Zion Country Cabins captures the theme of dedication to the Jamaician people and the landscape.
Having had to rebuild and begin again could have been daunting, but Free I overcame the hurdles to create a place for a peaceful respite. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, found an old wind surfing board and paddled around like kids reverting back to childhood pleasures. Owen took us on walking trip down his memory lane toward a local tournament where we met many wonderful, welcoming, and joyful Jamaicians. It was the highlight of our trip.

I lived in Jamaica for five years, and spent a lot of time exploring the island with my kids. Portland parish was our favorite, and on this trip back to Jamaica after five years, I was looking to recapture a bit of that easy Jamaica vibe -- no all inclusives for me! The friendly staff, the simple accommodations, the beautiful surroundings, the proximity of the sea, the good food, made me feel like I was staying with good friends instead of an impersonal resort. Without all the distractions of a resort, we unplugged, relaxed, had great conversations, swam at sunup and counted the stars at night. Ahhhh. Bliss. don't change the formula Zion Country you made me feel all right! one love, y'all.

I have travelled solo to Zion Country four times and am sure I will return again.It is very peaceful and pretty there and is definitely the place to go if you want a laid-back, non-touristy stay in Jamaica. You are in a real Jamaican community and can get a true feel for the country there. The accommodations are simple but clean and meals are good. If you like more action it may not be the place for you but if you are looking for a unique, no frills- but peaceful- stay Zion is a great choice.

My wife & I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary at Zion Country. Mostly we just relaxed and read and explored the vast and lucious garden that Free-I has so masterfully created and maintained. Birds, frogs, lizards, plants, fruits, and flowers thrive on this one-acre oasis with a beach-front.

Do not miss Owen's good cooking...it is finger-licking, lip-smacking GOOD! Both Owen and Tamar were very kind and sweet to us, helping us to connect to people in the community and informing us of local customs.

One day, Owen hooked us up with Baba, whom he described as a bushman, and who guided us up the Drivers River trail into the forested hills. He and his assistant, Cornell, even cut open some coconuts for us to drink and eat on the way. The scenery was beautiful in every way.

On a different day, I hired Baba and Cornell to take me birding (I'm an avid birdwatcher) in the rain forest. Baba led us to some amazing birds like the Olive-throated Parakeet, Vervain Hummingbird, Smooth-billed Ani, Jamaican Mango (hummingbird), and Black-billed Streamertails. We slogged through dense jungle to get good looks and photographs of a Jamaican Lizard Cuckoo!

Later, Jan & I hired a Rasta guide named Rennie to take us up a river trail (sometimes terrestrial, but often right in the river) to Reach Falls. The water was cool and clear. The forest was emerald green. And Rennie was full of peace-loving wisdom which he was happy to share with us.

Most of the Jamaicans we met were poor (in money) but not in spirit. The Jamaicans we got to know were kind and generous and took care of our needs. The ride in a minibus to Port Antonio was an adventure and the visit to Boston Beach for some fiery jerk pork was good, too.

Our room was in the main guesthouse where Owen also lives. There is a bathroom and shower in our room, and a fan helped to keep us cool. We slept peacefully even with the noisy frogs outside. The beach cabins do not have bathrooms or showers but shower facilities are nearby and the toilets are a short, but steep, walk up the stairs.

Free-I spent time with us in the evenings on the porch overlooking the bay. We talked a lot about Jamaica, its people, culture, and natural history. Free-I has invested a lot in this community and his eco cabins provide some tourism dollars for local residents. There are lots of small shops just down the lane, and on Saturday evenings, you can get some good Conch soup from Miss Sarah's shop.

Memories were forged here and friendships made. Zion Country was magical for us. If you want to be pampered in comfort, go to the all-inclusive resorts....but if you want a taste of the real Jamaica, then Zion Country is for you.

See my pictures in this slide show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qk_JNm_0ZaQ

One Love!
-jan&eddie-