Giving the figures provided by the tourist board for visitors to Jamaica ( almost entirely cruise ships and all inclusive hotels), we at Lime Tree calculate that less than 0.1% of tourists to the island make it to the Blue Mountains. Meaning ther are huge deposits of peace and quiet going unused. The Blue Mountains are one of the most natural, unspoiled and beautiful regions of Jamaica, be adventurous, treat yourself to the Blue Mountain experience.
Following a recent conversation with a good friend in the industry over concerns regarding the validity and authenticity of property photos and reviews we are able to set the record straight. All photographs and images of Lime Tree Farm on our website are true and correct depictions of the property- the place really is that unspoiled and beautiful. Another area of concern is the use of spurious guest reviews. All our guest reviews are genuine and we are able to verify with signed reviews in our guest book kept on the property. Come see for yourselves, if you feel cheated or deceived we will reimburse.
There has been some concern from prospective guests regarding the condition of our road. While not unjustified, this does require some clarification.
From Kingston to Mavis Bank Coffee Factory the road is, while not in great condition, still easily driveable in any town vehicle.
The road from the factory to the farm (around 20 minutes) is rough, best to have a vehicle with good ground clearance ,preferably 4 wheel drive.
We offer a complimentary return transfer from the factory to the farm. Vehicles can be safely parked at the factory.
Over the years many guests have driven to the farm, and enjoyed the adventure and experience – pretty well summing up a stay at Lime Tree Farm.
Here in the blue mountains – at the end of every bad road you will find unspoiled beauty, peace and quiet.
Our local broadsheet, The Gleaner came up to pay us a visit, have a look at the video of the tour we gave & read their article on our Jamaican eco-adventures.
And read the full article!
THE BLUE Mountains of Jamaica are known for their tranquil vistas which span the parishes of Portland, St Thomas, St Mary, and St Andrew. Home to one of Jamaica’s most diverse montane forests, the Blue Mountains contains a number of hidden gems, with Lime Tree Farm being among them.
With ecotourism destinations on the rise, Lime Tree Farm provides a thrilling adventure from the journey to the farm to the early-morning hikes along the winding trails across its 10-acre property. This environmentally friendly coffee farm provides a wonderful opportunity to see the real beauty of Jamaica while relaxing inside their luxurious ‘eco-cottages’. Read more
We always thought our old 1994 Landrover Defender, though very well suited to the terrain and bad roads here in the Blue Mountains, was simply noisey, hot and not ‘overcomfortable’. Mostly used to tranfer guests from Mavis Bank coffee factory to the farm, it appears, Big Blue is a big hit with guests. Now deemed (by me mostly) a classic, we are offering the Big Blue experience. Driving from the Lime Tree Farm to Cinchona Botanical Gardens or to Abbey Green and returning via Radnor – aproximately -4 hours. A lot of Landrovers are now in captivity in the cities and suburbs. This is a chance to experience a Landrover in the wild – as was intended by the designer.
Due to our ever changing climate, each year is different regarding all or crops – plantain, banana, citrus, pears, vegetables etc. In particular, this year, our coffee crop. We appear to be having a last minute rush! The crop is very late, and due to the decision last year to ‘cut back’ under productive coffee bushes and replanting to replace old coffee bushes the crop will be small. Still, enough for us to process and roast for guests staying at the farm. Our Blue Mountain coffee is complimentary in all rooms and is served with meals. Our coffee tour, also complimentary to guests, from bush to roaster is one of our most popular attractions. Brave the road and savor a unique experience at Lime Tree Farm.
To all our adventurous guests who went that extra mile to visit us at Lime Tree during 2018/19 season.
We well know it requires more than a little extra effort to reach Lime Tree Farm. The poor condition of our road has always been a challenge for guests, though to look at it another way – the road is the reason our community and surrounding area is so unspoilt.
So, we would like to thank all our guests for, literally and metaphorically ‘going that extra mile’. As they say in Jamaica – ‘Nuff respect, big up yourself ‘.
A look back through old photos. The Blue Mountains has been our home for over 25 years. We’ve seen a lot of changes, though I am happy to report that the community of Lime Tree has remained largely the same and relatively undeveloped. For years we lived a very basic existence, no electric or piped water – and ants in the biscuits!
After a tip off from a local birding guide, along with guests we checked out a new birding site – Mahogany Vale ( pronounced locally as ‘ Mogganyvill’). Good spot, as well as endemics, sighted egrets, herons, a Louisiana water thrush, ducks and water fowl.
After 60 years, artist, Angela Baker revisited Cinchona Gardens. In 1959, Angela and her future husband biked it to the gardens. Although the house has been there since the late 1800’s, Angela tells me there were no other habitations between Mavis Bank and the gardens. Also, the road was no better, or worse than today – bone jarring and teeth rattling!
I was hugely interested in Angela’s story, Angela really is an adventure traveller. Cinchona gardens are popular with our guests and my personal favourite excursion. Add this to my love of all things motorcycle, – what a cool photo!
