Holywell

Overview

Description

We are located in the tropical montane rainforests of Jamaica's only national park, Blue and John Crow Mountains. Holywell boasts spectacular views of wide-open rainforest areas, the city of Kingston, and world-famous Blue Mountain coffee plantations. There are five hiking trails, one of which runs through two parishes, another leads to a waterfall, and one that leads to a stream. The area is a favorite of bird watchers, campers, and hikers. Visitors will come in contact with a wide variety of endemic plants and birds, and become familiar with conservation programs. Children can enjoy the newly built Kids' Discovery Zone, an interpretive play area where they learn about the plants and animals in the park. Nearby attractions include: New Castle Jamaica Defense Force Training depot, which boasts a rich history; Twymam's Coffee Farm; Gardens of Cold Spring; Catherine's Peak; and communities in the park's buffer zone.

Rooms

3 cabins

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 25

Percentage of local employees: 100%

Holywell is the premier recreational area inside the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park. This park is dedicated to the conservation of Jamaica's natural resources and to providing nature-based recreational opportunities for Jamaicans and tourists. Holywell is used as a focal point for developing appreciation for nature in the wider public, and hence support for conservation initiatives. Holywell employs a largely local workforce from nearby communities, and uses local products. The site houses a nursery where native trees are grown for use in reforestation projects and for sale to visitors. About 80% of the Holywell property is dedicated to habitat conservation, and therefore is under forest cover. Our visitor center provides educational materials about the natural environment, and the newly built Kids Discovery Zone entertains children with interpretive games.

Rates

$26 – $50

Cabin 1 sleeps 5 people.
Cabins 2 and 3 each sleep 2 people.
We charge Ja$200 (US $3) for each additional person, up to a maximum of 4 additional people in each cabin.

Getting There

Nearest international airport: Kingston (KIN)

Distance, by land, to the nearest airport: 53 km or 33 miles.

Holywell is accessible all year-round via two-wheel drive vehicles.

Additional Information

Date This Information Was Provided

November 2007.

Photos courtesy of Holywell, Jamaica, for SustainableTrip.org.