The Cardiff Hall PublicBeach aka Flavours Beach is right along the main road on the right across from a Shell gas station soon after you pass the small town of Runaway Bay. It’s an easy walk from any of the all-inclusive resorts along the stretch. Although each resort comes with its own private beach, you may prefer to visit this beach if only for a taste of the true Jamaican experience.
Friendly People
As you pull off the main and onto the Cardiff Hall PublicBeach beach, don’t be surprised by the warm welcome you will receive from a peddler or two who will soon try to sell you a craft item, illegally copied CDs or even a stick of the “good sensimilla”. (Be warned, no matter what you hear, Marijuana is illegal in Jamaica and you can be charged if it’s found in your possession). An equally warm but firm “no thank you” should be enough to make them leave you alone.
Free!
On the upside, the beach is a really fun place to frolic for free! There is also Flavours Beach Bar and Grill which offers lobster, conch, fish and natural juices as part of its menu and the prices aren’t bad even for a local patron like me. The beach Bar and Grill has an open dining area which provides a great opportunity to strike up or join a friendly conversation. For authentic Jamaican food, this is worth your while.
The drawback is that this beach has no real changing area, so its best if you slip into your swim wear from home or the hotel. There are also no professional life guards on duty so you swim at your own risk (certainly not ideal for children).
There are a few swings, an open field and a stage off to the right of the Grill which are clearly intended for the entertainment area and have been used to keep a few stage shows (concerts where Jamaican dancehall artists perform).
The beach is a fair size (about ½ mile) with glistening golden sand and great azure water. There are also a few secluded spots (I remember these well from my teen years) that are fun to hang out and chill. I recommend this more as place to lounge and grab a bite versus a place for swimming or any serious water sport (remember, there are no life guards so you swim at your own risk).
Overall, very little that has changed aside from the name and the newly added Beach Bar and Grill but Cardiff Hall PublicBeach is still my pick for exposure to the real Jamaican culture! Or maybe I am just nostalgic...