Written by Kareem LaTouche
Quick Facts
Who is it for: Persons who love nature and observing the ecosystem.
Tip: There is very little cell phone coverage in the area, so bring books and magazines to read. Due to the remoteness of the location, plan to spend at least two nights.
What stands out: The sound of the Rio Grande river and the crickets while sleeping at night.
What to carry: Wear long-sleeve clothing to cover your skin from mosquitoes, and a sweater for the cold weather.
Must-try activity: Taking the Rose Apple trail, which was traversed by many Maroons in the 18th century.
Cost & Reservation: click the link below
Location: Bowden, St Thomas (close to the border of St Thomas and Portland).
Vehicle needed to access property: A SUV or pickup with good ground clearance.
After settling in with part one of my experience, the first place I explored with Ambassabeth Eco Lodge’s manager, Lloyd Wilks, was Sugar Cane falls, where he and his cousin, Cecil, would walk past as children.
“When we wake up in the mornings mama would say, ‘Grandson, go and fetch two buckets by the spring’. She didn’t use this spring because someone lived next to it, so we had to go to the further one. The joke is that, even if she didn’t use all the water, by the next morning she would throw away the overnight water and we would have to get fresh water,” Wilks shared with Kareemsquest.com.
Video review of Ambassabeth Eco Lodge
At this point, his cousin Cecil looked on and said, “Is true. I used to say in my head, ‘But mama, the wata clean!” After which he smiled and revealed his two glistening gold teeth, and, at this point, I also broke out in laughter.
EXPLORING THE LUSH LAND
We went to the river, with the trail taking us down a 30-degree-gradient hill. Wilks was quick to show me vines that the Maroons would wrap themselves with, to hide from the British, during the 18th century civil wars, which the Maroons won. Pointing to a branch in the bushes, he told kareemsquest.com, “If you chop that branch, it’s filled with water that the Maroons would drink. It’s things like this that make this place a World Heritage Site, the ecosystem works as one. This is why, when we cut a tree, we plant another one to replace it.”
By the time we reached the river, it was clear that climate change has affected the water level, as it is now knee high. Pointing to a rock, Lloyd expounded to kareemsquest.com, “As a child, when the water was much higher, we used to jump off that rock, ‘kin puppa lick’, you name it. While the older ones would do the washing of clothes and place them on the stones to dry.”
While sitting in the shade and chatting, we saw two men passing and heading towards a hill adjacent to us. “They work with us, as well as take care of some cows on that side of the property.” He then pointed to a spot about one mile on the hill and said, ‘that’s where they are heading.’ ”
LEARNING ABOUT AMBASSABETH ECO LODGE
We marvelled at the fresh air and the lack of pollution, after which Wilks began to tell me about his family’s role at the property. “My grandfather had a dream for this property, he always saw it as a tourist destination. At that time, it was just one house on the property, and one and two tourists would come periodically. Then my mother, Linnette Wilks, took it to another level, as we now have 12 rooms.”
After our long talk by the river, we made our way back to the lodge, via the steep hill. Once there, he showed me the different places on the property, starting with the kitchens. There is a traditional one, equipped with an old wood fireplace, which is ideal for roasting breadfruits. Then there is a modern kitchen with a gas stove, microwave and industrial-size refrigerator.
After this, we went to the conference room, about 800 square feet, which has tables, chairs, and sofas that rest against the walls. “When groups of persons visit here, they use this room for social gatherings, seminars, book readings and musical and other performances. However, there are two religious practices that stand out above the rest,” he shared with kareemsquest.com.
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“The Kumina rituals involve songs, drumming and dance. The most intriguing is when they practise something called Mial … this is a sort of deep trance which requires another ritual to bring you out of it,” revealed Wilks.
MAKING IT SOMEWHERE COMFORTABLE
The property has also been modernised with solar panels for electricity and fire extinguishers, both of which were made possible by the Bowden Pen Farmers Association and Jamaica Social Investment Fund.
While walking past the cottages, it was hard to not notice how bountiful the property is with fruits. With a high concentration of rainfall to greet the arable land, the trees are laden with fruits such as jackfruit and guava. This is also true in lower areas like Berrydale, which kareemsquest.com recommends if you are interested in rafting.
To the far end of the property are three lodges, which are all fitted with the bare essentials for sleeping. This includes a bed, a chair and sometimes a night stand. Each lodge has a different name; the one I stayed in is called Spanish Needle, and has two separate bedrooms. Each has two twin-size beds and a bathroom that connects the two rooms.
The property is far from any human habitation, so the piped water is connected to a spring, which passes through a filter system located on the property. What this meant was that the water was extremely cold when I showered in the morning, to the point where my fingers were numb.
After viewing the cottages we went to the Rose Apple Trail, which is a two-hour hike to the nearest district. “The Rose Apple Trail takes you to Cunha Cunha Pass, Lookout Bump and Hayfield. All these are places that the Maroons would frequently traverse,” Wilks revealed to kareemsquest.com.
This location is filled with a rich Jamaican history that spans over 200 years, when our ancestors valiantly fought for freedom. The land is also blessed with fertile soil, as there is an abundance of trees and plants.
How long does it take to get to Ambassabeth Eco Lodge, from these central points:
Kingston: 3hrs 11mins.
Montego Bay: 4hrs 44mins.
Ocho Rios: 3hrs 3mins.
Savanna-la-Mar: 5 hrs 45 mins.
Click to check Jamaica’s Foreign Exchange Rate.
What is the weather like in Jamaica
The climate in Jamaica is very warm, with an annual average of 32 degrees/ 89.6°F. It is usually warm to hot all year round.
What is the time zone in Jamaica
Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5)
Plan Your Portland Adventure Today!
Planning a Jamaican escape to the verdant jewel of Portland? Fuel your wanderlust with insider tips on the Top Hotels/Places to stay in Portland, from eco-chic lodges to cliffside havens. And for your wild adventure side here are some great Things To Do in Portland. Remember, as you embark on your Jamaican quest, Kareem’s Quest is always here to help you plan the perfect excursion with various tour packages and Itinerary plans.
When the call of adventure beckons, let Kareem’s Quest be your guide. We’ll curate an unforgettable Jamaican experience for you, from hidden waterfalls and secluded coves to bustling markets and authentic reggae bars. Let’s make your Portland escape truly magical!
P.S. Don’t forget to share your Portland symphony with us using #KareemsQuest on social media! We can’t wait to hear your island melodies.
Hope to visit.Bless
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yes, it’s a nice spot