SO began our countdown to Jamaica’s 50th anniversary last week, highlighting iconic Jamaican landmarks (Hope Gardens and Hope Zoo), delicacies (Tastee Patties and Devon House ‘I’ Scream) and places (Accompong). This week, we share more of The Rock’s treasures for those wishing to indulge in authentic Jamaican experiences.

Dunn’s River Falls

Dunn’s River Falls is arguably one of Jamaica’s most famous attractions. Offering 600 feet of climbing pleasure for visitors and locals, the St Ann-located waterfall is both an exciting experience and provides cpicture-taking opportunities.

Sandals Royal Plantation

Experience a secret treasure amidst the lush tropical foliage of Ocho Rios when you make Sandals Royal Plantation your temporary home. Be prepared to be thrust into a world of incredible luxury: rest comfortably on the lofty beds, or tantalise your tatstebuds at Le Papillon restaurant and then perhaps later, gaze at the beautiful vistas from the suites. Voted the number one most popular hotel in Ocho Rios, Jamaica by contributors to Trip Advisor, Sandals Royal Plantation is an ideal choice for couples wanting to be surrounded by a stunning tropical paradise, bask in superb service and enjoy extraordinary fare.

Rafting On the Rio Grande

Good enough for the man who introduced the world to Agent 007 – Errol Flynn – the Rio Grande is a highlight of Port Antonio. Enjoy a three-hour trip aboard a 20-foot bamboo raft down the beautiful slow-moving river. Have your raft navigated through a narrow passageway known as Lovers Rock or go swimming, eat lunch on the banks of the river, or visit Rafter’s Rest and the souvenir shop at the end of the river.

Floyd’s Pelican Bar

Located in Parottee Bay, St Elizabeth, Floyd’s Pelican Bar is a perfect relaxation spot that offers gloriously sumptuous seafood. Found smack-dab between Black River and Treasure Beach, the bar and restaurant are located about a mile offshore and is a well-weathered, remarkably stable thatch hut built in the middle of the Caribbean Sea from driftwood, palm fronds and coconut tree trunks driven down into the sand like stilts on the edge of a small reef.

Appleton Estate Rum Tour

Established in 1749, the St Elizabeth-based Appleton Estate distillery is a veritable Jamaican landmark. A tour of the factory includes a demonstration of the rum-aging and blending process, as well as sampling wet sugar from a copper pot.