Jamaica

Caribbean

Gina Hargitay

Jamaica is my home, my birthplace, my true North. I was born on the island in the 90s and spent my childhood catching hermit crabs next to the ocean, climbing trees to pick mangoes during the intense summer heat, and sneaking away from my parents’ gaze to spend time petting and feeding stray dogs – much to their dismay.

Unfortunately, I parted ways with my beautiful home at the age of eight because my Hungarian father found work opportunities back on his home continent. Despite having spent most of my life away from Jamaica, the smell of the ocean, the feeling of the Caribbean sun on my skin, and the warmth of the smiles of strangers passing one another in the street was never far away from my mind or my heart. Despite moving to London, and now living in Austria, I try to go back to Jamaica as often as possible. My family still has a house there in my hometown of Ocho Rios, a special town about which we will learn more later.

I am now training to be a psychoanalyst in Vienna. The winters here are harsh, but the knowledge that what I learn here may someday help to uplift the people – my people – back home in Jamaica makes the slight discomfort worth it. I still feel an intense connection to my country of birth. The food, the music, the culture and the spirit of the people is something that never leaves your soul, no matter where you’re from.


Check out Gina's favourite spots in Jamaica below

A reaaaally good ital place. They do the most delicious breakfasts and ackee sandwiches... 

Is a bit overrated, but they do really have a beautiful sunset view.


Jamaica Inn is also a beautiful (but quite expensive) hotel with beach access. 

Inside the Island Village is a must. It's a Jamaican brand of Ice cream that originated from Devon House in Kingston and it's my favourite. 

Also come here for the freshest seafood. Both locations are right next to the water with fresh caught fish served then and there.

It is this cool place with lots of rivers and waterfalls and you can cliff jump and stuff. 


I've actually never been but i've heard good things, I would say it's worth a visit. 

Sugar pot beach is the place on that end of the island where my friends and family usually go, it's quite beautiful. 

Bamboo Beach club is also nice, as is James Bond beach.

Great, reasonably priced and fresh seafood. Best fish on the North coast 


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Gina's Guide to Jamaica

Sugar pot Beach Bar & Restaurant

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