PORTLAND, JAMAICA

Saturday
February 21, 2026

 

About Holy Sip Jamaica

Since 2018, we’ve gathered a small group for a journey to Portland, Jamaica — far from the resorts and deep into a community where the pace slows and you get swept up in its magic. Here, we share drinks from rum to roots and dishes inspired by the local market and seasonal produce.

There’s no focus on perfect glassware or polish. What matters is the conversation, the connection, and the way time slows when we’re together.

The Holy Sip Jamaica dinner is an annual pilgrimage—an invitation to leave with more than you arrived with.

 
 
 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Here are the answers to some of the questions we’re asked the most. If we missed something, please send us a message.

 
 
  • Portland is a trek to get to — and that’s the beauty of it. The main town, Port Antonio, once hosted the Hollywood jet set but has stayed refreshingly untouched.

    There are no big resorts, just raw beauty, warm hospitality, and a slower rhythm that invites you to breathe deeper. Once you’ve been, you’ll understand why we return every year.

    • Norman Manley International (KIN), Kingston – about 3 hours away.

    • Sangster International (MBJ), Montego Bay – about 4 hours away.

    Due to the distance, we recommend finding a flight that arrives early and departing on an evening flight. To get to Portland from the airport, you can rent a car, hire a taxi or take the Knutsford Express.

  • We get this question often. Especially in the early days when there wasn’t a built-out website with some details. The answer is the same then as it is now: The guests choose themselves. Portland isn’t easy to get to and it’s not the most convenient while you’re there. However, its beauty is unmatched. If something about this speaks to you, you’re the right person and you’ll find other like-minded people as your dining companions.

  • There’s no wrong way to do it. Some guests come just for the dinner, others turn it into a week-long exploration of the island. We recommend at least two full days in Portland to enjoy its beaches, waterfalls, rafting, and stillness. Many guests stay from Wednesday to Monday to really soak it in.

  • We dubbed this the anti–group group trip. The only fixed event is the dinner itself. However, we often host optional activities on Thursday and Friday, and we create a space for guests to connect and make plans together.

  • That depends on your style. On Airbnb, you’ll find everything from rustic bungalows to expansive villas for groups. There are also boutique luxury hotels like GeeJam and Trident. We recommend staying near the San San/Drapers area to be close to the dinner and some of Portland’s best beaches. You can absolutely plan your own stay — but if you’d rather not think about the details, we offer optional trip curation packages where we handle accommodations, transportation, and activities.

  • Chef India creates a multi-course menu inspired by local ingredients, paired with a mix of cocktails, roots tonics, and teas. We reveal it on the day of the dinner. If you have dietary restrictions, let us know when booking. We’ll take care of you.

  • Start planning your trip! Book a flight and secure your accommodations. Three weeks before the dinner, we’ll send you an email with final details, local tips, packing suggestions, and more.

 
 
 
 

Chef de Cuisine


 

Chef India Johnson

Born into a Trinidadian and African American family in Queens, NY, Chef India blends the flavors of her heritage into a cooking style that fuses Caribbean and Southern traditions. Inspired by her Trinidadian father — a creative and experimental chef — she’s carried forward his spirit of curiosity in the kitchen.

Her philosophy centers on making food both accessible and sustainable, using fresh, local ingredients as the foundation. From there, she layers in cultural influences and bold, unexpected twists, creating dishes that feel both rooted and new.

 

 
 
 
 
Holy Sip Jamaica 2026
$250.00

TICKETS

We’ve curated every detail of this dinner to give you the best of Jamaica. Your ticket includes:

  • Welcome drinks on arrival — something local, seasonal, and meaningful to start the night.

  • A multi-course dinner with ingredients sourced from local farmers and markets, highlighting the flavors of Portland, Jamaica.

  • Thoughtfully paired drinks — from classic cocktails to root tonics and teas

  • Curated storytelling throughout the evening, sharing the history, culture, and flavors behind each course.

  • An intimate setting with a small group of guests, designed for conversation and connection.

  • A sense of place — hosted far from the resorts, deep in a community where the pace slows.

  • A curated playlist inspired by the island to take home with you.

  • Personal recommendations for exploring Portland, Jamaica — from hidden beaches to favorite roadside stops.

  • Memories not just of what you tasted, but who you shared it with.

*All ticket purchases are non-refundable.

 

 

 

Trip Curation

Your time in Jamaica should feel like your own. Many guests plan their trip entirely by themselves and we encourage it. The island has a way of revealing itself to those who wander. For those who’d like a bit more guidance, we offer optional planning services to help you shape your trip.

From personalized recommendations to fully arranged stays, these add-ons are designed for travelers who want to dive deeper, explore with ease, and make the most of their time in Jamaica. Whether you’re looking for a few insider tips or a fully curated island adventure, we offer three ways to travel:

Island Essentials

  • For travelers who want a thoughtful plan and local guidance while booking their own arrangements.

    • Pre-arrival consultation to understand your style of travel.

    • Personalized itinerary with recommendations for accommodations, dining, beaches, and cultural experiences.

    • Introductions to trusted local drivers and guides.

    • Optional group excursion suggestions.

  • $500/up to 4 guests

Fully Curated Stay

  • For guests who want every detail handled from the moment they land.

    • Everything in Island Essentials, plus:

    • Booking of airport transfers and local transportation.

    • Coordination of accommodations (up to two locations if exploring beyond Portland).

    • Scheduling and booking of one or two guided excursions (rafting, market tours, day trips).

  • $800/ up to 4 guests

Island Immersion

  • An all-in, high-touch experience for travelers ready to explore the island in depth.

    • Everything in Fully Curated Stay, plus:

    • Multi-day exploration itinerary including other towns (Kingston, Treasure Beach, etc.).

    • Booking and coordination of transport between parishes.

    • Access to limited, locally-led experiences available only through Holy Sip connections.

    • Dedicated on-call support during your stay.

  • $1500/up to 4 guests