Unforgettable experience - My daughter and I had a wonderful time with Mark at Jamaican Roots Tropical Farm. Mark picked us up at our resort which made for a relaxing and start to the experience. We went for the taste sampling this time, but next time we plan to go for a meal. We both thought of our time at the farm as a highlight of our visit to Negril and we intend to visit again. It is incredible to consider all the work Mark has accomplished since 2020 to establish his farm. The farm is in a beautiful area that is covered with limestone. The area is experiencing drought and recovering from a 2024 hurricane. Nonetheless, Mark has both vision and tenacity and has transformed this space into an idyllic life-affirming place. Mark stacked rocks and poured cement to make the foundation of a verandah overlooking the countryside. He hand-built the steps up to the verandah out of the limestone and some cement. He is building another platform and will eventually offer "glamping," i.e. camping with amenities. He builds all his furniture as well. In addition to these structures, he has poured his heart into the land planting trees and plants. Because of the limestone, this often means digging by hand to remove the limestone rocks. The result is amazing. When we arrived at the farm, we went up to the verandah for the food sampling. While overlooking the countryside, we enjoyed coconut water (in the coconut with a natural straw from a papaya stem). We then had a large plate filled with samplings of fruit grown on the farm. He also served us the best shake I ever had or will have until I return. Meanwhile we played with the friendly dogs and cats while Mark shared about his farm and we discussed philosophy with Mark and his friend. We then had a tour of the farm. Mark shared about the large variety of plants and trees he is growing... coconuts, papayas, pineapple, cherimoya, naseberry, beans, watermelon, and so much more including fruits and plants I can't name. We learned about how the drought and hurricane impacted his farm and what he has done to help the plants and land recover. He knew all the plants, many of which are used for teas or tonics. He wastes nothing. For example, he planted the top of the pineapple we had just sampled. He uses only organic methods and individually tends to all his plants and trees. I only wish I had taken more photos to share with you.

Really interesting tour and amazing lunch - Visiting Mark's farm was one of many highlights on our trip to Negril. Mark came to pick us up in his transport from negril town and dropped us back off. He prepared a large fruit platter so that we could try many of the fruits that he is growing on his plot. Many were completely new to us and it was really interesting to learn about them. Mark was very knowledgeable and engaging as we toured the farm. It's quite hilly terrain so good footwear is a must and a sun hat is also advised. We had an amazing lunch and fruit drinks prepared by Mark and his colleague. We really learnt a lot and it was really good to go up into the hills to see the landscape up close. Would definitely recommend this tour if you are visiting Negril.

Excellent tour for anyone looking to learn about plants and farming in Jamaica - My wife and I had a wonderful time at Mark's hilltop farm. He walked us through the farm and told us his story of becoming a farmer. We were blown away with his methods of overcoming challenges in cultivating plants in the rough terrain. He also served us fruit platters and smoothies at the end. The pick-up/drop-off was very convenient as well. Not many mosquitoes around but recommend putting on bug spray before the tour just in case. Highly recommend!

Natural beauty and tranquility in the heart of Negril - This trip is a complete getaway from the Negril beach scene. Nestled up in the hills, Mark’s farm holds an astonishing array of plants and trees. Since 2020 Mark and his neighbour (Manley, a plantain farmer) have been reclaiming the land from the forest and carving out a lush tropical hideaway in the hills. Mark is also a talented chef and carpenter/ wood carving expert, the farmhouse is perched high up on the hill and provides an uniquely beautiful airy spot to rest and try a fruit platter or full meal if you add it on to your trip. We had the jerk chicken with pumpkin rice, and vegetables which was superb. The terrain is rough so wear sturdy footwear and be prepared to clamber around, but it is 100% worth it to see the variety of fauna that has been crammed into this modest plot.

Delicious food and friendly staff! - We had a brilliant day at Mark's farm! We were collected from our hotel in Negril around 9am-ish, and travelled to the farm. The driver was friendly and taught us about the area on the way. The farm is authentic and you can tell a lot of love has gone into it. Mark, who owns the farm walks you around personally, pointing out all of the produce he grows, and talks about how it is grown and will answer any questions you have about the produce. He picks leaves and fruits and cuts them up for you to try - it doesn't get any fresher than that! The scenery is BEAUTIFUL! it isn't a traditional farm with set walkways (and that is the beauty of it!) Make sure you wear sensible shoes as the ground isn't flat and you will be walking across rocky hills. The tour ends in the farm house, everyone gets a huge plate of fruit each and a freshly made smoothie - both were delicious and really fresh. We opted for the tour option with a meal and we are all so glad we did, we had a mix of fish and jerk chicken between us, with veggies and rice. Really lovely food. You aren't rushed and we were allowed to sit and enjoy our food in our own time. Jo and Mark's hospitality was great - they couldnt do enough for us - would highly recommend. Thanks again. Tip - wear trainers/walking shoes and bring cash if you want other drinks in addition to the smoothies.

Amazing farm with an exceptional tour - Wonderful experience, the highlight of our trip! Jamaican Roots is a small and diverse farm with lots of interesting plants to see, smell and taste. Mark lead a great tour, talking us through all the interesting Jamaican produce. All of us (aged 12-78) had an amazing time! After the tour, Mark and Jo hosted us very generously, offering us DELICIOUS fresh fruit and smoothies. The farm is 100% worth a visit would recommend :) Worth wearing sturdy shoes and opting for the tour with lunch included 😋

Authentic Jamaican Experience - This tour is so unique, special and relaxing. If you want to understand some of the history, uses and properties of the fauna and flora of Jamaica then Mark's Jamaican Roots Tropical Tour is the best. This is a slow paced tour where you'll get to taste and drink top quality organic fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables and see how they grow in the most tranquil setting. In addition to the tour, there's an optional extra to have Mark cook you a meal. This is worth it and highly recommended. He's an amazing chef and his seasoning is perfect. Indeed, he's such a great host he will also pick you up and drop you off if you stay in Negril. Throughout the day you can wander about or sit and relax and let the animals, insects and lizards entertain you. You will walk away questioning many things about how we cultivate food, how much of Jamaica's fauna and flora is tied to its history, the power of the weather (the hurricane damage is extensive) and how much effort it takes to work the land. You won't be disappointed with the time spent at the farm. It gives a real sense of why the land of Jamaica was, and still is, prized. N.B. I recommend booking via Mark's website so you can book the meal or any other additional services he offers such as the pickup. Plus wear sturdy footwear because you'll be walking through land that is rocky, inclined and dense.

Once in a life time... - Once in a life time experience! Mark is highly talented as an artist and farmer. He is inspiring, motivating, and also has INCREDIBLE fruit. We got a private tasting of fruit, as well as a smoothie, a drink, and even treated to the best lobster cooked on the grill I have ever had. The entire trip felt more like hanging out with a friend then anything else. We felt incredibly lucky to have this experience! We wish you all the best Mark!

Don't miss Jamaican Roots farm in Negril! - We really enjoyed our tour of Jamaican Roots farm. Mark picked us up at our spot, prepared a delicious breakfast plate with fruits and veggies harvested on the farm, coconut water from the source, and gave us an informative walkaround tour of the farm. He is very knowledgeable about crops, farming practices, and doing it DIY-style. His accomplishments are inspiring and we encourage you to take this tour!

The driver left me - A driver came to pick me up, who was not my original driver that the company provided. He gave me the wrong name and couldn’t provide my name. When I asked him to confirm that I was his pickup, he got and his car and took off. Called the company and they couldn’t confirm who was picking me up and said my original driver wasn’t answering the phone. The tour ended up being canceled. Very suspicious and very unsafe!