The Sophisticated Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
The Sophisticated Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
The Sophisticated Life
No Result
View All Result
Home Blog

The Runaway Jamaica: A B&B Food Heaven Retreat!

by Nadeen
August 1, 2016
A A
The Runaway Jamaica: Retreat to Wellness, Food & Fun!

Have you been to my homeland of Jamaica? If not why not?!! It is beyond beautiful and the people are welcoming and vibrant. But, if you go for one reason-go for the food! The Runaway Jamaica first caught my eye on Facebook last year while they were running their Kickstarter campaign. It is a unique Bed & Breakfast in the area of Runaway Bay that combines all the great things that Jamaica has to offer. Kenya, who is a travel blogger at “A Little Bit Out Of Place”, recently attended a retreat at The Runaway Jamaica which combined wellness, food  & fun. She is sharing this wonderful experience here on my blog!

From Kenya: 

The Runaway Retreat:

Wellness is a buzzword that gives everyone the warm and fuzzies these days. We yearn for it as a result of our hectic lives and need it for our own good to stay healthy. So when I got word that my two favorite dynamic duos were joining forces to do a wellness retreat that focused on food and nutrition, I was all in.

The Runaway Jamaica: A B&B for Wellness & Foodies!
Photo credit Kai Noelle

Food Heaven at The Runaway Jamaica:

The title says it all, but let me explain. The two women, Wendy and Jess, of  Food Heaven Made Easy are two dietitians who work with populations of color on how to improve their daily diets. They began their career with a YouTube channel that featured healthy, plant-based recipes, of which I was a faithful subscriber. The ladies heard about this cool new bed and breakfast, and the Runaway Retreat was born. Enter Jeff and Kalisa: They are a couple from New York who decided to live out their dream of opening a bed and breakfast with a unique food experience that highlights the delicious local foods of Jamaica.

The Runaway Jamaica: A B&B for Wellness & Foodies!
Photo credit Kai Noelle

The Concept:

The idea was to get a small group of health-minded people together over five days while Wendy and Jess shared their expertise via nutrition talks. Then add Chef Kalisa and her divinely delectable meals of traditional Jamaican ingredients with a twist morning. Morning, noon and night. Top it off with fitness activities like yoga on the beach and rooftop Zumba, plus fun excursions to natural wonders. We also visited locally-run businesses. Add it all together and you have just put the “heaven” in Food Heaven.

The Runaway Jamaica: A B&B for Wellness & Foodies!
Photo credit Kai Noelle

Now you know the story, let me explain five ways this wellness retreat absolutely blew me away! Let’s do this in countdown fashion.

#5 It’s Jamaica, Enough Said!

They say location is everything, and “everything” is a great way to describe the home of Reggae, Jerk chicken and dreadlocked rastas. Jamaica’s white sand beaches, mountainous landscapes and no-worry culture is the perfect backdrop for general well being. The sun shined every day, the heat was humid, but refreshing – especially for this Milwaukee woman – and lush green scenery trailed along the roadside of all our journeys.

runaway retreat waterfall resized

#4 The Runaway Jamaica:

Runaway Bay Jamaica is about an hour from the airport in Montego Bay. It’s a central location near a lot of attractions, and about 30 minutes away from Ocho Rios. At The Runaway Jamaica, named after the area, every guest’s stay is a retreat. The owners curate excursions to the liking of their guests. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is provided throughout the day. Jeff and Kalisa were hands-on with designing this two-story townhouse decked out with elegance. They were intentional about using local craftsmen to get the job done. From the elaborate woodwork to the blend of bright beautiful colors, and the antique accent furniture handed down from Kalisa’s grandmother, it all comes together as a cozy, stylish luxury B&B.

The Runaway Jamaica!
Photo credit Kai Noelle
The Runaway Jamaica!
Photo credit Kai Noelle

#3 A Little Love Goes a Long Way:

At Stush in the Bush, one of the excursions that is a farm-to-table food experience, we celebrated our last dinner. Over wine, laughs and lots of food, we shared stories of love. The story of how Jeff and Kalisa met – a young couple of Caribbean heritage, he’s Hatian and she’s Jamaican; the story of Lisa and Christopher, owners of Stush in the Bush (a sassy New York sistah meets Rastafarian farmer); and even one of our own attendees – her guy relocated to give their love a second chance- who named her story a “ratchet romance.” It was inspiring to witness that true love and devotion still exists in this day and age. Because of them, I’m keeping the hopeless romantic in me alive.

The Runaway Jamaica!
Photo credit Kai Noelle

#2 The Food! The Food! The Food!

Oh. My. Gosh! From the callaloo to the breadfruit and the ackee to saltfish, the mouthwatering dishes made with Jamaican fruits and vegetables were simply amazing! The wonders on a platter Kalisa cooked up honored those in our group that had special diet restrictions. Chef Kalisa delighted us day after day with meals like plantain pancakes, and other yummy meals – restricted or not – that titillated our palates.  The food was so good and so filling that by lunch time, we were still stuffed from breakfast (many of us helped ourselves to seconds and thirds). By dinner we were still full from lunch. Hearty, nutritious and delicious meals with a spin on Jamaican cuisine were unique and constantly indulging treats. We fell in love with Chef Kalisa’s cooking!

Sample menu of some of the delicious Jamaican food we deeply indulged in!

Breakfast: Coconut waffles + Pineapple Rum Maple Syrup, Sweet Plantain Pancakes + Spiced Maple Caramel, Savory Cornmeal Porridge topped with Braised Bok Choy. Lunch: Pureed Callaloo Soup, Tostone Grilled Cheese, Tomato Salad. Dinner: Stout Braised Beans over Garlic Mashed Breadfruit, Raw Zucchini, Vegetable Rundown over Coconut Rice, Roasted Pumpkin with Soy and Honey Glaze.

The Runaway Jamaica!
Photo credit Kai Noelle
The Runaway Jamaica!
Photo credit Kai Noelle
The Runaway Jamaica
Photo credit Kai Noelle
runaway retreat 10
Photo credit Kai Noelle

#1 The Irie Vibes of Black Girl Magic:

We didn’t plan on it. This was not a black-girl-meet-up-in-Jamaica group. Anyone could’ve registered for the retreat. But we got lucky and struck up black girl magic among us. Our group was the perfect 10. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t say those three magic words to exclude others, but so often black women are given a bad wrap, and a long list of “Don’ts” – we don’t do this, or we don’t like that, or the most popular one: “we don’t get along.” All of those myths evaporated into the cool Jamaican breezes. From day 1 we gelled like old friends reuniting – it felt so good!  I went alone; I didn’t know what to expect. These ladies came from different walks of life, professionals from CEOs to Molecular Biologists to Paralegals who needed a break from the grind. Laid back, positive energy, supportive and fun-loving was the best way to describe them. This includes our fearless leaders and hosts – Wendy, Jess, Jeff and Kalisa. As cliche as it sounds, Bob Marley’s words sums it up best, “One love. One heart. Let’s get together and feel all right.” And that’s exactly what we did.

For more information on The Runaway Jamaica please visit their website. And, you can actually sign up to get notified about the next Food Heaven Runaway Retreat here.

Thank you Kenya! This retreat at The Runaway Jamaica sounds amazing! What do you think? Share your thoughts with us below!

Kenya C. Evans
Kenya C. Evans
Kenya C. Evans is a freelance writer and woman of wanderlust. Her creative nonfiction work was published in the anthology, “TrailBlasian: Black Women Living in East Asia.” Keep up with Kenya on her travel blog “A Little Bit Out of Place” and connect with her on Twitter @KenyaWriteNow.

Photo Credit to the talented Kai Noelle!! Follow her on Instagram @whoiskainoelletheblog and her website Kai Noelle.

Before you go, read more about Jamaica in my post “Visit Jamaica, Land I Love“.

Subscribe to the newsletter & receive FREE Packing & To-Do lists for your International Vacation!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Tags: foodiesgirls tripJamaicaJamaican foodrunaway retreatthe runawayTravelVacation
Previous Post

The First Timer’s Guide to The Cannes Film Festival!

Next Post

A list of delicious bars & restaurants in Havana Cuba!

Nadeen

Nadeen

Dr. Nadeen White is a "Blogger by Day, Physician by Night". She is an award-winning travel blogger, Amazon bestselling author and speaker. The Sophisticated Life Blog covers affordable luxury travel, culinary travel and wine. Her domestic and international travel guides gets people to the destinations of their dreams. So, if you are living the sophisticated life or desire to do so, this is the blog for you!

Related Posts

Audacity Fest, Audacity Fest Memphis, 2nd annual Audacity Fest, The Black Travel Movement, Memphis Tennessee, Nomadness Travel Tribe
Blog

Audacity Fest: the conference the Black travel community needs & deserves.

November 19, 2019
porto portugal, visit portugal, portugal travel guide, reasons to visit portugal
Blog

11 Awesome Reasons to Visit Portugal Now!

November 23, 2019
best US travel destinations for foodies
Blog

10 Best US Travel Destinations for Foodies!

November 19, 2019
harmony of the seas cruise ship review, royal caribbean cruise ship, cruising, oasis line of cruise ships, cruise review
Blog

Harmony of the Seas Cruise Review: 50 Things You Should Know!

June 10, 2019
Australia, 21 things to love about australia, 21 things I love about australia, best things to do in Australia, planning a trip to Australia, travel to Australia, Australia travel tips
Blog

21 Things I Love About Australia (& 8 Things I Don’t)

March 29, 2019
travel, 2018 travel, travel experiences, arizona, australia, new zealand, sundance film festival
Blog

My Top 5 Travel Adventures of 2018!

December 31, 2018
Next Post
A list of delicious Havana restaurants & bars!

A list of delicious bars & restaurants in Havana Cuba!

Cooking with Bae: An Interview with Culinary Couple Ashley & Jermaine!

Cooking With Bae: An Interview with Culinary Couple Ashley & Jermaine!

Follow TSL

No Result
View All Result

Meet Nadeen

Hello! I am Nadeen. The Creator and Editor of the Sophisticated Life. Read More

Subscribe for updates!

Subscribe for updates!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Best-selling Travel Ebooks Available for Download

Travel Guides to Your Favorite Destinations

USA Wine Guide for Travelers

Culinary Travel Guides: Food & Wine

Recent Posts

Blog

7 Compelling Reasons to take the COVID-19 Vaccine (including travel!)

by Nadeen
January 15, 2021
Wine

Wine & Spirits Holiday Gift Guide featuring Black-Owned Businesses!

by Nadeen
November 24, 2020
  • #WineWednesday What a beautiful sight! 🍷🍷🍷😍😍😋😋

Let’s talk about allyship for a sec. What does it mean to you? Have you seen true examples of this in the past year? I know this word has been overused and beaten into the ground since last year followed up by being a “performative ally”. But when I see someone making an effort and doing something to make a difference, it’s worth applauding. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

A fellow @oprahmagazine Insider told me about Master Sommelier @andrearobinsonms because she was awarding scholarships for her virtual “Great Wine Made Simple” course to women and BIPOC wine students & enthusiasts interested in furthering their wine studies. She thought I would be interested in applying. I did. Andrea reached out & asked me to take the class but play a supporting role based on my previous experience as a wine blogger, author & WSET Level 2 wine certification! I was honored. The class has been very informative interactive & fun! 

Andrea has picked stellar wine professionals as mentors for the scholarship students taking this course. They are from all different backgrounds & experiences across all niches in the wine industry. I am sure they are having an amazing experience!!!! This is what being an ally looks like. Using your privilege, connections, and experience to open doors and provide opportunities for others. The wine industry, like so many other industries, is lacking and needs more Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. So Thank You. 

Oh back to the pic. This was just 1 delivery 🚚 📦  for the course filled w wines from Italy, Spain & Germany! 😋😋😋 

 #wineblogger #wineandtravel #travelbloggerlife #winenot #winewithfriends #winewriter #blackcontentcreators #blackcontentcreator #womeninwine #blackwomeninwine #winewriter #winelover #oenophile #blacksinwine #buyblackwine #sommeliers #mastersommeliers
  • #DopeBlackDoctor #IssaMood
Happy Monday Everyone! I’m trying to go into the week, the last week of Black History, with this mood and attitude! 👏🏽

You may have seen my post on National Women’s Physician Day that only 2% of all Physicians are Black women. We are truly unicorns and I stand proud to represent this profession and to make my ancestors proud 🩺 

So let me tell you what breaks my heart 💔. That after 25 years of being a M.D.-medical doctor and actually practicing medicine and seeing patients for 25 years!!!, I’m still constantly questioned by people who aren’t even in the science or medical field 🤔🤔
Could it be because I’m female? Black? Both? 😡🤬

Ever since this pandemic started I have been on top of it. My first blog post on COVID19 went viral and I appeared on @cnn I did countless webinars and podcasts informing and educating the public including the travel community. This year I published an article on the COVID19 vaccines 💉 and shared my experience receiving the vaccine on social media. But STILL when I simply comment on a thread on social media as a medical expert to correct misinformation I face backlash and MEAN comments! Even in predominantly Black travel groups. It’s exhausting. I had to take a break. I tried again today and the person deleted the thread. I’m at a loss. People do not want to be informed. I don’t get it. 

But I will hold my head up high. I went into this profession to serve. For those who are still having doubts about the vaccines 💉 please read my article-“7 Compelling Reasons to take a COVID19 Vaccine” which includes summaries of the vaccines & research studies. The link is in my profile. Happy to answer any questions. Stay safe everyone! 

📸 @parrishu70 

#blackdoctorsmatter #whitecoatsforblacklives #blackfemaledoctors #blackdoctorswhitecoats #covid19vacccine #pandemiclife #wokedoctors #covıd19 #covidvaccineadvocate #covid19usa #physicians #blackcontentcreator #blackcontentcreators #socialmediadoctor #whatadoctorlookslike #blackhistorymonth2021
  • It’s going to be an exciting weekend of wine!!! 🍷🍷🍷
I’m celebrating Black winemakers this weekend by attending the first annual International Winemakers Summit being held by @urban_connoisseurs and @uncorkedandcultured 
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

When I first started my blog over 6 years ago I always had a WINE section. I have also always supported and blogged about Black-owned wines and winemakers from @mcbridesisters @houseofmandela early on to 5 1/2 years ago when I had the pleasure of visiting the first Black-owned winery in Napa Valley @brownestate during my Bachelorette weekend 
A year later I stopped by @rideauvineyard in Santa Ynez Valley, had a blog post on a Black History month Black-owned wine tasting go viral, met Andre Hueston Mack of @maisonnoirwines here in Atlanta then did a road trip a few years ago to the PNW and stopped by @frichettewinery and @abbeycreekwine the first “hip hop winery” in the PNW. 

All of this inspired me to curate a list last year of over 45 Black-owned wineries, wine businesses, even podcasters..!! I also pursued & received my first wine certification last fall. WSET 2 with distinction 👏🏽👏🏽🍾🍾

It will be a pleasure to listen & learn from these trailblazers this weekend and be able to show continued support. Head to the link in my profile to read my blog post and to @urban_connoisseurs to register for the conference this weekend! 

#buyblackwine #sipconsciously #blackownedbusiness #blackownedbusinesses #blackhistorymonth2021 #wineblogger #wineandtravel #travelbloggerlife #winenot #travelfly #winetourism #luxurytravel #womeninwine #blackwomeninwine #winewriter #winelover #oenophile #blacksinwine #winewithfriends #winewithfriends🍷
  • Since it’s #nationaldrinkwineday I thought I would share a few pics of one of my favorite wine 🍷 tours and wine areas that I visited in 2019. That was such an amazing year of travel!!! 

PORTO in Portugal 🇵🇹 was amazing! It’s the home of Port wine and even if you are not a fan or don’t think you are a fan of fortified  or sweeter wines you have to try them if you visit the area. They have all different styles including white port. 

We did a tour @taylorsportwine which has a self-guided walking tour of the history of port wine making, Porto, the Douro Valley and port wine trading. It was very interesting. And swipe to see the pic of my forever POTUS President Obama! 
Taylor’s port is available in the US so you may have tried it. 

Have you been to Porto or tried port wine? 

#nationaldrinkwineday🍷 #wineblogger #wineandtravel #travelbloggerlife #winenot #travelfly #blackgirlstraveltoo #winetourism #womeninwine #blackwomeninwine #winewriter #winelover #visitportugal🇵🇹 #portugaltravel #portugallovers #portuguesewine #lisbonportugal #portoportugal #dourovalley #portwinelover #portowine #visitlisbon #visitporto
  • #traveltuesday✈️ (rant) 
There is this constant rumor that goes around that Black Travel Bloggers are hard to find. NOT TRUE!!!! Travel brands and DMOs are heard saying that they can’t find any to work with. 🤔 
How hard are they looking?!! 

If you simply Google “Black Travel Bloggers” my blog post on “50+ Amazing Black Travel Bloggers You Should Follow” has been sitting at #1 for years and only recently at #2 due to another great post by @travelandleisure on Black Influencers. There are tons of blog posts on this topics on the web. 
PLUS...

Travel groups that have been around for years filled with talented travel content creators like @nomadnesstribe that has held several @audacityfest conferences with seminars & lectures featuring these content creators. Not to mention platforms like this one & Facebook & LinkedIn 
PLUS...

@theblacktravelalliance was formed last June that features Black travel content creators from all over the globe 🌎 in all different niches. Black travelers do everything-luxury, adventure, couples travel, budget travel, culinary travel..we are here to change the narrative and prove that Black Travel Content Creators are available to do anything and everything in this industry from writing & editing to TV hosting to photography to videography. 

So stop asking where are we. WE ARE RIGHT HERE AND HAVE ALWAYS BEEN HERE! (rant over). 

Head to my profile to read my blog post and PLEASE drop the handle of your favorite Black travel content creators in the comments! 

 #travelbloggerlife  #travelfly #blackgirlstraveltoo #hardlyhome 
#travelcontent #blackcontentcreator #blacktravelmovement #travelcontentcreator #blackbloggers #blacktravelalliance #travelisthenewclub #nomadness #travelnoire #essencetravels #travelfly #blacktravelhackers #blacktravelfeed
  • Can someone put me back on the beach in January and wake me up when COVID19 🦠 is gone and the world 🌎 has opened back up and we can travel 🧳 again?!!!! 
#overit #thisisnotfun #iwishiwasalwaysonvacation #alwaysonvacay #takemeonvacation 
#vacationnowplease #whereismyvacation 
#covidgoaway #covidgtfo #nomorecovid19 #nomorecovidplease #gtfohcoronavirus #gtfohcovid19 #moretravelplease #ineedavacation #ineedtotravel #traveladdicts #travelnownotlater #beachbumlife #miamibeachlifestyle #takemeawayfromhere #takemeanywhere

Black-Owned Businesses & Bloggers

holiday gift guide, black-owned businesses wine and spirit businesses holiday gifts, wine and spirit books, mixers, food

Wine & Spirits Holiday Gift Guide featuring Black-Owned Businesses!

November 24, 2020
black-owned atlanta restaurants, atlanta black-owned restaurants, soul food, southern food in atlanta, restaurants in atlanta, atlanta food

35+ Black-Owned Restaurants in Atlanta You Should Support!

August 30, 2020
black-owned wineries, black winemakers, frichette winery, black wine, napa valley, california, wine country, black wine businesses, black-owned wine businesses,

45+ Black-Owned Wineries & Businesses You Should Follow & Support.

June 5, 2020
amazing black travel bloggers, black travel, travel bloggers, travel blogs

50 + Amazing Black Travel Bloggers You Should Follow!

February 16, 2021

Explore the U.S.A

staycation ideas, canopy atlanta midtown hotel, hilton hotel, atlanta staycation, atlanta midtown hotel, hotel reviews

Staycation Ideas: Canopy Atlanta Midtown Hotel

February 17, 2021
things to do in atlanta for black history month, ebenezer baptist church, black churches in atlanta

Things to do in Atlanta Georgia for Black History Month.

January 30, 2021
atlanta in the fall, fall in atlanta, atlanta fall festivals, atlanta fall events, places to visit in atlanta

Fall in Atlanta: Fun & Fabulous Places to Visit

October 16, 2020
us national parks, national parks in america, visiting us national parks, yosemite, yellowstone, grand canyon, great smokey mountains, travel to national parks, adventure travel

4 Epic U.S. National Parks To Visit This Summer!

August 6, 2020
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Myrtle Beach Restaurant Guide for Foodies!

The Best Myrtle Beach Restaurants: A Guide for Foodies!

August 6, 2020
15 fun facts about quebec city canada, travel to canada, canadian

15 Fun Quebec City Facts

August 7, 2018
black-owned atlanta restaurants, atlanta black-owned restaurants, soul food, southern food in atlanta, restaurants in atlanta, atlanta food

35+ Black-Owned Restaurants in Atlanta You Should Support!

August 30, 2020
Polo match in long island, visit long island, exploring long island, a long weekend in long island new york

Weekend Getaway to Long Island: Things to Do

April 3, 2020
Dubai Trip

Dubai Travel Guide for First Time Visitors!

How I spent 5 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi! A Desert Safari, Camel rides, Burj Khalifa, High Tea at Burj Al Arab, Shopping in Souks, Visiting the Grand Mosque and so much more!!

How I Spent 5 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi!

Visit Jamaica: Land I Love!

Cruising the Mediterranean Sea on Norwegian Epic!

staycation ideas, canopy atlanta midtown hotel, hilton hotel, atlanta staycation, atlanta midtown hotel, hotel reviews

Staycation Ideas: Canopy Atlanta Midtown Hotel

February 17, 2021
things to do in atlanta for black history month, ebenezer baptist church, black churches in atlanta

Things to do in Atlanta Georgia for Black History Month.

January 30, 2021
7 compelling reasons to take the covid-19 vaccine, covid-19 vaccines, coronavirus, pandemic, pzifer vaccine study, moderna vaccine, mRNA vaccines, operation warp speed,

7 Compelling Reasons to take the COVID-19 Vaccine (including travel!)

January 15, 2021
holiday gift guide, black-owned businesses wine and spirit businesses holiday gifts, wine and spirit books, mixers, food

Wine & Spirits Holiday Gift Guide featuring Black-Owned Businesses!

November 24, 2020
The Sophisticated Life

  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

© 2021 The Sophisticated Life

The Sophisticated Life

  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
Menu
  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

© 2020 The Sophisticated Life

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Wine
  • Food
  • Contact
  • Work With Me
  • Privacy Policy

© 2020 The Sophisticated Life