VHR, WORLDWIDE

     

     Jamaica’s best kept secret is Port Antonio, the playground of the “rich and famous”, tucked away in the island’s northeast corner.  This is where the affluent Jamaicans and ex-patriots in Kingston have their weekend residences, where the jet set stayed long before there were jets.  Actor Errol Flynn of swashbuckling fame made Port Antonio in the Parish of Portland his home, buying adjacent Navy Island when his Titchfield Hotel succumbed to flames.  Flynn’s actress wife, Pat Wymore - a friend of our president's and who passed away in 2013 - lived in Port Antonio where her hobbies included raising cattle and making guava cheese which was sold locally. 

 

     Take it from us, first-time visitors are pleasantly surprised to discover what those “in the know” have been trying to tell them for years:  with its outstanding natural beauty, splendid waterfalls and majestic tropical foliage, Port Antonio is indeed the jewel in the Caribbean’s crown.

 

     Imagine yourself the guest at a 40,000 square foot Castle (that’s right, Castle) in the lush and verdant Parish of Portland on Jamaica’s Port Antonio coast.

 

     You have seen this property in movies, read about it in magazines. Home to many weddings of the rich and famous (and not so rich and famous; our company president held her rehearsal dinner here), this picturesque setting atop a coral rise by the sea makes for a very romantic – and extremely private – vacation.

 

     If privacy is tantamount to the perfect vacation, then we invite you to land on the helipad of a private peninsula and join a roster of celebrities (including but not limited to Audrey Hepburn, Robin Williams, Raquel Welch, John F. Kennedy, Jr., Tom Cruise, Mimi Rogers, Brooke Shields, Denzel Washington, Eddie Murphy, Eddie Albert, Robin Leach, Patty LaBelle, Charlton Heston, Johnny Depp, Kate Moss, Tommy Tune, Glenn Close, Peter O’Toole, Linda Evans, Whoopi Goldberg, Kevin Kline, Twiggy, John Cleese and the Hapsburgs) who have found the 17 acres of this spectacular Jamaican hideaway to be a favorite “home away from home”.

 

     Designed by a charming local architect known for his Moorish style, majestic turrets and balustraded terraces grace this spectacular residence, whose private freshwater swimming pool has a commanding vista of the blue Caribbean Sea just steps beyond. There are never-ending ceilings, and lace-draped, four-poster, canopy beds. The dining room’s tropical fresco are worthy of a museum. Crystal chandeliers and mirrored walls create a memorable culinary experience for the 18 or more guests who can be seated at the massive mahogany table. The Castle has a complete entertainment center with CD player, CD library and satellite TV.

 

     Eight remarkable, designer-decorated bedroom suites with private bathrooms will accommodate a party of 16 very special individuals in luxury. The Master’s Room is larger than many expensive New York apartments, with a separate TV room and a spacious and inviting sitting area in the huge bedroom.

 

     A seaside private freshwater swimming pool with large patio area makes for quiet relaxation with a fabulous view.

 

     In addition to the Castle’s ideal accommodations for a wedding (there is a chapel that will seat about 24 persons on the grounds), the property is perfect for an extended family vacation, family reunion or group of friends. We also suggest JM145 for small corporate venues where the focus is on your group and you are not lost in a hotel’s bevy of vacationing guests.

 

     JM145 is less than a 15 minute helicopter flight from Kingston to the helipad, 2½ hour drive along the shoreline, or just under 3 hours via the mountain pass, 20 minute drive to Ken Jones Aerodrome (local airport), 30 minute flight from Montego Bay. Guests should plan to fly into Manley International Airport in Kingston and drive from there if they do not plan to utilize the interisland flight options, as this is the closest major airport.

 

Other On-site Amenities include:

◊   Two tennis courts

◊   Croquet

◊   Small, private beach (other beaches nearby)

◊   Walk to small, luxury hotel for more dining options and facilities

 

Nearby Activities and Sightseeing Include:

◊   Watersports, diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, boat charters – 2 miles        away

◊   River rafting on the Rio Grande

◊   Reich Falls, Somerset Falls

◊   Nonesuch Caves, Navy Island

◊   Plantation Tours, Frenchman’s Cove

◊   Boston Beach, home to famous “jerk chicken”

◊   Golf (limited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Completed in 2005, SM330 is perched on the hillside above Dawn Beach, with a view to the magnificent beach below as well as St. Barths.

This luxury four (4) bedroom, four and a half (4-1/2) bath villa has been constructed so as to take full advantage of the extraordinary panoramic vista.  Tucked among colorful tropical plants and flowers, and with little to diminish the line between inside and out, guests truly sense they are in the Caribbean.

 

     The entry (main) level comprises three air-conditioned bedrooms of equal size (great for couples traveling together), with en suite baths. The Master Suite has a king-size bed, and a double shower and double sink in the en suite bathroom. The other two bedrooms on this floor are furnished with one queen-size bed in each, and their respective en suite bathrooms have single showers and sinks. All three bedrooms on this level have cable TV, and open onto the pool deck.

 

     A fourth twin-bedded room with private bathroom is found on the lower level.  One of the beds is a trundle that raises to standard height.  If this villa is rented as a one or two bedroom, the guest bedrooms on the top/main level are offered.  If you prefer the Master Suite instead of one of the queen-bedded guest bedrooms, an additional fee will apply.

 

     The house features a professionally-equipped, gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances and every gadget you will ever need. The comfortable living room is decorated in lively tones, and has a marvelous view of Dawn Beach.  Amenities include cable TV with VCR (living room and some bedrooms), DVD, fabulous Surround Sound stereo system with CD and outdoor Bose speakers, telephone, washer and dryer, DSL Internet access, outdoor shower and BBQ.  Fragrant tropical gardens draw delightful hummingbirds.

 

     Elegantly designed with a hat-tip to French provincial style using the finest materials and furnishings, this exquisite bi-level house boasts spacious rooms, cool tile floors and handsome top-of-the-line rattan and wood décor.

 

     This villa is only a two-minute walk down the hill (slight slope) to sandy Dawn Beach (one of the nicest on the island) for swimming and watersports.  Avid snorkelers will enjoy the multitude of colorful fish and sea life found on the live reef just a short swim from the shore.  Also on Dawn Beach are beach bars that serve drinks, lunch and dinner, plus a watersports concession for snorkeling gear et al. 

 

     A choice of beachfront and waterside restaurants are just a short distance away.  A casino is about a 2 minute drive from the villa.  Diving, fishing, boat charters and day trips to neighboring islands can be arranged nearby.  The Dutch capital of Philipsburg (casino, duty-free shopping) is only a 10 minute drive.  The famous French restaurants of Grand Case and Marigot (French capital) are about 20 minutes drive.

 

     This is a nonsmoking villa.  Due to the small turn-around in the driveway, minivans must be parked on the road.  Children are welcome; no pets.

 

     SM330 is a favorite among our staff for its prime location, superb views and wonderful accommodation.  It is the perfect choice for several couples as three of the bedrooms are similar in size.