Shopping in Ocho Rios can be overwhelming. Between the luxury plazas of duty-free stores with world-class brands to the bustling craft markets, there seem to be endless places to look for a souvenir. So where do you go when you want a truly special memento of your luxury vacation here? Of course, you want to go home with something that's unique & authentic, an item that you simply couldn't find at home.
For a piece that you'll treasure for a lifetime, be sure to stop by one of these shops:
Wassi Art "Wassi" means terrific in old island dialect & that word perfectly encapsulates the experience at this studio. Not only will you have some striking pottery to choose from, but but you'll also get an insider's look at how the pieces are made. The owner, Theresa Lee, opened Wassi Art with her husband when pottery became a personal hobby – & now she has nearly 50 different artisans helping her to keep the studio brimming with art. Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. you have the chance to take a 15 minute tour of the factory. You'll even get a quick tutorial on how to throw a pot on an electric wheel. Then you'll get a glimpse into the manufacturing process, which is mainly done the old-fashioned way. Finally, you can interact with some of the artisans yourself, & then browse the extensive collection for your own souvenir. Don't forget to swing by the on-site cafe to munch on an authentic Jamaican lunch.
Starfish Oils What better way to commemorate your trip than to bring the tropical scents of the Caribbean home with you? You can do just that by shopping at Starfish Oils, an aromatherapy shop that sells handmade candles, soaps & other items. It's no wonder their products have been featured in Bon Appétit, Caribbean Travel & Life, Mademoiselle & other notable publications. Spice up your life with the Jamaican Ginger Tea Candle, which is made with 100 percent pure Jamaican ginger oil, or snag the best-selling Blue Mountain Coffee Candle, which will bring the invigorating scent of Jamaican Java into your home. The Tranquility Aroma Body Oil is a calming blend of lavender, ylang-ylang & sweet orange, & can bring you back to that carefree state of mind you had while on vacation.
