77 West

77 West (US$130) is a five-unit boutique hotel built on a bluff overlooking a protected cove in Billy's Bay, Treasure Beach. The property is centered around a four-foot-deep pool surrounded by a large sunbathing deck with the rooms perched a few steps higher overlooking the sea. Rooms have minimalist furnishings and decor, with polished concrete floors, ceiling fans and A/C. Louvered windows open on three sides to take advantage of the sea breeze. Classic vinyl album covers and reading lamps hang over the bed head; queen-size foam mattresses and bedsheets are comfortable. A bar and restaurant open to the public serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a menu that includes crepes, French toast and eggs done any style served with bacon and toast, as well as local fare like ackee and salt fish. For lunch and dinner the menu ranges from chicken sandwiches to curry goat. With a bit of creative effort, the restauant has the potential to make a significant contribution to the limited culinary options in the area. Stairs lead from the parking area over the dunes to the hotel and then from the pool deck down to the beach, where the water is hardly more than waist deep inside the protective reef. A break in the reef allows access to the open sea for unencumbered swimming and snorkeling. As is the case generally in Treasure Beach, rip currents can be dangerous and it's always best to swim accompanied.