Hummers are actually part of the world’s second largest family of birds and found only in the New World, it’s no wonder that one of the world’s greatest Ornithologist’s, John Gould, published an illustrated  6 volume (including Supplement) series on these fascinating little birds of which there are 319 species in all.

At Hotel Mockingbird Hill in Port Antonio Jamaica, rather than encourage Hummingbirds to visit via feeders, the gardens have been planted to suit their tastes with an abundance of Heliconias & Hibiscus, their bright colours and rich source of nectar allows their guests to watch the birds dances in flight, as they fly backwards (!) dive, and dart from flower to flower, fighting each other face to face in mid-air, competing for the nectar.  The gardens become a riot of fused blurring colours as they beat their wings 80 times per second creating the hum-hum that they are named after.

Three different types visit the hotel’s bio and sculpture gardens; the Vervain – the world’s second smallest species – the Mango Hummingbird and both the Red-billed and the Black-billed Streamertail Hummingbird, more commonly known as the Doctor Bird (Jamaica’s national bird).  Named after its resemblance to old fashioned coat tails, sadly this bird can now only be seen in the eastern areas of the Jamaican parish of Portland.

[Thorn. Reinagle (Philip, R.A. ) After. Large Flowering Sensitive Plant, mimosa with hummingbirds in a Jamaican landscape, for Dr. Thornton’s Temple of Flora, aquatint, stipple- and line-engraving, by Joseph Constantine Stadler].

Despite their small cranberry sized hearts working overtime 500 beats per minute just whilst perching, hummingbirds can live up to 17 years.  These lean mean nectar machines weigh in at between 2-20 gms, to survive they need to consumer twice their body weight in nectar daily.
Like all birds, the male has the breathtaking plumage.  Their gorget (throat patch) is made up of iridescent feathers brought alive by the chemical carotenoid. These partially reflect the light causing the brilliant reds, purples, greens, and blues to be seen on the birds. Feisty and downright frosty at having the borders of their feeding territory overstepped, no matter if you are fellow hummingbird or crow they will take you on and defend their territory vigorously.

For birdwatchers planning to visit Jamaica & the Caribbean, the optimum time to visit is Nov-May where it is possible to encounter up to 300 species.  Stay at the intimate boutique Hotel Mockingbird Hill with just 10 rooms that organises Bird Watching 28 or 2-centre birding holidays including a stay in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains.

Charles Town, famous throughout history for its anti-slavery stance, is situated on the road from Buff Bay to Newcastle in the Blue Mountains in the Buff Bay River Valley (so named because the slaves were forced to bathe in the “buff”).  Visitors to Jamaica are invited to visit this local Maroon Community where they can enjoy a story-led botanical hike led by the representative of the Maroons, Colonel Lumsden to the ruins of an 18th century coffee estate.  Amongst the streamer tailed humming birds, mongoose, the ever so charming Colonel will trace for you the history of the Maroons, whose ancestors  were from Ghana in West Africa have contributed so much to Jamaica’s culture. You’ll learn all about Jamaica’s first leading lady, no not Grace Jones but the strong matriarch ‘Nanny’ who led the Maroons to victory against the British and how she invented guerilla & camouflage warfare.

Itinerary

It is recommended that you leave Port Antonio at 9.30 am to ensure that your hike is in the cool of the morning.

Upon arrival you'll immediately start your riverside hike.

You’ll share a traditional lunch by the riverside and be given a performance and lesson in Koromanti drumming, singing and dancing, where you’ll really discover what base notes mean.  Afterwards you’ll be walk back to the town where you'll visit the town’s small museum and afterwards into Asafu Yard, where you’ll learn how make Jamaica’s alternative bread – the delicious Bammy, made from Cassava Flour – the food of Jamaica’s first inhabitants, the Taino Indians.  

Members of the Maroon community share the tasks in the production of this product.  The farmers grow & nurture this shrubby root the root vegetable and once harvested, it takes the women 6 hours starting early in the morning for the flour to be created by the women. It is brought into the kitchen, peeled and grated where upon a hydraulic press extracts the liquid from the grated mass. It is then washed to remove the natural toxins and left in the sun to dry after which it is then ground into the flour and kneaded into unleavened breads that are “Bammy”.

Don’t worry if you develop a taste for Bammy (and rest assured you will), you can try pasta made from cassava flour in the evening if you are staying in the Port Antonio region at Hotel Mockingbird Hill.  The pasta  or gnocchi is served with a pesto made from the heart of the dasheen & jackfruit seeds and is quite simply delicious and perfect for those who are gluten intolerant and seeking a little food indulgence on their holidays.  The Hotel’s Chef, Anthony Reid in addition bakes cakes including Banana and Walnut Upside Down Cake, Apple and Cinnamon Crumble with this flour.

The total cost of this Day Excursion for 2 people sharing is US$176 with transport or US$76 without

Hotel Mockingbird Hill in Port Antonio is offering you the opportunity to escape the office walls that everyone seems to be climbing, away to a haven of peace and fine dining in Jamaica’s lush North East.

Rather than a scheduled flurry of activities based in the Caribbean’s most environmentally friendly boutique hotel, you are encouraged to recover an inner sense of peace where you can escape the daily routine, and gain strength from visiting the nearby tranquil surroundings.

An alternative holiday mix

With a unique mix of flora & fauna that lays beyond Jamaica’s beaches, you can enjoy tropical coves and beaches, rainforests and highland valleys. Enjoy rafting gently down the Rio Grande River on a bamboo raft, swim in numerous waterfalls set in lush tropical vegetation or drive up to the cool heights of the Blue Mountains and visit coffee plantations.

Timeout to laugh

They offer a world away from soulless electronic communication, here you can laugh as you share a laid-back chat with a member of one of Port Antonio’s local community and discover the ‘tucked away’ places of this timeless coastal resort.  100% safe, it is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Jamaica's larger compound resorts; Hotel Mockingbird Hill is an intimate 10-roomed hotel for individuals, where in your time you do exactly what you want to do. 

Jamaica Holiday Special Offer

If you book now (offer open till 6. March) for April enjoy 7 nights at Hotel Mocking Bird Hill, Port Antonio, Jamaica for the price of 6 and also receive the following complimentary services:

• A 20-minute relaxing massage

• A cookery class with Chef Anthony Reid to introduce you to Jamaican cuisine followed by lunch for two.  You will eat what you have just created and cooked with Anthony, & receive receive copies of the recipes and complimentary Hotel Mocking Bird Hill logo aprons.
• Daily Afternoon tea between 4.00 – 5.00 pm
• Sundowner drink between 5.00 – 5.30 pm
• FREE internet access in the lobby
•  Entrance and transfer to romantic Frenchman’s Cove.

Prices begin at US$585.00 for a garden room in May based on 2 people sharing.   This offer is also valid for the months May-October excluding September when the hotel is closed.

If would like futher details aout this offer please email info@hotelmockingbirdhill.com with your room preferences with Sweet Holiday Offer in the subject header.

Further Reading

Hotel Mockingbird Hill official website

Please select your preferred room category when making your booking. Email info@hotelmockingbirdhill.com and refer to Sweet Holiday Offer.

Large and airy rooms with cool white tiles and large balconies with hammocks invite you to relax and enjoy splendid views and provide a comfortable, fresh atmosphere. The breeze-cooled rooms have fans (and blankets for the cool winter nights!), cotton linen, mosquito nets, tropical plants, attractive hand printed floral fabrics and original artwork offer simple elegance with an individual touch and a Caribbean flair. Fresh flower arrangements, tropical fruit plate and cool spring water greet the guests.

Port Antonio, the capital of Portland, Jamaica retains its charm as a quiet rural township and is home to one of the most beautiful harbours in the Caribbean. whilst  the hotel is a  5-minute drive  from the romantic Frenchman's Cove. The hotel's  hilltop location offers superb vistas – spectacular by day and romantic by night. Enjoy cool breezes and panoramic mountain and ocean views from this close-to-the-beach hilltop retreat nestled in 6.5 lush tropical acres. Hotel Mocking Bird Hill offers guests quiet and peaceful surroundings.

Jamaica is known throughout the world for her beaches and music, but this eastern quarter offers so much more.  Discover why the Tainos called the land  ' Xamayca: the land of wood and water'. Lush tropical rainforests, cool rivers, tumbling waterfalls and tropical "dream” beaches providing the perfect combination of relaxation, romance, discovery, adventure, ecotourism and environmental responsibility.

The Reich Fall pool has differing depths so no matter your confidence and swimming ability you will feel secure, if you are slightly more confident with the guide you can explore the underwater caves and of course jump from the top!

A half or full day excursion

The sun hits the river and the waterfalls before mid day so we recommend you to get to the Falls by mid morning in order to enjoy the best light.

9.30     Recommended time for departure. You will be driven past Ecclesdown so that you can enjoy the beautiful landscape and see the verdant hills rising to the John Crow Mountains.

10.15    Arrival at Reach Falls. Allow yourself as much time as you would like at the falls. You can swim in the pools upstream and be guided up the river. You can book a guide at the gate when paying your entrance fees. The fee currently is US$ 10.00 per person.

12.00/12.30    You will be driven back along the coast road. En route you have the opportunity to stop at Long Bay and relax while having lunch at one of the beachside eateries. Enjoy watching the waves and either take a walk along the shore or cool off and take a swim and bounce in the waves. The waves can be quite strong here so we advise you not to venture too far out. It is best to stay within a comfortable zone where you can still stand. You can also rent body surfing boards here. Another stop along the way is Boston Bay where you can either learn to surf or rent a surf board. We can arrange this for you on request in advance.

14.30-17.00     Depending on what you would like to do, you can return anytime to the hotel. When you book this tour, the driver is at your service for the whole day. You determine how long you would like to stay at any given place and when you would like to return.

Recommended to take with you:
Non-slip sandals or shoes
Swim wear with a change of clothes
Insect repellent
Sun screen
Bring along a waterproof case that you can perhaps tie around your waist for your valuables so that you do not have to leave them lying on the river edge while swimming or walking up river.

 (please note prices are listed per individual basis.  if the number in a group is more than 2 these prices will be discounted accordingly) 

Channel Frustration    

This 14- day programme offers a holistic approach to ensure well being & overall health and vitality whilst maintaining life balance and joy.

Feel inspired, share ideas, learn new approaches and be energised.  Learn about the power of positive thinking and harnessing and channelling your frustration into powerful energy to ensure that you are happy, contented and satisfied with your life’s achievements.
     
Create Change

What happens to most of us is that while we make plans, various incidents come and go and life seems to slip by or spins out of control. We don’t seem to be able to get out of the current situation we find ourselves in and we get caught up trying to cope and finding no time for oneself. We feel dissatisfied but somehow seem stuck and unable to make the necessary changes.

Summon Courage

This holistic lifestyle strategic coaching programme gives you the opportunity to take a good look, summon courage, get help and create a major growth opportunity for yourself and improve the quality of your daily existence while enjoying a lovely vacation.

Self discovery: Start by establishing what you don’t currently like, what you do want and then focus your attention on the changes you want to make.

Interaction: Your trainer, Claudia White will help you so develop smart strategies and harness that power of frustration into a very powerful agent to become a force for change.

Focus on Goals

Together with the power of positive thinking and using affirmative language, you will be astonished at the level of transformation when we start working consciously on ourselves while taking care of our bodies and using the healing powers of massage and yoga to help us focus on our goals.  It is amazing how often we all suppress/obstruct our objectives by the self-defeating language we use.

Take Risks

This process might involve taking some risks which many of us are not inclined to do on a regular basis as we feel we are opening ourselves to vulnerable situations but the truth is nothing tried is nothing gained and while avoiding risks won’t guarantee keeping you safe, one cannot hope to achieve anything without ever trying (and risking ) new strategies. The secret is to take calculated risks -not wild ones.  We will therefore discuss how you can maximise your chances of success while minimising the potential downside.   Remember you miss 100% of the shot you never take!

No Regrets

Rather than regretting on what we have done wrong to date, let us focus on what you have learnt even when you believe things did not work out as you wanted or planned and learn how you can use that knowledge to your advantage for your future plans. This course will help you   let yourself love, hope and wish – and work towards achieving all your wishes.

Skills & Support to Achieve

This programme will give you the skills and support you need to achieve this.
Discover how to control your life rather than events controlling you.
Get clear about what you want in your life and career and how to achieve it.
Learn strategies to manage your time and your life more effectively.
Find out how to handle stress more effectively and improve your health.   
Develop your communication skills to improve all relationships.

Itinerary

8.00     Depart for Kingston. This is a long but interesting day. To avoid the rush hour, we recommend that you start early at so that you get into Kingston and meet your guide at Devon House by 10.00. We can arrange a packed breakfast for you so that you do not have to rush in the morning.

10.00    Tour begins at Devon House. Depending on your interests the tour itinerary will be tailored specially for you. You can indicate if you are interested in music and would like to visit the Tuff Gong Studios or perhaps you would like to focus on historical architecture, churches or art. The tour also varies depending on the day of the week so on Fridays a visit to the Synagogue is not possible.

Generally the tour includes a visit to Port Royal where you enjoy a traditional lunch at a street side fish restaurant before returning back at the hotel between 19.30-20.00   

Recommended: You will be provided with refreshments but it is still advisable to take some drinking water with you. The package price includes the cost of transportation, the guide and all entrance fees as well as lunch. You will only need money for purchasing any souvenirs or additional items. 

Itinerary

Departure: 8.30 – The drive to Clonmel takes approx. 1⅟2 hours.

10.00-10.30 – Visit Clonmel Pottery

10.30 – After viewing the pottery you continue on your countryside discovery tour passing pretty landscapes and small communities for about another half an hour to Richmond.

11.00 – 12.00 / 12.30 – Select the most beautiful handmade drawn linen – whether hand towels, mats, table cloths. These items are worthy of becoming family heirlooms and make wonderful, valuable presents – especially for weddings.

12.30 – Depart Richmond and continue your journey past Highgate. Enjoy the lovely scenery and views. The driver will help you to choose a lovely spot for your picnic lunch.

13.00 –14.00 – Enjoy Lunch at a cool, shady place. Relax and if you are near a stream take a little dip.

15.00 – Embark on your return journey via Greencastle Estate.

15.30     You will be met at the Visitors Centre and escorted around the estate. The tour takes about an hour.

17.30 – If you would like to enjoy home baked cakes and a traditional afternoon tea, you then make your way in the direction of the Estate House.

18.30 – Return to Port Antonio

Making an early morning start you will be driven to a small village in the Blue Mountains. From there you walk up through partially wooded areas and along the criss-cross paths that have an array of wildflowers and ferns on their verges. Afterwards you can visit the private coffee estate and learn about coffee production.

Itinerary

07.30      Depart with packed breakfast.

09.30    Drive about 2 hours to the village of Cascade from where you will begin your ramble. The route is not marked so we strongly urge you to take a guide with you. Even if you have your own car, we advise you to take a driver so that you can relax and enjoy the landscapes and not have to concentrate on the winding roads. The driver will also be your guide and escort you on the hike.

11.00   The hike takes 1⅟2 -2 hours.

12.30–14.00    Visit the coffee estate and learn about coffee production and sample some of the world’s best coffee.

14.00–14.30    After your picnic lunch you then hike back to the car via another route which also takes about 1⅟2 -2 hours.

16.30    Drive back to Port Antonio. You have the option of stopping to visit a waterfall and swim on your way back. 

We recommend combining a lovely hike in a rural area that lies en route to the starting point of the Rio Grande.  This way after the exertion of exploring and discovering the region on foot, you can relax and enjoy the landscape gliding past while a raft captain steers the river's traditional boat  gently down the river.  To avoid the heat of the midday sun, it's our suggestion to depart from your hotel or guesthouse early so that you finish your hike before it gets hot.

Itinerary

8.30 – Departure time. The taxi will take you to the village of Toms Hope. The drive takes approx. 30 minutes due to the roads. If you are driving yourself, we will provide you with a sketch to help you find it easily and also tell you where you are to meet your guide.   

9.00 – You will meet your guide and start your hike.

10.30-11.00- Depending on how often you stop to sample fruits, take pictures and talk to the guide to learn about the flora and fauna, the hike can take between 1.5 – 2 hours. 

11.00–11.30 – The driver will wait for you and at the end of the hike will drive you to the starting point of the rafting at Berrydale. The price for the rafting ticket currently costs US$ 72.00 ( for 2 persons). This has to be paid directly to the rafting organization. You can pay this either in US$ dollars or the Jamaican equivalent. Travellers cheques will also be accepted.  

11.30–12.00–14.00/15.00 – The rafting trip generally takes approx. 2 hours depending on the water levels and the strength of the current. If it has rained in the hills recently, the current tends to be faster in which case the trip is shorter and can last just 1,5 hours. Along the way, there is a possibility to stop and swim in the pools if the river is clear. A lovely break is to enjoy a rustic, river side picnic. Ask your captain to stop at Miss Betty’s. We can check and order lunch for you in advance to be sure that she will be there.    

14.00-15.00 – The raft trip ends at St. Margaretes Bay. The driver will be waiting for you at the parking lot and can bring you back either to the hotel or if you would like can drop you off at Frenchman’s Cove where you can still enjoy an hour or two at the beach.  Just let us know, so that we can come and pick you up from the beach when it closes at 17.00. Another option is to ask the driver to stop in Port Antonio and allow you time to stroll around and either have a coffee at the Marina or explore the market.  Depending on which options you choose, you can be returning to the hotel by midday or early evening.

Recommended to take along:hat, sun screen with sun block for the sensitive spots ( knees, ankles etc. that one generally forgets!) a change of T-shirt after the hike, a back pack to carry refreshments or a snack and your camera with you, swim wear, towels ( at least a face towel to wipe the perspiration as you hike), sun glasses. The rafting trip is gentle and there is no danger to your camera equipment provided you do not keep it on the floor of the bamboo raft which might get a little wet as the current sends a gentle wave or two over the edge.  

When booking this tour the guide and the transportation charges will be added to your main hotel invoice. You only need to take money to pay for the raft and possibly for any drinks you may want to purchase from the floating bars along the river, lunch at Miss Betty and if you are inclined, then tips.