The coastal resort of Port Antonio, Jamaica, was glamorised by Errol Flynn and other Hollywood stars but it's much more than an exclusive beach resort. Vacationers find that it's easy to step off the beaten track and give their explorations rave reviews. Many people rate Somerset Falls as the highlight of their vacation, yet a trip there involves nothing more complicated than a taxi ride. The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful: luxuriant vegetation, turquoise water and foaming white cascades. The Falls help keep the air refreshingly cool. You can swim in the falls and take a short gondola ride through to a cave where there's a deep pool that's great for diving.
Romance comes in the shape of some lovely, unusual buildings set amidst tropical vegetation. The Folly Great House is a rambling, gently decaying mansion in neo-classical style - an intriguing contrast with the brightly coloured bougainvillea that climbs everywhere. Enjoying a superb site on the headland is 'Folly II', the unofficial name for Trident Castle, a shimmering white fairytale fantasy fit for any Disney princess. This gorgeous chunk of rococo stonework is where Mimi Rogers seduced Denzel Washington in The Mighty Quinn. Unfortunately you have to rent the whole castle if you want to see the interiors - the people at Trident Hotel can tell you about family vacation packages.
Rafting down the Rio Grande is a popular romantic-adventure crossover: we're not talking whitewater rapids: the bamboo raft has seats for two in the back; your guide stands in the front and propels you along the gently flowing river with a long pole.
When you're ready for a proper adventure the people to contact are Valley Hikes in downtown Port Antonio. They offer a range of trips: from two hour hikes to ten day camping trips in the mountains. Trips are led by friendly, patient, very knowledgeable guides who'll be able to tell you about the local herbs and flowers. The half-day trip to Scatter Falls and Foxes Caves involves a raft ride, a visit to a village community, a walk through the caves - complete with unusual rock formations and an underground river - that leads to a spectacular waterfall that you'll get plenty of opportunity to scramble up. The company are good at catering to different levels of fitness and experience, and will make sure you have a really memorable trip.