Regional investment company LF Group of Properties Ltd recently entered a partnership to acquire Hotel Mockingbird Hill (MBH) in Portland.

The transaction, which closed at the start of this month, was done at an undisclosed sale price which founding partner of the LF Group and Chief Creative Officer (COO) William Welch only regarded as being a “significant investment”.

“What I can say is that we’re planning on investing mid-seven to low eight figures (USD) primarily within the Jamaican economy on the project concerning MBH’s renewal as we revitalise the property and go after a type of sustainable development,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

The seven-acre property, acquired from former owners Shireen Aga and Barbara Walker, expands the portfolio of the St Martin-based LF Group, which is a privately held company formed to develop boutique properties. The group also owns and manages the popular Loterie Farm in Rambaud, St Martin.

The LF brand, which has become globally synonymous with “eco-luxe”, noted that it has for more than two decades sought to offer high-end developments built on sustainability. The decision to acquire MBH, Welch said, was therefore a no-brainer as the property aligns well with the group’s vision and mission.

“The focus of our group is the acquisition of extremely unique resort properties which have, for one reason or another, fallen out of current trends in modern and discerning eco-resort guest experiences. Each acquisition is hyper-attentive to the unique elements and intrinsic values of the property, and how the execution of our vision will bring them current while creating a modern and trendy experience which respects the core values of the property, criteria for which Hotel Mockingbird Hill has checked all the boxes,” he said in the acquisition notice.

The eco-friendly property located in Port Antonio is in close proximity to the world-renowned Blue Lagoon and Frenchman Cove attractions with the cost for accommodation priced from as low as US$125 per night. The small boutique hotel now comprises an outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant and 11 rooms with views of the Caribbean Sea.

The upcoming renovation activities, which are slated to be done on a phased basis, already sees the start of some work being done to get the property back to a suitable state where it can comfortably host guests.

“During this phase we have started to refresh the property to put back together the kitchen, dining and common areas. We’re also going to be changing the pool deck as we add some cabanas among things,” Welch further told the Caribbean Business Report as he outlined some of the development plans.

“Later on we will do a much larger renovation, which will see an expansion of the existing 11 room accommodations to include other areas along the seven-acre premises, in the form of elevated wooden hardwood bungalow-styled accommodations,” he added.

The new owners, in their quest to further reposition the unique eco-touristic property as an iconic fixture in the scenic hillsides of Portland, said additional plans to include a new list of offerings spanning a fully comprehensive fitness spa and wellness centre are expected to follow shortly. The inclusion of programmes such as yoga, meditation and new farm-to-table culinary offerings they expect to not only increase patronage but also allow for an elevated guest experience.

“Our goal is to re-examine [the founders] vision through a modern lens. We’re not gemologists, but our goal is to polish this diamond and reposition it in its gorgeous emerald setting for decades to come and we look forward to maintaining the property’s history as we modernise,” Welch said.

Retaining the network of staff and other community partners, the focus of the development, the co-founder said should continue to positively contribute to the economy as it generates more income and employment opportunities for locals.

Following significant levels of investment, the renovated MBH Welch said will also be able to attract the modern eco-tourists with its potential clients largely including those persons who seek after adventure tourism.

“Of great importance to us is also our ability to address the Kingston market which includes those travellers who may want to come to Portland for the weekend or to stage a party, birthday, wedding or any other event. That’s a big market for us and we will be doubling down on it. In light of all our plans, the outlook for growth I would say is excellent and we look forward to some positive returns on our investment,” Welch said.