Harmony Heights The views, the breeze and the food

F rom below, along the main road, I could see it. Perched on top of a hill, it glowed orange above the greenery. To reach it, we had to travel a narrow, winding road. As we ascended, the sea came into view, the sea, which I do not want to get into as yet.

In a few minutes I was there, on the lofty heights of Fairy Hill, where ocean and sea views of Harmony Heights Villa command a breath-stopping view of the expansive, azure Caribbean Sea and the turquoise waters of Boston Bay in Portland. I felt like I was being pulled into their magical embrace. I was on Fairy Hill, remember.

To the east of Boston Bay, a rugged headland separates it from a bigger alcove. The various shades of blue glowing from the two bodies clashed with the light-blue sky against which rows of clouds of various forms remained still, above the horizon. It is this same horizon that sun rises from every morning, giving the sea a range of shades, from glittery gold to dazzling silver.

On my trip, John crows soared, showing off their skills, sailing on the breeze which rushed over to the patios. To the northeast of the concrete structure are the Boston Hills and a continuous greenery that stops near the structure from which I could look down on very tall trees swaying gently in the wind. I saw a few baldpates, and I was told by the operator, Syble Watson, that those trees harbour a variety of species, including a woodpecker, and one that comes to sing every day.

the tranquility of the woods

I was brought into the woods to see how tranquil it is, and it really is. Affixed to some trees are board seats on which to sit, relax, and take a ‘meds’, while listening to the rustling of the wind-blown leaves of the tall trees, and the peculiar sounds of the creatures within. A nature trail meanders through the trees, going deeper into the woods.

From my research, the lands around were once owned by a well-known family, whose name I will refrain from calling. It was once a pimento plantation it seems, and there are the ruins of a thick-walled, stone structure along the winding road. They look like the remnants of a fort. I am still doing my research, for I saw heaps of stones marking what we suspect to be ancestral graves.

At the start of the nature trail, I did a brief tour of the ‘farm’ in which a variety of vegetables and ground provisions are grown in the red earth among the rocks. The plants look sturdy and healthy. Fruit trees are among the lot. I saw June plum, soursop, guava, all of which I love. From this plot, guests can be fed with whatever is in season, and available.

Chickens and their eggs, too, are ready for the huge glass dinning table inside the three-suite guest quarters, which has a big sitting area, kitchen and dining space. Each spacious breezy suite is exquisitely furnished and accented.

I remarked to Watson that they look just as nice as five-star hotel rooms. I was also impressed with the scent of the place. It was clean and smelled really fresh, like the sea and mountain breeze that merge thereon.

All around are sculptures and other accents depicting Afro-centric themes, a plus for me. I could live there, if not for the conversational pieces and the food, but for the views and the air. And the rising sun.