The first Port Antonio tourists arrived in the early 20th century seeking a respite from New York winters. In time, the area became fashionable among a fast-moving crowd that included Rudyard Kipling, William Randolph Hearst, and Bette Davis; today celebs such as Tom Cruise, Eddie Murphy, and Denzel Washington dodge the limelight with a getaway in this quiet haven. Although the action has moved elsewhere, the area can still weave a spell. Robin Moore wrote The French Connection here, and Broadway's tall and talented Tommy Tune found inspiration for the musical Nine while being pampered at Trident.
Port Antonio is one of Jamaica's quietest getaways, primarily preferred by long-staying Europeans. Even with improvement of the North Coast Highway from Ocho Rios, tourism remains slow here. However, in 2013, Trident Castle reopened as part of the Geejam chain, which is expected to boost area tourism.
Port Antonio has also long been a center for some of the Caribbean's finest deep-sea fishing. Dolphin (the delectable fish, not the lovable mammal) is the likely catch here, along with tuna, kingfish, and wahoo. In October the weeklong International Marlin Tournament attracts anglers from around the world. By the time they've all had their fill of beer, it's the fish stories—rather than the fish—that carry the day.
