Island gems - Kanopi House
Published:Sunday | February 24, 2013 | 12:00 AM
Latoya Grindley, Staff Reporter
Jamaica is known for its exotic natural beauty, with attractions and locations spanning across all 14 parishes. Truly blessed, the island boasts a number of 'gems', some of which have already captivated the hearts of many. But there are still an abundance of relatively unknown and sometimes undiscovered local paradise.
Today, Outlook brings the first in our series of Island Gems. We will take you on location with us to some of the most amazing spots on our little island. So if you are looking for a new favourite spot to frolic or a getaway retreat, Island Gems have you covered. Sit back and enjoy the ride as we enjoy Jamaica in true island style!
Nestled high in the quiet hills of Portland, Kanopi House is a place of relaxation and retreat. The off road track to our destination leads to a trail of overgrown trees which is a true reflection of what guests can expect - nature at its best.
But then the trees part and you are greeted by a wooden structure resonating calm and solitude, which is the true essence of Kanopi House.
Doubling as the lobby and meeting area, the room boasts a picturesque view beyond the tops of towering tree to the neighbouring white sand beaches.
While waiting to be taken on our adventure, we were instructed to get cozy (not that it was hard to) and enjoy the serene atmosphere, which was only a taste of what the property has to offer.
With rooms classified as tree houses, they are all made out of wood that is durable and perfect for the jungle-like atmosphere.
According to our tour guide, Norman Livingston, who is more commonly called 'Boxer' by colleagues and visitors, the fixtures inside the rooms complement the frames.
"The buildings are
really made of galvanised pine and the fixtures are made out of cedar.
The boards that we have here do not attract insects, do not bend and do
not squeak. When you are here, everything is just
perfect."
Intimate setting
The six
tree houses are strategically secluded on a hillside, each boasting an
outdoor or enclosed balcony.
A very intimate setting,
visitors are given top-notch service which can also include a customised
package. This allows guests to take advantage of an all-inclusive
package or just opt for accommodation only.
Jack of
all trades at Kanopi House, Carla Vanloock, has been there for eight
years and says that guests immediately fall in love with the
service.
"Everything is very homely here. We give
personal attention to all our guests on top of the already relaxing
environment."
A favourite for many locals and
foreigners, Kanopi House has repeat visitors and has been the preferred
choice for friends or families who like the discreet
location.
"Oh yes, we have many locals coming by,
especially during holidays. And we have also allowed parties, which many
of them enjoy when they come here."
Outside of the
private location which allows you to tune out life's many distractions
(which is perhaps the biggest selling point of Kanopi House), the
attraction is just metres away from the Blue Lagoon.
A
main attraction in Portland, guests can walk from their rooms and head
down to the 'waters' where they will be transported by Boxer to their
preferred area of choice on the lagoon.
Guests can
also enjoy water excursions, whether by boat or kayaks to the nearby
Monkey Island or San San Beach for some sun, sand and
sea.
Perfect for those who are in need of a hideaway,
an escape to relax and unwind, Kanopi House is just the place to do
that!
Kanopi House can be contacted at (876) 632-3213
or website:
http://www.kanopihouse.com