Treasure Beach

Cloudy sunset at Treasure Beach, Jamaica.

In March of this year, we took a family trip to Jamaica. It was relaxing, and peaceful, and just what we needed.

The kids were both feeling the grade school blues; excited and nervous about the transition to high school and middle school, and we were all sick of winter. It had been several years since we took a big family trip, so based on a friend’s recommendation, we decided to visit a small town on the Southern coast.

Cloudy sunset at Treasure Beach, Jamaica.
The sunsets were ~chef’s kiss~.

Amelia’s Villa

Tara is an expert travel researcher. Seriously, she could easily work as a travel agent and tour operator. Needless to say, she found the most incredible place to stay. Amelia’s Villa is a gorgeous hilltop spot overlooking the town of Treasure Beach. We spent most of our time swimming (like, hours a day…I’ve never swam so much in my life); eating delicious food thanks to our amazing housekeeper and chef, Natalie; and reading and lounging. It was divine.

Pool frolicking Rooftop patio Marco Polo It rained briefly Soldier crab Flowers Clear nights Group portrait
Views from the villa.

The town itself was a short walk down the hill and had a few bars and restaurants, a beach and a couple of convenience stores. We enjoyed meals at Jack Sprat and Joseph’s Hideaway, poked around at Jake’s and casually explored. Everyone we met was so friendly. Everyone!

Bathroom light Papa Smurf statue
Bathroom light and Papa Smurf.
Frankie Jakes Jonas
Out and about.
Sunset at Jack Sprat
Sunset at Jack Sprat! Seriously!

Boat tours

We went out on a couple of boat excursions. Tara pre-booked a coastal adventure with Captain Dennis which included a stop at the famous Floyd’s Pelican Bar and a fresh seafood lunch on a secluded beach. It was amazing. Captain Dennis’ staff were incredibly friendly and were always ready with a fresh drink.

We booked another boat tour while we were there (with Joseph of Joseph’s Hideaway!) so Jonas could try his hand at deep-sea fishing. Unfortunately, no fish were biting that morning. Tara was really hoping to see dolphins too but alas, it was not to be. Despite the lack of fish and dolphins, we were enthralled as Joseph told the story of how he was lost at sea for 14 days on a small fishing boat at the age of 15! They drifted all the way to the Cayman Islands! A cruise ship eventually picked them up and he flew home.

Frankie and Tara Joseph and Freddy Soccer on the beach Tara Joseph bringing the boat in Fishing boat at Pelican Bar
On the water and at the beach.
Misty coast in the morning
This view of the misty coast as we rounded the cove to Lover’s Leap made me audibly gasp.

Junction

Natalie accompanied us to the nearby town of Junction to do a bit of shopping. It was decidedly not touristy. Jonas got a pair of Nike SB Dunks with his birthday money. We had some tasty doubles for lunch and bought some fresh fruit for the next day.

Junction street scene Junction street scene Junction street scene Junction street scene
Junction, Jamaica. Oozing with character.

Hurricane Melissa

On October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa made landfall as a Category 5 hurricane, causing catastrophic damage and resulting in at least 45 fatalities and over $12 billion in damages. It was the strongest hurricane to ever strike Jamaica, with maximum sustained winds reaching over 300 km/h. Four months later, the impact of it was still visible everywhere. Downed powerlines, roads washed away. Homes, hospitals and small villages wiped out (The only thing left standing in Black River was the KFC). It was awful to see the devastation.

Hurricane Melissa damage in Treasure Beach Hurricane Melissa damage in Black River Hurricane Melissa damage in Black River Hurricane Melissa damage in Black River
Hurricane Melissa damage in Treasure Beach and Black River.

My kit

I showed remarkable restraint and kept my photography kit rather light for this trip (I was tempted to bring so much more but I’m glad it was minimal). I took along my Fujifilm X-Pro 3 and used mostly the XF 18mm f2 R and the XF 35mm f1.4 R.