We thoroughly enjoyed our too-short stay at Zioncountry Eco-Beach Cabins. If you are looking for the Ritz-Carlton please go elsewhere-life is a lot simpler and rustic here. The 4 cabins are simply furnished and sturdily built, it kind of reminds me of the Adirondack cabins I used to go to as a kid, but with lush, beautiful tropical surroundings. You can unwind with a book and sit on your cabin porch, listen to the waves lapping onto the shores of Machioneal Bay after a day of visiting the local beaches and sights. Although Free-I the owner was on holiday while we were there, Owen, who makes fabulous meals, took care of us the entire time and was a most gracious host. If you need a car, for example, he is the man to call to get you a cab to go into town. Mokko, a Rasta and our hiking guide to Reach Falls, was terrific, and quite the entertaining tour guide. He loves to hike! Hire him for a day or two during your stay here, although he does run his own cabins near Bath.
The grounds are lush, with wild flora, almond and calabash trees all around. During our 4 nights there we slept with the cabin door open and let the crow of a local rooster be our alarm clock.
If I had a couple of weeks to work on a book or some writing–sans computer of course– this place would be where I’d stay. It’s away from the hustle and bustle of city living. Port Antonio is about 45 minutes away,and Long Bay with its great beach seems to be the halfway point. There is a communal dining area where meals and drinks (beer, juices) are served. Food is extremely inexpensive here. On Long Road, Mama Joyce has a roadside shack where a delicious chicken plate can be bought for J$175, or you can just eat at a jerk chicken stand. Red Stripe is about J$250. Yum!
