the Art of Living Simple & Sustainable
Simple... Golden River is a lush tropical mountain community located in the Central Inlier 30 miles north of Kingston Airport. Traversing small winding roads and hills takes about an hour and a half from the airport. The tranquil mountain community consists of many small towns, Above Rocks, Glengoffe, Zion Hill, Harker Hall and Cassava River all within a few miles. It is an agricultural community of small farmers, fruit farms, arborists, basket weavers, wood carvers, and furniture makers. Living in harmony with our beloved farmers we embrace the culture and beauty that is bountiful in Jamaica's rural areas away from the hubs of commercialized tourism. We wish to share an experience of a more true and naturalistic approach of Jamaican culture. There is much unknown beauty which lies in the hearts of rural communities which most travelers never experience. The farming community best expresses the heart and soul of the country. Golden River is also a unique Bamboo growing region and plentiful in Cacao from Above Rocks to Glengoffe. We cultivate a variety of plants, fruit and vegetables. We produce Cacao, Honey, and Vanilla Beans that we package for our guest and also sell to gourmet markets. We also grow Coconut, Banana, Ackee, Mango, Guango, and Jackfruit flourish in the region. We are also Beekeepers and have a small apiary. Our little friends help pollinate our lush organic gardens, and produce a rich and unique light golden colored honey. We cultivate Vanilla Pods from the orchid family and grow most of our lettuce and vegetables in our gardens, Bok choy, Callaloo, and other produce in season. The largest local town is Linstead known for its farmer market about 30 minutes away. The north coast is 23 miles to Port Maria and Oracabessa and James Bond Beach. We can arrange private travel accommodations to any destination. Traversing the hills is a great way to see the country. There are many destinations to stop and enjoy along the way. Most discover the peaceful tranquility of our small mountain town a delightful undiscovered treasure.
Sustainable...Our aim is to impose as little impact on our environment as possible. Less is more. Our natural surroundings provide us all we need to live life to the fullest! The lush environment as well as the many small natural spring waters that runs through the region create a unique biosphere. The lush hills and altitude of about 1000 feet keep tempratures cooler than the coasts. Our bees help pollinate all our beautiful lush plants and garden. What more could one possibly want? There is no better way to see the country and experience the natural beauty than to trek through the bush and camp Safari style. We have two campsites in Golden River. The tents have 3 rooms, each separated for sleeping privacy. The center room can be used for dining or general area. 6 large screened windows with zip up storm flaps. Roof is made of strong poly canvas, walls are nylon Taffeta. Floor is Rip Stop laminated polyethylene and a truss style frame with 3 ridge poles. The tents are set up on a Bamboo and wood platform. Hammocks are set up between Coconut trees to lounge in. Bush and arborist knowledge passed down from one generation to the next should be considered a national treasure. The knowledge and uses of medicinal and wild indigenous plants as well as organic food production is important for future generations to experience and learn. The natural spring water of Golden River is pumped with a gravity feed to the campsite. Pristine mineral water runs all through the region and is also bottled and sold locally. There are many small swimming spots to cool off in.
About Us....Vin and Andrew Lamont grew up in Golden River. Planting, managing and development of his farm and fruit trees has been his life long passion and livelihood as well as the practice of collecting and foraging in the bush for nuts, herbs, wild yam, wild ginger and turmeric. Rosalie Sendelbach was born into family of Austrian farmers, beekeepers, wine makers and pastry chef. This lead to a life long passion and commitment to agriculture. During her music days in Jamaica she would take long treks in remote areas, and fell in love with Golden River and purchased a small piece of land. Cocoa, banana and a beautiful fresh spring water runs through the property. She met Kevin or "Vin" and his son Andrew, an aspiring Chef and they became fast friends sharing a similar view of the world and a naturalist way of life. Golden River is also a lush Bamboo growing region. Passionate about using the plant for building has been a shared vision to develop for the use in low impact housing, crafts and furniture. They teamed up to expand this vision and to share it with others. Farmers are the caretakers of our land that nurture us, and we in turn believe in nurturing these communities to develop micro economies for all to thrive and live sustainability. It is a far more richer experience in learning the land and culture through the eyes of agriculture. Vin's knowledge of the region and community is an invaluable treasure. Vin has worked with prestigious land owners planting fruit farms, organic food farms and promoting sustainable management concepts to teach future generations the importance of agriculture. His passion and commitment to agricultural development truly runs deep and has past this tradition on to his son Andrew, aka bird whisperer. Andrew will cook up the most delectable dishes of Jamaican Fusion fare to surprise the most astute pallet. . Like his father he has vast knowledge of the plant world and promoted to head Beekeeper in the apiary. He can also climb any tree to the top faster than most dare, slice off a bunch of green water coconuts for you to enjoy as a refreshing drink and energizer before your hike up to Coban Hill for bird watching. Trekking with Vin and Andrew will inspire you to new heights of conscious living and delight the senses to return again and again to this naturalist paradise. Please join us!
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