Khorii's Jamaica: A Poet's Guide to the Roads Less Travelled

Part of the Jamaica Summer Vibes series — finding your perfect island experience

You may recognize Khorii Rhymez for his clever, nostalgic, and often hilarious spoken word poetry. This summer he's heading to some of his favorite spots on the island, including the showstopping Best Weekend Ever, but knowing Khorii, the party is just one line in a much longer story. Between the events, he's eating well, enjoying himself, and finding the corners of this island that deliver authentic and vibrant experiences. If that sounds like your kind of travel, pull up a chair.

Start with authentic the Flavor
Khorii's favourite Jamaican dish: Stew Peas

Before you do anything else, Khorii recommends finding yourself a proper bowl of Stew Peas. Slow-cooked with salted pig tail or beef, kidney beans, and spinners (dumplings made from flour), in a dutch-pot that's been simmering for hours. You'll find vegan versions of the dish at restaurants and Ital cookshops. This is the kind of food that makes you sit down and be still for a minute, which is exactly the point. For Khorii, no dish speaks to Jamaica's soul quite like this one. 

The Blue Lagoon, Port Antonio
First stop for any first-timer

Port Antonio truly feels tucked away from the hustle and bustle. Khorii thinks that's part of what makes it special. Drive through the town and you'll make your way to the famous Blue Lagoon which sits on the island's northeast coast. The lagoon is a natural freshwater and saltwater pool that's so deep and impossibly blue, pictures can look someone edited the color. It hasn't been touched up. That's just the beauty of Jamaica.

Go in the morning when the sun is high. Float on your back and look up at the tree line. Take your time. This is one of those spots that rewards the people who aren't in a hurry.

A True Hidden Gem
Jamaica's stunning waterfalls

For an off-the-beaten-track pick, Khorii loves this natural wonder. Nestled in the Blue Mountain region high above Port Antonio, Fish Dunn Falls is beautiful, lush, and completely worth the effort to find. This is the kind of place that makes you feel like you've discovered a treasure. Jamaicans joke that on this island there's a waterfall for every day of the year. Be sure to experience as many as you can.

Watersports in Ocho Rios
For when the energy needs an outlet

Head west from Port Antonio to Ocho Rios, known as the island's centerpiece. Watersports in Ocho Rios put the Caribbean Sea at your feet in the best possible way. Khorii recommends trying out snorkeling, glass-bottom boat rides, or whatever your energy calls for. Ochi  is the place to be this summer.

The Main Event
Your Best Weekend Ever

All roads this summer lead to Best Weekend Ever, one of Jamaica's most celebrated party experiences taking place over the Independence holiday weekend.

On the surface, Best Weekend Ever doesn't exactly scream "road less travelled." It's one of Jamaica's biggest party weekends withmultiple events, and the kind of energy that's anything but quiet. Khorii knows this. He's not pretending otherwise but here's what he'll tell you if you ask, there's a poetry to the way Jamaica celebrates that you simply have to experience. It's not just a party. It's an expression of joy and freedom. When Jamaica decides to celebrate, it does so with its whole chest, making this an experience worth seeking out. We'll see you there!

Ready to write your own verse this summer? Start at visitjamaica.com/summervibes