Kanopi House Jamaica: An Off The Beaten Path Oasis in Portland, Jamaica

Perched on the cool Portland hillside is the mesmerizingly tranquil Kanopi House. Kanopi House Jamaica is a group of off the beaten path treehouse villas located along the border of and overlooking Jamaica's infamous Blue Lagoon in Portland, Jamaica. Ranked the #6 Best Travel Hotel in the Caribbean and Central America by Conde Nast Traveler in 2019 at the Reader’s Choice Awards Survey, Kanopi House is the ultimate return to nature and provides the perfect rustic and scenic escape.

How To Get There

The drive to Kanopi House is an approximately 2 and 1/2 hour journey via the Junction Roadway. The smooth curves and winding turns of the junction roadway might be a little scary for the inexperienced driver but once keep safe, you follow the road and do good road practices you should reach Port Antonio quite easily and safely.

Once in Portland, you can find Kanopi House using google maps to guide you. Just continue straight along the main road until you see the sign indicating the entrance to Kanopi House. Then, it’s a simple turnoff from the main road. Let me just tell you that the sign isn’t huge and you may drive pass it so keep on the look out.

The road to Kanopi House is a rather bumpy one once off the main road. Then, it’s around 15 minutes or so from the turn off before you reach the entrance gate for the property.

Related: Go Natural Jamaica: A Yoga Retreat in Long Bay, Portland

The Arrival

On arrival, you are greeted by warm and friendly staff who give you all the information you need to know about the property. In alignment with covid 19 protocols, temperature checks and sanitization is done at the entrance. And you are also given a questionnaire and declaration form to sign. Once everything is done, you are then guided to your villa to enjoy a relaxing retreat in nature.

Please note that check-in is at 3pm and check-out is at noon.

The Stay

The tropical property is home to eight (8) eco-chic treehouses, each with its own unique design aesthetic and semblance of a personality. The treehouses are dutifully complemented by the scenic backdrop of lush foliage, breathtaking greenery and the sweet sounds of nature. The sights of winding bamboo and gingerlily flowers run along the pathways and the sounds of calling birds and rustling leaves serve as gentle reminders that the city lights are long behind you.

The cottages are all firmly rooted on columns thereby alluding to their being built atop the trees, thus the name Kanopi (canopy) House. The rooms are cozy and quaint and made from sustainable and regionally sourced hardwoods and furnishings handcrafted by local artisans with renewable Jamaican materials. Rooms are air-conditioned and have WiFi adding a modern touch to the outdoorsy feel.

For the duration of my stay, I cozied up at the ‘Sweet Wood’ eco-chic treehouse, which is the largest treehouse on the property. The elegant 2-story escape has its own dining room, kitchen, and living room lounge area on the upper level to complement its 2 luxurious spacious bedrooms on the lower level. It’s the only 2-bedroom treehouse on the property and is located the closest to the Blue Lagoon.

The ‘Sweet Wood’ treehouse cottage was absolutely gorgeous. The earthy décor blended seamlessly into its environs. It gave the perfect at home, cozy night-in, laid back vibe I believe the owners were going for. The private kitchenette came stocked with water, coffee and tea and equipped with a refrigerator, coffee maker and general utensils like plates, cups, glasses, knives, spoons and forks. And from the verandas you got an unobstructed view of the rainforest below with little peaks of the Blue Lagoon sneaking through.

The Experience

Kanopi House gives visitors a unique eco-friendly jungle experience. You have the option of lounging around the property and fully immerse yourself in nature. Or, you can take one of the many trails around the property for a bit of a work out. However, if you’re interested in taking a bit more of the Portland parish then a scenic boat ride to the Blue Lagoon and nearby Monkey Island can be arranged; or, guests can take a drive to nearby chillspots like Boston Beach, Winnifred Beach or Frenchman’s Cove. Wherever you decide to spend your day, do try to make it back to catch the sunset at Kanopi House. The breathtaking view of the sunset gives Kanopi House a magical golden touch making the place seem like something out of a wonderful painting. It is truly enchanting.

Related: Monkey Island, Portland, Jamaica

The Restaurant

Meals can be obtained from the onsite restaurant called ‘The Living Room’. The Living Room is a communal treehouse restaurant which a wonderful view of the environs and provides meals cooked by the house kitchen.

In keeping with the rustic, outdoorsy, return to nature theme, the restaurant is designed using hand-crafted mahogony day-beds and wicker chairs with white covered linen cushions to add comfort. Meals can be enjoyed looking over the panoramic view of the property and the intimately close Blue Lagoon. The menu consists of a combination of Jamaican food staples and locally influenced twists on international favourites. And to wash it all down you can grab a drink from the bar.

Meal times are as follows: Breakfast between 7:30 - 11 am, Lunch between 12- 3pm and Dinner/ Supper between 4-6 pm. The meals are a bit pricy in my opinion but taste okay. There is no official room service per say but you do have the option of requesting meals to be brought to your room.

Related: A SPECTACULAR DAY AT WINNIFRED BEACH, PORTLAND

Overall

Jamaica has so much to offer when it comes to your travel needs and vacation experiences. And while many often flock to the tourist-laden areas like Montego Bay, Ocho Rios or Negril, if you’re looking for more of eco-friendly, intimate and off the beaten path getaway, then Kanopi House is just what the doctor ordered.

Check out the videos below:

If you’re more visually inclined, enjoy these videos I took of my stay that are on my Youtube channel. And if you enjoy my videos, feel free to subscribe to my channel for more great content.

Kanopi House Jamaica