“Own only what you can always carry with you: known languages, known countries, known people. Let your memory be your travel bag.”
–Alexandr Solzhenitsyn
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Something about St. Thomas keeps calling my name, and I simply have to answer. On this quiet Sunday morning, Bobo and I hit the road early, guided by intuition, good vibes, and the promise of a hidden gem I’d heard about years ago.
We made our first stop to purchase purple sea moss fresh from the ocean—a ritual I cherish every time I'm near the coast.
Then we paused at a scenic spot overlooking the sea.
I couldn’t resist getting out to take a few photos. The moment reminded me of a past adventure with Jess—visiting Bath Mineral Spring, Fish Dunn Waterfall, and Airy Castle Mineral Spring, then staying off-grid at a peaceful Airbnb. St. Thomas always delivers something special.
The streets were quiet, almost completely empty, and we were surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking views of untouched nature. It felt like we had stumbled into a little piece of heaven—peaceful, pure, and far removed from the noise of the everyday world. In that moment, I felt completely present. My heart was light, my mind at ease, and my spirit deeply connected to the earth around me. It was the kind of peace you don’t just see—you feel it in your bones.
We continued along the lonely roads, chasing a destination neither of us had ever been to before. The journey itself felt like an adventure—quiet, winding, and full of anticipation. This was a beautiful hidden spot in St. Thomas I had heard about years ago, but I’d never made the trip.
Back then, it seemed out of reach. No public transportation ventured that deep into the parish, and honestly, I wasn’t in a hurry. There were other corners of the island calling me—places I could explore with more ease. But now, with curiosity as our compass and freedom in our steps, the time finally felt right.
My coworker Davor, who’s from this very parish, confirmed that the place I was looking for does exist. That reassurance meant a lot—local knowledge is gold when you're chasing hidden gems.
It was another coworker, Neville, who first told me about the spot. He stumbled upon it years ago and recently pulled it up on Google Earth to show me. The image alone was enough to stir something in me. It looked stunning—untouched and full of promise. That was all the motivation I needed to finally go hunting for this long-whispered-about gem.
After a bit of searching, we still couldn’t locate the hidden spot, so we decided to pivot and make the most of the day. We headed to Rocky Point Beach instead—a quiet, off-the-grid location that immediately felt like a good fit. It wasn’t what we originally set out for, but it carried the same spirit of adventure and seclusion I love. Sometimes, the detours lead to the most peaceful places.
When we arrived, a few people were already there, but the beach wasn’t crowded at all—just the way I like it. We stopped by a small bar near the entrance and grabbed some juice to cool down before heading out onto the sand. With our belongings in hand, we strolled along the shoreline, taking our time as we searched for the perfect little corner to settle into and enjoy the rest of the day.
Eventually, we found it—a peaceful spot with a clear view of the ocean, all to ourselves.
On the menu for the day was something simple yet delicious—jerk Portobello mushrooms, seasoned to perfection and packed with flavor.
I marinated them in a homemade jerk sauce made with fresh scallion, thyme, pimento, garlic, and just the right kick of Scotch bonnet. The mushrooms soaked up every bit of the seasoning, transforming into a smoky, savory treat.
We paired the jerk Portobello mushrooms with perfectly roasted ripe plantains—sweet, caramelized, and slightly crisp on the edges. The combination was pure comfort food with a plant-based twist, and it hit all the right notes: smoky, spicy, and sweet.
While the mushrooms sizzled over the fire, I took a moment to step back and soak in the view. The ocean stretched endlessly before me, its waves rolling in rhythmically like a gentle meditation. The salty breeze kissed my face, and for a few minutes, I just stood there—present, grounded, and grateful. Moments like these remind me why I chase hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path adventures. It’s not just about the destination—it’s about the stillness, the scenery, and the soul-deep peace that nature brings.
I’ve always been more of a river girl—there’s something about the cool, fresh water and shaded forest trails that speaks to my soul. But whenever I’m blessed with a beautiful view of the ocean, I pause and give it the appreciation it deserves. And so I did. Standing there, watching the waves dance under the sunlight, I let myself be fully present in the moment. It was a gentle reminder that all of nature has its own kind of magic—whether it’s a hidden waterfall or an open stretch of sea.
I couldn’t help but stare at the horizon, where the ocean kissed the sky in the softest embrace. It felt like nature was sharing a quiet, romantic moment—one just for those still enough to notice. The colors melted into each other, blues fading into golds, and for a moment, everything felt perfectly aligned.
As the sun began to lower and the breeze grew cooler, I moved on to the next meal on the menu—Brown Stew Oyster Mushrooms.
I fried the mushrooms first to drain the excess water from them, giving them a firmer texture and allowing them to soak up the flavors even better.
Then I added a colorful medley of vegetables—okra, carrots, bell peppers, hot pepper, red onions, thyme, and spring onions. Each ingredient brought its own texture, flavor, and flair, coming together in a vibrant, aromatic stew that bubbled gently over the fire. The pot was alive with color and scent, a true celebration of island cooking in the heart of nature.
To bring it all together, I added my blend of natural powdered seasonings—ginger, turmeric, bay leaf, and pimento seeds, just to name a few. These spices deepened the flavor of the stew, adding warmth, earthiness, and that distinct Jamaican richness that can only come from cooking with love and intention. As the pot simmered, the scent was absolutely irresistible—bold, healing, and full of soul.
To balance the bold spices, I added a touch of organic honey for a little sweetness. And yes—this is my recipe, so don’t judge me! Feel free to make it your own and do whatever you wish with your mushrooms. Cooking in nature is all about creativity, flavor, and having fun with what you’ve got.
I waited just a few minutes, letting the flavors come together perfectly, before deciding it was finally ready to enjoy.
Next, I got started on my coconut quinoa, which only took a few minutes to cook. That’s one of the things I love most about cooking with vegetables and eating fruits—they’re nature’s fast food. Quick, nourishing, and full of flavor without the fuss.
I then fried some ripe plantains—my absolute favorite side dish. Sweet, golden, and perfectly caramelized, they added the ideal touch of comfort to the meal.
And just like that, lunch and dinner were ready—fresh, flavorful, and made with love right there by the sea.
With a breathtaking view of the ocean before us and plates full of delicious, homemade food, it felt like pure bliss. The waves rolled in gently as we savored each bite, surrounded by nature’s beauty and the calming rhythm of the sea.
After that incredible meal, I took a moment to rest—letting the breeze wash over me and the sound of the waves lull me into complete relaxation. A little while later, I made my way to the ocean, camera in hand, ready to capture the beauty of the moment through my lens.
Rocky Point is a coastal community rich with history. In the late 1700s, it was part of the Barking Lodge sugar estate, owned by Ambrose Carter.
Like much of Jamaica’s past, the estate was built on the labor of enslaved people.
Over time, the land transitioned into what it is now—a fishing village and beach haven, showcasing the resilience of the people who live there.
Today, the beach is about a kilometer long, with light brown sand and bordered by seagrape and coconut trees.
The east side is perfect for a quiet swim, while the west is dedicated to fishing.
Small businesses like El-Sedal Seafood Lounge offer local seafood and chill vibes.
Getting there means traveling the St. John’s Rocky Point Road, lined by mangroves and untouched terrain.
I love visiting St. Thomas—it always feels like stepping back in time. There’s a nostalgic charm woven into the everyday life here. At one point, I saw a man riding his donkey, making his way home from the farm. It was a simple yet powerful reminder of a lifestyle that once defined rural Jamaica. In a world that's moving fast, St. Thomas moves gently, holding on to traditions that many places have long forgotten.
After a beautiful day by the sea, we made our way to Airy Castle Spring—a quiet, refreshing stop to wash off the sand and salt before heading home. The cool spring water was the perfect way to end our journey, grounding us once more in the heart of nature. With clean skin, full hearts, and unforgettable memories, we left feeling renewed and deeply grateful for yet another sweet escape in St. Thomas.
Would you go off the grid to find a beach you’ve only heard about in stories? Let me know in the comments below. Thanks for riding along, and as always—see you on the next adventure!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.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.