The Judy House:A slice of old-time Jamaica

Claudia Gardner, Assignment Coordinator

WESTERN BUREAU:The Judy House in West End Negril sits on just a quarter acre of land, but the property has a whole lot to offer to Jamaica's accommodations sector in terms of an authentic old-time, feel-good Jamaican living experience.

"For me, I have been in Jamaica for more than 25 years, and Jamaica has always been good to me, and the Jamaican people have always been good to me, and I think I want to pass on my experience [to tourists] of actually being in the real Jamaica," operator Sue McKenzie told Western Focus.

Located in Westland Mountain, a stone's throw from the West End main road in the resort town, the five-year-old property consists of two immaculately kept polished cottages and five dorm rooms named after tropical fruits - Banana, Mango, Guava, Papaya, and Jackfruit.

The two self-contained cottages - Judy House (the original cottage) and Kim's Place - are ideal for guests who simply want to get cosy and have a romantic, private time by themselves; however, if needs be, they are able to accommodate up to three people comfortably. Both cottages are made of Jamaican cedar and are fully furnished. They consist of a bedroom, private bathroom featuring a hot-water walk-in shower, a fully equipped kitchen, a front veranda, and a private patio.

According to McKenzie, the dorms are ideal for backpackers and groups that want to experience the Jamaican countryside, while the beach and other tourist-related amenities are only a few minutes' walk away. The dorms are accompanied by two communal bathroom facilities and two fully equipped communal kitchens.

OTHER FEATURES

The property consists of lush tropical foliage, and also has a wet-weather gazebo. It also features a large patio with table and chairs, loungers, outdoor baths, and a shower perched above a rock garden.

The Judy House is home to many tropical fruit trees, including breadfruit, guineps, plums, citrus, bananas, and plantains, from which fruits can be picked and eaten, or cooked - if needs be - at the guests' pleasure.

One of the interesting aspects of the property is the small Honesty Bar, which offers fruit juices, sodas, and other beverages. The Honesty Bar is a self-service bar, and is open 24 hours per day.

According to McKenzie, guests are encouraged to simply take whatever they desire, note it in a book provided at the bar, and pay whenever they are ready, or at the end of their stay.

The Judy House, after five years in operation, appears to have made a name for itself because it has received almost 100 per cent thumbs up by its visitors on TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site, where it is now ranked as No. 2 of 35 'Speciality Lodging in Negril'.