Forres Park

Forres Park Guest House and Spa (US$75-220) is the best option for bird-watchers and hikers, especially for groups looking to stay in the immediate vicinity of Mavis Bank. A two-story main house and four cabins are surrounded by a small coffee farm that attracts many endemic and migratory bird species. The large veranda is a great vantage point, as all three of Jamaica’s hummingbirds--vervain, Jamaica mango, and streamertail--frequent the bushes all around the chalet-style main house. Rooms range from basic to more well-appointed, with a true mountain cabin feel. You won’t miss the lack of air-conditioning, as nights are pleasantly cool. Hot water, on the other hand, comes well appreciated. Two additional superior deluxe rooms were added in 2007, including a suite with a whirlpool tub and a 90-degree view of the mountains, and another large room below, also with a king-size four-poster bed and a private balcony, opening out onto a semi-private garden (US$200). Forres Park is a great launch pad for excursions into the Blue Mountains and Cinchona gardens. The Lyn family owners have one of the largest coffee farming and processing operations on the island.