It’s a well-practised habit for developers to mow down trees and clear land space to satisfy their ultimate goal: to build! Not all developers, however, choose to go this route. There are a few who so love Mother Nature that, out of abiding respect for her, she is left unharmed. Mystic Mountain’s directors Mike Drakulich, Norma Clarke, and the late Barbara Lulich and Horace Clarke are and indeed were devotees of environmental preservation. SO revisits the eco-friendly St Ann attraction.

Mystic Mountain Rainforest — one of Ocho Rios’s premier attractions built over a period of 10 months — sits on prime real estate. It is spread over an estimated 100 acres of forested land and is situated immediately across the street from Dolphin Cove. The vast property ascends 700 feet to overlook the resort town and was declared “a destination-defining attraction” by Carnival Cruise Lines ahead of its opening three years ago. Little wonder really the attraction befits the Carnival-assigned label, as its existence came about with great pains being taken not to disrupt the natural environment it envelops.

Mike Drakulich and the late Barbara Lulich told SO in 2008 that in developing the design, care was exercised “to dramatically reduce the impact to the forest environment…we were able to protect the lush vegetation”. This was accomplished by using the latest design in chairlift towers – the ‘F’ tower along with helicopters to transport equipment and construction material to the site, thus preserving the natural surroundings.

Indeed, Mystic Mountain, which features a Zip Line, a bobsled ride, and a sky lift among its main amenities, is a testament to the true beauty of Mother Nature: untouched and well preserved! Metres of the bobsled track were hand-carried through the forest, while the track itself hugs the natural limestone cliff through the sloping hilly interior. The bathroom facilities too are green-friendly, with compost toilets in place that are completely waterless. This bypasses the need for a sewer.

Director Mike Drakulich is himself big on eco-friendliness, and his passion for environmental preservation extends beyond the business he helped to establish. At his own home, also in St Ann, Drakulich generates his own electricity (no JPS service for him) by utilising alternative methods, most notably from solar and wind power sources.

Mystic Mountain Rainforest is located on the Dunn’s River Main Road in Ocho Rios, St Ann. You can make enquiries or reservations by calling 974-3990-1.