based on 2 people sharing Upper Deck Tree House on a room only basis, including private road transfers.
Offering warm temperatures throughout the year the Caribbean is a perfect year round destination. With an average of 9 hours sunshine a day the peak season runs from December through to April which is the dry season when you can expect very little rainfall. May to November are the slightly wetter months where you will find an increase in rainfall as the summer season goes on and with that some humidity, however the Summer months are still a great time to travel as the temperatures are hot and the rain tends to come in short heavy bursts but not all day long. The wettest months with the most humidity are September and October and these are the most probable months for hurricanes to occur in the region although many islands have not experienced hurricanes for a number of years. The average daily temperatures range from the mid-seventies in the winter months and mid-eighties in the summertime.
An eco-retreat situated in the jungle. Elegant tree houses in the canopy overlook the glorious Blue Lagoon east of Port Antonio, offering a unique opportunity to experience an authentic Jamaican way of life and get under the skin of the vibrant culture.
Eco and luxurious rarely sit hand in hand, however Kanopi House has refined this perfectly. Located in the little visited, lush Portland parish of the island, Kanopi House is situated just a 15-minute drive outside of the town of Port Antonio. This was the first resort in Jamaica to welcome tourists in the heyday of the 1950s and Errol Flynn era, which glamorised the area and made this a destination for the jet set.
Kanopi House is owned by a Jamaican family who have a passion for providing a luxurious yet eco - conscious base to explore the true beauty of Jamaican hospitality. True to the boutique concept, Kanopi House has no rules or schedules and Marlene, Boxer and Carla are on hand to tailor your experience perfectly.
This is not a place for those seeking rum in hand, feet in the sand traditional Caribbean experience. This is off-the-beaten-track and located in a six acre rainforest where banyan trees and their winding vines compete for the sunlight, amidst the tropical banana trees and the sounds of the waters in the Blue Lagoon below create a truly magical setting. This is a very natural environment. Not a tree was felled during the construction of this property, instead they have been incorporated into the rooms and buildings as necessary.
This is a stunning base from which to explore deserted coves, waterfalls and soak up the nitty gritty Jamaican culture with an expert local team.
The 4 simple yet elegant wooden frame tree houses are dotted amongst the six acre rainforest plot. Built in the traditional vernacular style and varying in layout and size, yet all have the common factors of tranquillity, privacy, locally crafted and the opportunity to bring the outside in by opening the shutters to the sounds of the rainforest and ocean below.
In leiu of TV’s, Bose docs and ipods loaded with an eclectic array of cool tunes are provide in each tree house and a small galley kitchen is well stocked with traditional Jamaican delights such as spiced bun, coconut tarts, cool red stripe and Blue Mountain coffee. Kitchens can be pre stocked to your preferences, whatever that may be, just ask us in advance.
Perched on the highest point of the property, Upper Deck offers panoramic views of the rainforest.Louvered windows and "walls" of French doors allow you to bring the outside in. At approximately 430 square feet this treehouse is perfect for couples.
With a unique outdoor shower, Spanish Elm is draped in lush rainforest greenery and accents of pinks and reds from the tropical flowering plants scattered in and outside of the room. Outfitted with a separate lounge, covered verandas and French doors, this tree house is perfect for couples or a small family with young children.
With seclusion being key for this tree house, Almond Tree is the most private of the tree houses on the property, while still being centrally located. Waking up to glimpses of the lagoon below through the canopy of trees and the lush rainforest surrounding you, this tree house is perfect for couples.
Sweet Wood is the only 2-bedroom tree house on the property. At approximately 1,200 square feet, this tree house is located closest to the world famous Blue Lagoon. As you walk in, Sweet Wood offers an airy lounge and two bedrooms below, perfect for families or groups of friends traveling together. Please note that there are three showers but no baths.
Children are welcomed by the property, however due to steps and height of the tree houses we do not recommend a stay here for children under 7 years. Babysitting is available with advance notice, no other facilities for children.
The communal Living Room is beautifully appointed with oversized sofas and day beds, a funky play list of music and traditional board games. Traditional Jamaican dishes are prepared to order by Carla and the team with a focus on local and organic ingredients from Kanopi’s own mountain garden.
In room dining is possible and in room spa massages are available with advanced notice.
Surfing, rafting on the Rio Grande, swimming at Blue Lagoon, lazy days on the stunning nearby beaches such as Frenchman’s Cove and Winnifred beach, sample Jerk food at Boston, visit the local Rastafarian community to explore the culture, trek to waterfalls, Snorkel the reef, mountain biking, deep sea fishing and diving can all be arranged by the team at Kanopi to suit your pace and interests.
A truly unique experience to enjoy whilst staying in Jamaica. I would highly recommend a night or two at Kanopi House where you can enjoy life in the rainforest. You will be warmly greeted by Carla, a wonderful hostess who will ensure you have a memorable stay. Nothing is too much trouble and the food she cooks really is quite something. Wholesome, fresh with a Jamaican twist. There are no menus at Kanopi House but to me that is part of the whole experience as Carla will discuss with you any likes and dislikes and then surprise you with one of her culinary delights. The tree houses are incredibly spacious and can be one or two bedrooms. Plenty of living space, very comfortable beds, showers (no baths) and a small kitchenette. Kanopi House has a communal area where breakfast and dinner is served. You can read books, relax on the sofas, listen to music and gaze out on the sea from there. What can you do from Kanopi House? Well, you can just enjoy the spacious living areas in the tree house whilst listening to the sounds of nature, play a board game (in the treehouses), take a trip on the boat with Boxer on the Blue Lagoon along the coastline and take a dip in the crystal clear waters. Not far is Reach Falls, a day trip out which you can enjoy.
I have visited Port Antonio 12 times now, yet have been completely oblivious to the existence of Kanopi House. I'm not the only one it seems, many local people including our taxi driver were unaware of its existence. Off road along a bumpy track, down a narrow pathway to some rickety old gates and here nestled in the canopy we found Kanopi House.
Welcomed by the charming team who greeted us with refreshing natural juices, we began our exploration of the Kanopi House estate. It's a bit of a trek from the main communal area and the Living Rooms to each of the tree house bedrooms through the dense vegetation and towering trees, but this is all part of the adventure. My 4 year old daughter ran ahead and, as a result of overzealous exploring, her cry of mummmmmmy echoed through the rainforest as she realised she was lost! This is not the best place for little ones, with fabulously steep drops through the canopy, steps to almost everywhere and generally a peaceful vibe, so I found myself wishing that I'd known about this place when we had honeymooned here 10 years ago. The suites are so private, so beautifully furnished with local crafts and this would have been the perfect start to our honeymoon without the distractions of signature restaurants, endless wine lists and (possibly slightly anti-social of me) other guests as found in the traditional hotel.
We enjoyed a soul satisfying and home cooked Jamaican lunch of spicy pumpkin soup followed by brown stew chicken full of flavor, rice n peas and callaloo, all prepared in the organic kitchen by Carla, a Porty convert herself having stumbled across Port Antonio many years ago on vacation from Belgium.
Whilst there are no traditional facilities here such as a pool (solution : the stunning Blue Lagoon and ocean just on your doorstep), neither is there a gym, spa or bar, yet the guest house vibe, charming team and endless activities in this beautiful parish more than make up for this and for those seeking a unique experience and a true Jamaican experience this is the perfect place.
The beaches of Portland are the best on the island. Enjoy a day with your private driver exploring endless natural beaches without the crowds at the local Winnifred beach perfect for snorkeling and round the day off with a sundowner at Frenchman's Cove.
Enjoy rafting the peaceful River Rio Grande surrounded by the mountains of Portland and pass by bamboo and banana groves. Complete the day with a riverside cook out with a local lady who will keep you entertained with Jamaican folktales.
Reach Falls is a gem of a waterfall, less dramatic but much less crowded than the mighty Dunns River Falls. This is a place to kick back and enjoy the natural setting, followed by a visit to the parish jerk center.
Kanopi House, Jamaica is located overlooking the Blue Lagoon, a ten-minute drive east of the historic town of Port Antonio, the capital town of the parish of Portland.
The main international airport is Norman Manley in Kingston, which connects via an easily arranged twenty-minute private flight to a local airstrip, known as Ken Jones. Kanopi House is approximately thirty minutes drive from Ken Jones. Alternatively, Kanopi House is currently a three-hour drive from Kingston and Montego Bay.