Famous Faces, Famous Places and Famous Foods
Crystal Cove Villa
Location:
Blue Lagoon Road, San San, Port Antonio Jamaica. Its location is unbeatable. The villa sits proudly and directly on the water’s edge and is only a minute’s lovely walk from that most heavenly place, the Blue Lagoon.
At the Blue Lagoon:
The Blue Lagoon isn’t blue at all, it’s like Joseph’s coat of many colors, a magical bottle green shade that deepens and dances like a cat’s eye when you look into it. The Blue Lagoon is gorgeous -- even more so than in the movie of the same name that catapulted a young Brooke Shields to fame. To swim smoothly through the jade green waters with their cool top layer and warm underneath, to taste the sweet sultry saltiness of it -- that is heaven. Local Jamaican lore says the waters have aphrodesiacal powers -- and it could be true…
Each day we strolled from our sunlit villa a mere 100 meters down a small lane dripping with vines, haliconia, orchids and other bright and mysterious flowers. A local or two would approach us when the security guards aren’t also strolling the shaded lane to the Blue Lagoon and say, "have look mi souvenirs…"
Note:
There is one rascal of a salesman who is sometimes waiting outside the entrance to the Blue Lagoon. He will try to make you feel guilty that you are not supporting the locals if you don’t buy his trinkets. Don’t let him put you off -- ignore him. The rest of the guys are fine.
Tip:
Take some Jamaican money to the Blue Lagoon -- there is a small entry charge if you want to enter the lagoon through a lovely and rustic restaurant built directly on top of the water. There you can have a Ting or a Red Stripe and swim from their dock with ladder. They also serve food. The restaurant is also a dry place to leave your camera, towels, clothes. You can also enter the Blue Lagoon directly from the road but will have no facilities.
Back to the Villa:
The villa itself is a pleasing spacious and airy three bedroom home -- some would say it is also architecturally stunning. (The owners are noted Jamaican architects). Crystal Cove is livable and relaxed -- with many decks and ceiling fans in all bedrooms. Most importantly, it is perfect for outdoor living. The living and dining areas face the sea and there is a separate outdoor living room. A gorgeous patio perfect for meals is shaded by a spreading almond tree. Views are superb and it is a picture of relaxation to sit on the end of the villa’s dock and watch the water birds fly by. The area in front of the villas is protected by a reef -- and so is shallow -- perfect for children. The very nice and unobtrusive maids will cook a large selection of 4-course meals including desserts -- they bake a delicious Key Lime pie. There is a double kayak to use and tennis and pool facilities are close by at Goblin Hill villas at SanSan. A stay at Crystal Villas is definitely the life of Reilly -- and a swim in the Blue lagoon -- is heaven.
The Cost:
Rates for the villa are US$230 for two persons in summer ($270 in winter). For three to six persons summer rates are US$270 ( $355 in winter). Minimum booking is five nights. Staff is included. Two housemaids will cook / clean / shop for you, and a gardener / security guard will look after the property. You pay for the groceries, which are ordered for you. You can leave the menu to the housekeepers or choose from extensive menus.
Tipping is left to your discretion. (Keep in mind that Jamaican wages are shockingly low and most count on tips to make ends meet.)
Crystal Cove Villa also offers a rental car option.
Telephone for information and reservations to 1-800-472-1148 or (876) 925-8108 or fax (876) 925-6248.