WOW! Faraway looks very cool. Do you know if it is close to Mavis Bank Coffee Plantation? I've always wanted to go there, and finding a place to stay has not been easy, if this is close it would be a perfect combination. Also do you know if they offer daily rates or only weekly?

It is about a 30 minute drive to Mavis Bank from Faraway. They have a two-night minimum stay, so you can just prorate the 7-day rate for as many days as you are interested in. The rate for two people for each night would be $378 US. Remember, that rate includes food and non-alcoholic drinks for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

If I may say so, this really is a fabulous spot offering such a mesmerizing view, cool mountain air, and great coffee, it makes it tuff to leave once you are there, nuh true Eric?

All I know is that when we were up there, every time I looked in a new direction I was awe-struck. The scenery is just amazing, as evidenced by the pictures on the site.

(Speaking of their web site, Rebecca and I are the ones who made it so if any of you have feedback or comments, we'd love to hear them.)

I can't wait to go back there. The drive up there is worth the trip, let alone the great food and accommodations they offer. I'd have to say that area of Jamaica in now my (second :-) favorite on the island.

I have no reservations at all about recommending it to anyone wanting some mountain seclusion....unless you have a fear of humming birds because they really are all over the place. (Remember getting buzzed by them on as you sipped your coffee on the verandah, Rebecca?)

Ah yes, gee Eric, don't we need to go up there again for some reason?!?!?!

Transport questions for a long weekend at Faraway starting in TB:
1) Fare from TB to Faraway w/TT
2) Is LOCAL driver available at Faraway
for day trips
3) Other gardens (how far to Chinchonna?)
and hidden gems around you'd recommend
IF exploring

What's likely weather second week of May? ;)

It is approximately a 4 1/2 - 5 hour drive from Treasure Beach to Faraway, the last 1 1/2 hours of which are up through the scenic Blue Mountains passing Strawberry Hill and historic Newcastle (traning grounds for the Jamaica Defense Force). The transportation costs from TB to Faraway for up to four people is $200 US with the usual $20 US for each additional person.

The driving distance from Faraway to the Kingston airport is approximately 2 - 2 1/2 hours (depending on the time of day and the traffic in Kingston). The driving distance from Faraway to the Montego Bay airport is about 2 1/2 hours (the same distance as from Treasure Beach). The cost for an airport transfer to either airport is $110 US for up to 4 people and $20 US for each additional person (again, the same as from Treasure Beach)

There is a driver that will be available for day trips from Faraway which include driving to Holywell National Park where there are several hikes/walks to choose from and on the way home stopping at The Gap, a trendy bistro offering lunch or high tea and a spectacular view of Kingston below. We can also organize bike tours or a trip to Fish Done Falls.

However, if you are just going for a weekend, the hidden gem is the house itself and a few hiking tours which the caretaker, Square, can take them on. If anyone is interested I can email them a list of suggested hiking and driving tours. I'm not sure of the distance to Chinchona or Mavis Bank from there, but my guess would be 30 minutes to Mavis Bank and abou the same to Chinchona. All of this is subject to the conditions of the road at the time.

Likely weather? Well "typical" weather for May in Jamaica is that it is rainy season. So you could expect rain, especially later in the day, however, we both know that it is impossible to predict. My experience up there in rainy season is early morning clear and sunny and the clouds starting to roll in around noon. The afternoon is off and on showers with an incredible cloud show where the clouds continue to roll through the mountains constantly changing the scenery. The upstairs verandah is perfect for sipping coffee or cocktails, playing a game of cards or scrabble and watching the show.

Trust me, when you are there, it is very hard to motivate yourself to leave the verandah unless it is to go downstairs and eat one of Nell's delicious meals.

Thanks for more specifics, Rebecca / already pre-sold on it ;)