Mandeville Jamaica

Mandeville Jamaica was first "laid out" in 1816, and hasn't looked back since!

When it comes to beautiful scenery, spectacular tropical weather and the perfect relaxed vacation destination, Mandeville is definitely the place to be. Being the capital of Jamaica’s Manchester Parish, this town is the only Parish town not to be situated on the coast or next to a main river.

For many it is known to be very “English” in appearance and it has plenty to offer in terms of tourism.

The town was originally named after Viscount Mandeville, and boasted a very "English" style with stone buildings, stone walled fields and green pastures. This was possible because the town was situated some 2000 feet above sea level and thus some 10 degrees cooler than the surrounding island.

It was a mountain resort, built mainly for ex-patriates, and it was quiet and peaceful.

In about 1957, Mandeville Jamaica became a community for the nearby Bauxite workers, brought in by the Alcan Bauxite company. [Bauxite being the main component of Aluminium!] Forty years ago, the tourist traffic began, and as Mandeville was only some 65 miles from Kingston, it was an easy trip by car, bus or taxi.

Many of the original buildings remain in Mandeville and among it's many historically claims is the fact that the "Manchester Golf Club in Mandeville" was the first Golf Club in the Caribbean: 1868!

Today, there is a growing influx of Jamaican nationals, returning from abroad to retire, so this growing city is slowly becoming a popular centre for the retired.

What to See and Do in Mandeville Jamaica

If you like golf then you will love the 9-hole Manchester Club golf course. It is one of the Caribbean’s oldest golf courses and it benefits from some of the most spectacular scenery with rolling hills which seem to go on for miles. Also, if you are travelling with somebody who is not a big fan of golf then whilst you play on the 9-hole course, they can perhaps try their hand at tennis which is situated nearby.

If a little culture and history is more your kind of thing then you will find something to suit your needs. For example, you could take part in the High Mountain Coffee Factory tour which is Jamaica’s second most popular type of coffee. You will get to see how everything works and you will also have the chance to sample the coffee too. So if you are a coffee lover then this tour is certainly something to consider.

Another thing which Mandeville Jamaica is famous for is its wildlife. People from all over the world go to Mandeville just to see what nature has to offer.

There are twenty five different species of bird that are endemic to Jamaica and most of them are found in Mandeville. Also, Mrs Stephenson’s Garden is fantastic for garden lovers as it boasts fragrant fields and beautiful flowers.

Finally if you are looking for a little nature on your vacation then the Black River is a place that you should visit. The Black River in Mandeville, Jamaica is home to the Americanus Crocodilius which is amazing to see and it is not aggressive in any way either.

There are also parks, a spa, waterfalls and plenty of shopping to benefit from. So no matter what you are looking for, Mandeville Jamaica has something to suit everyone.

Where to Stay in Mandeville Jamaica

The Bloomfield Guest House boasts panoramic views of Mandeville and it has some interesting artwork hung up on its walls. It is definitely one of the best guest houses in the area and people really do come from miles around just to stay there.

If on the other hand you want to stay in a hotel, the Mandeville Hotel is likely to be your best option. It is elegant and at the same time it offers the visitor a relaxed poolside cafe atmosphere too.

If you are planning on staying within Mandeville Jamaica then no matter what your tastes, you should easily find something to suit you.

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