In Jamaica, we hold the well-being of our island in high regard. We invite our visitors to join us in respecting nature and making responsible choices to reduce environmental impact. If you’re looking for a truly authentic and environmentally conscious experience, we’ve got the spot for you. Ten minutes from Kingston, in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, it’s not far, in fact, it’s Pretty Close 876.
Pretty Close is a truly unique experience created by Omar ‘Ramo’ Edwards. He's the heart and soul of the operation, who believes in showing visitors a different side of Jamaica, while maintaining respect for the natural environment. He's one of the many people you'll meet in Jamaica that make the island so special.
The short journey up to Pretty Close will take you through Gordon Town Square. Stop for a quick selfie by the statue of Jamaican cultural icon, Louise Bennett-Coverley. ‘Miss Lou’ as she is popularly known, is beloved by Jamaicans for her contributions to Jamaican poetry and performing arts in Jamaica’s heart language, commonly known as ‘patois’. If you ask a Jamaican about Miss Lou, they may launch into a spirited performance of one of her well-known poems.
Photo by Madeline Northway
Once you arrive at Pretty Close, enter through a quaint wooden gate and make your way down to the riverside. You’ll be warmly greeted and shown to rustic picnic tables and changing rooms. The seating and structures are all hand-crafted using natural materials, like bamboo and wood. Ramo has created an amphitheatre right along the river that makes the perfect spot to sit and take in surrounding nature.
Photography by Madeline Northway
Get settled in and wade around in the cool water. Sit still and you’ll be in for a natural spa experience, complete with a fish pedicure. Next, take a seat on a tree stump to enjoy a fresh, ital meal prepared onsite. The Ital food movement was started in Jamaica and involves natural, fresh foods, free from chemical additives. It’s often low on salt but always high on flavour. Ramo cooks fresh ingredients over a woodfire and coal stove. Jelly coconuts are kept cool nestled in a nook in the river and meals are served in calabash (dried gourd) bowls. The rotating menu features what’s in season – plantains, breadfruit, avocado, ackee, rice and peas, festivals and fried fish. Wash it all down with refreshing coconut water. It’s delicious, authentic Jamaican food – made even more memorable by the naturally beautiful setting.
