Pages

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Cannon Cottage Birthday

What's It Wednesday #41

Our family dodged Tropical Storm Isaac as we headed to Jamaica to celebrate our son Sebastian's 5th birthday. Cannon Cottage became our home away from home and the place that made a birthday very special. The location of this tropical getaway is midway between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios in Silver Sands Estates, Trelawny. 

The entrance to Cannon Cottage is elegant and inviting. The landscaping is absolutely gorgeous and reminds you that you are indeed in the tropics. At the top of the stairs is a beautiful terrace that welcomes you to relax and take a gentle swing in the hammock. We found ourselves spending every meal looking out onto the gorgeous Caribbean Sea from the terrace. This is where we sang a joyful "Happy Birthday" song to our darling Sebastian.

This wonderful villa has three beautifully decorated en suite bedrooms. The back facade is just as beautiful as the front of this amazing beach villa. 


As the name implies, there are beautiful cannons strategically placed on the property evoking part of the rich history of Jamaica as they elicit wonderful conversations.

As you walk through the back gardens, you come upon this beautiful mural which depicts the strength of women through it's cultural interpretation. This beautiful piece of art also reflects the strength and passion of the owner, Karen Sangster, of Cannon Cottage

This private Jacuzzi and it's beautiful waterfall, sits in the middle of fabulous tropical folliage. 

The pristine fine sand beach is less then a minute walk from the front door of the Cannon Cottage. This is where we actually enjoyed the breezes of Tropical Storm Isaac as it headed towards South Florida. 


Being a kid a heart and having a love of nature I embarked on a new adventure every day. Every nook and cranny yielded a new surprise. 

This gazebo sits at the edge of Silver Sands Beach. A place to contemplate the good and to pray for those being effected by Tropical Storm then later Hurricane Isaac.


The location of the villa is perfect. It is only 40 minutes away from  Ocho Rios. This was the perfect place to go and satisfy my need to be in the middle of amazing trees, tropical foliage, and to be able to play in the rivers and waterfalls. 


I could have not named these falls better myself. Next to Dunn's River Falls, Turtle River Falls and Gardens in Ocho Rios is one of my favorite natural landscapes of Jamaica. When I was a little girl, this beautiful mountain-side botanical garden was known as Carinosa Gardens.  


Hubby and I loved sitting on the bench in the middle of the water fall. It was the best seat in the house.


 I have a weakness for beautiful gingers. If only mine were this luscious. 


Sebastian ready to play in the cold river water and waterfalls.
Off the beaten path is One Love Waterfalls which is a local swimming favorite that turned out to be my son's favorite place to swim, play and meet new friends. 



Daily picnics on the beach and the building of sand castles are what made this 5 year old's birthday fun and memorable. Enjoying it with family and friends is what made it special. 

What are your fondest birthday memories?


Ivy and Elephants

 Thank you all for all that you do to inspire others! I know I am inspired each and every week by each and every one of you. 

Here are this week's fabulous features.

Fun August decor at Forever Decorating

This vintage calendar is delightful at Design Till it Shines

Gorgeous French Decor at Jennelise Rose

Amazing storage box at Wesens Art

"Decayed Elegance" with a beautiful art at One Creative Couple

Vintage pharmaceuticals at From Generation to Generation



59 comments:

  1. What a gorgeous retreat! The home and grounds are just spectacular! I am sure Sebastian thoroughly enjoyed himself! Thanks so much for hosting...great features, also!

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a magical place - perfect for a birthday party! Thanks for hosting :) Have a great week!! Pernilla

    ReplyDelete
  3. Fabulous place with gorgeous grounds. I'm sure your darling Sebastian had a grand big 5 birthday!! The Tropics, hammocks, great food and views, it's just the perfect vacation-birthday! Thanks for hosting yet, another great party at What's It Wednesday. Hugs,
    FABBY

    ReplyDelete
  4. Beautiful pictures. I'm a little jealous! Happy birthday to Sebastian!

    ReplyDelete
  5. That's the stuff of which dreams are made. Thanks for giving me my dream for tonight!

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a spectacular place, & that cottage is fantastic! I'm sure you were all happy to be far away from Isaac!

    Thanks so much for hosting!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Your photos are just beautiful. Thank you so much for hosting! Blessings ~ Judy

    ReplyDelete
  8. Stopped in for a visit and saw that you featured my calendar. Thank you for noticing it. Also thanks for hosting!

    ReplyDelete
  9. what a beautiful special spot! It's
    dreamy!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Belated birthday greetings to Sebastian - I love that name, it is my son's middle name.
    What a gorgeous place to visit. It wasn't just the falls that had me oohing and aahing!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Belated birthday greetings to Sebastian. I have been to dune river falls...so I know the beauty you are speaking about. Smiles, Susie

    ReplyDelete
  12. Looks like it was a beautiful place for a birthday celebration. YOur little guy sure looks sweet! Thanks for hosting again this week, Laura

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a beautiful place! The photos are awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi Ivy,
    Awesome shots! I am glad that you were able to come and spend time in Jamaica and visit all these amazing places. A wonderful 5th birthday for Sebastian! I wish him many more happy birthdays. Have a great Wednesday.
    Judy

    ReplyDelete

  15. I have been uninspired this week at home so don't have a new post up. I have plenty to show but the lighting in my studio is not good and can't seem to get great pictures, (sorry didn't mean to complain) on such a beautiful post . I really am not a negative person LOL

    however your post about the son's birthday trip is wonderful.
    It is such a beautiful place and would like to go some day, heck I would like to visit Miami never been

    Your little guy is adorable what a cute age I have a grandson 5 , just started kindergarten , has Sebastian started?

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks so much for choosing us as a featured post. We are so honored! Also your photos from your trip are so beautiful. It looks like a truly fabulous place to visit.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Great photos of a beautiful place! Happy birthday to Sebastian!

    And thanks for featuring my gift & storage boxes!

    ReplyDelete
  18. What a beautiful place to celebrate Sebastian's birthday party. Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos. Great party!

    Jody

    ReplyDelete
  19. Beautiful photos, thanks for hosting:-))

    ReplyDelete
  20. Paula, I am soooo proud of you and how far you have come with your photography! I'm also green with envy that you got to enjoy Sebastian's birthday in such a beautiful place.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thank your for sharing your beautiful photos. I feel as if I've just had an island vacation myself. That retreat is magnificent. And, thanks, as always, for hosting.

    ReplyDelete
  22. What a magical looking place! The waterfalls and jacuzzi look like so much fun. So glad you shared this at Cowgirl Up!, I just linked up at your party too.
    Hugs,
    Linsey

    ReplyDelete
  23. What a very special way to celebrate! so gorgeous and relaxing.

    - The Tablescaper

    ReplyDelete
  24. Wow what beauty..I've never been but I sure would love it,thanks for sharing you amazing photo's,Happy Birthday Sebastian!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Your photos are amazing! Thanks for sharing and hosting! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

    ReplyDelete
  26. What great photos! Amazing!

    Thanks for leading me to your blog! So much to look over.

    Whitney
    passionforwood.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. What a beautiful place to vacation! I don't think I would ever want to leave. Thank you for sharing your photos and thank you for the invite!

    ReplyDelete
  28. What a beautiful place to vacation! I don't think I would ever want to leave. Thank you for sharing your photos and thank you for the invite!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Love the features. Thanks for hosting. What a great vacation birthday celebration for a special little guy.
    Joy

    ReplyDelete
  30. Great place for a family celebration. Thanks for hosting.
    Rob

    ReplyDelete
  31. Jamaica is such a beautiful place! And those waterfalls...such an idyllic setting! Thank you for taking us for a visit in paradise!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Such beautiful photos of your vacation! Thanks for inviting me to join your link up. I'm a new follower. :)
    http://www.gingerlymade.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Oh wow, what a great trip! That cottage looks so gorgeous and inviting and I love the Ooh Aah Falls, lol!
    Definitely a destination to keep in mind.

    Happy Birthday to your big boy and thank you for hosting!

    ReplyDelete
  34. thanks for sharing the amazing pictures I've always wanted to go to Jamaica and this just made it all the more enticing

    ReplyDelete
  35. Oh my goodness....what a gorgeous place!!!! I could hear those waterfalls crashing down on the rocks below. Beautiful!!!! :)

    xoxo laurie

    ReplyDelete
  36. What a neat blog you have! Gorgeous pictures. Thanks for stopping by my blog and inviting me to your link party. Thanks so much for hosting! It will be fun browsing your blog as well! xo Shannon

    ReplyDelete
  37. What a gorgeous spot for a vacation! Happy Birthday to Sebastian!

    ReplyDelete
  38. What a beautiful place on earth! Happy Birthday Sebastian!

    Thanks for buzzing by and the invite. Just couldn't resist become a follower.

    ReplyDelete
  39. What an incredible place to celebrate a birthday - gorgeous!
    thanks for the reminder for the party - don't know how I missed it!
    Big hugs,
    Suzan

    ReplyDelete
  40. Thanks for visiting my blog and the invite. What a birthday! Beautiful! :)

    ReplyDelete
  41. Isn't this lovely that your son's and mine have their birthdays in the same month now that is such a coincidence! A big shout out to Sebastian may a big god bless ya,and what an exotic spot to celebrate it indeed.Thanks once again for your sweet comments and for hosting todays party,linking in today with pictures of my son's Tintin themed birthday party.

    hugs
    Auro

    ReplyDelete
  42. Thanks for the invite! I'm all linked up. If you get a chance, I'd love for you to share something at my party, Twirl & Take a Bow. It's every Tuesday.
    Leslie
    House on the Way

    ReplyDelete
  43. Happy Birthday to your son and thank you for the invite!

    ReplyDelete
  44. This is a magical place indeed. Everything is so green and beautiful. The waterfalls are amazing. Jess went to the Caribbean this year, and she said the waterfalls there were the prettiest natural sites that she's ever seen. What a special place to have a birthday. Wonderful pictures.
    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

    ReplyDelete
  45. Love the Oooh And Aaah Falls!! What a magnificent place!!

    Thanks so much for hosting!!

    Hugs,
    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  46. What a beautiful paradise! So happy for you! Birthdays are more fun with those we love most. Great memories! Thanks for sharing, Helen

    ReplyDelete
  47. Thanks for hosting! I linked up my recipe for eggplant parmesan:
    http://gapsfort2.blogspot.com/2012/08/eggplant-parmesan.html

    ReplyDelete
  48. Beautiful vacation pictures! They look like postcards :) Thank you for hosting :)

    ReplyDelete
  49. thanks so much for the invite. I'm following and linking. Great Party.
    Debi @ Adorned From above

    ReplyDelete
  50. Gorgeous retreat and sounds like you had a wonderful time. Sebastian looks like he had a great time. Thanks for sharing your creative inspiration with Sunday’s Best – you helped make the party a success!

    ReplyDelete
  51. The pictures of your vacation-birthday are so gorgeous. I love the pictures of the falls especially. I would love to sit on a bench in the midst of some beautiful falls.

    ReplyDelete
  52. WOW, Your Aebastian is so cute playing in the sand. What a glorious get away. The picture are beautiful. Love Ocho Rios, paradise on earth. Oh my the vegetaion, ok now I want to go.
    xxx
    Marlene

    ReplyDelete
  53. It looks like a wonderful place to visit and stay for a while..just lovely..Happy Birthday to your son...Little late but just got here...Happy Tuesday with love Janice

    ReplyDelete
  54. What a wonderful celebration...One all of you will remember...Sorry, I am so late in acknowledging my total appreciation...Thank you for sharing...
    Blessings, Becky

    ReplyDelete
  55. oh how lovely to spend a holiday in such a beautiful place. x

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hello,
    Happy belated birthday to your son. How wonderful to have all those memories. You really made the best out of the storm. Your pictures are wonderful. It looks like a place in heaven. Sorry, I am too late to link in for today's party.
    Best greetings, Johanna

    ReplyDelete
  57. I’m really like it! Very, very dgdeeac good!

    ReplyDelete
  58. wow that looks like a fantastic vacation. Jamacia is one of those places i dream of visiting

    ReplyDelete
  59. Amei o blog, voltarei mais vezes, assim que tiver outra coleção aberta vou participar.
    Grande abraço.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for your comments! We enjoy hearing from you.