By Violet Dell:
When my friend Claudia and I drove into Poet Reef in Hanover, I honestly did not know what to expect.
I was there on a site visit, scouting beautiful places that visitors from Cayman—especially Jamaicans living in Cayman and their descendants—might enjoy when they come to reconnect with Jamaica. It was a place that Claudia, who hails from Lucea, highly recommended.
But from the moment we drove in, I started to think, “Hold on now… what is this little piece of paradise?”
Waiting for us was Aaron, the overseer of the property, with a big smile. You know the kind of welcome that immediately makes you feel comfortable? None of that “Please hurry up? and get it over with” business! Lol! Aaron was ready for us and proceeded to take Claudia and me on a tour.
And let me tell you something: Poet Reef started showing off from the very beginning!
The grounds are beautifully kept, lush and peaceful, with fruit trees, herbs and all that lovely Jamaican greenery that makes you want to take a deep breath and say, “Yes man… dis nice!”
Then I saw the views.
Lawd!
The vistas at Poet Reef are enough to make you forget whatever worries you brought with you. You can look out at the ocean, the trees and the surrounding beauty and suddenly feel as if you have nowhere else to be.
I immediately started imagining waking up in the morning, opening my eyes and seeing the ocean, hearing birds singing and feeling that gentle Jamaican breeze.
Forget the alarm clock!
The birds can wake me up.
One of the first things that really caught my attention in the downstairs villa was the beautiful Blue Mahoe woodwork, particularly the staircase railings. Blue Mahoe is Jamaica’s national tree, and I just loved seeing that rich, natural wood incorporated into the property.
You know me—I was looking at that woodwork like an old-time Jamaican furniture inspector! I could almost hear somebody saying, “Dat good wood, yuh know. Dem nuh mek dem tings like dat again!”
The craftsmanship was beautiful and gave the villa warmth and character.
Then came the important part.
The bed test.
Yes, I tested the beds!
Listen, at this stage in life, I am not going anywhere and pretending the bed doesn’t matter. If I am going to wake up with my knees, back and everything else sending me a complaint letter, I need to know in advance!
Thankfully, the beds passed Violet’s inspection.
They were firm and plush—neither too soft nor too hard—with lovely, high-quality linen. Just the kind of bed where you can imagine saying, “Claudia, don’t call me. Don’t look for me. I am staying right here!”
The bathrooms were another surprise. They have been beautifully renovated, and one of the downstairs bathrooms even has a view.
Now listen… I have seen plenty of bathrooms in my life, but a bathroom with a view? Poet Reef was clearly not playing!
Upstairs, the feeling changed slightly. There was an even deeper sense of serenity. The quietness, the views, the breeze—it all felt peaceful and romantic.
In fact, I started thinking this would be absolutely perfect for honeymooners.
I even said I felt like getting married again at 60-plus—not necessarily because I am looking for a husband, mind you—but just so I could come to Poet Reef on a honeymoon!
Now, don’t start calling matchmaking agencies!
The larger villa was equally impressive. There is a walkway leading toward the ocean that immediately made me think of photographs. Wedding pictures. Vacation pictures. Instagram pictures.
Basically, if you come here, make sure your phone is charged!
Then I saw the fully equipped kitchen adjoining the downstairs patio.
And THAT caught my attention.
Why?
Because I love to eat!
I was delighted to see a proper kitchen, complete with a Dutch pot. Now, if you’re Jamaican, you understand. A kitchen without a Dutch pot is like going to a dance and the selector has no good music!
I could already imagine something bubbling away—maybe some rundown, curry goat, or a good old pot of soup.
Outside, the grass was so lush and inviting that I felt I could lie down there all day and be lazy. Proper “don’t bother me, I’m resting” territory!
Then I saw the outdoor showers, and suddenly I was transported back to my childhood in Westmoreland. Those old-time Jamaican days when being outdoors was just part of life—the fresh air, the sunshine and water that could wake you up better than any cup of coffee!
And then, as if Poet Reef had not shown me enough already, I spotted blue pea flower, also known as butterfly pea, growing in the garden.
I was delighted! This beautiful flower has been used traditionally in teas and is known for its striking natural blue colour. It contains antioxidant plant compounds, including anthocyanins, and is being studied for potential benefits related to antioxidant activity and blood sugar response—although it is not a cure for any disease.
As a Caymanian-Jamaican woman, I left Poet Reef thinking about the many people in Cayman with Jamaican roots. Some have not been back to Jamaica in years. Some of their children and grandchildren may know Jamaica through stories, food and family memories.
But imagine bringing them here.
Imagine waking up to the ocean, hearing the birds, walking through lush gardens, cooking in a proper Jamaican kitchen with a Dutch pot and simply reconnecting with the island.
Poet Reef is charming, peaceful, natural and, yes, a little bit lavish too.
And as I stood there admiring the views and feeling that beautiful breeze, I thought:
Maybe we don’t need to reconnect with Jamaica by looking backwards.
Maybe sometimes, we just need to come back and experience how beautiful it still is.
And if you need me, I’ll be at Poet Reef.
Probably testing the bed again. Lol!
