THE ADVENTUROUS "MR. MOTIVATOR" - JAMAICA TOURIST ISSUE 14
In the hills of St. Ann outside Ocho Rios lies Free Hill, the home of the new and innovative adventure H’Evans Scent. The name is derived from owner Derrick Evans, a renowned Jamaican-British motivation and fitness guru, who incorporated his surname and the heavenly ‘scent’ of the flowers blowing through the valley into the company name. Meeting Evans, who goes by the name “Mr. Motivator”, is actually an adventure in itself as he tirelessly injects his bountiful energy into every visitor that takes the 15 minute journey into the hills. Partake in adrenaline filled activities such as zip-line gliding, ATV ride and the latest and greatest in Jamaica; paintball games. Or simply enjoy moments of complete serenity in the comfort of this peaceful hilltop retreat or at its beachside location.
The colorful attraction of H’Evans Scent is hard to miss and having entered its gates, you immediately know that you have arrived at a very special place. “You can lay on the beach anywhere in the world,” says Mr. Motivator and continues, “What makes Jamaica unique are the people, the music, the mountains and our flora and fauna.”
Mr. Motivator, who does not color-coordinate his socks or the paint colors of his buildings, uses any color he comes across and in the end, it all seems to work perfectly. Evans’ eco-tourism attraction is perfect for families who want to enjoy some quality time together or individuals and groups looking for that unique experience. Spend your 2 - 3 hour visit participating in one of several fun-filled activities or relax to the backdrop of the breathtaking scenery which despite the many adrenaline rush activities has a peaceful atmosphere.
Upon arrival at H’Evans Scent, visitors are warmly greeted with a natural fruit drink in a bamboo or coconut cup. After a brief orientation of the many adventures available, you may also have a chat with local herbalist Mama TunTun, a beloved, alternative health advisor to people in the surrounding communities.
Ready for action? Get your harness on and off you go to the first of four zip-lines available. Climb the staples of a 30 foot pole, to arrive at the platform of the zip-line ‘Leap of Faith’, from there, you zip 440 feet across the valley into the secure grip of catchers waiting to remove you from the line. Take on the more challenging ‘Short and Spicy’ line, which offers a free fall of 12 feet before you start travelling forward, or try the 1,200 ft. ‘Awesome’, said to be the longest zip-line in Jamaica. Lastly, the 1,000 ft. ‘Quickie’ and a sway on the giant swing will definitely finish off your hunger for thrills.
Numerous tracks flanked by heliconias, crotons, plantains, almond and coconut trees will take you back to base from each of the ziplines, and you can even dally awhile in one of the gazebos and hammocks en route.
When you are through with the ziplines, it is onto the ATV track for a four-wheel bike ride. The track is a safe place to master your ATV riding skills, and once proficient, you can attempt to beat the track time and pick up a certificate. H’Evans Scent offer two bikes for kids above the age of 12 years while other riders have to be over 16.
Mr. Motivator has recently added “Paintsplat”, the first adrenaline rushing, Jamaica Tourist Board licensed, ‘paintball pit’ in Jamaica, to his array of fun activities. Enjoyed by millions of people worldwide, paintball is a game that combines teamwork, skill and fun into the ultimate experience. With safety being the number one concern during the “Painsplat” games at H’Evans Scent, you will be briefed on the basic rules of play. Perfect for beginners, the basic package includes a “player’s kit” with marker, mask, a CO2 tank and 150 paintball shots. Group packages with kits and paintball shots for 10 to 20 players are also available. Children must be over 10 years old and everybody is expected to wear appropriate clothing. A second ‘pit’ was recently opened near Martha Brae, Trelawny.
At an elevation of 2,000 ft., the mountain based attraction employs 22 people and is the only workplace in the area. Not only a source of income for many locals, working at H’Evans Scent also has other benefits. Due to the high illiteracy rate, Mr. Motivator offers reading classes and other staff training. “We want to teach our people ambition to go further. One of our former staff members continued with evening classes and now works on a cruise ship,” states Evans, who made his long-term plan of coming back to Jamaica before he turned 50 a reality.
You can spend the morning at H’Evans Scent ‘on the hill’ before moving onto H’Evans Scent ‘on the beach’ in Priory, only 20 minutes away, where you can swim, relax, eat, play board games or simply enjoy the peace and tranquility of the private beach. Fun teambuilding days, wellbeing weekends and retreats, yoga and fitness classes can be arranged in this inspiring environment. Call 847-5592 or 427-4866 or visit www.hevansscent.com.
The colorful attraction of H’Evans Scent is hard to miss and having entered its gates, you immediately know that you have arrived at a very special place. “You can lay on the beach anywhere in the world,” says Mr. Motivator and continues, “What makes Jamaica unique are the people, the music, the mountains and our flora and fauna.”
Mr. Motivator, who does not color-coordinate his socks or the paint colors of his buildings, uses any color he comes across and in the end, it all seems to work perfectly. Evans’ eco-tourism attraction is perfect for families who want to enjoy some quality time together or individuals and groups looking for that unique experience. Spend your 2 - 3 hour visit participating in one of several fun-filled activities or relax to the backdrop of the breathtaking scenery which despite the many adrenaline rush activities has a peaceful atmosphere.
Upon arrival at H’Evans Scent, visitors are warmly greeted with a natural fruit drink in a bamboo or coconut cup. After a brief orientation of the many adventures available, you may also have a chat with local herbalist Mama TunTun, a beloved, alternative health advisor to people in the surrounding communities.
Ready for action? Get your harness on and off you go to the first of four zip-lines available. Climb the staples of a 30 foot pole, to arrive at the platform of the zip-line ‘Leap of Faith’, from there, you zip 440 feet across the valley into the secure grip of catchers waiting to remove you from the line. Take on the more challenging ‘Short and Spicy’ line, which offers a free fall of 12 feet before you start travelling forward, or try the 1,200 ft. ‘Awesome’, said to be the longest zip-line in Jamaica. Lastly, the 1,000 ft. ‘Quickie’ and a sway on the giant swing will definitely finish off your hunger for thrills.
Numerous tracks flanked by heliconias, crotons, plantains, almond and coconut trees will take you back to base from each of the ziplines, and you can even dally awhile in one of the gazebos and hammocks en route.
When you are through with the ziplines, it is onto the ATV track for a four-wheel bike ride. The track is a safe place to master your ATV riding skills, and once proficient, you can attempt to beat the track time and pick up a certificate. H’Evans Scent offer two bikes for kids above the age of 12 years while other riders have to be over 16.
Mr. Motivator has recently added “Paintsplat”, the first adrenaline rushing, Jamaica Tourist Board licensed, ‘paintball pit’ in Jamaica, to his array of fun activities. Enjoyed by millions of people worldwide, paintball is a game that combines teamwork, skill and fun into the ultimate experience. With safety being the number one concern during the “Painsplat” games at H’Evans Scent, you will be briefed on the basic rules of play. Perfect for beginners, the basic package includes a “player’s kit” with marker, mask, a CO2 tank and 150 paintball shots. Group packages with kits and paintball shots for 10 to 20 players are also available. Children must be over 10 years old and everybody is expected to wear appropriate clothing. A second ‘pit’ was recently opened near Martha Brae, Trelawny.
At an elevation of 2,000 ft., the mountain based attraction employs 22 people and is the only workplace in the area. Not only a source of income for many locals, working at H’Evans Scent also has other benefits. Due to the high illiteracy rate, Mr. Motivator offers reading classes and other staff training. “We want to teach our people ambition to go further. One of our former staff members continued with evening classes and now works on a cruise ship,” states Evans, who made his long-term plan of coming back to Jamaica before he turned 50 a reality.
You can spend the morning at H’Evans Scent ‘on the hill’ before moving onto H’Evans Scent ‘on the beach’ in Priory, only 20 minutes away, where you can swim, relax, eat, play board games or simply enjoy the peace and tranquility of the private beach. Fun teambuilding days, wellbeing weekends and retreats, yoga and fitness classes can be arranged in this inspiring environment. Call 847-5592 or 427-4866 or visit www.hevansscent.com.
