“A little piece of everywhere I go becomes a big part of everything I do.”
-Richie Norton
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I returned to Holywell for the fifth time — but this visit was special. This time, I was here to camp for a day and soak in everything this magical mountain retreat had to offer.
My last visit had been with Izy, where we spent a few hours before chasing waterfalls across Portland. This time, I visited with Volunteers Incorporated, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting volunteerism among young people in Jamaica.
They empower youth to engage in activities that address critical societal needs, fostering a sense of social responsibility and community spirit. Their programs include vision screenings, community clean-ups, health fairs, educational workshops, and more. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to participate, although some activities specify different age requirements. Donations to Volunteers Incorporated help fund projects like providing free prescription eyewear to children, hosting events, and supporting community development initiatives.
From Kingston, the drive to Holywell takes about an hour via the winding roads through Irish Town and Newcastle. The journey is scenic but demands caution — the roads are narrow, steep, and full of sharp turns.
When we arrived at my favorite camping site — well, second favorite since Massy Campsite in Comfort Castle holds my heart — I immediately fell in love with the view. Mountains stretched into the distance, mist weaving between them like a dream. Of course, I had to stop for a few photos.
I spent a long time simply sitting and soaking in the views — it truly felt like I could touch the heavens. Later, Davor, the President of Volunteers Incorporated, joined for some photo ops before we started the day's activities.
While the group prepared activities, I drifted off on my own to create content for my blog and for Volunteers Incorporated.
Every view demanded to be captured. I didn’t want to leave.
Holywell Recreation Area (pronounced Hollywell) is a serene mountain retreat nestled within Jamaica’s Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sitting about 3,000 feet above sea level, Holywell offers a refreshing escape into lush forests, diverse wildlife, and panoramic views of Jamaica’s southern coast.
This part of Portland always rekindles my love for the mountains. I remembered my first bike adventure to Cascade Waterfall — also known as One Drop Waterfall — and the moment I first laid eyes on the Blue and John Crow Mountains. I was spellbound then, and I still am today.
Holywell was originally called Monmouth Mount Estate but was renamed by British botanist James Wiles. Wiles, a gardener for Sir Joseph Banks, participated in Captain William Bligh’s 1791 expedition to transport breadfruit from Tahiti to the Caribbean. Settling in Jamaica, he named the estate after Holywell Hall in Lincolnshire, England — his birthplace.
The deeper magic of Holywell lies not just in its natural beauty but also its history. The Blue and John Crow Mountains were once a refuge for the Windward Maroons — escaped enslaved Africans who used their knowledge of the rugged terrain to resist British forces.
Their struggle led to autonomy agreements in the 18th century. Holywell, blending breathtaking nature with stories of resilience, is truly sacred ground.
I lay down on the grass, looking up at the sky, and let nature cradle me.
Curious, I wandered out to the main road, snapping even more photos.
Along the way, I stopped at the ranger post, a charming vintage building perfect for a few shots.
It was here that I first heard the story of the Greenwich Lady, one of Jamaica’s ghost legends tied to Holywell.
Locals say that on the winding roads between Greenwich and Holywell, a woman in white appears, flagging down motorists. She politely asks for a ride to Portland, mentioning she "used to work at Holywell" during its plantation days.
Some say she vanishes mid-ride.
Some feel the car warm up strangely.
Others only realize she’s gone when they turn to speak to her.
Ask her too many questions, and strange things might happen — your car could break down, you might get lost, or time could slip away mysteriously.
It’s believed she was a domestic worker who tragically died while trying to return to Portland, forever tied to the misty hills.
Local advice: If you encounter her, stay respectful. Avoid too many questions, and if needed, sprinkle white rum on your tires or keep a Bible in your car for protection.
Other chilling Holywell stories include:
The Mist Woman who drifts silently through fog.
The Disappearing Campsite where fires reignite themselves.
The Rattling Chains linked to runaway enslaved people.
The Talking Trees that whisper on misty nights.
The Lost Hiker who unknowingly follows a spirit disguised as an old man.
As I stepped out of Holywell and onto the deserted streets of Portland, I was greeted by sweeping views that felt almost too beautiful to be real.
I found myself walking the quiet roads of Portland, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and the breathtaking scenery around me.
As I trolled along Portland’s silent streets, the landscape unfolded like a beautiful dream."
I ventured down the lonely roads of Portland, where every turn revealed a new and stunning view."
Before my return to Holywell, I paused to capture a photo of the sign. Though faded and worn, it made the moment feel timeless, like a whisper from the past.
Before I return to the camp site, I decided to visited the Waterfall Trail. I spotted a visitor. His name was Jovan. I asked him for directions to the waterfall. He kindly offered to join me, and I couldn't have been more grateful. As we made our way there, we exchanged memories of our earlier visits, realizing we both held Holywell close to our hearts as a sacred escape.
As we strolled through fern-filled valleys until we reached a small, refreshing cascade.
Naturally, I had to capture the moment with my camera!
Being at the waterfall triggered a flashback — the time a massive dog almost bit my tour guide and me on the way to Cascade Waterfall. I first met my guide during my very first trip to Holywell. That day, we had to stand frozen, holding our breath, while the dog sniffed us. Thankfully, it lost interest and wandered off, giving us just enough time to jump on his bike and speed away.
On the way back, we spotted a young Hooker’s Lips plant(Psychotria elata).
Jovan showed me a picture of a fully grown Hooker's Lip plant on his phone, and I couldn't believe how much it resembled human lips. It’s almost as if nature itself were playing with art."
Back at camp, the evening buzzed with excitement as we held a mini sports day before sunset!
We laughed, we played, and we bonded like old friends.
We had a blast playing different games — now I’m looking forward to experiencing a full-on sports day!
It felt like we were kids again, enjoying every moment without a care in the world.
Everyone was determined for their team to win, and the games were filled with so much passion, it felt like we were playing for national pride.
Even though we stayed focused, the spirit of fun and laughter never left us.
Later, as dinner was prepared, I snacked on fruits.
Chef Demitri and Chef Shanese cooked up a storm.
I experienced my first sunset at Holywell, and it left me utterly speechless. Its beauty stole my heart in an instant.
The beauty of it wrapped itself around my heart like a tender memory.
Chef Demetri joined in the fun, capturing a photo of the sun just before it slipped away, promising to return with the next sunset.
As I gazed over the campsite, the setting sun disappearing in the distance, a deep sense of gratitude filled my heart.
I stayed, keeping the sun company as it slowly slipped away, cherishing the moment we first met at Holywell.
Sunsets at Holywell are nothing short of magical. I wanted to savor our first meeting at Holywell a little longer.
As the other members admired the sunset, I made my way to set up my tent.
We captured a group photo just before the sun tucked itself away for the night.
The aroma of the food drifted through the air, and you could hear the members praising how delicious it smelled.
Their excitement filling the air.
With the burgers and chicken nearly ready, Demetri worked the grill with precision, turning each piece to ensure it was perfectly cooked.
Shanese worked on the breadfruit and fried dumplings with ease, while I jumped in as her assistant chef.
Shanese was the queen of the breadfruit and fried dumplings, doing an awesome job. The delicious aromas filled the air,
In the background, music played and laughter echoed as the others enjoyed games while waiting for the food.
At last, the food was ready — and so were the hungry members, excited to dig in.
They raved about the authentic jerk chicken, fresh bread, sweet festival, and perfectly fried breadfruit.
After the meal, marshmallows were handed out, turning the evening into a cozy, sweet celebration.
Campfire number two is officially in the books — and number three is just around the corner! I'd love to have you there. Join me May 23–25, 2025, at Twin Rivers Getaway in St. Mary. Message me on Instagram @naturessweetescapes or send me an email to secure your spot!
After dinner (and marshmallows!), we gathered for karaoke, it felt like pure magic. We sang, we laughed, and the city lights below us sparkled like a sea of stars, creating one of the most unforgettable nights of my life.
After a restful night, I woke up early and ventured alone onto the Wag Water Trail while the others slept.
I wandered through the quiet beauty, stopping to photograph the gazebos and capture candid moments of myself connecting with nature.
The park is well-equipped with spacious picnic areas, charming gazebos, barbecue pits, and a Kids Discovery Zone designed for children ages 4 to 10.
As I began the trail, the peacefulness of the morning wrapped around me, making it feel like I had the whole world to myself.
I don’t usually take face shots, but in that moment, I was loving myself and the energy around me too much not to capture it.
I felt like I had stepped into another world, completely wrapped in the beauty surrounding me
Throughout Holywell, there were several signs sharing interesting facts about the animals that live in the park.
As I explored Holywell, I came across many more signs offering information about the wildlife that calls the park and its surroundings home.
I was also on an educational tour.
The only sounds accompanying me were the sweet calls of birds and the rustle of distant animals.
I was wrapped in a happiness so pure.
I wished it could last forever.
The trail was beautifully maintained, with signs guiding the way at every corner. I stopped to hug a tree — a new habit of mine that fills me with joy — before finally reaching the river, its waters icy and refreshing.
Holywell offers five nature trails:
Blue Mahoe Trail: Easy 250-meter walk.
Oatley Mountain Trail: 1.2 km loop with sweeping views.
Waterfall Trail: 1.3 km to a fern valley and cascade.
Shelter Trail: Gentle 600-meter forest walk.
Wag Water/Dick’s Pond Trail: 630 meters to a river tributary.
As I returned to the campsite, I saw a mix of goodbyes — some packing for the rush back to city life, while others, like Myshka and me, clung to the last precious moments in nature.
I wished I could have spent the entire Sunday soaking in the beauty, but it was time to go.
Krystal felt the same way, but we had a plan in place, and we knew we had to honor it.
For breakfast, I made myself a fruit bowl — minus the mangoes, since I had happily finished them off at dinner.
The thought of leaving made my heart heavy. You could see it on my face — pure joy mixed with reluctance. Holywell will always be a favorite of mine, ghost stories included.
Before we left, I made myself a final cup of tea on my Temu stove, savoring the last quiet moments.
Then, I returned to the waterfall with Myshka and Kayla, who wanted to see it one more time before we headed home.
Jovan, my new friend and tour guide, came along too.
It was our second time walking the trail together, and this time, we made sure to get a photo to remember it by.
I made sure to take photos with Myshka and Kayla too — capturing memories through photos is one of my favorite things to do
My final photo captured the magic of Holywell — a place I will miss deeply until I find my way back.
Have you ever explored the wonders of Holywell? And if you have, did you catch wind of any ghost stories along the way? I’d love to hear your experiences and thoughts about this breathtaking place. Until then, see you on the next journey through Jamaica!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Whatta Gwaan!
You've discovered my blog. I'm delighted you're here. Maybe it's destiny. I'm Doreen Lillian Scarlett welcome to Nature's Sweet Escapes where I go on the far side of Instagram to document and share my adventures.