Arriving at Wild Grape villa for the first time is an awesome experience! Turning off the main road, passing through the iron gate for a short drive to a parking area, we were led through a bower of tropical trees and flowers that opened up onto the expansive veranda, overlooking steps through lava rocks that wind down to a sunning area and further yet to a private cove. Beyond that lay only the deepest blue sea and the endless horizon. Turning, we watched in amazement as the staff unfolded the entire front wall of the villa so that it became one with the landscape before us!
The villa itself compliments the landscape and the Jamaican culture. Tastefully decorated, it is open, spacious, clean and comfortable with Jamaican artwork and fabrics throughout. Although there are three villas on the property, the tropical gardens and natural rock walls provide each with privacy and seclusion.
It is the harmony with the landscape and love of the culture with which it was obviously created that make Sea Grape so unique, giving it an almost spiritual aura, beyond its physical beauty. The staff was outstanding, obviously taking pride in the property and anxious to do whatever they could to make our stay a memorable one. In three visits, the only problem we ever encountered was a dead battery in one of the remotes, which was promptly replaced. They are hardworking but unobtrusive, taking care to announce their arrival by ringing the “door bell” which hangs along the pathway. You can interact with them as much, or as little, as you prefer; however, you are missing a wonderful opportunity if you don’t spend a little time getting to know them. They are delightful individuals, have a lovely sense of humor and became both friends and guardians during our stays.
With Juicy’s delicious cooking (Can’t wait for our next traditional Jamaican breakfast!) and your own kitchen, it can be tempting not to leave your private oasis as you unwind and settle into “Jamaican time”. However, you would be missing the true Jamaica if you didn’t venture beyond the front gate. We enjoyed walking to the nearby restaurants and shops as well as visiting the lovely couple who run the small store across the road – the Jamaican equivalent of the neighborhood Starbucks! We made many new friends along the way and the only threat that we ever encountered was US forgetting that they drive on the other side of the road! For longer trips downtown or to seven mile beach, Juicy or Bentley was always there to hail a taxi for us. In fact, Juicy was always watching over us, making sure we were safe and arranging anything from an outing to Mayfield falls, scuba diving or a massage right at the villa! He was also a great resource regarding local events, as when he made certain we stayed at the villa the night that Marcia Griffiths, one of Bob Marley’s original backup singers, performed on the outdoor stage at the hotel next door! Watching a legend perform as yet another lovely sunset lit up the sky is just one of our many priceless SeaGrape memories!
We have traveled to over 30 countries, and had many wonderful adventures, but it is only to Jamaica that we return and it is Seagrape that draws us back. . Each time we return, SeaGrape is even more beautiful than we remembered and we turn to each other and say “Why did we wait so long to come back?”
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC