There are two things that make this place perfect: the location and the people. First, the location. It’s right by the water in a more rural area (the “real Jamaica,” as one local put it), far away from standard tourist traps. There were days I was the only person in the water, and it’s one of the most peaceful and relaxing vacations I’ve ever had. At the same, it’s close enough to other beaches and more touristy areas that you don’t feel like you’re missing out. The villa itself is adorable—rustic and cozy but also clean and well-kept. I spent hours reading in the hammock on the third floor deck in the morning and stargazing by the water at night, and I loved being able to cook in the kitchen and have my morning coffee out by the water. I stocked up on groceries, had several meals prepared by the staff, and ate out a couple times--the food was always great. Second, the staff and hospitality are phenomenal. Ben and Richie are absolute heroes, and Richie lives on site and will take care of anything you need. The neighborhood is extremely safe, and everyone I met was super friendly. The other guests were also great; I visited Coral Cottage to have a week away to myself, but I ended up spending several nights playing cards with the other guests, taking a trip with them to a beach in Negril, and even enjoying a Thanksgiving meal together. Even though I was there alone, I didn’t feel isolated or lonely and had the perfect balance of solitude and socializing. The only regret I have is that I declined the villa’s airport pickup option and rented a car instead. Not only did the car rental company (National/Thrifty) charge me double in hidden fees, but I got THREE flat tires trying to get to Coral Cottage on my first day. Richie was a lifesaver and changed my tires; at one point, he went on foot to find a nearby tire shop and came back carrying a tire on his shoulder. Later, he took me and the other guests (who also got a flat) to a nearby tire shop to get our tires fixed (luckily it was only $5 each!). As a solo female traveler, I wasn’t looking forward to driving back to the airport and risking another flat, so Richie offered to drive my rental to the airport and take a cab back to the villa, going way beyond customer service you would find anywhere else. I would have saved a lot of time, energy, and money if I had booked the airport transfer through Coral Cottage. But even with those hiccups, I still had an amazing time and can’t wait to go back. Overall, this place left me with the kind of experience that stays in your blood. I've travelled all over the world, and not every place becomes a part of you. But after a week at Coral Cottage, I feel deeply connected to Jamaica, like I found a new home away from home. It's a place that's good for the soul.…
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