Situated close to the head of the Cabarita River, Camp Cabarita is a wonderful riverside retreat with a waterfront of more than 400 feet. 2,500 feet above sea level, it lies hidden deep in the Dolphin Head Mountains in Jamaica‘s Westmoreland. It promotes itself as offering guests the chance to experience the “hidden Jamaica”, which is undoubtedly true.
The surrounding Dolphin Head Mountains are widely recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, Jamaica effectively being home to one of the world’s largest percentages of endemic flora. More than 30% of the fauna and flora in Jamaica is found in these mountains. This fact alone makes a stay at Camp Cabarita worthwhile.
Camp Cabarita is one of the country’s leading eco-friendly retreats, a place strongly dedicated to providing guests an experience that is both physically fun and mentally invigorating, as well as to conservating these rich ecosystems. At the lodge, guests can unwind around bamboo bonfires, learn how to cook authentic local dishes, immerse themselves in the Glenbrook community and relax in the lounge. Additionally, there is a large offering of low-impact eco-friendly activities in the area. These range from the amazing Mayfield Falls eco-tour and swimming in the Cabarita River to the Ginger Works Cave eco-adventure, eco-hikes, agricultural tours, bird watching excursions and paddle boarding.
The lodge’s facilities are wonderful and include a kitchen, a lively bar, a juice bar, a two-story cottage and a sleeping loft. Its grounds are expansive and a great place for a variety of activities, from boot camps and seminars to eco-weddings. Camp Cabarita is strongly involved in the local community and in nature conservation and regularly organizes seminars and activities related to sustainable energy, permaculture and self-sufficiency.
Camp Cabarita itself uses several sustainable practices. Food served at the restaurant is either grown in its own organic garden or purchased directly from the local farmers. Additionally, the lodge works hard to keep its waste to an absolute minimum; organic waste is composted and, as such, returned to the garden. The lodge also employs only local people; all the staff members live within a fifteen-minute walk from the lodge. Rainwater is gathered, stored and used to water the garden, flush toilets, wash hands and as drinking water for locals. Moreover, Camp Cabarita also recycles, uses biodegradable soaps, doesn’t have air-conditioning and contributes to forest management.
Accommodation is available in Jamaica “Jungalos” in the treetops or in the forest, in Irie Cottages, Bird’s Nest lofts and at basic campsites. This plethora of choices makes this an ideal eco-retreat for all kinds of environment-conscious travelers.
