Rosemary Parkinson, Contributor

Mozzarella sticks with a tomato relish - mmm mmm ... good. - photos by Rosemary Parkinson

Petite and as cute as a button, Johanne MacDonald was born in Montreal, Canada. An architect by profession, an ex-actress/model in California, a property developer in South Beach, this mother of one son is a cancer survivor who had a dream - to own a hotel/restaurant somewhere in the Caribbean for the rest of her days.

Peace and quiet forever, she figured. So she travelled from island to island, but never touched the shores of Jamaica. One day, a friend (who thought she was quite mad but understood her desire) emailed her about a broken down old property between Boscobel and Ocho Rios that was for sale.

Arriving in Ocho Rios, some torturous determined bidding, and this totally dilapidated old property was hers. Later, a return to Montego Bay with a container following, a same day trip to Port Maria to purchase a truck, followed by the hiring of 93 workers and Johanne was ready. Today, two years later, and stories that could make a sequel to Don't Stop, Johanne has realised her dream and Moxons is a testament to where there is a will, there is a way.

NOT WANTING TO LEAVE PARADISE

We booked in for one day and stayed two. Moxons is like that; you just don't want to leave. Having been escorted to our unbelievably comfortable, exquisitely decorated rooms, bright and cleaned to perfection, the 'deliciousness' of being made so welcome made me ponder that perhaps Sunset Resort's owner should visit Moxons to be trained under Johanne. This is the way to run a property. As Johanne later explained, "One must always think of the guests, their likes, dislikes and needs. For instance, Moxons 'adopted' Ras Lewis McCalla exactly for this purpose. Ras worked renovating the hotel, but once there was no more work, he sat determined outside our gate until I couldn't stand it anymore and let him in. He used to work at the old Moxons and is indeed my treasure. He not only lives on property but if one of the guests requires food in the middle of the night, Ras will get up and cook it with pleasure."

When we first arrived, Johanne was in Kingston, so we were at the mercy of the staff. But I imme-diately sensed a feeling of pride and a desire to ensure that we were well looked after.

One big happy family

Moxons restaurant overlooks a most beautiful bay (our rooms came with same view and a large balcony), and again, that welcoming spirit. Great smiles that were not 'put on' just for us, but were part and parcel of wanting visitors to feel at home. From breakfast to dinner, we ate heartily, enjoying the view and the coolness coming off the ocean. We enjoyed delicious traditional breakfasts, great lunches and sweet dinners. Some of the fare tried; mozzarella sticks served with tomato and fresh basil - not greasy, just crunchy and fresh, the dip adding that little panache to a simple appetiser.

The island conch fritters with rundown sauce were melt-in-your-mouth fine and the pickled vegetables served with it ... an idea that many a restaurant can utilise when leftover veggies are available. Ackee and saltfish on bammy; pasta with sautéed shrimp served with a cilantro sauce; jerk chicken stuffed with callaloo served with fresh salad go straight into my next book. Daily dessert brought a favourite - bread pudding with rum sauce. Johanne says a new menu is being created with staff.

"I cannot boil water but I am very good at tasting. I have always been one to dine out, and knew from day one how a restaurant should run. Having owned properties with tenants, I also learned the hospitality business. I try to ensure that my guests feel comfortable, safe and don't get bored. I encourage them to go out, meet the wonderful Jamaican people, eat their food and enjoy. Respect is all that is required anywhere in the world, and Jamaica is no different. My staff are as close as family. Clean is my motto for 'cleanliness is next to godliness'. If the property is maintained right down to the littlest of details, the staff will take pride in being part of it. Then there's team spirit, no attitude, and no losing of character. This is the simple recipe for having a great hotel with good staff that I can rely on right through the good and bad times."

I went online to Trip Advisor on Johanne's advice and saw that all who have visited Moxons just cannot wait to return. I am, happily, one of those!

"Hosanna, you build your house. Yes, alleluia, you never expect it." Lorna Goodison's 'Goldengrove: New and Selected Poems'.

The restaurant is well appointed and always spotless with tables set and ready.

The conch fritters served with pickled vegetables was fine.

Ras Lewis proudly brings his escoveitch mix for Johanne to taste.

Jerk chicken stuffed with callaloo served with fries and salad was excellent.

The above statement does NOT refer to Sunset Resorts, Jamaica, but to a property in Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth. We apologise for any embarrassment or inconvenience caused.