Hotel Mocking Bird Hill anticipates a green-heart's every need, Part 1

Hotel Mocking Bird Hill promises “guiltless indulgence” in Jamaica’s Port Antonio. Owners Shireen Aga and Barbara Walker seem to anticipate any nagging eco-worry a true green-heart could have. From the handmade, recycled stationery in guest rooms, to the bamboo furniture, to the rehabbed and reused structure itself, Hotel Mocking Bird Hill promises to provide a socially aware solution to countless travel whims and needs. The e-mail Shireen sent me explaining the hotel’s environmental efforts was incredibly thorough; I can’t fit the depths of this destination’s sustainability into a couple posts. Trust me that for every feature I mention, there’s another well worth looking into! (Check out their detailed environmental information.)

Let’s start with carbon neutrality. The quest to “go zero” is what separates the girls from the women in the eco-travel industry. Mocking Bird Hill offsets their 68.78 annual tons of CO2 through Sustainable Travel International’s program. They also give guests a way to compensate for their flights’ carbon loads and give back to Jamaica at the same time: Mocking Bird Hill offers optional tree offsets through the Jamaica Conservation Development Trust. $10 will plant one tree and offset a short (two to three hour) flight, for example. If you’re honeymooning at Mocking Bird Hill, the hotel will plant two trees in your honor as a wedding gift – a great, green way to start your ever after.

The hotel keeps their energy and water use low through various conservation tools and practices. Shireen says they already use solar power but are working to expand their renewable energy capabilities. They collect rainwater; use efficient showerheads, taps, and toilets; and use native plants for landscaping that can survive without extra watering. Natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda keep toxins out of the resort.

Shireen says she’s proud of how her staff has personally embraced sustainable lifestyles: “Despite being one of the smallest properties on the island, we have been able to set an example.” She works hard to educate both guests and employees, who in turn pass on the eco-lessons to their own circles.

Shireen also makes sure her guests have a true Jamaica experience rooted in the local culture. “We are very proud of the numerous close relationships and networking we have established over the years with various community groups and value our relationships with them very much,” she says. The strength of those relationships show in the extensive (and locally led) tours the hotel offers. You can also taste the local ties in the resort’s regionally sourced food.

Despite all the resort has already done, Shireen still has a long list of goals for the future. “Reduce our footprint; minimize the carbon emissions; become more self-sustaining; expand our network of local, organic food suppliers; intensify staff trainings and encourage more life-long learning; offer more educational opportunities for our team members,” she ticks off. All in the service of providing you with a trip that will relax your conscience as well as your mind and body.

Come back tomorrow for rates (they start in Green Postcards territory and expand into the splurge zone) and suggestions for Port Antonio activities!

Photo copyright Alan Smith 2007
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