by Chenay Jordan

Created on: August 20, 2008   Last Updated: August 24, 2008

Still a relatively obscure tourist destination, the South Coast or "undiscovered" area of Jamaica offers travelers pristine beauty and seclusion, a desert coastal paradise.

A great neighborhood for the adventurous traveler or for the traveler that shies away from commercialism, the South Coast is virtually untouched by time.

Nets seem more common here than air conditioning and restaurants are reminiscent of the 1950's as are some of the prices. You won't find much of the "resort" or "world-class" style on this part of the island but you will find friendly, but un-pushy, locals.

Surrounded by small fishing villages, the South Coast is also home to Mandeville, a British-style town and hilltop community 2,000 feet above sea level and Black River a town in the St. Elizabeth parish and a popular spot for tourists to take a tour down the river of the same name.

Perhaps the most popular area of the South Coast (if there is one) is Treasure Beach formally known as Pedro. Once riddled with pirates, the 1930's brought with it the erection of the Treasure Beach Hotel, thus the name change.

Despite its more remote location, the South Coast offers travelers plenty of worthwhile things to do.

If visiting the South Coast of Jamaica, don't miss the following destinations, which you will find worth while as they are unique to this part of the island.

Milk River Spa- Both a spa and a hotel, this fantastic place is located 30 miles southeast of Mandeville. The mineral waters from the nearby hills are apparently therapeutic and rival the waters used in top European spas. There is even a public mineral water swimming pool open during the weekends.

Appleton Rum Estate- Take this chance to learn about the production of the Caribbean's drink of choiceRum! Near the village of Magotty, this quaint museum houses artifacts and equipment from long ago and a tour demonstrates how sugar cane used to be crushed with the use of a resident donkey! Still a working farm, visitors also learn how the sugar cane is harvested, fermented, distilled and aged. There is also a lesson about blending and bottling. The result? Yummy drinks that visitors can sample in the bar after the tour.

Y.S. Falls- If you are craving some photo ops and nature head to the Y.S. Falls, a series of ten cascading waterfalls that truly are a sight to behold. Located on a private farm about 33 miles west of Mandeville, take a picnic, a short hike through forest and meadows, and bathe in the pristine pools at the base of the falls. Bonus: the rope swing that allows you to play Tarzan!

Lover's Leap- the Romeo and Juliet story of Jamaica: Two slaves took their own lives here when their owner forbid them from marrying. Set atop a 1700 foot cliff, the views are a photographer's heaven. Miles of the Caribbean Sea and most of the South Coast of Jamaica is visible from here. There is also a restaurant and small museum for patrons.

Black River- Once a major influence on Jamaica for exporting natural black dye, today adventure seekers can see freshwater crocodiles while cruising down this river in a guided boat tour. Not something to miss if visiting the South Coast!

If you are adventurous or just tired of taking the same old commercial vacation year after year, a trip to the South Coast of Jamaica is just what you need.

Enjoy experiencing local culture in a whole new way and explore the unexplored Jamaica before the secret of this desert Eden gets out!

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