On the north coast near Plymouth, 8 km north of Scarborough, 12 km northeast of the airport and down a winding dirt road sits this rustic self-contained beach resort. The 200-hectare property caters mostly to escapists and amateur ornithologists from Europe. Families may be disappointed if they are looking for a traditional island resort. Live birds are the main theme here and appear in every room in the building.
There is an endearing natural beauty to the steep grounds, which rise to a century-old sugar-plantation manor. Bamboo forests, hibiscus and exotic foliage dot the landscape, and 15 hectares of orchards add to the Edenic quality.
All of the public areas display casual colonial style. The main house contains an open-air sitting area and an equally breezy restaurant with a colorful mural. The a la carte Creole and international food is more appetizing than the decor. Buffets, afternoon tea with the hummingbirds and beach barbecues are special events for which guests make uphill
treks from the accommodations. The casual poolside restaurant in the former waterwheel house is popular for those who want to stay close to the beach. A bar is nearby. Entertainment is sporadic, even in winter. The hotel offers free transfers to the Waterwheel Restaurant down the road.
A single lighted tennis court flanks the hotel's gated entrance. Guests indulge in nature hikes and lectures, weekly stargazing and table tennis. Watersports include some exceptional snorkeling and diving, and there is a PADI dive shop on-site.
The crude meeting space can handle 50 delegates, and parking is secured. There are few business amenities here for guests wishing to connect with the outside world. A computer near the front desk offers Internet access at a modest charge. Plans are in the works to provide wireless Internet access throughout the property.
Rock-lined 
paths and steep steps lead to the two-story accommodation wings. Most units are at beach level, but only a few are actually beachfront rooms. Although configurations vary, most rooms are clean and comfortable, with bright floral fabrics and coir matting over tile floors. Painted wicker appointments surround shiny teak tables in sitting areas. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, phones, generous closets, small tiled baths, and furnished patios or balconies. Rooms 15 and 16, perched well above the main house and the beach, provide lovely sea and mountain vistas, as well as idyllic privacy on a grassy terrace. Only suites 35 and 36 offer TVs on request.
Winter rates are high, so bird-watchers and divers who desire Robinson Crusoe-style lodging at more reasonable rates should head for Footprints Eco Resort on Colloden Bay. The management and staff are the best assets here and take great pride in providing a great experience for guests, but luxury-seekers should look elsewhere.
