Nigel, the groundsman at Great Huts Eco-Tourism Resort, Portland, shows off the Tabernacle Annex, one of the African-style tents which reflect the owner's, Dr. Paul Rhodes' affinity for African-style architecture and art. - Photos by Tesi Johnson
The standard vacation concept across much of Jamaica is the villa. This is the suggestion of the owner of Great Huts Eco-Tourism Resort, Portland, 'Jamerican' Dr. Paul Rhodes. I agreed, adding that many of the generic villas and 'all-inclusives' are so disconnected from the actual Jamaican experience, they might as well be located in another country with a nice beach. Still, not all Jamaican resorts can be described that way.
Tesi Johnson, Gleaner Writer
The Afrocentric un-villa
Nestled In the cliffs behind the Boston Jerk Centre, overlooking Boston Bay, is the Great Huts Resort, an Afrocentric take on the bed and breakfast concept. It comprises a collection of African-style huts, tents and tree houses interspersed through the jungle-like terrain.
The Great Huts twist on eco-tourism is an overt celebration of Jamaica's rich African heritage, and epitomises the 'un-villa', as explained by Dr. Rhodes.
"Villas have nothing to do with the Taino peoples of the Caribbean nor with the building styles of the African people," he laments. "I am drawn to the beauty of African art," he says, and so he sought to recreate a peaceful African village outfitted with art and furnishings. "I enjoy and feel empowered by solitude. Mother nature abounds at Great Huts and I trust that like-minded travellers find beauty, tranquility and fun here too."
Beauty abounds in the physical landscape of the property. With its majestic topography, secluded nooks, and breathtaking views that just about anyone can appreciate - lovers moreso - tranquility in the rustling of the trees and the gentle lull of the Caribbean sea below, you can relax in an environment reminiscent of that which Adam and Eve lost. You can also have fun interacting with the people at the resort and the surrounding Boston Bay community, who are an attraction in themselves.
Minimalist setting
The minimalist setting might alarm the consummate Kingstonian and I, a born and bred city girl, admit to being taken aback by the absence of a few handy modern amenities. Once I learnt of their free Internet access, I stopped hyperventilating. I can live without anything short of food and water so long as I can check my email. But as I suspected, the Great Huts team is has a challenge on its hands in attracting Kingstonians and other Jamaicans to the resort, who Dr. Rhodes believes, "prefer more traditional hotels and greater luxury". As such, most guests are American professionals in their '30s and some are Europeans. Still, Dr. Rhodes thinks that those "who love nature and feel comfortable in an Afrocentric environment can essentially have a 'weekend home' here", Jamaicans included. He asserts that the resort is for everyone, from lovers seeking seclusion and families with young children, to fit seniors looking for an adventure.
Ranked best Bed and Breakfast
Though still a 'baby resort', open for just over three years, Great Huts has already been recognised for its unique product. It was voted 'Best Environment of Small Jamaica Resort' by the London Observer, awarded the Author's Choice for north-east Jamaica by Lonely Planet and registers as the 'Best Bed and Breakfast' in Port Antonio on Tripadviser.com, Dr. Rhodes explains.
"A lucky start, I guess," says Dr. Rhodes. "Yeah right," I say.
Luck cannot effect the vision for the unconventional lodgings that would capture the admiration of people from across the world. That vision - the essence of Africa on the natural jungle landscape of the jagged rocky cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea and the Boston Bay - has worked. However, his vision is not yet complete.
"I'd love to build a few dramatic dwellings inspired by pictures of African temples and handsomely painted mud huts (using concrete because of the moisture here) as illustrated in many books on African art and building styles in the Great Huts mini-library," says Dr. Rhodes.
Other developments
But, despite its early success, Great Huts will not be franchised or replicated. "I truly do not want to build or clone Great Huts," he says, even though he admits that building in African style outside of Africa, whether it's building hotels or residential communities, is a potentially exciting opportunity.
For the next few years, his focus will be working to develop the surrounding communities whose members so affectionately call him 'Dr. Paul'. Working in collaboration with a number of other persons, 'Dr. Paul' hopes to open the Port Antonio Rehabilitation Centre for the homeless and construct a simple homeless shelter.
The lobby/lounge at Great Huts Eco-Tourism Resort, Portland. There, amid the minimalist Afrocentric decor, guests can enjoy their free Internet access.
aback by the absence of a few handy modern amenities. Once I learnt of their free Internet access, I stopped hyperventilating. I can live without anything, short of food and water, as long as I can check my email. But as I suspected, the Great Huts team has a challenge on its hands in attracting Kingstonians and other Jamaicans to the resort, who Dr. Rhodes believes, "prefer more traditional hotels and greater luxury". As such, most guests are American professionals in their '30s and some are Europeans. Still, Dr. Rhodes thinks that those "who love nature and feel comfortable in an Afrocentric environment can essentially have a 'weekend home' here", Jamaicans included. He asserts that the resort is for everyone, from lovers seeking seclusion and families with young children, to fit seniors looking for an adventure.
Ranked best Bed and Breakfast
Though still a 'baby resort', open for just over three years, Great Huts has already been recognised for its unique product. It was voted 'Best Environment of Small Jamaica Resort' by the London Observer, awarded the Author's Choice for north-east Jamaica by Lonely Planet and registers as the 'Best Bed and Breakfast' in Port Antonio on Tripadviser.com, Dr. Rhodes explains.
"A lucky start, I guess," says Dr. Rhodes. "Yeah, right," I say.
Luck could not effect the vision for the unconventional lodgings that would capture the admiration of people from across the world. That vision - the essence of Africa on the natural jungle landscape of the jagged, rocky cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea and the Boston Bay - has worked. However, his vision is not yet complete.
"I'd love to build a few dramatic dwellings inspired by pictures of African temples and handsomely painted mud huts (using concrete because of the moisture here) as illustrated in many books on African art and building styles in the Great Huts mini-library," says Dr. Rhodes.
Other developments
But, despite its early success, Great Huts will not be franchised or replicated. "I truly do not want to build or clone Great Huts," he says, even though he admits that building in African style outside of Africa, whether it's building hotels or residential communities, is a potentially exciting opportunity.
For the next few years, his focus will be working to develop the surrounding communities whose members so affectionately call him 'Dr. Paul'. Working in collaboration with a number of other persons, 'Dr. Paul' hopes to open the Port Antonio Rehabilitation Centre for the homeless and construct a simple homeless shelter.
A natural wading pool on the private beach of Great Huts Eco-Tourism Resort, Boston Bay, Portland.
The Chair of David has a majestic view of the Boston Bay.
The dining area.
Hammocks all in a row at the private beach.
The bathrooms of the treehouses are each outfitted with a stone bathtub, which opens into the seclusive forestry that characterises the resort. Don't worry, they are very private.
The lobby/lounge is a quiet place for guests to relax. - Photos by Tesi Johnson
