Datura Villa
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→Overview
5 bedrooms
15 bathrooms
10 guests
1 night minimum
Villa
Datura Villa is a five bedroom, fully staffed, private vacation destination that is located just seven miles from the Montego Bay airport in the town of Reading. The villa sits 500 feet above sea level, on nine private acres, and affords spectacular views of Montego Bay and its islands. <BR>Originally built in 1930 by the editor of The New Yorker magazine, the villa has the amenities of a fine hotel and yet offers affordable luxury, privacy, and close proximity to all tourist activities, nightlife, and the airport. <BR><BR>Within the house is a high-ceiling, grand living room with mahogany floors, a library, bar, TV room with a state-of-the-art LCD projector and eight foot screen, antiques, a screened-in dining room overlooking the aquamarine waters below, and a modern commercial kitchen w...
House Rules
Kid friendlyNo smoking
Check with owner: Pets
Bedrooms
4 Fulls2 Twins1 Crib
Bathrooms
4 Attached (ensuite)5 Showers
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Reviews (3)
ianr197
Miami Beach, FL1 contribution
Wonderful!
A friend invited me to spend a couple of days in Jamaica at Datura Villa last month, and I can't say enough about this beautiful property and the wonderful staff running the show! First of all, Datura Villa is located about 20 minutes from the airport in Montego Bay. Chisholm, the property manager, met me at the airport and pointed out some of the sights in Montego Bay as we drove to the villa, which is located on several acres of property with spectacular views of Montego Bay.
The accommodations are what I'd describe as "Old World Jamaica" with modern amenities, including new bathrooms, wifi throughout, a gym on the property, and a salt water pool and hot tub situated on a hillside overlooking Montego Bay. The house is comfortably furnished, with lots of space and separate areas for hanging out with friends or just curling up with a book and spending an afternoon undisturbed. To be perfectly honest, I was looking for a bit of a retreat, and thus had no desire to sightsee or go anywhere. The chef, Cherine, served three delicious meals every day - breakfast on the terrace, lunch "under the almond tree" (no joke), and dinner in the dining room. Everything is very casual, but I felt very well taken care of at the same time. The food was terrific, with great local ingredients and specialties at every meal. Much of the fruit at breakfast was grown on the property! I had no special requests with regard to ingredients, etc., but I was asked about allergies and food preferences. The jerk chicken and pork was a standout, as were all desserts and pastries. I believe the eggs came from chickens on the property next door. I even took home some of the homemade jerk sauce as gifts.
Every afternoon, several of us worked out with Henry, the on-site trainer. Henry is built like a tank and put us through our paces for an hour or so daily. The fitness room is in a new addition to the property, and has weights, machine, yoga mats, etc. After that, a nap, dinner and drinks on the terrace. I'm sure many guests go out or leave the property, but I was content to spend several quiet and very restful days at Datura Villa. I would highly recommend to friends, and will be returning again next year with a larger group, and I hope to be able to plan for this as an annual getaway!
Visited September 2014 Traveled solo
Written October 31, 2014. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RandelCole
Thank you for such a wonderful review! I would like to correct one point about our swimming pool. It is not a salt water pool. Rather, our swimming pool is a fresh water pool that uses a salt chlorination system which produces free chlorine ions but no chloramines--the chemicals that are responsible for the chlorine smell of pools, as well as skin, hair, and eye irritation. The advantage of our system is that it offers a sanitary, silky, fresh water taste and quality without the caustic effects associated with conventional chlorine. Our system is of course more expensive to maintain than simply throwing chemicals into the pool but, as our guest noted, the experience is far more pleasurable and luxurious.
Written January 12, 2015. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kristina M
Melbourne, FL2 contributions
My Jamaican home away from home
We stayed at Datura Villa for a whole week this past December and I have been day dreaming about returning ever since. There were 3 couples total and one brought their college age daughter. It was everyone's first time visiting Jamaica and our experience was nothing short of wonderful! The property and villa are extremely well kept and the staff makes you feel like you are their first guests ever!
We hired a driver, Chisholm, for the week and I would highly recommend doing this. It cost us $650 for the week plus tip and he was happy to drive us anywhere at anytime. He is a quiet, older Jamaican gentleman and a responsible, safe driver. I would highly suggest you visit Mayfield Falls not too far from the Villa. Not touristy at all. Also, don't miss snorkeling (also not far from Villa) from the PierI restaurant with Capt Polly. One of the nights we went to Glistening Waters in Folmouth - very amazing place!
I hope that the owners of Datura Villa know what quality GEMS they have as staff!
- Henry takes care of everything outside and lives there on the grounds. He is an incredibly knowledgable, warm and friendly guy and will do as much with you or as little as you like. We had all kinds of big fitness plans when we arrived to keep Henry busy, but quickly got so comfortable and lazy we just ended up doing lots of eating, drinking (mostly Jamaican RUM!) , and hot tubbing! Pool and hot tub are so beautifully maintained daily that you won't want to leave Datura! He'll gladly give a tour of the property showing you the gorgeous morning hummingbirds on the Chinese Umbrella plant, or crack open a fresh almond for you under the huge almond tree. Simply the best view of Montego Bay day and night!
- Kitchen staff - Shereen, Carol, and Hopey (sorry girls if my spelling is off) Unbelievably hard workers! I truly miss these sweet women and wished I could take them home with me!
Beginning of the week we sat down with the head chef Shereen and chose from a vast, flexible menu. We then went to the market with her to do the shopping - escorted by Henry. I highly recommend your group asks to do this. Very authentic Jamaican learning experience! Jamaica has tons unique of fruits and vegetables I have never seen or heard of. Also, don't miss out on Shereen's homemade Jerk or Hot Sauces that she bottles and sells by the way - We took home as much as we could carry! The delicious, multi course meals are prepared and served with love - no need to eat out at restaurants!
Rooms are kept clean and neat ALWAYS! You can enjoy the a/c in rooms or open beautiful wood slatted windows for fresh air cooler nights. We felt safe and at home here.
Shopping - we came home with great rums and coffee found best prices at local Mega Mart. Bought great handcrafted goods and fabulous straw hats (that you'll need when enjoying life by the pool) from the local craft market. Shop wisely and bargain a lot!
We will return to Datura Villa someday for sure and wouldn't dream of staying anywhere else in Jamaica!
Visited December 2014 Traveled with friends
Written January 11, 2015. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RandelCole
Thank you for such a wonderful review! I would like to correct one point about our swimming pool. It is not a salt water pool. Rather, our swimming pool is a fresh water pool that uses a salt chlorination system which produces free chlorine ions but no chloramines--the chemicals that are responsible for the chlorine smell of pools, as well as skin, hair, and eye irritation. The advantage of our system is that it offers a sanitary, silky, fresh water taste and quality without the caustic effects associated with conventional chlorine. Our system is of course more expensive to maintain than simply throwing chemicals into the pool but, as our guest noted, the experience is far more pleasurable and luxurious.
Written January 12, 2015. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jennifer C
1 contribution
Heavenly Datura
We spent the week after Christmas 2015 at Datura. It was our second visit to
Datura and it won't be our last. The villa staff makes the stay more than
just a vacation. You feel like you are among friends and that adds to your
relaxation.
Shereen's cooking is amazing. For those of you who like to "eat local,"
they've been doing this in Jamaica forever. We had crab, red snapper, conch
fritters and warm-water lobster, the lobsters being delivered fresh (and
still alive) to the villa. Shereen's homemade soups are perfection and we
loved all of the fresh fruits and vegetables. I'm not particularly a
dessert person, but I devoured each and every delight from Shereen; her
lemon cake is sublime.
Carole and Opie also spoiled us and kept us laughing the whole week. They
didn't mind the boys following them into the kitchen asking for another
beach towel/banana shakes or leaving dominoes and water glasses everywhere.
Henry showed us around the property and shared with us his vast Jamaican
horticultural knowledge. He organized a bonfire on NYE for the boys and
gladly chased off wasps. His laugh is very melodic!
What would we do without Chisholm? It was so good to spot his smiling face
at Sangster and know that our vacation was underway. He gladly took us back
to some favorite spots (Negril, the Yacht Club and Round Hill), and
introduced us to a new place: Lethe. Lethe ("LEE-tee") is about 20 minutes
"up the hill" in the heart of the Jamaican "jungle" and the site of a
zip-lining course. I was skeptical, but it was fun and the boys LOVED it.
The property itself is equally as fantastic as the staff. Bring binoculars,
as the one pair there isn't enough when there are six eager pairs of eyes
scanning Mo Bay from the house's spacious terrace. The rooms are
comfortable and Jamaican. You won't wake up in a generic hotel room; the
mahogany plantation shutters, hardwood floors and plaster walls add to the
atmosphere. If swimming and sunbathing isn't your thing, then rest assured
that there is enough space (and shade) to spread out and read or listen to
music. We read almost 10 books between the six of us! The hammock is
particularly pleasant.
If you want to unplug and relax surrounded by nature, then come to Datura.
If you want to explore Jamaica with a trusted guide, then come to Datura.
If you want to break bread and drink rum with your friends, then come to
Datura. It's perfect for any of these goals. I highly recommend it.
Visited December 2015 Traveled with family
Written January 6, 2016. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RandelCole
Thank you for such a wonderful review! I would like to correct one point about our swimming pool. It is not a salt water pool. Rather, our swimming pool is a fresh water pool that uses a salt chlorination system which produces free chlorine ions but no chloramines--the chemicals that are responsible for the chlorine smell of pools, as well as skin, hair, and eye irritation. The advantage of our system is that it offers a sanitary, silky, fresh water taste and quality without the caustic effects associated with conventional chlorine. Our system is of course more expensive to maintain than simply throwing chemicals into the pool but, as our guest noted, the experience is far more pleasurable and luxurious.
Written January 12, 2015. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Showing results 1-3 of 3
What this rental offers
Wi-fi and internet
- Wi-fi
Outdoor amenities
- Balcony
- Private outdoor pool (unheated)
- Private yard
- Terrace
Things to do
- Watersports
Scenic views
- Ocean views
Bathroom and laundry
- Dryer
- Hot tub
- Linens provided
- Towels provided
- Washer
Location info
- Kid friendly
- Beachfront/Lakeside
- Popular sunny getaway
Nearby
- Golf course (within 30 mins drive)
- Horse riding facilities
- Tennis court
Living spaces
- Highchair
Additional amenities
- Gym
Parking
- Parking available
Entertainment
- DVD player
- Stereo system
Kitchen and dining
- Grill
- Dishwasher
- Freezer
- Refrigerator
- Kettle
- Microwave
- Stove
- Toaster
Indoor amenities
- Air conditioning
- Fax
- Internet access
- Telephone
Map
Getting there
Sangster Intl Airport
2.4 mi
Restaurants
Juici Patties
9 min
Pork Pit
15 min
Pier - 1 On The Waterfront
3 min
Treatz Bakehouse & Cafe
8 min
Attractions
Trav Sun Tours
3 min • Golf Courses
Experience Jamaica Tours
9 min • Beaches
Island Lova Tours
9 min • River Rafting & Tubing
Montego Bay Cultural Center
7 min • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Activities nearby
Golf course (within 30 mins drive)Horse riding facilitiesTennis courtWatersports
About this property
- First, check the Availability tab on this page to see if your dates are available. If they are, contact the owner via the Tripadvisor Rental Inbox to confirm availability.
- Initially, you may contact the owner via the Tripadvisor Rental Inbox. This inbox is created after you send your first message or booking request to the owner. After you've made your first payment, you'll be able to see the owner's contact information.
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All bookings are direct with the owner
All bookings are direct with the owner Property #HL2221101551
Frequently Asked Questions about Datura Villa
- Datura Villa is able to accommodate up to 10 guests. See all property details.
- Datura Villa has 15 bathrooms available. See all property details.
- Datura Villa has 5 bedrooms available. See all property details.
- Stays at Datura Villa must last at least one night. See all property details.