Escape to Swift River - Tranquil oasis buzzing on weekends

In the lush, cool hills of Portland, just a scenic 35-minute drive from Buff Bay, lies the hidden gem of Swift River, nestled in the tranquil community of Chelsea.

This serene oasis, once an unintentional secret, has blossomed into a growing attraction over the past two years, drawing visitors from near and far. With the rising popularity of Swift River, locals have seized the opportunity to transform it into a vibrant hotspot. At the heart of this transformation is Serene Rock, a breathtaking bamboo bar and grill that overlooks the river.

"People never really used to visit here often, but from weh day the place get busy," said Byron Morse, who has lived in Chelsea all his life and is working on getting more residents to come on board to help him operate Serene Rock.

"Summer did gwan good; and pan the weekends now, we will all have 1,500 to 2,000 people," Morse said.

When THE WEEKEND STAR visited on a cool Tuesday afternoon, a group of about nine persons was enjoying the river. Omar Holworthy, along with brothers Miguel Tucker and Janoy Wright, all from Spanish Town, St Catherine - but who have roots in the area - shared fond memories of the river.

"A from pickney days we a swim in a dis enuh," said Wright, who also brought along his wife, Marie Perez, two stepchildren, as well as his niece and nephew.

"The water nice, man, suh we deh yah often. Is a nice little spot fi just chill and enjoy yuh self," said Holworthy, adding that the trio visit the spot at least once a month.

"Sometimes yuh just wah get weh and relax yah man. Suh more while we just come and tek a swim and just enjoy the cool breeze, because everybody needs a break now and again," Holworthy said.

While Serene Rock often takes the spotlight, nearby local businesses, like bars and cookshops have, also benefit from the influx of visitors to Chelsea.