One of the cabins at Geejam.

It has been a difficult year for many, but 'tis the season to share, eat, greet and be jolly. For those looking to be merry in a special way, the citadel of chic boutique accommodations, boundless natural beauty and tranquility beckons. We are talking about Portland, revered as Jamaica's most beautiful parish.

Portland is well appointed with pristine white-sand beaches and verdant tropical forests that grow on the back of mountainous slopes that tower to more than 7,000 feet - home of the Blue and John Crow mountains. The roadways within the parish might be painfully rugged in some areas (although it's improving). But, after all, what's beauty without pain?

Whether by seaside or hillside, the properties in Portland are skewed towards those with an appreciation of the natural environment. Structures are built to blend in with the blanket of greenery that covers the hilly terrain which overlooks the picturesque coastline, and guests are encouraged to go out and explore the many natural attractions that make the parish a gem.

It is the mecca of private villas, eco-accommodations and boutique hotels.

Merriment

Accommodations are more laid-back and secluded, allowing for merriment with nature in total privacy. The elaborate large-scale all-inclusive resorts are not what you will find in this beauty hot spot.

Geejam Resort, an outfit of Chris Blackwell's Island Outpost chain of luxury boutique accommodations, is one fine place in Portland to spend Christmas. Perched on the lush hillsides overlooking the popular Frenchman's Cove and Alligator Head is this jungle-chic hotel that offers a slice of paradise in seven rooms, housed in luxurious wooden cabins with all-white interior.

Each cabin has been thoughtfully laid out to preserve privacy and guarantee breathtaking ocean views in the midst of the abundance of flora, fauna, shrubs, banana, avocado and robust eucalyptus trees.

The dark-stained wooden cabins are outfitted with all the creature comforts of modern living. Imagine lying in the middle of a tropical forest with flat-panel LCD HDTV, digital cable, wireless Internet, a fully stocked mini bar, choice of air conditioning or the natural breeze brought in by the wide windows and ceiling fan, recessed lighting and panoramic ocean vistas.

More noteworthy is the fact that the wood used to construct the cabins, floors and furniture is sourced locally. The bathrooms are well appointed and come with the most modern and luxurious fixtures, with a choice of sauna or jacuzzi.

Food

The food is what you would expect at a property that regularly hosts celebrities of the likes of Grace Jones and the American rock band Gorillaz, just to name a few. You, too, will feel like a celebrity after your palate has been whet by the tantalising array of gourmet dishes served by the Jamaican/Japanese fusion restaurant at the Bush Bar on property. Plus, you can expect an interesting choice of Japanese-inspired Jamaican Christmas treats such as roast chicken/turkey, ham, fruitcake and sorrel throughout the Yuletide season. Locals benefit from a 25 per cent discount on advertised rates.

To make your stay at Geejam even more rewarding, there is a fully equipped state-of-the-art recording studio on property to bring out the rock star in you. You will have the distinguished pleasure of sharing the same microphone used by Grammy-winning singer Gwen Stefani and other international stars. This is where Gwen and her band, No Doubt, recorded a Grammy-winning album. Who to tell, you might just be lucky to strike a golden microphone too!

This article is produced in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism.Email feedback to editor@gleanerjm.com.

Inside a suite at Geejam. - File Photos

A view of the sea from the Geejam boutique hotel in Portland.

Geejam's state-of-the-art sound studio which has been used by recording artistes such as Gwen Stefani.