Situated high on a hilltop overlooking the sea and only five minutes from Ocho Rios, Shaw Park Botanical Gardens encompass 25 acres of tropical splendor. A sparkling waterfall cascades down a rocky course with luxuriant plant specimens on all sides. Lush tropical trees form bowers with flamboyant blossoms every month of the year.

The property was originally a part of Shaw Park Estate, which was owned by a Jamaican family until the beginning of the 19th century. During the 20th Century, it became the site of one the earliest hotels on the Jamaican north coast. The hotel pool sits at the base of the property, in the shade of a gigantic old guango tree. Leading up from the pool, trails carve their way along the hillside, and wind through walkways lined with bright flowers and shrubs.

While in Ocho Rios take some time to visit at least one of these gardens, and experience the beauty and splendor of Jamaica’s garden parish.