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Mandeville, principal town of the parish of Manchester, is a quiet, restful mountain resort, a little over 2,000 feet above sea level with a cool climate (70-75 degrees by day, 65-70 degrees by night) ideal for such pursuits as golf, walking and horseback riding.

The town is often likened to an English village and certainly boasts a village green, handsome stone buildings and stonewalled pastures.

Once a sleepy country town, Mandeville has a bit of bustle nowadays. The town came awake some 40 years ago when the potential of the red earth of the surrounding countryside was wedded to the world's demand for bauxite and its end product, aluminium. The nearby alumina plant at Nain is the second largest in the world.

Now ecotourism is ushering in yet another phrase in the town's development as more and more visitors want to leave the resort areas and explore the country side.

The town boasts 9 hole golf course, the oldest in the island. The layout is well planned, with 18 tee boxes so that a full game can be played and a round of golf played in the cool atmosphere of the hills is a delightful experience.

The scenery around Mandeville and adjoining parts of the south coast is superb. There is Bamboo Avenue at Lacovia where the road is line for miles with tall bamboo which meets overhead like a vaulted cathedral roof.

Lover's Leap is another is another remarkable beauty spot where a sheer cliff, 1,600 feet high, overhangs the sea.

Treasure Beach, not so long ago, was known only to Jamaicas and very few privileged visitors. Now, a few more people have heard the secret, thanks to a number of hotels and villas which have been built there in recent years. The natural peace and tranquility has not yet been spoiled and the warmth and hospitality of the people will touch your hearts.

Black River is Jamaica's largest river. Nature lovers will delight in exploring what it has to offer. Boat trips are available. The YS Falls on the river are held by some to be the island's most spectacular.

At the quaintly named village of Middle Quarters, basket carrying women will come to your car, crying, "Shrimp, Shrimp, Shrimp". They are selling succulent cooked and peppered shrimps caught in nearby Black River.

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