THE EXPERIENCE
Getting to the Blue Mountain Wilderness Retreat is not for the faint of heart, but it is truly an adventure. The property rests on the mountainside of the Blue Mountains, and needless to say, it requires a great deal of hiking through tricky terrain — around 60 minutes’ worth!
THE WEEKEND STAR team recently embarked on the journey to the escape, which lies near the quiet community of Bangor Ridge in Portland. Making our way to Bangor Ridge was pretty easy as the roads were smooth, for the most part, but dangerously narrow, (so drive with caution). On entering the community, a sign denoting the hiking trail is in plain sight, and we started our trod with the help of Sun Venture tour guide Arthur Newland.
There is something so invigorating about walking on the mountainside of the Blue Mountains. There is a brook oozing the most refreshing spring water I have ever had, soothing sounds of the Mabess River can be heard in the distance, and you are surrounded by a myriad of trees — cotton, coffee, grapefruit, mandarin, coconut, banana and breadfruit. But try not to get too distracted by the surreal ambience as the terrain is rather tricky. Newland advised us to walk in single file in order to navigate the steep slopes of the mountain. The ultimate challenge came when we arrived at the foot of the retreat, where a makeshift staircase is the only route to the attraction. The staircase has an incomplete railing, so don’t be afraid to get dirty and grab on to nearby rocks to help you ascend and maintain balance.
RATING
3/5
ESSENTIALS
Mosquito repellent, toiletries, drinking water, snacks.
BEST THING
Breathtaking view, serene ambience, crisp air, isolation.
WORST THING
A cumbersome hike is the only entrance and exit.
LOCATION
The Blue Mountain Wilderness Retreat is cushioned near the coffee community of Bangor Ridge in Portland. From Kingston, the escape is almost a twohour drive if you travel through Golden Spring in St Andrew. On entering St Mary, drive along Broadgate on to Annotto Bay and continue ahead to Buff Bay in Portland. You may also drive via St Thomas.