchman’s, Calabash, Billy’s—has its
own flavor. I love the idea of lazy afternoons stretched out on creamy, soft sand with
the ocean a stone’s throw away. Maybe I’ll grab a book, but honestly, I’ll probably
just close my eyes and listen to the waves. Dips in the sea are a must; nothing resets
my spirit like floating where the water is so clear it glows turquoise.
Pelican Bar Adventure: There’s no way I’m missing a boat ride out to Pelican Bar,
the legendary driftwood shack perched atop a sandbar in the middle of the sea.
Thinking about sipping a cold drink, snacking on just-caught fried fish, and maybe
spotting pelicans resting nearby—it’s the definition of bucket-list magic. Last time I
visited, dolphins even circled the boat on the way!
Connecting with Art & People: Treasure Beach breathes creativity. From vibrant
murals painted across fishing boats to cozy galleries filled with local art, I plan to
spend hours wandering and picking up keepsakes. More than that, I can’t wait to chat
with the artists, craftswomen, and friendly market vendors. There’s a genuine pride
here—you really sense the heartbeat of Jamaica.
Nature Walks & Cycling: Just inland, red-dirt roads and rolling hills offer stunning
views of the countryside. I want to rise with the sun one morning, rent a bike or join a
local walking tour, and take in the landscape—maybe pausing under a mango tree for
a sweet snack, or stumbling upon a hidden spring where the cool water washes away
all worries.
The Food Scene: Fresh, Flavorful & Unforgettable
If you know me, you know I travel as much for the food as the views, and Treasure Beach is
pure heaven on a plate. Every meal here is a celebration of Jamaica’s rich, soulful flavors. I
still remember the last time I visited: the aroma of freshly grilled snapper mingling with the
salty sea breeze, and laughter echoing from a cookshop serving up festival and bammy to
barefoot guests.
Seafood Feasts: There’s nothing quite like eating fish the fishermen caught that
morning. I’m craving peppered shrimp wrapped in brown paper, spicy and sweet and
eaten hot by the roadside. Rumour has it the escovitch fish at local beach shacks is the
best in Jamaica, fried crisp, doused in pickled vegetables, and paired with a red stripe,
it’s pure bliss.
Jack Sprat Dreaming: I have a standing date with Jack Sprat restaurant. Their
famous wood-fired pizza is Caribbean perfection, but the real star is the seafood
platter—lobster, fish, shrimp, all served feet-from-the-water under swaying almond
trees. Last visit, I lingered under the stars, toes in the sand, and made friends with a
group from Kingston over plates of melt-in-your-mouth jerk chicken and sweet, sticky
BBQ ribs.
Breakfast with a View: I’m making it my mission to hunt down the best ackee and
saltfish around, preferably from a simple local cookshop right on the beach. Add a
fresh hunk of festival or roasted breadfruit and I’m in paradise. The coffee from St.
Elizabeth is rich and bold, the perfect fuel for a full day of exploring.
Farm-to-Table Goodness: I never skip the Saturday market for ripe watermelons,
honey-sweet tomatoes, and legendary St. Elizabeth yams. I want to taste it all—grown
just up the road and served without any fuss.
The Magic of Treasure Beach Community
What always blows me away about Treasure Beach is how seamlessly locals and visitors
blend. People look out for each other here; there’s an unspoken understanding that everyone’s
a neighbor and friend. After a day exploring, I love joining in a community domino game or
swapping life stories with someone at the bar while the sun dips low.
Kids splash in shallow bays, artists sell hand-painted calabash crafts, and the hum of reggae
floats from every corner. The sense of peace, safety, and belonging is real—locking eyes with
someone and sharing a nod, you know you’re home.
On previous trips, I’ve stayed in a little guesthouse where the owner made callaloo and fried
dumplings for breakfast, and by day two, I felt like part of the family. That’s the magic of
Treasure Beach: you arrive as a stranger, but you leave woven into the fabric of this special
place.
Why Treasure Beach Should Top Your Jamaica Bucket List
If you’re searching for the heart and soul of Jamaica, beyond crowded resorts and souvenir
shops.Treasure Beach is waiting for you. It’s a destination for those craving authentic
experiences: the taste of just-caught fish, the feel of sun-warmed sand under your feet, and
the pure joy of being welcomed like an old friend.
Treasure Beach is where you go to slow down, reconnect, with nature, with others, with
yourself. It’s about waking to the sound of the breeze in palm trees, exploring quiet coves,
and eating meals that remind you why Jamaican food is world-famous.
I can’t wait for my next trip. I’ll be savoring every sunset, every spicy seafood bite, and every
conversation that makes me remember why there’s nowhere quite like home. If you’re
crafting your own Jamaica bucket list, do yourself a favor, put Treasure Beach at the very
top. Trust me, one visit and this magical south coast haven will call you back again and again.