How often do you get to sleep in a colonial mansion that happens to be a biological research station? Decked out with no-frills cut-stone rooms with shared bathroom, it's frequented by naturalists and off-beat travelers. Resident naturalists Mike Schwartz and Susan Koenig occasionally stage ‘Meet the biologist’ dinners (US$45, minimum four people) with a pre-dinner bat-watching walk. Email/call for directions.
Built in 1795 by John Tharp, this colonial mansion was preceded in 1750 by a military outpost to guard against runaway slaves (Maroons). Surrounded by lush jungle, it's lit up at night by peeny-wallies (fireflies) and the stars above. Its remoteness makes it ideal for spotting Jamaica's numerous endemic bird species, exploring the nearby cave and watching the bat vortex at dusk.
It's not about the creature comforts at this solar-powered outpost; the lure is the interesting company, a chance to disconnect and the surrounding wilderness (and an exuberant Great Dane called Zella).
Rooms accommodate up to three people. Breakfast/lunch/dinner is US$8/10/15 per person.
It’s not marked by a sign; to find it, take a left at the Rasta hut at the junction at the end of the road to Windsor.