It looks nothing like a mockingbird, but the symphony created by the wondrous sounds of creatures in the wild at sundown may well have been the inspiration to name the location Hotel Mockingbird Hill.

This quaint hideaway in the hills above the pristine golden seashores of the nature parish is one of the finest places where visitors fuse seamlessly with wholesomely delicious cuisine and the natural environment for the Christmas.

Known for its personalised service and eco-friendly operations, the Green Globe-certified Hotel Mockingbird Hill is a 10-room boutique accommodation that is co-owned and operated by Barbara Walker.

"Hotel Mockingbird Hill is an eco-boutique hotel providing authentic luxury," Walker stated proudly.

The surroundings are lush and homey. On arrival, visitors will be struck by the deliberately minimalist surroundings, which take on the appearance of a large house with all-white walls and draped in blue awnings within a tropical garden on just over six acres. The panoramic views of the ocean, Port Antonio and Navy Island towards the northwest add to the exotic appeal of this boutique hotel located above Drapers, near San San, Portland.

Island feel

The vibrant colours of the decor in the foyer and sitting area on the main floor really wake the senses of the weary traveller, who is greeted on arrival with a cool, complimentary tropical juice drink made from fresh fruits. The handcrafted bamboo furniture and freshly picked flowers in the vases, along with the open terrace in the backdrop, add to the authentic island feel of the property.

The bamboo theme is repeated in the nature-cooled bedrooms which come in several categories - economy, garden view, superior, deluxe and suites. There is no air conditioning, telephones or cable television in the rooms, as guests are left to relax in complete peace and tranquillity. This is the perfect place for those wanting to recharge the 'batteries' for the daily demands that life throws.

There is, however, wireless Internet for those who wish to take care of the must-dos, and if you should know, there is even 3G wireless cellular signal in the area for those who must be in touch with their high-tech mobile devices.

Best of all is the creativity that pervades the kitchen walls of Hotel Mockingbird Hill.

Guests will be pleased by the pride taken in creatively fusing the vibrant Jamaican flavours with international tastes to produce brilliantly delicious and healthful dishes.

The food is that much tastier, with the personalised breakfast and dinner service given by the owners and manager who take the food orders and serve the dishes under the warm glow of home-made torches on the blue slate tiled terrace overlooking the swimming pool.

Food: finger-licking good

The food - from the free-range chicken dishes, breads and pastries to jams, jellies, sauces, yoghurts and cheeses - is made from scratch, with fresh and wholesome ingredients sourced from farmers in surrounding communities.

And for Christmas, you can expect your taste buds to be tantalised by unusually delightful variations to traditional Jamaican dishes and drinks, like free-range roosters roasted in a sorrel base, rum cakes and fruitcakes, and sorrel cocktails.

Hotel Mockingbird Hill is a haven for those with an appreciation for wholesomely, healthful gourmet eating and an affinity for environmental preservation.

This article is part of a collaborative project between The Gleaner and the Ministry of Tourism.