Earth Day is Everyday at Kanopi House

Almond Tree House exterior
Yesterday was Earth Day. So, it was perfectly fitting that I'd spend the afternoon at beautiful Kanopi House. As with all treasures, this property has an elusive quality to it, being cleverly tucked between the Dragon Bay hotel and the villa-lined bay of the Blue Lagoon. Once you've found it though, you realise you've struck gold. This gem features six eco-friendly tree-houses all made and bearing the names of regional hardwood; Spanish Elm, Sweetwood or Almond Tree.

The entire trip was an other-wordly experience for me, even by Port Antonio standards. However, the highpoints of my visit were the outdoor shower at the Spanish Elm house, everything about the Almond Tree house and the view from the main dining area. A picture may say a thousand words, but nothing beats seeing it in person. I really hope you get a chance to see first-hand.

All in all, I'm immensely grateful to Jacqui Neil, property manager, for the invitation and also for being such a gracious hostess. Its one Earth Day I won't soon forget.


(l)The Canopy-lined road leading to Kanopi House. (r) Yellow Poui flowers on the way to Kanopi House 

(l) Outdoor shower (r) View of Tree Houses

View from main dining area of neighbouring Blue Lagoon Villas and Monkey Island.

Room interior

Section of Almond Tree House Interior

Water Is My Element

I've always been drawn to bodies of water...especially flowing water. So naturally, when I came across this little stream in Comfort Castle, I went right in (camera in tow) and spent the better part of three hours being one with the water. I highly recommend it:)

Reach Falls:: Blissful Serenity

Its been literal decades (won't say how many), since I last visited Reach Falls, yet it still feels blissfully enchanting and serene. I was surprised to find the fees were still quite affordable, even after a spanking new face-lift.

We visited here while my cousin visited last month and hadn't gotten around to posting till now. Now, if you're like me and find the water just a tad bit cold for your liking, then you can always play fashion photog for a day and indulge everyone else's fashion model fantansies.

Here are some of the photos from that trip:


See what I mean about the entrance fees?

Strike a pose, there's nothing to it:-)

Fierce pose Cuz

Great Huts:: Truly Paradise on the Edge

Bona fide Portie lovers come to Port Antonio for three things: natural splendor, serenity and often for anonymity. So, as soon as I set foot on the Great Huts grounds this morning, I understood instantly why its a hit with Portie lovers. I'm still trying to figure out how I manage to live right next door to this place and hadn't the inclination to check it out before today.

Anyway...To think that this was someone's brilliant idea, and that it's an idea that works, is simply amazing. But, who would have thought to nestle bamboo and wooden huts among trees, atop the cliffs overlooking Boston Bay? Fortunately, Paul Rhodes, MD., not only had the idea, but the courage as well to make it reality.  Port Antonio is all the better for it.

Thanks to my wonderful friend and namesake, Renée, for the invite to see what is hands-down the best hut on the property; Fig Tree House. I now know what all the fuss is about.