WELCOME TO JAMROCK - A INSIDERS GUIDE TO MONTEGO BAY JAMAICA
Welcome to our online Store and Blog.
Every week we like to give a behind the scenes look at all the people and places we come into contact with that inspire us and make us smile.
Although we’re already halfway through April, this past Christmas, Thomas and I returned to my childhood home to surprise my mom. It had been years since I last celebrated the holiday in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Christmas is a very special time on the island—being part of the Commonwealth, Jamaicans hold the season as a deeply meaningful time for family and friends. Everyone pauses to come together, exchange tokens of love, share food and drink, and return to center.
Seeing Montego Bay through my brother Ranjeet's eyes helped me do just that—come back to center. It also gave me the chance to reconnect with old friends and savor the vibrant energy of the island. Jamaica’s motto, "Out of Many, One People," is a tribute to the nation's rich multicultural tapestry and diverse population.
Thomas Fuchs Creative Beaded Coral Placemat
Ranjeet and his wife Madhu hosted a Christmas dinner (tableware by Thomas Fuchs, of course) that brought together a circle of childhood friends. Not only did it help us reconnect, but it gave us the chance to experience aspects of Jamaica most tourists would never know about—but absolutely should. Whether you're renting a villa at Round Hill or Tryall, or staying at one of the iconic Sandals Resorts (founded by the legendary Butch Stewart), these are both great ways to curate your vacation and live out a Jamaican version of The White Lotus. In fact, I think producer Mike White should call my brother to help create the next season in Montego Bay—following in James Bond’s footsteps.
Discovering the Hidden Montego Bay: A Slice, A Stretch, and Some Clay
Montego Bay, Jamaica—a name that conjures images of turquoise waters, all-inclusive resorts, and bustling craft markets. Yet, beyond the glossy postcards lies a Montego Bay that few tourists encounter. It's a side of the city defined by its creative souls, small businesses, and the slower rhythm of everyday life. Today, we’re diving into the hidden gems of this Caribbean paradise: a pizza place with heart, a yoga teacher with soul, and a potter with a story.
A Slice of Heaven at "Montego Bay's Best Pizzeria" - Electric Pizza
Tucked away on a quiet corner off the main tourist drag, Electric Pizzeria is a local favorite that lives up to its name. The unassuming eatery is run by Marcus Snead, son of famed chef and restaurateur Julia Snead, brother of my childhood schoolmate Ian Snead. Marcus, a Montego Bay native who honed his craft in Italy before returning home to infuse his pizzas with Jamaican flair describes his pizzas as "an Italian influence with a Jamaican soul". Think wood-fired crusts topped with jerk chicken, roasted plantains, and a drizzle of Scotch bonnet-infused honey.
Chef Marcus believes pizza should tell a story. “Every slice is a blend of my journey,” he says, sliding another pie into the oven. The small dining area, adorned with local artwork, feels like a cozy invitation to linger. Whether you’re a classic Margherita fan or craving something adventurous, Electriz Pizza Best Pizzeria promises to delight.
Other flavours include, The Electric Calzone, Hawaii 5-0, Herbivore and any more tap the images above to go straight to the website and instagram.
Finding Your Center with Sheila the Yogi
In the heart of Montego Bay’s bustling streets, Sheila Pinto offers an oasis of calm. A certified yoga teacher with a background in Ayurvedic wellness, Sheila's classes blend mindfulness with a deep connection to Jamaica’s natural beauty. Her sunrise sessions on Doctor’s Cave Beach are a transformative experience. Imagine stretching into downward dog as the first rays of sunlight dance across the water.
Sheila’s philosophy is rooted in accessibility. She welcomes everyone, from seasoned yogis to curious first-timers. “Yoga is about community,” she says. “It’s a space to breathe and reconnect, no matter where you’re from.” Beyond her classes, Shelia is also an advocate for mental health awareness in Jamaica, often hosting donation-based workshops to support local initiatives.
Crafting Stories with Clay at "Pinto Pottery Ceramics"
A moment's drive from the city center leads to Pinto Pottery, the studio of artisan potter David Pinto husband of above mentioned yoga teacher Sheila Pinto. Nestled in a lush mountain garden, his workshop is both a gallery and a sanctuary. David's pieces are inspired by Jamaica’s vibrant landscapes—think mugs glazed in ocean blues and bowls textured like palm fronds. My mother and aunt Stella actually have gifted us many items they have handmade in David's classes.
Visitors are welcome to tour the studio and even try their hand at the potter’s wheel. “Clay is forgiving,” David says, guiding a novice through the basics. “It’s about the process, not perfection.” His work celebrates sustainability, with many of her materials sourced locally. Whether you leave with a hand-thrown vase or simply the memory of shaping something beautiful, a visit to Pinto Pottery is an experience to treasure.
The Montego Bay Few See
While Montego Bay’s sun-soaked beaches and lively resorts will always charm, the city’s soul resides in its people and their passions. Electric Pizzeria, Sheila the Yogi, and Pinto's Ceramics are just a few examples of the hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.
So, the next time you find yourself in Montego Bay, step off the beaten path. Taste the unexpected, stretch your boundaries, and get your hands a little dirty. You’ll come away with more than souvenirs; you’ll have stories to tell.
Have a great weekend,
MICHOU
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