Host: Shireen Aga & Barbara Walker When: Anytime Length of stay: A nine-day itinerary is provided but stays of any length are welcome. Minimum number of guests: One Languages: English, German is spoken fluently. Barbara speaks French well too. Fee (as of 2004), contact the hosts for your final quote: The final cost depends very much on which rooms are chosen, how many activities are taken, and how you want to travel. By themselves, the rooms have a daily cost of US$180/230 per person during peak season and $125/160 during off season, which is May 1 to December 1. With regard to the proposed 9-day itinerary given below, if we include the following... Transfer/ transportation from Kingston to the hotel and back to the airport. Accommodation for 8 nights/ 9 days Half board arrangement (Full breakfast and a 3-course a la Carte dinner) daily A day trip to Reach Falls with cycles A day trip to the Rio Grande Valley with transportation, a guide to take the guests hiking and the rafting trip down the Rio Grande A trip to Sister "P" (transportation) A day trip to either Ocho Rios/ Woodside An excursion to Nonsuch Caves ... the individual rate per couple would be approx. US$ 1,180.00 - 1,200 per person based on double occupancy. (Rates are subject to change). This is based on our summer rates. Obviously group rates would be much more reasonable, particularly as the most expensive factor of the stay is transportation and these costs reduce considerably when being costed for a group as opposed to chartering a private taxi for a couple. This does not include incidentals, lunches, beverages and admission charges to various attractions. Alternatively, the guests can choose to use the public transportation for some of the day trips/excursions which are much cheaper. So called "Robot" taxis run fairly frequently along the more common routes. They pick up people as they go along side and who wave them down on the roadside. One then just pays a portion of the fare that applies to the distance one travels. The younger and more adventurous can certainly try this option. The Hotel: Large and airy rooms with cool white tiles, handcrafted bamboo furniture and original artwork offer splendid ocean views from their balconies and provide a comfortable, fresh atmosphere. The breeze-cooled rooms have fans (and blankets for the cool winter nights!) Tropical plants, attractive floral fabrics and hammocks add a touch of Caribbean comfort. Free safes are provided in the rooms. Coffee-making facilities, radio/clock, hairdryer and make-up magnifying mirrors are a standard furnishing in the Superior Seaview Rooms. Bathrobes and handmade amenities round off the special ambience. Use of poolside lounge chairs, beach towels and use of snorkelling equipment is free of charge. Laundry service and limited room service are also available. Daily Dutch/French/German and English news printouts as required, library, satellite TV and a gift shop are other services available. A friendly staff provides courteous and unobtrusive service. The hotel provides all the privacy and freedom of an intimate hotel, while offering the amenities of a larger hotel. ITINERARY Day 1 : Arrival in Kingston. Transfer to Port Antonio and Hotel Mocking Bird Hill. Check-in. Depending on arrival time, welcome cocktail and relaxing watching sunset followed by dinner. 2. Day Get acquainted with the surrounding area and relax at Frenchman’s Cove - Jamaica’s most romantic beach. First discussion evening with an introduction to the history and political development with your hosts, Barbara Walker and Shireen Aga. 3. Day Excursion to Reach Falls, Boston Bay und Long Bay. Reach Falls is approx. Half an hours drive east from the hotel. You can discover the river by walking upstream and swimming in the many natural pools and get a natural massage under the stream of the Falls, which is still to be enjoyed in it’s natural state. If you are interested in birding, this can be combined with an early morning birding session near Ecclesdown, on the way to Reach Falls. For those who would to cycle, we can arrange for you to then cycle from Ecclesdown to Reach Falls. Long Bay - a lovely beach. Time to dip in the sea and walk along the longest bay in the area as indicated by it’s name. In Long Bay we arrange a meeting with Peter Paul Zahl, Author of many books based on the social mileau of Jamaica. His books give a wonderful, humourous insight into the Jamaican life stlye - aside from the gripping suspense of his stories. Boston Bay is known as the home for Jerk, a speciality, which we thank the Maroons for. The meat is seasoned with various spices and herbs, particularly pimento and grilled on aromatic Pimento branches. Winnifred Beach is one of the last public beaches that can be enjoyed with it’s casual, easy going atmosphere. Wonderful for swimming and snorkelling. 4. Day Hiking in the Rio Grande valley. The hike ends at Joanna’s farm, where you can enjoy the experience of a true Jamaican cook-up and buy the best organic honey you have ever tasted! In the afternoon rest while your Captain steers your raft gently down the the Rio Grande. This was the traditional method of transporting bananas and is now one of Jamaica’s most enjoyable attractions. 5.Day At leisure. Here are some suggestions of the many ways you can spend this day. You are bound to find something just to suit you - or just take a book and relax and watch all the hummingbirds in our wild orchid tree and to enjoy a relaxing massage. Some suggestions : Diving or snorkelling, take a boat ride along the coast line. Other possibilitiest are to go riding or visit one of the projects we work with such as the women’s Paper making project or the Shebian school. A day tour to Firefly- the former home of Noel Coward and SunValley plantation is another option. In the evening cocktails and a discussion round with various persons from the community to introduce you to our neighbours and partners. 6.Day A trip to Content, Swift River to Sister P’s home. She is a very well known Rastafarian personality und very active in preserving linkages between the african and Jamaican cultures. She travels regularly to Ghana to maintain the contacts and keep up a regular exchange. Sister P, a very dynamic Rastafarian lady who has established a school of music for children. Her daughter leads a very good women’s drumming band.. She is also the organisor of an annual event in Port Antonio to celebrate the Rastafarian culture. You will have the opportunity to have lunch and a lengthy discussion with her. Day 7 : You can also visit the community of Woodside, where Lixie Brodber has developed a wonderful example of community tourism and experience some of the opportunities that have been developed there. Woodside is about a 2 hour drive from Port Antonio. We will try and arrange a meeting for you with some other leading women personalities who are also involved with community development such as Velma Walker and Velma Pollard. The latter is an accomplished poet and writer and can explain the development of Patio . 8. Day : You will be driven to Nonsuch caves. After enjoying the panoramic views from there and visiting the caves if you like, ride down hill on your bikes. The tour ends at the famous Blue Lagoon. Have lunch and then plunge into the depths of the beautiful Lagoon. 9. Day: Departure from Hotel Mocking Bird Hill. Drive through the Blue Mountains with the opportunity to buy the world famous Blue Mountain coffee on your way at a small farmers cooperative. Depending on the departure time, you may be able to enjoy a stop on your way to have a snack at either the GAP cafe or Stawberry Hill, both of which have lovely views overlooking Kinston. Fly out in the evening from Kingston. Comment : If the guests would like it we can always add additional days and organise other activities specifically according to your interests.

Click on the above button to e-mail this program's host.
With absolutely no commitment on your part,
now you can begin discussing a customized tour.