Your Very Own Private Jamaica

by Ryan Malkin, October 2003

“ANOTHER Red Stripe sir?” So asks one of the staff — one of my staff, thank you very much — at Silent Waters, a private villa resort in the hills of Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Forget all-inclusives, hordes of guests, all-you-can-eat-even-if-you’d-rather-not buffets and, even worse, planned activities.

Instead, how do 18 private acres, a tennis court, a helipad, an 80-foot-long swimming pool and a full staff, including chef, sound?

Great, sure, but what about the $24,750/week price tag? And that’s in the low-season.

The cost may seem outrageous, but booking the entire property for yourself means complete privacy and lots of room for your entourage — 20 total can fit at Silent Waters —and it can all work out surprisingly well.

Shaquille O’Neal and the Lakers have enjoyed Silent Waters’ view of Montego Bay. Star Jones, Kim Cattrall, Tony Bennett and Lorraine Bracco have all taken advantage of the serene villa’s exceptional service.

Looking for something a tad more reasonable? Silent Waters’ sister property, Destiny, which has been the vacation spot of choice for both Lauryn Hill and Janet Jackson, starts at $4,500 per week. This 10,000-square-foot villa, just down the hill from the Silent Waters complex, has four bedrooms, a lighted tennis court and pool.

Villas by Linda Smith, 301-229-4300; www.jamaicavillas.com