Great Huts resort on the market
GREAT HUTS, a village-themed resort in Portland, has been listed for sale at US$2.5 million ($380 million).
The 17-room property, spread across one acre, was developed by Dr Paul Rhodes before the advent of booking sites such as homeshare service Airbnb, and was able to garner a steady flow of adventure travellers searching for accommodation outside of traditional hotels and luxury villas.
Great Huts has strong ratings on TripAdvisor, with over 915 persons giving full five-star feedback from a total 1,100 reviews. Rhodes hinted that he wants the resort to remain true to its origins, despite a pending change of ownership.
“It is my belief that Great Huts will remain true to its mission of celebrating African art and culture and the imperative of community service. Beyond these words, it will not be helpful for me to respond at this time,” he told the Financial Gleaner.
The medical doctor started visiting Jamaica in the 1970s and cultivated a liking for Portland. He developed Great Huts in 2001.
In 2007, to assist the homeless in Port Antonio, Rhodes, in collaboration with Nellie Walker and Polly Perry, founded the Portland Rehabilitation Management Centre. Then in 2008, an unused parish council building was secured to house street people.
The listing describes Great Huts as a unique, African-themed eco-resort set on over an acre of fantastic, lush landscape. It’s located in Boston Bay.
The complex comprises 17 guest huts, the Safari Deck dining room, a bar, a pool on the cliff’s edge, and a private beach. Additionally, the resort is said to feature a collection of original artwork originating from Africa that celebrates Jamaica’s West African ancestry.
The sale of the property, which was added within the last 30 days to realtor sites, would see Rhodes transitioning away from business and focussing on charity.
The ongoing pandemic has negatively affected the travel market. But Rhodes never said why he was selling. He only pushed back on the notion that the new and trendy villas in the parish factored into his decision.
“I remain committed to medical volunteerism in Jamaica, especially for the homeless population of Port Antonio. And my embrace of the African roots of the Jamaican people and passion to share the glory of African art and history with all interested persons shall endure,” Rhodes said.
The villa welcomes travellers all year round and hosts local and international events as well as wellness and yoga retreats.