Great Time at Great Huts, Portland

by Kaycia Farquharson, owner and operator of www.iriefinds.com
(Kingston, Jamaica)

Last August, my family and I decided to escape the heat and congestion of Kingston, where we live. We decided to make it Portland this time.

To me, Portland is Jamaica's most beautiful parish. There are so many sceneries, even just on the drive up, that look like those photoshopped, tropical paradise pictures you see in travel magazines.

My family is always on the hunt for some new, exotic getaway right here in Jamaica that fits our budget. We came upon Great Huts. Boy, were we in for a treat!

Off the beaten track (that road is really a track!) and nothing like we've ever experienced. We knew the weekend was off to a fabulous start because the property is on the very road (or track) as the famous Boston Jerk Centre. Lunch and Dinner: Check!

The staff was friendly and accommodating and checking in was a breeze. We stayed in the Kaya (all the huts have names) and my kids were thoroughly amused and surprised. Mostly because we were actually staying in a hut; dirt floor, fabric "walls" and all. Like I said, it was nothing like we've ever seen (in real life). The beds were surprisingly comfortable and we had adequate space for the four of us.

The property itself is simply charming. Huts are nestled in the mini tropical jungle, complete with birds, turtles, fishes and some cats my boys wanted to kidnap. We used an outdoor, communal shower (what!) with an actual tree growing in the stall.

The property was a joy to explore. There is a boardwalk along the cliff's edge with a view of the Caribbean Sea to die for. We saw a few brave souls diving from the cliff's edge. The property's tiny beach has something like a cave, complete with beach chairs. Great for some private and relaxing time. Every morning, we waded a few meters across the shallow (but rocky) water to a pristine local beach which provided us with countless hours of fun swimming. In the afternoons, some local guys came and showed off their surfing skills. What a treat. While we were there, that beach was never crowded, most times we were among a handful of swimmers.

Great huts has a small pool right on the cliff's edge. It's not big enough, nor shaped for swimming, but a really awesome spot, in my opinion, to hang out with that special someone (in my case, persons) and allow the expanse of the Caribbean Sea to hypnotize you.

Breakfast was included in our rate and was delicious and filling each morning. We had dinner at the restaurant once. During dinner, they had a drumming and dancing show, which was quite entertaining.

The whole decor of the property is minimalist, earthy, rustic and cozy. They have some pretty cool wooden sculptures too, like the life sized giraffe in the upstairs dining room.

There is so much I could say about this very unique spot.

The bottom line is: it was fun, different, relaxing and quite reasonable. My kids were convinced it was like Africa (too much National Geographic) and loved every minute of it.


Wellesley's Note

Thanks for the wonderful review of Great Huts Kaycia! I agree with you 100%, it is a nothing like most people would have seen in real life!

I was there five years ago, and love every minute of it, below is my review, for those who might be interested.

It seems so long and aged, but I'm sure someone will find some value in it. www.my-island-jamaica.com/great_huts.html

Thanks again my friend, and all the best with your new project!

Regards,
Wellesley

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