Dear Linda,
The staff are all beautiful and the service was incredible. We were truly
blessed to have such great people at Serenity! The villa itself is in a
gorgeous, pristine spot. A great atmosphere to share with friends and family.
This is my third Linda Smith experience and each time I am impressed by
the beauty of the villa, and by the staff and the country.
Jim D., Monroeville NJ, Jul 2008
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Dear
Linda,
We enjoyed the privacy, the views, and the excellent service!
Hal S., Jul 2008
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Dear
Linda,
This staff is a group of the nicest and most accommodating people ever!
Our enjoyment was their #1 priority. This is our 3rd villa experience in
Jamaica and by far the best. The house - the setting - the dog ... awesome!
We'll be back!
Catherine W., June 2008
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Dear Linda,
This villa is a natural beauty. Excellent!
Jody B., May 2008
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Dear
Linda,
The staff was excellent and very accommodating. The appetizers in the
evening were a very nice and unexpected touch. This is our second year
with Villas by Linda Smith handling our family vacation. We will be back
for many more. Thank you!
Carmen C., Wentzville, MO, May 2008
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Dear
Linda,
What a professional, unobtrusive and friendly staff at Serenity. How romantic
and very special it was to fall asleep to the sound of the waves and to
wake up to a view of the ocean. Thank you very much for allowing us to
experience
this villa!
Philip L., London ENGLAND, May 2008
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Dear Linda,
In 19 years of villa rentals in Jamaica, this is far and away the very
best yet! Sign us up for the same week next year!
Bill S., Kansas City
MO, Feb 2008
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Dear Linda,
The staff was amazing. We couldn't have asked for more. This was a vacation
and wedding that we will never forget. The house was perfect. Next time
we come we will not pack so much since our laundress washes everything
you wear!
Dia D., Pine Bluff AK, Jan 2008
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Dear Linda,
The staff was extremely friendly, responsive and warm. They made us feel
comfortable immediately.
Stacey K., Millbrook NY, Dec 2007
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Dear Linda,
The staff at Serenity is friendly and they anticipated and met our
every need. We felt safe and secure at the villa and everyone made us think we
were at home. We loved all the different sitting areas and LOVED the dogs as
well!
Debra & Tim C., Birmingham AL, Nov 2007
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Dear Linda,
The staff and service were above and beyond any expectations. It was all
perfect!
Sherry B., Jetersville VA, Nov 2007
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Dear Linda,
We have high expectations for our vacations. The staff at Serenity exceeded
these expectations as did the villa, which is gorgeous and family oriented.
This villa is better than top resorts we've stayed at over the years. The
staff is amazing although I hate using the word "staff" - they
are more like family, absolutely first rate! Thank you for a lovely stay!
Anne
P., Phoenix MD, Aug 2007
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Dear
Linda,
The staff is amazing! They took very good care of us during our stay.
This was our first time to Jamaica and we were pleasantly surprised. Everything
was fantastic! Thank you for a wonderful vacation! We love Jamaica and
you guys!!
Jenna C., Buford GA, Aug 2007
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Dear Linda,
From the instant we arrived we felt "at home". Each
of the staff members made us feel welcome. The laundry was done daily and
done perfectly, the food was excellent - every meal delicious, the rooms
were clean and tidy every day! The staff was just amazing, meeting our every
need and going beyond that. Our children were enthralled by the staff and
they asked if we could return next year. We said we will come back to Jamaica
and they said we had to "come back to Serenity on the Beach"! The
entire experience was amazing.
Jim H., Denver CO, July 2007
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Dear
Linda,
Serenity has a staff grounded in teamwork. Everyone works together and
backs each other up. In the States we call it a "well oiled machine" The
entire staff embraced our family and tended to our needs without hesitation.
They are certainly eager to please. It is a gem of a staff and gem of a
property.
Kevin T., Bloomington IN, Mar 2007
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By way of background I've been
going to Jamaica every year for the last 18 winters,
always staying at
Villas when I go. We first went to Serenity 12 years ago and have
returned each year since, most recently about a month ago.
During the first 11 years Tiny was the cook and Maud was the maid who
would cook for Tiny on her day off. Tiny retired last
September and Maud stepped into her role. Tiny had a first rate
reputation as a villa cook, but I have to tell you that I think Maud is
even better. Her jerk chicken is the best we've eaten on the island and
everything else was fresh, healthy and great tasting. She is most
accommodating in every way and very anxious to please her guests.
The staff is outstanding and a principal reason we keep going back
to Serenity. Gladstone has become a true friend and he takes pride in
seeing to it that the property is in first rate shape each and every day
while also assuring that the needs of his guests are accommodated.
Another Tiny, the former laundress and now maid, is lovely, quiet and efficient.
The new laundress, Donette, is an excellent addition to an already
first rate staff. She's high energy and always willing to help out.
Since we stay in the same bedroom every year, I can only personally vouch
for the bed there but it has one of the best firm mattresses that we've
ever slept on and my adult children who've occupied the other bedrooms
have never complained about the sleeping accommodations and my son has
back problems. The fact is that Linda sees to it that every aspect of
the villa is maintained in first rate condition.
I can't speak to the efficiency of the air conditioners because in the
12 years we've been going, always during the last week of January/first
week of February, we've never needed them.
There are some mosquitos in the evenings but the staff puts out
anti-mosquito spirals and supplies Off which does the trick for those
who have a tendency to attract bites - since I don't seem to appeal to
them, candidly I've never been bothered.
The beach is just as lovely as it's pictured and the gardeners at the
3
villas that front on it maintain it daily. It's great for walks and
shelling and the ocean bottom is wadable depth for several hundred feet
from the shore.
Obviously I highly recommend Serenity Villa. Let's face it if I didn't,
you wouldn't have been given my name as a reference; but the proof is in
the pudding and we keep returning every year and have already booked for
2008. I hope you find my comments helpful.
Sincerely,
Bill S., Feb 2007
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Dear Linda,
Thanks so much for your kind response and mostly for keeping paradise intact for the lucky few who find and appreciate it. I really appreciate all you do and your responsiveness to suggestions.
Please be sure to book us again for January 2008 (our 10th year in Serenity) and here's hoping there will be 7 of us there. Please remember all of us to our/your wonderful staff (we're still glowing from their care and kindness) and tell them we're already looking forward to next year.
Be well,
Bill S, Kansas City,
Jan 2007
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Hi Linda,
Unfortunately, we're getting ready to leave Serenity this afternoon, and I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know how very much we enjoyed our week at this beautiful place! Now I know why it's called "Serenity".
This is the most perfectly peaceful, relaxing and restorative place we have ever been, and that's saying a lot. The staff have been just wonderful. They made my birthday celebration an event to remember and, at this point, they feel like family. You are truly blessed to have such good, caring people here, but I probably don't need to tell you that.
Just wanted to thank you again for sharing this very special place with us. Although our next trip will be to Greatiview, we'll be back to Serenity for more R&R and quiet contemplation ASAP!
Cynthia R., Marlton NJ,
Jan 2007
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Dear Linda,
Everything was perfect. Serenity has absolutely the best staff! They are exceptionally kind, thoughtful and truly wonderful people. Serenity is a beautiful villa and being on the water is wonderful. This was our first trip to Jamaica
and it exceeded all our expectations.
Sheila M., Washington D.C., Jan 2007
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Dear Linda,
Serenity is the most idyllic place on earth. We had excellent service by a wonderful, warm, caring staff. We couldn't have asked for more! This is our favorite place in Jamaica by far! We will be back many, many times. Thank you Linda Smith, for spoiling us!
Cindy R., Marlton NJ,
Jan 2007
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Dear Linda,
We have traveled many places in the US, Mexico, Hawaii and Europe. Never have we had such excellent service and such a friendly staff. Everyone goes beyond the call of duty. After staying at Serenity, we would not stay anywhere else in Jamaica. Our time went by so quickly and we can't wait to return!
Sherry B., Jetersville VA, Dec 2006
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Dear Linda,
Having been to other staffed villas, this is our best experience. They are all great!
Peggy W., Selbyville DE, Dec 2006
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Dear Linda,
The staff was friendly, efficient and helpful. The villa was elegant, comfortable and convenient. The layout,
atmosphere and staff support were perfect for our party from grandparents to parents to our 2 year old child.
Harry A., Toronto Canada, Dec 2006
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Dear
Linda,
The staff was very warm and friendly. They ensured a great vacation!
Patrick W., Louisville KY, Dec 2006
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Dear Linda,
Outstanding service! It was the best I have ever had on all my travels! It's a beautiful place with beautiful people.
We will be back very soon.
Rusty A., Muscles Shoals AL, Nov 2006
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Dear Linda,
The staff is excellent!!! The villa is beautiful!!! The food is superb!!!
Paul D., Cedar Hill TX, Nov 2006
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Dear Linda,
Excellent food and outstanding service!
Woody & Diane S, New Canaan CT, Nov 2006
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Dear Linda,
Our gourmet meals were always well planned. The staff
is pleasant and accommodating and always 1 step ahead
of our needs and attentive
to detail. The views are beautiful and the location on the beach is perfect. The
accommodations are very homey and there is no need to leave the villa. It certainly
exceeded our expectations.
What an amazing experience. We will be there next
year with good luck and good fortune.
Louise D.,
New York NY, May 2006
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` Dear
Linda,
We loved it at Serenity! This was by far the greatest vacation
the two of us have ever had!
What a wonderful honeymoon! Every member of the
staff was just fabulous and we can't wait to return!
David and
Lindsay Y., Olney MD, May 2006
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Dear
Linda,
The entire staff at Serenity is awesome. We had a great time
and will return soon.
Aaron J., Springfirled MO, Feb 2006
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Dear
Linda,
This is our 10th year in a row and we are looking forward
to next year. What more can I say?
William S., Kansas City MO, Feb
2006 ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` Dear
Linda,
We had excellent service from all the staff. They
were more than accommodating, warm and friendly. Serenity is a very comfortable
villa.
Cecelia L., Washington DC, Dec 2005 ````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Dear
Linda, I just wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you for your amazing
hospitality whilst we were in Jamaica. Your staff are a credit to you, I've never
been treated so well! I loved both Serenity and Wild Orchid, these are both beautiful
properties. The staff were so warm and friendly, they really made me feel at home.
This was my first trip to the Caribbean, and I have fallen in love! Nowhere I
have ever met such warm and friendly people. Once again, thank you so much and
please send my regards to the teams at Wild Orchid and Serenity. Emma
A., Cheltenham UK, Nov 2005
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Dear
Linda,
The staff offered excellent service and they were
very accommodating. It is a great place to stay and we thoroughly enjoyed the
total relaxation.
Vernon & Shonna F., New York
NY, Aug 2005
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Dear
Linda,
The staff is very accommodating. Anything we wish for, they
provide. Serenity is a very nice villa - lovely colors.
This was our 4th visit
to Jamaica since '84 and Linda Smith and her staff have been excellent to work
with.
Skip & Georgia K., Alpharetta GA, Aug 2005
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Dear
Linda,
As always, the staff is top notch and one of the reasons we
come back every year.
Matt & Kelly C., Lincolnshire IL, Aug
2005
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Dear
Linda,
First, let me commend your office staff. They were always accommodating,
even when I often changed my mind. The staff at Serenity was wonderful, wonderful.
They did everything in their power to make us comfortable and happy. They were
warm, inviting, knowledgeable and helpful. Excellent Job!! The villa is beautiful
and the pictures don't do it justice. It feels like a home away from home.
Delores & Jeff H., Elgin IL, July 2005 ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` Dear
Linda,
Starting with our contact with your office, everything was very
easy and very thorough. The staff was very friendly, professional, warm and wonderful
to meet. They made us feel very welcome. Our stay at Serenity was far more
than we expected. We were pampered and cared for and everything was breath-taking
and beautiful. We didn't want to leave - We love the Jamaican food!
Richard
& Barbara P., Grass Valley CA, July 2005
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Dear
Linda,
This is a beautiful place. The staff makes it even
better. They could not have been more kind, helpful or more professional.
Myles
& Sallie S., Wharton TX, June 2005
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Dear
Linda,
I wanted to take a moment to thank you and let you know what a
wonderful time we had at Serenity. It was a slice
of heaven. The only problem
we had was having to come home. It has been six weeks and my mind is still hesitant
to leave "island time". The beauty of Serenity on your web site
and in your brochure pales to reality. Tiny, Gladstone,
the entire staff and
the villa were far beyond expectation. It was truly the best and most memorable
vacation I have ever been on.
Steve D., Murfreesboro
TN, June 2005 ````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` Dear
Linda,
We were delighted with the friendly, helpful attitude
of the staff and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The paintings are wonderful.
I appreciate your easy to use web site and the availability of your agents whenever
I called. We are very pleased with Serenity and will highly recommend your
villas and services to anyone who asks.
Kathy M.,
Grass Valley CA, May 2005
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` Dear
Linda,
The staff took such good care of us it was absolutely wonderful
- more than we could have imagined! We thought it would be wonderful but it
was magnificent! Thank you so very much!
Susan G.,
New York NY, Apr 2005 ````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` Dear
Linda,
The food and service is great. We have been spoiled. Also, we
feel like the staff is family - everyone has been so nice. We never expected so
much. It is truly paradise, and the staff has truly added to the experience. The
scenery speaks for itself.
Doug A., Vallejo CA, Apr 2005 ``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` My
"significant other" and I had been comimg to Jamaica with another couple
and staying at different villas for 3 years when [we discovered Villas by
Linda Smith] and Noble House, where we stayed with a third couple for 3 years.
While there we became familiar with Serenity and when just the original 2 couples
returned the next year seeking smaller accommodations, we chose Serenity. The
following year the other couple decided on a Jamaica family vacation over Christmas
and since I'd already booked Serenity, I invited my family to join us. That
was 7 or 8 years ago and we've happily returned every year. The absolute
ease and luxury of the experience sets villa vacations apart from other gatherings.
The warmth and efficiency of the staff really sets the tone and because the
staff remains the same, they have become old dear friends whose company is
a real positive addition to the beautiful surroundings, glorious weather and
mello vibe. [Our favorite aspect of the villa vacation is] the opportunity
to share unhurried unstructured time in a totally comfortable surrounding
where you have privacy when you want it as well as companionship of those nearest
and dearest. We had no misgivings when we originally visited Jamaica nor
have we ever had any. We've been returning annually for the last 14 years
and are booked in Serenity again next winter. (The food is a major plus. We
probably eat healthier during our week at Serenity than at any other time of the
year.) We always bring a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle along which everyone (staff
included) works on through the week. We also have a dinner with the staff
and their families on our last night of each week at Serenity and it is always
a highlight of our stay.
W. Shapiro, Kansas City MO, May 2003
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