Da Villa Juanita Reopens in Portland Amid Renewed Confidence in Parish’s Tourism

After closing its doors during the COVID-19 pandemic, Da Villa Juanita in eastern Portland has reopened with a fresh identity, expanded accommodation offerings and renewed optimism about the parish’s tourism prospects.

The picturesque property is positioning itself as an ecotourism destination, while capitalising on Portland’s natural attractions and the improvements taking place across the parish.

JIS News recently attended an exclusive media relaunch where Representative and Web Developer, Samora Robertson, explained that the reopening comes at an opportune time, as improvements in road infrastructure, transportation and commercial development in Portland are creating new possibilities for the parish.

Mr. Robertson said that Da Villa Juanita has a “fresh look, fresh vibe and is now bigger and better than before”, drawing heavily on its natural surroundings and offering ocean and mountain views, and proximity to the 26-acre Scott’s River Eco Village.

The property’s reopening coincides with ongoing government efforts to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activity in Portland.

These include major road improvements through the Southern Coastal Improvement Project (SCHIP), expanded public transportation options through the new Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) 710 route connecting Kingston to Port Antonio via St. Thomas and the development of the Boundbrook Urban Centre in Port Antonio.

For Mr. Robertson, these developments are significant to the future of businesses such as Da Villa Juanita, as they make the parish more accessible to visitors.

“When we talk about what happened during the pandemic, the roads, even during that time, wasn’t as how it is right now. Now you can reach Kingston in less than two hours, and with the new JUTC route, it is definitely a different level of possibility that can exist within this space, not just for the Da Villa Juanita but for the community,” Mr. Robertson said.

The improved accessibility, he noted, could encourage more Jamaicans to visit Portland for short stays, without necessarily having to drive themselves.

“You have weekend travellers who want to come over to Portland Friday and leave Sunday so they have that flexibility of not even renting their own car or driving over, they can definitely take the bus come over with a group of friends and enjoy Portland just the same,” Mr. Robertson said.

It is this changing environment that DaVilla Juanita is seeking to leverage as it re-enters the tourism market.

The property has 16 rooms available for booking, offering a mix of accommodation options for individuals, families and larger groups.

Among these is a three-bedroom garden-level suite with three bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and dining area. The level also features a ramp to facilitate access for persons with disabilities.

The ocean-view pavilion includes five bedrooms, a large kitchen, living and dining areas and balcony spaces, while two newly added rooms have increased the accommodation capacity.

Amenities available through the property include full air conditioning in every guest bedroom, televisions, towels, bath soap and toilet paper.

Selected accommodations also provide ceiling fans, kitchen facilities, living and dining areas, laundry access, an iron and a handheld garment steamer.

The property’s location is also intended to complement the visitor experience, with Da Villa Juanita situated within reach of attractions such as Reach Falls, Frenchman’s Cove, the Blue Lagoon and several rivers.

Mr. Robertson said the property’s location gives it a distinctive advantage, particularly because of the type of accommodation being offered in that section of Portland.

While DaVilla Juanita’s reopening is rooted in the property’s own expansion and rebranding, the wider developments taking place across Portland are helping to shape the environment in which the business is operating.

He added that these developments represent “a well added value to the parish itself, to boost local tourism and to expand Portland even more”.

Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor of Port Antonio, Councillor Rohan Vassell said Da Villa Juanita will not only serve as an enhancement to the aesthetics of the area but will act as a catalyst for social and economic development, while promoting community growth and progress.

“The Portland Municipal Corporation welcomes investments like this in our communities and is fully committed to providing any support we can… to enable and foster the success it is capable of achieving,” Mr. Vassell said, while addressing the relaunch event.

He stated that the team at Da Villa Juanita “has shown the world that Portland is a safe place for business investment while, at the same time, setting an example for others to follow”.