Along the shores of Jamaica's rustic but serene south coast there lies a tranquil little seaside village that is gaining popularity for its unspoiled beauty and relaxed surroundings.

There are not many places where parched soil, barbed-wire fences, prickly shrubs, a mostly rocky shoreline and modest cottages blend together to create a getaway paradise for the weary soul. Treasure Beach in St Elizabeth does so and markets this well.

There are no miles of white sandy beaches , just pockets of brown-sand patches dotting a jagged shoreline.

Treasure Beach is far removed from the growls of vehicle engines, the toot of horns, annoyingly loud music or the inquisitive stares of those you want to keep out. All you will hear is the sweet whistle of the wind playing great tunes with the crashing sound of waves.

In Treasure Beach, people greet each other by name and neighbours look out for each other. There, nobody makes any extra effort to bolt doors and secure windows or precious possessions. The spirit of the people is as free as the cool sea winds that sweep the coastal community.

Axel and Andrea Weichterich are among those who have been captivated by the charms of Treasure Beach so much so that the transplants from Cologne, Germany, have put down roots in this fledgling south coast community after a visit in 2001.

"For my husband, it was the people, and for me, it was the people and the (free) spirit," Andrea Weichterich said of her experience, adding that the life-saving medical treatment she received here in 2003 was also a major reason she moved to Jamaica.

Bed-and-breakfast

Owner and head chef of Marblue Verandah Villa Suites, Axel Weichterich, displays some of his culinary creations.

The Weichterichs bought what was then a bed-and-breakfast in 2003 to make what is now Marblue Verandah Villa Suites, one of the many boutiques and guest cottage outfits in Treasure Beach.

"Marblue is a luxury boutique hotel that lets its guests breathe easy," Mrs Weichterich boasted, noting that this was the remark from one of her many guests.

It offers a touch of luxury in a rustic setting, complete with fine food and exquisite dining right by the sea.

The small property, which you will find along a marl road just off the Treasure Beach main road, is made up of eight luxurious villa suites all with fantastic views of the turquoise ocean. The décor and furnishings - all locally made - have true island flair with a modern touch.

The food is even better! Experience a bold fusion of Jamaican cuisine with European flair. Your taste buds will come alive with one of the many culinary delights of the award-winning resident chef and owner Axel, made from only the freshest fruits, vegetables and seafood sourced from local farmers and fishermen.

The menu at Marblue is ever changing as the hotel operator tries to cater to a wide array of tastes. Most choices are done to order by Axel and his sidekick Weston.

Or better yet, try one of his award-winning food creations - duck breast on a spicy maroon chocolate sauce, fillet of snapper on deboned Merlot oxtail and goat cheese praline or jerk pork crusted with sweet potato.

Rooms have no television or telephone, however, there is free wireless Internet connectivity.

So for Christmas this year, try something different. Enjoy the rustic elegance of this property and all of what Treasure Beach has to offer.

A view from the ocean of the main building overlooking one of two swimming pools at Marblue.