Bay

Bay

How this holiday makes a difference

We give opportunities to local cooks, artist, woodworkers and musicians to demonstrate their skills to our visitors, providing jobs and opportunities for the local community.

We host medical, construction and evangelism teams who work in our local clinics, hospital, local homes and primary and basic schools in Robin's Bay. We give volunteer groups special rates which help sustain the Retreat and Eco Lodge and provides many benefits to the community.

We recycle and have 2 composting bins where all organic waste goes to making mulch for gardens, trees and flowers. We catch rain water, have low wattage lighting bulbs and use organic soaps whenever possible. We meet with fishermen, church and schools to educate and help control polluting and fishing in this area.

We protect one of Jamaica’s most treasured private beach coves and eco village known as Strawberry Fields for our local and overseas visitors.

We design and build in harmony with nature, never removing a tree unless already dead, never killing a fish or bird, lizard or land crab and never disrespecting the flora or fauna.

Most hotels do not cater for Jamaican groups as it is too expensive but we provide opportunities for locals to holiday and our guests to meet the people and enjoy the food, music and culture of Jamaica.

Bay

Reviewed 15 Jul 2008 by Jon Levin

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The eco-tours were the most exciting part of our holiday. They offer a package with four tours which I would highly recommend. The tours included trips to waterfalls, the Blue Mountains, and an 1600 acre organic farm.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

This is the place to go if you want to see the real Jamaica and to interact with the local people. This is not a place to go if someone wants to be barricaded in an all-inclusive resort. This accommodation is like staying at a relative's place.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Kim the owner hires local people and pays them a fair wage. The place where my wife and I stayed had solar hot water. Everything Kim and her staff did minimize the impact on the environment. All the food was purchased locally to benefit the local farmers and fisherman.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

My wife and I would rate this holiday very highly. Kim and her staff were very friendly and accommodating. We were there for our 25th wedding anniversary and this resort made it extra special. If you like a relaxing atmosphere, nature and good food this is the place to go.

Reviewed 01 Jan 2007 by Marnie Feeleus

We spent 9 days at this accommodation and had an awesome family vacation. We aren't the "all-inclusive" type vacationers, but were travelling the first time with our little kids so wanted a kind of home base with natural surroundings and a less touristy feel.

This accommodation was a perfect mix of relaxation for kids and parents, adventure at our own pace, and off-the-beaten path hospitality. Our family is vegan and they fed us very well with huge portions of traditional Jamaican food, but veganized. It was by far the best food we had in Jamaica, and made by the friendliest people.

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Swimming in the ocean under the moonlight with our kids.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Get the folks at the resort to pick you up at the Kingston airport. Bring snorkelling gear.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Somewhat.