My husband and I spent 7 days at the Windfalls Villa needing some time away to rest and recuperate from life in general… the property truly looks as presented in the photos.
If you plan to see lots of things, you might want to rent a car, but if, like us, you are looking to relax, Mel can take you where you want to go when you want (just give him a head’s up) for a fee, which was very helpful since he knows his way around and can give you tips.
The bedroom we used faced the ocean view, and was quite large… The AC in the room worked well, and the bed was comfortable. Our mornings were spent outside by the “bar area”, enjoying the sunrise and birdsong, drinking our morning coffee…
My husband is a chef, and the kitchen had all the tools needed. When Mel picked us up at the airport, we went to a grocery store for provisions. Upon Mel’s recommendation, we purchased a water bottle from a neighbour of his, which did the trick for us… We enjoyed fresh mango from the property, and my husband had purchased some fresh fish off local fishermen (you can walk down to the main road, but it is steep in parts).
The living room was comfortable and TV worked well. I unfortunately had to bring some work with me, but my “outdoor” office was lovely, and the WIFI was reliable (note the WIFI is concentrated around the house and bar-grill area; it drops as you walk to the pool).
I used the pool most days. It is kept clean and is only mildly chlorinated. The outdoor property itself is kept clean by a groundsman.
Mel, Dee and Marsha were very helpful in giving information, filling us in on the culture, and providing good conversation overall, making us feel at home.
One gem not to miss: the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary. As a Canadian, the admission is not cheap ($25 US, with much of it goes toward preserving the sanctuary), but it was worth every penny… you have the opportunity to feed hummingbirds on your finger. And it is so peaceful and an unforgettable experience.
Another tip: Do not wait until Duty-Free to purchase gifts, liquor, etc. We purchased a few bottles of Jamaican hot sauce in local stores in Montego Bay… $2 to $2.50 Canadian, but $5 American at Duty-Free for smaller bottles.
Mel is in the process of improving the property, so I am sure it will be even better… for us it was just what we needed, and I never tired of the views or the birds. Thanks, Mel, for your hospitality. Truly a nice property.
