The staff at this Villa should be on advertisement for Jamaican hospitality

Guest: Romeline B.
Date of Stay: 11/21/11 Review Submitted: 01/12/12

From the minute we arrive he made our stay truly “NO PROBLEM”. Easton (“Driver”) met us at the airport with a great smile and lots of info. He is very intelligent and gave quite a bit on Jamaican history. The drives were both fun and informative. He is a very safe driver and seems to know where to go for everything. Were welcomed at Heaven's Gate by the most wonderful group of people who from the time we arrived to the time we left were to help us relax and made sure we had a good time. Angie's cooking is out of this world awesome! The breakfasts were great feasts that included fresh fruits. The meals were grand with beautiful table setting and several Jamaican dishes which we all loved --everything was delicious! We felt very safe and secure at the property thanks to Avion who made sure everything was locked in the evening and was well informed about the area. He takes his job very serious, up early to unlock and greet us, he made sure the ground and the pool immaculately clean. The house is so much more beautiful in person! Janis (sorry if I misspelled) kept the place sparkling clean and did laundry too. She was very pleasant and always with smile even when were late for dinner. We would like to thank Doug for picking such a winning staff and letting us stay in your homeaway from home. We had the best time ever!

Owner response:Thank you for the awesome review, I am very happy to hear that you had the oppertunity to truly feel Heavens Gate Villa and have such a great time during your stay. Our staff truly are 2nd to none.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children.

Personable Staff Puts This Villa In a Class of Its Own

Guest: Jenn (Atlanta, Ga)
Date of Stay: 05/28/11 Review Submitted: 06/06/11

My family of six recently had an oppotunity to stay at the accommadations here and from the moment we were greeted by the driver Easton at the airport, until we departed seven days later, all I can do is sing praises about the staff at Heaven's Gate. The property is secluded, but within driving distance to the popular Hip Strip. The pictures online do this place no justice, and whether we were watching the sun set in the evenings at the private bar on the property, or being lulled to sleep by the breeze coming off the hill, it was simply amazing! Ms. Angie is the best cook on the island! There isn't a local dish she can't make. Avion is very knowledgeable about attractions and adventures off the beaten path. He greeted us every morning and evening as he secured the property. Easton was very accommadating as well in regards to the day trips we took. The driving in Jamaica can be pretty scary, but Easton is a professional! All I can do is rave about how amazing the staff was and how I really enjoyed my second trip to the island because of them. Also, the owner Doug is helpful in answering any questions you may have during the reservation purpose; so there is no suprise that his staff is made up of people of the same high standards and character. I would definitely stay here again!!

Owner response:Thanks Jenn for the awesome review of Heavens Gate Villa. Angie and the rest of our staff fully enjoyed meeting you and your family and look forward to your return visit. Thanks again for choosing Heavens Gate Villa. See you soon! Doug Walker

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, tourists without a car, adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing.

2nd Visit - It just gets better!

Guest: GA & DJ (Albuquerque NM USA)
Date of Stay: 05/21/11 Review Submitted: 06/05/11

My husband and I returned to Heaven's Gate again this year. Our time there this year was even more relaxing than last time since we knew exactly what to expect. We only packed one suitcase instead of the two huge ones we packed last year. Jamaica is a very relaxed environment and all you need here is your shorts, swimsuit, a couple of T-shirts and your flip flops! Oh yeah and don't forget the sun screen and clean undies! I'm so happy we found such a wonder villa where we can relax and truly de-stress for a week. It's so much better than those all inclusive resorts where you have to dress for dinner and follow their rules! Not to mention how much money you save by staying at a villa versus an all inclusive or the hotels on the hip strip.We scheduled our meal times with Angie and she prepared the most delicious meals. Fresh fruit every morning with breakfast and fresh juice. She also made french toast, pancakes, omelets - you name it - she will make it. For dinner she made red snapper, jerk chicken, pepper steak, fried chicken and several other kinds of fish. Each evening we were served a fresh garden salad and fresh vegetables too. She even made us a pineapple upside down cake and a rum cake. Everything was scrumptious! We also noticed several improvements had been made to the property since our visit in 5/2010. Two of the bathrooms had been upgraded with showers and the pool had been re-surfaced. There was also additional seating with nice rocking chairs to sit in and watch the spectacular sunsets! Angie would make rum punch for us and we would enjoy the evenings trying to capture the sunset on film but I really think you need to see it for yourself. All of the staff, Angie, Avion, Easton and Sueann all made us feel at home and we truly feel like a part of their family. Easton took us out for parasailing, zip-lining and to watch cliff diving. We saw the back country of Jamaica which we treasure as a very special part of our trip. Our niece and her husband joined us this year. It was their first trip out of the country and they became a little misty eyed as they were saying good bye to everyone. I know we will visit again as Heaven's Gate has become our home away from home.

Owner response:Hey GA & DJ It was great to have you guys back! The staff were sad to see you go and cant wait for your return. Thanks again for the awesome review and for making Heavens Gate Villa Your Home Away From Home. Talk soon! Doug

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, pet owners, tourists without a car, adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children.

Great for familes

Guest: JT (Boston, MA, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/19/11 Review Submitted: 03/28/11

My husband and I stayed for one week at Heaven's Gate villa with our 16 month old daughter and her grandparents. Doug, the owner, was very accommodating with my various questions and requests and always got back to us promptly either by phone or email. Angie was a great chef and her food was consistently the best that we had in Jamaica. She prepared many authentic Jamaican dishes and went to great efforts to get us the freshest local produce so that we could try everything at least once! Charnelle, Angie's daughter, also worked very hard to make our stay comfortable. Avion, the groundskeeper was very attentive to our needs and our daughter loved to follow him around the pool as he cleaned it every morning and afternoon. Easton, the driver, is the best tour guide as he seems to know everyone in Montego Bay and was a very safe driver which is important when you have a little one in tow! It was an ideal place for our family to get together and allow a toddler to get a taste of fun in the sun, but then retreat to her room to have a much needed siesta after all of the excitement of Jamaica!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, tourists without a car, adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children.

First true vacation ever!

Guest: Chrissy (United States)
Date of Stay: 01/12/11 Review Submitted: 01/27/11

Doug, Thank you for allowing my family and I to stay at your home in Montego Bay Jamaica. The home is ideally located and has a breathe taking view. The home is in need of some minor repairs and is showing signs of general wear and tear. Pool is lovely and convenient, however the bottom of the pool is need of resurfacing. Minor detail given the overall experience. Your Jamaican "family", staff made the vacation more of a lifetime experience than a vacation. It was a wonderful time sharing their culture with them in such a personal way. Angie, Easton, Avion, Charnelle and Dejoun will be in our hearts forever! My family and I are already looking forward to our return visit! I wouldn't change a thing :)

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, people with disabilities, families with young children.

Guest: Sandi (-)
Date of Stay: 08/26/10 Review Submitted: 09/30/10

09/24/10 Positive We were just in Jamaica, staying at nearby resort and went by to visit Heavens Gate Villa. What a perfect place to vacation! The house had such great energy and was situated on the hill with such a magnificent view! The staff was very personable and accomodating, even for just a walk-through visit. We came back to the states and immediately reserved a week there for next year. I can't wait to visit again!! Sandi , Jupiter, FL Homeowner Response: Thanks for making it Heavens Gate Villa We look forward to your stay with us next year Sandi.

Recommended for:

Guest: Jillian - Sojie (-)
Date of Stay: 08/30/10 Review Submitted: 09/30/10

09/21/10 Positive We stayed at Heaven's Gate for the last week of our holiday at the end of August. The hospitality and customer care was first class. We were greeted by Angie with a big smile and made to feel right at home. Her cooking was A class and if we could wrap her up and take her home we would. Avion kept the grounds and pool area immaculate and Charnell was great. I cannot forget the view from the house and the house was kept clean and tidy even with our two children. Thanks too to Angie's daugther Suen for doing my daughter and niece's hair. I would also like to thank Angie for catering for my sister and her 3 children when they came ot visit. Overall a very very nice stay and can't wait to go back. Jillian,Sojie and family, London, England

Recommended for:

Guest: Regina - Poppy (-)
Date of Stay: 08/03/10 Review Submitted: 09/30/10

08/21/10 Positive WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!! Heaven's Gate Villa is the so - called "PERFECT 10" The Staff are the BEST. Angie is excellent and very attentive to all our needs. Avion is a very well-mannered caretaker. He made sure that we are always safe in the Villa. We even made him go with my kids as chaperon in the Hip Strip. Charnelle is very good with our kids. She made our kids feel like they're long lost cousins that they just hang-out with her all the time. When She is not around them, kids start looking for her and follow her around the Villa. My kids learned a lot from Charnell like helping around the house, setting up table for every meal. Doods and Ridge are very respectful to us. They're always there ready, willing and able to give us a helping hand and they never complain. My family decided not to go anywhere and just stayed 2 weeks in the Villa because of the STAFF. JAMAICA = NO WORRIES! NO PROBLEM! Note: We are coming back July, 2011 and look forward to see them all again. We all miss you Guys!!! Regina and Poppy 8/2010 The Brooks Family, Brooklyn, NY Homeowner Response: Thanks for everything Regina and Poppy See you at Sumfest 2011!

Recommended for:

Our Week in Paradise - Heaven's Gate Villa

Guest: GA & DJ (Albuquerque NM USA)
Date of Stay: 05/22/10 Review Submitted: 06/07/10

We visited during the last week of May, 2010; it was one of the most relaxing vacations we’ve ever had. Every need was taken care of from the moment Easton picked us up at the airport until he took us back a week later. Angie greeted us with rum punch upon our arrival. She prepared jerk chicken with rice & peas for dinner our first night. We were hooked on jerk chicken immediately & ate it at several local restaurants. However, Angie's was the best! We arranged for Angie to buy our groceries. She cooked breakfast & dinner daily. I appreciated her ideas on what to serve as deciding what to have can be the hardest part of cooking for your family. Angie made healthy well balanced meals. The last few nights I told her to cook whatever she would like. I was completely delighted with every meal. Her French toast is to die for! She even baked us a rum cake! It was so wonderful to look out at the ocean as we enjoyed the meal she had prepared. As soon as anyone of us woke up & wandered out of their bedroom, Angie was there with a big smile asking if we were ready for coffee. When my sister got sunburned, Angie rubbed aloe on her; each morning thereafter aloe slices was prepared for her to use. Angie really made us feel like we were at home. I feel like Angie is a part of our family now & I can’t wait to go back to see her! Charnel helped with kitchen duties & also kept us supplied with fresh towels & linens. Avian was up early each day to clean the pool so everything was ready for us to enjoy the day. He was always just around the corner with a big smile & a friendly hi. We enjoyed relaxing by the pool in the evenings sipping on rum punch. The sunsets in the evenings were absolutely beautiful! We hired Easton for the entire week so he was always available when we had the urge to go anywhere! He took us all over the island. We went swimming with the dolphins, parasailing & horseback riding in the ocean. Easton was a delight. He would tell us interesting information as we drove through the country side. He took us to local restaurants with excellent food. We visited two of the three Jimmy Buffett Margaretville’s on the island. There was never a dull moment! Easton took us shopping & we learned how to bargain with the locals! Even when we changed our mind at the last minute & decided to stay at the Villa for the day & enjoy the pool, Easton still stopped by to make sure we were well taken care of. It was truly a wonderful vacation! We can’t wait to go back!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, pet owners, tourists without a car, adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing, people with disabilities, families with young children.

Heavens Gate is Paradise, Closest thing to Heaven

Guest: Dana Michelle (Augusta, Georgiahttp://www.vrbo.com/82549/reviews/)
Date of Stay: 05/22/10 Review Submitted: 06/02/10

I recently visited Heavens Gate with my sister and husband. It was a vacation of a lifetime. The photos listed on the site did not do it justice. The property was very clean, and well maintained. Very peaceful, excellent scenery, and beautiful sites you could see from miles away on the property. Needless to say the staff were excellent, and while there we were treated very well, and felt like family. We hated to leave. Angie, the cook, could cook up a meal, including salads and fruits everyday. She also made her famous Jamaicain Rum Punch, and a Rum Cake that you would die for. Before we left, it felt as though we were leaving family. When we first arrived she would ask what we wanted to eat for that evening and the next day. After the second day of excellent cuisine, we told her to decide what to make, as all her meals were excellent, and she knew what people liked to have, so we left it in her hands. Then their was Easton, who was our driver. He did an excellent job, and we were so glad we didn't rent a car. He took us to all the places we wanted to go, and then some. He would tell us about different history of the island, and showed us where Christopher Columbus landed, and so much more. He was always along with Angie, and Avion the security guard serving us with a smile, and being so helpful. Angie even doctored my sunburnt shoulders, and showed me what to do, all with a plant. Many of their plants they grow right there on the property being medicine, and the mango is good for diabetics, which I had. So one of my favorites was eating the mango and other fruits, and using the secret plant, to smooth and make my burns well before I left, plus it helps your face with winkles, which we get as we age, but they don't, as they have the medicine right in the back yard. You'll have to go to find out all the secrets. Avion was always very helpful and made sure the property, maintenence, and security gates were always closed at night and opened early in the morning for us. The pictures doesn't do it justice, so I took some new ones of my own, that I would like to email to the owner, and he may want to update his pictures on the site. We do plan to go back there in the near future, I can't think of a better vacation I've had in my lifetime, (J:m 51 years of age) nor a better place to go. You'll love heaven's gate, if your looking for a place to relax, throw your feet up and be waited on. The staff will always serve you with a smile, and help you need.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, tourists without a car, adventure seekers, age 55+, sightseeing, people with disabilities, families with young children.