good for you

This boutique hotel perched high in the Portland Hills has managed to combine impeccable green credentials with refined luxury.

Nestled between the Blue Mountains and the Caribbean, the magnificent surroundings offers a wealth of activities, including a stunning beach, bird watching, hiking, cycling, snorkelling, diving - or you can simply laze in your hammock and watch the bright hummingbirds dart from flower to flower.

The breezy white and indigo décor is filled with original artworks and set off by brightly coloured tropical flowers, cut from the gardens and arranged daily. The restaurant, Mille Fleurs, is a particular highlight, offering exquisite Jamaican meals and breathtaking views to the mountains and the sea. Service is excellent and highly personalised, while refreshingly informal - the staff are more than happy to recommend and book restaurants, day trips, spa treatments and just about anything else you need or desire.

The ten beautiful rooms are all decorated with fresh flowers have their own verandahs complete with a hammock for the afternoon nap. With an on-site spa and fine art gallery, a pool overlooking the verdant valley and cooking and art classes to keep you busy, this is the perfect place to spend a few days.

good for the jamaica

Green globe certified; With solar heated water, non-toxic cleaning products, conscientious recycling and organic waste treatment, native gardens and a green purchasing policy this hotel has earned its sustainability stripes. With only 10 guest rooms spread over almost eight acres, the place is low-impact luxury.

Rooms

Food

Food is a highlight of any stay at Mockingbird Hill. Mille Fleurs is a gourmet restaurant offering sumptuous breakfasts, lunches and dinners based on a creative approach to Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine.

Drawn from a rich harvest of fresh Jamaican produce, the restaurant offers terrace dining with spectacular views overlooking the harbour of Port Antonio, Jamaica's Blue Mountains and the Caribbean Sea. Imaginative menus, including some of the most creative vegetarian food in Jamaica, will surprise you each evening. The breakfast buffet is amazing – the choice of home made breads alone is impressive, and all the jams, pastas, cakes and breads are home made.

The bar offers excellent views of the Blue Mountains and the Caribbean and provides a spectacular setting for evening drinks. It is tastefully furnished with white wicker and floral accents.

Cooking lessons are on offer for those guests who want to take the taste of Jamaica home with them.

Features & Facilities

• Complimentary shuttle to nearby Frenchman's Cove Beach
• A scenic swimming pool with lounge chairs and beach towels
• Celebrated restaurant, Mille Fleurs
• Bar with library
• Limited room service
• Snorkeling gear for guests' use
• Free shuttle to Frenchman's Cove beach
• Massages, facials, and health treatments can be enjoyed at the hotel spa
• The neighbouring Carriacou Gallery, also run by the hotel, exhibits local fine art
• Laundry service
• High speed internet
• In-house wedding planning service

Local Info & Activities

Hotel Mocking Bird Hill overlooks the town of Port Antonio, just 10 minutes drive away, and is just 5 minutes from the beautiful Frenchman's Cove Beach. The hotel's hilltop location offers superb vistas of Jamaica's Blue Mountains, Port Antonio and the Caribbean Sea. Close to the beach, the hotel is nestled in 6.5 lush tropical acres.

There's no shortage of things to do in Port Antonio, Jamaica, though we must warn that you'll have trouble dragging yourself away from the hotel. Staff at Mocking Bird Hill can arrange many tours in Port Antonio, from rafting on the Rio Grande to discovering the flora and fauna in Port Antonio.

tour the 18th century coffee plantation ruins:

This is a great tour, offering insights into 18th century life and taking in a visit to Quao's Village where there is drumming, dancing and storytelling. The guides share their knowledge about Maroon history and culture and one can swim at the river-beach. This is recommended for small groups of at least 6 persons and must be pre-booked at least 2-3 days in advance.

nonsuch caves:

These spectacular caves are made up of fourteen separate chambers full of stalactites and stalagmites. Steps lead into the caves, which are lit by electricity. The limestone was laid millions of years before Jamaica rose above the sea, as indicated by fossils of fish, coral and other sea creatures. There's a secure parking lot and toll booth. Entrance costs US$ 5.00. It's open 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. You can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of the coastline from here. The caves were recently closed pending transfer of ownership, so check at the hotel if you want to visit them.

rafting on the rio grande:

Errol Flynn supposedly initiated rafting on the Rio Grande during the 40's. Today paying passengers make the two and a half hour, 6 mile journey from Grant's Level or Rafter's Village, a mile east of Berridale, to Rafter's Rest, at St Margaret's Bay. The journey is wonderfully scenic. You will get a taste of rural life along the riverbanks, where women and children bathe and wash clothes, shoreside traders strum guitars for a tip, or sell sodas and coconuts, often from other rafts. En route you'll pass through Lover's Lane, a moss-covered narrow stream where you're supposed to kiss and make a wish; and Betty's, a lean-to café on a pebbly curve of the river, where you can lunch on Jamaican staples such as ackee and codfish or janga (river shrimp) soup. Mockingbird Hill can arrange your trip – just ask at reception. While the gentle rafting is not dangerous, it is best to err on the safe side and have the security of proper insurance in the event of any mishaps.

reach falls:

A series of cascades tumble over limestone tiers from one hollowed, jade-coloured pool to another. A half-mile hike upriver leads to Mandingo Cave, which has a whirlpool and is worth the hike. Note the sign that reads: 'Beware of deep pools and strong currents.' If you want to use local transportation, you can catch any of the buses that run between Kingston and Port Antonio via Morant Bay; get off in Manchioneal, then walk or hitch uphill to Reach. A day tour with an individually chartered taxi including round trip return transport costs US$ 75.00 ( for 1-2 persons.) This can be arranged through the hotel. The well paved road up too the falls is half a mile south of Manchioneal. It's a spectacular one-mile drive as you follow the valley of the Driver's River into the foothills of the John Crow Mountains.

scuba diving:

The Lady G Dive station is located at the Errol Flynn Marina in Port Antonio and offers various packages and diving instructions. The shoreline east of Port Antonio boasts 8 miles of interconnected coral reefs and walls at an average of 100 to 300 yards offshore. No site is more than 15 minutes away by boat. All dives are drift dives in waters at a near constant 75 degrees farenheit and minimum 60-foot visibility. Dive sites average 30-110 feet, with drop-offs of over 300 feet, and little current or surge. Many of the sites are largely unexplored, and the reef is relatively undisturbed. Alligator Head is known for big sponge formations and black corals on a banking reef that drops to extreme depths. You stand a good chance of seeing hammerhead sharks and large pelagic fish at Fairy Hill Bank.

Blue Lagoon: Enjoy a refreshing swim in the Blue Lagoon. The best way to access the Lagoon is by boat. These boat rides can be arranged from the Lady G's Dive station at the Errol Flynn Marina in Port Antonio.

Sustainability

At Mockingbird Hill, sustainability considerations form part of every aspect of the resort from its restaurant and bar which features locally sourced and organic produce to the layout of the hotel as a very low density property (only 10 rooms on almost 8 acres).

Most of the land has been left in its natural state of forested hillside, the gardens are planted with drought-resistent native plants and paths are pebbled to keep the environmental footprint light. The furniture is made from locally and sustainably harvested bamboo, thus avoiding the use of any tropical hardwoods. Natural materials are used throughout the hotel, starting with cottons and linens for the furnishings and organic body products in small batches using chemical-free, natural materials. The housekeepers use only non-toxic natural bio-degradable cleaning products and the use of chlorine in the pool is minimised.

The hotel is very conscientious about recycling, composting, rain water harvesting, using reclaimed water for irrigation and cleaning, green waste water treatment and the use of energy efficient equipment and lighting in all areas. Heating is solar-powered. Thought is even given to minimising the impact on the night sky with minimal lighting on the grounds.

The management shares detailed information about its efforts. Smaller details such as the fresh fruit as the goodnight token rather than packed chocolates etc., the embroidered napkin pouches enabling house guests to use their napkins for more than one meal and the signage in the rooms and bathrooms requesting their assistance with energy and water saving efforts gently underscore the hotels' deep commitment to providing a quality experience while operating environmentally consciously.

awards

1998-2004

• Green Globe Certified

2001

• CHA/American Express Green Hotel Achievement Award

2000

• Green Globe Commendation Award
• Jamaica Chamber of Commerce Environmental Protection Award 1999
• CHA/American Express Green Hotel of the Year 2000, Small Hotels Category
• Trafalgar Development Award for the most environmentally friendly business in Jamaica – Runner Up
• JHTA Award of Excellence to recognize efforts in pursuit of Green Globe Certification

Getting There

The hotel swears that contrary to common belief, it's quite safe to drive yourself around Jamaica. While it can be adventurous, the advantage is that you can have a lot of fun and meet wonderful Jamaicans along the way. If you decide to rent a car, here are the directions to Port Antonio from both Kingston and Montego Bay along with an indication of the distances. Should you rather not to drive yourself, there are taxis and public transport available.

From Norman Manley International, Kingston, Jamaica there are three scenic routes:

• Around the eastern coast of the island, this is the easiest route as you do not need to drive through the cit - just turn right at the second round-a-bout after the airport and you're on your way. The drive will take about 3 hours.
• Through Kingston and then through the hills, along the Wag-Water River, on the beautiful but very curvy "Junction Road". This is the main road joining the south to the north and is the best road with the shortest driving time (2 - 2½ hours).
• Through Kingston and over the Blue Mountains. The shortest distance, but the longest driving-time. This is a spectacular route with breathtaking views, but we don't recommend it on your first day in Jamaica or in bad weather. This route is currently not open due to road blockages caused by major landslides that have occurred during the last two years. Although most guidebooks describe this route, they may not have been recently updated and therefore do not contain the most current information. It is however possible to visit the Blue Mountains from both Kingston and Port Antonio and wonderful hikes can be arranged.

from sangster's international, montego bay, jamaica

The drive along the coast is lovely but long (4½ - 5 hours). Make a day of it, stop on the way, see the sights, visit the Reggae Explosion at Island village in Ocho Rios, then have lunch at Toscanini's at Harmony Hall, a couple of kilometres east of Ocho Rios.

taxis

There are two official types of taxis in Jamaica: charter taxis and route taxis. Charter taxis are similar to taxis in most countries - they collect you from your location and take you to another location and you are the only passenger. These cabs are officially licensed and insured.

The route taxi is a collective taxi, and is much cheaper. It's also more fun and better for the environment, as you'll be sharing your ride with locals. These cars are licensed as public passenger vehicles and have red license plates. They are very cheap and an easy way to do short distances as long as you don't mind sharing with others. There is another type of taxi which most Jamaicans refer to as "robots". These are also collective taxis and they also have low fares. The problem with these taxis is that they are often not licensed as public passenger vehicles and are often not fully insured and are therefore not liable if there is an accident. Jamaican taxis do not have meters so make sure you settle on the price of your trip before you set off.

Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.

Rates & Bookings

1 may 07 - 19 dec 07

Standard: US$125

Garden View: US$165

Superior: US$245

20 dec 07 - 30 apr 07

Standard: US$165

Garden View: US$245

Superior: US$295

1 may 08 - 19 dec 08

Standard: US$125

Garden View: US$165

Superior: US$245

• All rates are per room / per night based on double occupancy.
• There is no discount for single occupancy.
• Standard room sleeps a maximum of 2 people.
• Rates do not include breakfast.

included:

• Accommodation for 2 people. A third person is US$49.95 p/night
• Children under 12 are free in parents room
• Baby cot available at no additional charge.
• Complimentary shuttle to nearby Frenchman's Cove Beach
• Use of mask and snorkels
• Wireless high speed internet access
• Laundry service
• Afternoon tea
• Complimentary sundowner cocktails between 5.30 and 6pm
• Government taxes

booking & cancellation policy

• A Deposit: of 30% deposit is required within 14 days of the booking in order to confirm the reservation. The balance is payable in full at least 10 days before the arrival date.
• If a cancellation is made more than 30 days before the arrival date, 10% of the total cost of booking is charged as a cancellation fee.
• If a cancellation is made 14 days prior to arrival 40% of the total reservation cost is charged as a cancellation fee.
• If a cancellation is made 7 days prior to arrival, 60% of the total reservation cost is charged as a cancellation fee.
• If a cancellation is made within 3 days of arrival date 80% of the total reservation cost is charged as a cancellation fee.
• There are no refunds for cancellations received within 2 days of arrival date, for no shows or early departures.

Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.