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SECTION |
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| Past Hollywell, the scenery becomes more beguiling as you wind your
way higher, with fantastic clear views over mountain gaps planted with
neat rows of coffee. The next break in the trees comes at SECTION , a
friendly little settlement that's home to several small-scale coffee
farmers - it's a great place to both enquire about a local hiking guide
and buy some coffee (a pound of beans should cost about J$300). The
small shop can supply you with beers and snacks, and if you want cheap
and very basic accommodation (around US$30), ask at the Dennis family's
cavernous concrete house opposite. The road forks at Section; the left
turn winds seven miles down to the north coast at Buff Bay, while
turning right and to the east takes you, via several switchback turns,
toward Silver Hill Gap , a stunning spot some 5000ft above sea level and
offering awesome views across coffee-planted peaks. The Starlight Chalet
and Health Spa (tel 876/969-3116 or 985-9380, fax 906-3075, ; US$50-75),
is an isolated and extremely appealing hotel on a gorgeous flower-filled
bluff. The rooms are modern and comfortable, with balconies and private
bathrooms, and there's a sauna and steam room (US$25 per session); you
can also have the full spa treatment including massage for US$70. Try
the good, inexpensive Jamaican meals served up in the restaurant , which,
like the attached bar, is open to non-guests; call ahead if you plan to
eat. There are a couple of bicycles available for guests to use, and
several short trails surround the property, one leading down the valley
to a swimmable river; guides are available. |
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