Find an Eco-paradise for Lovers in the Gardens of Ocho Rios
Interested in planning an outdoor wedding? Up for a little honeymoon excursion? There's no more picturesque setting for romance than the gardens of Ocho Rios.
Often called the "garden parish", St Ann overflows with colourful tropical flowers and lush greenery. There are several beautiful public gardens in and around Ocho Rios, the parish's tourism capital. A walk through these gardens reveals sculpted grounds with exotic plants, cool tropical rainforests brimming with countless species of ferns, up-close views of gushing waterfalls and rivers, and encounters with fish, birds and butterflies.
Coyaba River Garden
Coyaba River Garden gets its name from an Arawak word meaning paradise or heaven - so it's no wonder it's become a popular place to say "I do". Nestled in the hills, the small manicured garden displays a variety of flowering plants and vines, ferns and trees. Water plays an important role in the garden's ambiance, and shallow crystal-clear streams and ponds crisscross the grounds. After you roam Coyaba's garden, browse the gift shop, enjoy a cup of Blue Mountain Coffee at the courtyard cafe or take a tour of the museum, which displays many artefacts, including bits of Arawak pottery, a mantrap from the 19th century, Spanish water jars and 16th century maps.
Cranbrook Flower Forest
Cranbrook Flower Forest is a garden within a park, and is a popular picnic spot. The 130-acre property holds a working nursery, four lawns with barbeque areas and swings, a diverse collection of plants, fishing ponds stocked with tilapia, and a river coursing through the property. The main garden is a horticulturist's dream, with thousands of plant species parked along trails and in a greenhouse. There's also an area where numerous rare varieties of palms grow, including the Triangle Palm and the Traveller's Palm. The garden aside, Cranbrook's main attraction is the riverhead, where the Little River gushes out from its underground source into a natural swimming pool - perfect for a refreshing dip after a romantic stroll!
Shaw Park Gardens
High on the hills overlooking Ocho Rios, Shaw Park Gardens offers a breathtaking view of the seaside town, making it a popular setting for special events. The property was originally a part of Shaw Park Estate, which was owned by a Jamaican family until the 20th century when it became the site of one the earliest hotels on the Jamaican north coast. Today, the 25-acre property has lovely gardens that slope downhill and run alongside a cascading waterfall.
So whether you're interested in planning an eco-wedding or just a romantic day-trip, come experience the natural beauty and splendour of Jamaica’s garden parish.