VHR, WORLDWIDE

     JM231 is on a short list of the most magnificent rental properties in the Caribbean.  Located in Ocho Rios on the north coast of the verdant isle of Jamaica, this magnificent 14-acre Estate offers the ultimate in privacy and an incomparable level of service and security to a discerning few.  Nicely concealed from view, this exceptional gated oasis boasts a profusion of exotic and vibrant flora, lush tropical gardens, stone bridges dripping in ivy, Vincenza stone sculptures, dramatic waterfalls, pristine rivers and natural pools, and an extraordinary panorama of the Caribbean Sea.

 

     The Estate is surrounded by 2,000 feet of protected shoreline and has two white sand beaches just below the two freshwater swimming pools (one near the Main House and the other in the garden).  The beach is accessed via a rather extraordinary staircase cut from local limestone.  Guests - who have included well-known celebrities, business moguls, and diplomats - can snorkel (gear provided) or dive (special arrangements, including instruction) the coral reefs nearby, or use the owner's sea kayaks, sunfish sailboats, and paddleboards - all overseen by the property's resident watersports 'guru'!

 

     JM231 will accommodate up to 16 adults and two children and features two separate residences:  a luxurious Main House that faces one of the two freeform, freshwater swimming pools, and has an unobstructed vista of the beach from most rooms; and a quaint, cozy Cottage sitting atop the hillside overlooking the ocean.  The interiors of these casually elegant and inviting accommodations evoke the ambiance of a chic European boutique hotel - without, of course, the other guests.  What we absolutely love about the accommodations on this Estate is the diminished distinction between indoors and out so that guests feel that they are part of the gardens and could almost reach out to the sea.

 

     The Main House, with its distinctive Colonial architecture and prized historical artifacts, comprises six opulent air-conditioned bedroom suites (four king-size beds and two queen-size beds, a day bed and a sofabed) with en suite bathrooms, digital cable TVs, telephones, and spacious indoor and outdoor lounge areas offering sensational views of the turquoise blue water only a stone's throw away and tropical gardens.  Once stepping inside this villa, you will be embraced by a living room awash in billowing white fabrics, rich woods, and gleaming silvers.  Rooms flow seamlessly from indoors to out, exuding a Zen-like aura that melds naturally into the surrounding environment.  

 

     French doors spill out onto airy verandahs where guests have a multitude of options of enjoying their meals.  Spectacular chandeliers, splendid works of art and hand-carved chairs adorn the sumptuous formal dining room whose centerpiece is a magnificent dining table made of a single slab of wood.  An entertainment area - complete with bar - has a satellite TV, VCR, CD player and family board games.  There is also a study/library equipped with a fax, photocopier, computer and printer in the event one absolutely must tend to business during their stay.

 

     The Cottage, which is located across the great lawn from the Main House, will sleep four adults (or two adults and two children) in two air-conditioned bedrooms (one queen-size bed in each) with en-suite bathrooms, TVs, and telephones, and is equipped with its own kitchen, living room, dining room, and seaside verandah with ocean view.

 

     Note that all the rooms - in both the Main House and Cottage - are air conditioned, not just the bedrooms which is common in Caribbean villas, and most rooms have ceiling fans.  

     

     Dining at JM231 is an amazing experience

in and of itself, with world-class gourmet

meals served from dawn until dusk.  From

laid-back to formal and from five-course

culinary masterpieces to quick afternoon

snacks, catering to whatever is your food

mood-of-

the-moment.

 

     Dining venues include the formal indoor

dining room and a wide variety of outdoor

dining locales for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  

The staff will pack a cooler with refreshments to

be served beachside or poolside.  There is also an

outdoor BBQ for casual cookouts, including beachside bonfires (accompanied by toasted marshmallows on a stick, of course!).

 

     Guests have two options when it comes to how to pay for their food and drinks:  they can either select the All-Inclusive Food and Beverage Package (see Rates for more information) when they pay for their villa, which covers all expenses up front, or they may choose to pay for the groceries and beverages purchased at the end of their stay.  Either way, the staff will do all the shopping for you.    

 

     Once you decide which option best suits your needs, the chef will provision the pantry with food for your first night’s meal and your first morning’s breakfast.  After you are settled in a bit following your arrival, he will sit down with you to put together a plan for the remainder of your stay based on your group's personal preferences and meal times.  You have the choice of planning the components of each meal or putting yourself in the chef’s capable hands and letting him surprise you.

​ 

     JM231 comes with a full complement of hospitality professionals including a chef, sous chef, two butlers, a bevy of housekeepers, a watersports "guru", groundkeepers and 24-hour security personnel who will tend to and pamper guests from morning 'til night.  Whether it is a lobster dinner, fresh fish, choice meats, Continental cuisine or local Caribbean specialties, the chef will prepare each dish to perfection.  Special dietary arrangements can be accommodated with advance notice.  We found the staff to be there when needed, and invisible when their services were not required.

 

       JM231 embodies the epitome of old-world charm meets ultra luxury, and we can think of no better place for a very special event such as a wedding or family reunion.  This property would also be an excellent choice for a corporate event (sales meeting, product introduction, incentive program).  Arrangements can be made for a member of VHR, WORLDWIDE's executive staff - someone with many years of experience managing destination weddings, off-site business meetings, and other groups - to be present on property to coordinate with the staff and ensure that everything goes smoothly.