Rosemary Parkinson, Contributor
Left: A view of the ocean from one of the downstairs rooms. Right: Nothing like dining with a view like this every evening - watching the setting sun. - PHOTOS BY ROSEMARY PARKINSON
Marblue Villas
Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth
For reservations: (876) 965-3408
WHEN I find good news I have to report. And I am happy to say, there is good, wonderful, peaceful, serene, beautiful, exhilarating, tantalising news. I have found my Marblue. Owned by a German couple, Axel and Andrea Wichterich, Marblue Villas, an away-from-home sanctuary, has been used since inception (about four years) not only by visitor's from abroad but by Kingstonians who wish to get away from the madding crowd.
During last year's Calabash festival I had seen the villa's sign, had heard the 'whisperings' but the festival had me far too riveted to want to go poking around properties. However, I got my chance (a couple of weeks before Easter), to be inquisitive and to snoop around - photographer Cookie Kinkead having booked us into Marblue as we scoured St. Elizabeth during our island travels.
As you all know, there is nothing I love better than to investigate. Even more exciting for me was that both owners were not on property. In my experience, many a time when owners are away, those in charge will play. Well, play the staff did. They played straight into my heart and I can report that Axel and Andrea have nothing to worry about - it is obvious to me that this 'small hotel family' is as closely knitted as ackee and
saltfish. One would have believed the place belonged to the employees - there was so much care, attention to detail and on top of all, that great nosh. This means the Wichterichs have trained their staff well in every aspect of hospitality, giving them due respect and trust. In turn, the staff understands the seriousness behind that respect and trust which allows them to indulge in much needed breaks without worries.
ACCOMMODATION
Our suites with large balconies like open living rooms, furnished simply with cedar and bamboo pieces, provided a view to the sea that was most welcome after a day of driving. I used the air-conditioned room for the much-required-cool-off from the hot sun to regain my strength and, after a cold shower (my choice), sat on the balcony to be soothed by the sound of the ocean's lapping waves and the sweet breezes. Here I could make my notes, reorganise my mind and simply relax and be renewed before going down to our table set poolside especially to 'spoil' us. We enjoyed the glorious sunset touching the seas and land, slowly changing the colours of everything into a darkish-blue with touches of yellow, leaving the skies a deep indigo before being lit up by the sparkles of our own island stars. Can't you just feel the mood? As I sit here writing this, I can almost smell that wonderful St. Elizabeth air and taste the saltiness that being by the ocean brings. And talking tastes, let us now talk food.
THE PREACHER MAN
'Preacher' was our chef. Actually 'Preacher' was more than just a chef. He was our host, our comedian, our entertainer and our seriously devoted man-of-the-kitchen.
'Preacher', whose real name must remain an enigma, not only provided us with some fantastic dinners and breakfasts but also helped in the organisation of some of the much required photography. For all his help and patience in front the camera, I have to give him much praises and thanks.
Synonymous with Marblue for some two years, 'Preacher' fits right in as though he had always been there. "I have learned a lot from Axel. I love it here and it is my goal to always do my best. I always loved cooking but Axel helped me to take it even further especially with our traditional Jamaican food; here we change it up and make it special," he told me on our first night insisting we try a specialty that Axel concocted - Oxtail topped with Red Snapper in Coconut Milk. At first, I have to admit, I was horrified at the thought but, once served and tasted, the combination proved to be quite different and indeed a delight.
Breakfast brought up the best of traditional fare with the added attraction of freshly squeezed orange juice and a bevy of island fruits - the latter including what St. Elizabeth is so famous for, its delightfully sweet melons. On the second night, it was all about a huge red snapper, perfectly seasoned, crisply fried and smothered in roasted vegetables of the day. Our last morning produced a breakfast of Creole scrambled eggs with all the accoutrements necessary to pump up the energy required to continue on our journey. To all the staff, Sheryl Abrahams, Claudette Crow, 'Natty' the gardener - continue, do not change except forward. Give always of your best for it is a path that can only lead to success. To 'Preacher' - just stay as sweet as you are. Marblue - you get my stamp of total approval.
St. Elizabeth is gearing up for the Calabash International Literary Festival beginning May 26 and although there must already hardly be a corner available to sleep on, if you are planning to go, the time is now to try and find one, even if it is as far away as Culloden Villas or Sandals Whitehouse. Good luck in your late search!
'Never make de ocean find you without a thought in you brain' - 'The Painted Canoe' by Anthony C. Winkler
