Drambuie Estate • Montego Bay, Jamaica Villa

About Drambuie Estate

Built in the 1940‘s by the Duke of Marlborough, Drambuie Estate is a slice of old Jamaica when lively drawing room conversation and gracious service ruled the day in an extraordinary private setting.

• deluxe 7,200-square-foot 5-bedroom villa
• located 1,500 feet above sea level on beautiful 35-acre hillside estate
• staff of 8: chef, butler, bartender, housekeepers, laundress, gardeners
• 28’ x 65’ private pool and adjacent shaded lunch pavilion
• DVD, VCR’s and 6 cable televisions
• sound system and CD players
• pool table, ping pong, croquet, books, games, videos, large cassette and CD collection
• complimentary ADSL Internet access, plus wireless network for laptop users (bring your laptop)
• complimentary international phone calls to the United States, Canada and the UK
• massage tables
• breathtaking views day and night
• complimentary fulltime private driver and air-conditioned van for excursions to the beach, etc.

Built in the 1940‘s by the Duke of Marlborough, Drambuie Estate is a slice of old Jamaica when lively drawing room conversation and gracious service ruled the day in an extraordinary private setting. Today this remarkable hideaway retains many exquisite original features plus contemporary amenities of air conditioned bedrooms, cable televisions and Internet access ~ the best of both worlds from two centuries.

Drambuie is exquisitely furnished with Chinese rugs; original art; 1930’s French posters; carved sculpture from Jamaica, England, China and Africa; and Chippendale and Queen Anne treasures ~ complemented by casual wicker verandah furnishings. A few steps across a grassy lawn are the large pool, umbrella tables and shaded luncheon pavilion. Each night, the lighted town of Montego Bay and cruise ships in the harbor twinkle like a diamond necklace in the distance. Star-gazing through Drambuie’s telescope adds magical nighttime drama.

The Drambuie chef indulges guests in many specialties including Seafood Royale (fish, lobster and shrimp in cream sauce), Quesadillas, Lobster Thermador, Sweet & Sour Pork, Key Lime Pie, Banana Pudding, Crepes ~ and artistic presentation at every meal, served on Wedgwood bone china. The night view from the dinner table is incredible, beautiful beyond words.

Cut stone walls brought from England 200 years ago as ship’s ballast comprise the 18-inch walls of the Main House. Vaulted ceilings are 16 feet high. Floors are cool tiles from England, Mexico and South America. The Main House consists of the Great Room with pool table, large screen television, VCR and sound system; inlaid games table for chess, checkers or backgammon; and comfortable sitting area. French doors open to a 330’ wrap-around stone verandah furnished with al fresco dining tables, wicker sitting area, tempting hammock and lawn leading to the pool. Through tall mahogany doors is the large master bedroom suite. Also in this building are the powder room, butler’s pantry and kitchen.

A tiled path leads 30 feet from the Main House to The Cottage. Here are three more bedrooms which can be connecting for parents and children or kept private via locking doors. A furnished verandah fronts The Cottage. Nine steps down from The Cottage is the fifth bedroom, an intimate hideaway for two.

The Drambuie staff are delighted to take guests on property tours to explain how the estate operates and to point out the many varieties of tropical flora, fauna and birds that thrive here. Tutu will climb a coconut palm and bring down its fresh fruit for tasty jelly and healing water (always available for guests) ~ and deliver fresh coconuts to your chef to shred for tonight’s coconut cream pies.

Drambuie’s complimentary fulltime driver will handle all airport transfers as well as excursions to beaches, water sports outlets, restaurants, shops and various tour destinations. Guests are asked to tip their driver locally.

Drambuie’s staff and owners love their dogs, free to run the property if you wish. They are calm, friendly and gentle with children. On request, the dogs can be kept in their large fenced yard all day during your vacation.

Drambuie is an exquisite wedding and honeymoon location.

Accommodations

Five bedrooms are privately located under three separate roofs and are accessed by connecting pathways. All five bedrooms feature air conditioning, cable television, boom box and mini-fridge stocked daily with ice and drinks. All bathrooms are en-suite and provide hairdryers.  There are 4 additional twin beds available upon request at no extra charge.

Master Bedroom 22' x 30'
Kingsize 4-poster antique canopy bed; large en-suite bathroom with dressing corridor, double vanity, bidet, glass-walled walk-in shower, sunken tub and fanciful etched-glass mirrored walls and ceiling. A mahogany desk holds the computer with complimentary Internet access. French doors open to the verandah, lawn, pool and breathtaking view.

The Cottage
Bedrooms 2, 3 & 4
Kingsize beds in bedrooms 2 & 3; en-suite bathrooms with tub-shower combinations. Green Room and Blue Room are 14' x 18'. Yellow (middle) Room is 18' x 18'. All three bedrooms have connecting doors which can be locked for privacy or unlocked for families with children.  Bedroom 2 can be converted to twin beds.

The Hideaway
Bedroom 5
Queensize bed; en suite bathroom with tub-shower combination. Twelve louvered doors open the west wall to a wrap-around verandah with breakfast table, sitting area and hammock overlooking a cool green ravine. Private 14' x 24' hideaway ideal for honeymooners.  Bedroom 5 can be converted to twin beds.

Round Hill Hotel and Beach Club Membership

A special amenity available to guests in this villa is membership at Round Hill ... just one minute from the villa and one of the finest private resorts on Jamaica's North Coast. Membership entitles guests to access Round Hill's private beach and tennis on hard-surface courts lit for night play and with pro on call. (Charges apply to lessons and ball boys.) Round Hill also offers a jogging trail, gift shop, logo shop, beach bar, piano bar, Continental cuisine in the hotel restaurant ... and unforgettable long sunsets from the waterfront terrace. For additional charges, members may enjoy the spa, Pineapple Kids Club, fitness center, a range of water sports and parties (Monday beach party, Wednesday Manager's Cocktail Party, Friday Jamaica Night). Round Hill has an annual closure - for 2012 Round Hill will be closed between September 4 - October 9.

Round Hill was chosen by Condé Nast Traveler for its Gold List of "the best places to stay in the whole world."

Rental Rates

Guest Reviews

• Dear Linda,

  My family had an absolutely superb trip to Drambuie this past March. The pictures on the website don't do justice to the beauty of the views: you lounge on the veranda enjoying cool breezes as the day winds down. The accommodations are spacious and the d'ecor eclectic, with a mix of Eastern and Western designs that gives a real sense of authenticity. No one should ever think that Drambuie is just another Caribbean villa - it's much more real than that.

  But Drambuie isn't about the views or the accommodations - it's about the people who make every effort to ensure your experience is memorable. In the morning, as you get up, you hear the sounds of Ferdie at work in the garden. Then as the sun comes up Craig discreetly places a pot of Jamaican coffee (unbelievable stuff, and I'm not a coffee drinker) on the verandah and you watch things come alive. When everyone finally crawls out of bed, Damian is already at work in the kitchen, whipping up a starter plate of fresh fruit followed by pancakes or omelets or salt fish and ackee. My children were so excited by the surprise each meal presented that when they heard Craig come around the corner with the next course, they would chant "Cart, cart, cart"! Cheryl manages to tidy everything up while you're out during the day or enjoying your meal on the veranda. And if you go, make sure to ask for Rico as your driver. An amateur historian, he took us on some adventures around the island that we will never forget.

  My family has been going to the same summer vacation spot for years, so we're used to having a sense of "place" on our trips. Drambuie didn't disappoint. Hopefully we'll be back soon!

  Rob M - Philadelphia, PA - March 2011

• Dear Linda,

  My family had an absolutely superb trip to Drambuie this past March. The pictures on the website don't do justice to the beauty of the views: you lounge on the veranda enjoying cool breezes as the day winds down. The accommodations are spacious and the d'ecor eclectic, with a mix of Eastern and Western designs that gives a real sense of authenticity. No one should ever think that Drambuie is just another Caribbean villa - it's much more real than that.

  But Drambuie isn't about the views or the accommodations - it's about the people who make every effort to ensure your experience is memorable. In the morning, as you get up, you hear the sounds of Ferdie at work in the garden. Then as the sun comes up Craig discreetly places a pot of Jamaican coffee (unbelievable stuff, and I'm not a coffee drinker) on the verandah and you watch things come alive. When everyone finally crawls out of bed, Damian is already at work in the kitchen, whipping up a starter plate of fresh fruit followed by pancakes or omelets or salt fish and ackee. My children were so excited by the surprise each meal presented that when they heard Craig come around the corner with the next course, they would chant "Cart, cart, cart"! Cheryl manages to tidy everything up while you're out during the day or enjoying your meal on the veranda. And if you go, make sure to ask for Rico as your driver. An amateur historian, he took us on some adventures around the island that we will never forget.

  My family has been going to the same summer vacation spot for years, so we're used to having a sense of "place" on our trips. Drambuie didn't disappoint. Hopefully we'll be back soon!

  Rob, April 2011

• Dear Linda,

  I am a T-8 to

  T-10 paraplegic. My family and I were guests at Drambuie in July and I wanted to let you know my experience and comments. I found the estate to be extremely accommodating and accessible from all the spacious rooms,

  verandahs and grounds to the walkways. My bedroom was very accessible with wide doorways and double doors to the bathroom. Although I was not able to roll into the shower, I found it very easy to transfer into a shower chair in the tub. The bed has room on either side for easy access and the bedroom itself is very spacious. It was lovely to have the verandahs off the bedrooms to enjoy the beautiful views. The living room/game room was very comfortable and also afforded outstanding views. We played pool and enjoyed family games every night. That was always after a most delicious meal. The food was outstanding. The walkways and grounds provide much freedom and are a treat with all of the fruit growing in front of you. Peel a mango that you have taken right off the tree or have Tony get you some coconut water (which I found very energizing). Since the walkways down to the pool have a grade, the attentive staff was always available and more than willing to lend a hand or to "spot" me for reassurance.

  The staff was nothing short of fantastic and the experience at Drambuie was a pleasure from beginning to end. I highly recommend this villa for disabled persons as well as for the able bodied.

  Dan J., Collingswood

  NJ, Jul 2007

• Dear Linda,

  In a word, stunning! The villa and exquisite views, the awesome island of Jamaica and, of course, the staff whom we will always remember with fondness and gratitude as these are the wonderful people who created a magical time for us! From the hand-delivered Heineken upon our arrival to the hugs and kisses at our departure, our stay was unique and personal. Thank you for our remarkable time with everyone.

  Amanda R.,

  St. Mary's GA, Jan 2007

• Dear Linda,

  We just spent a week in paradise with our family. That's the best part, being with children and grandchildren. However, the glorious villa enhanced our stay. The lush grounds, magnificent views, the wonderfully caring and attentive staff and the marvelous meals prepared by Nicoy made it all outstanding. We feel very fortunate.

  Stuart B., Riverside CT,

  Dec 2006

• Dear Linda,

  For our diverse crowd, the lay-out of the villa was great. We celebrated 2 birthdays and had Thanksgiving dinner while we were there and the staff was excellent in meeting our various and challenging needs based on the difference in ages of the group. The food and service was superb and the staff so patient and accommodating. We had a terrific time at Drambuie!

  Robert C., Chicago IL, Nov 2006

• Dear Linda,

  An absolutely tremendous vacation! The villa is beautiful and the views are wonderful! The staff was awesome and a good time was had by all.

  Jim K., Chanhassen MN, Oct 2006

• Dear Linda,

  WOW! What a fabulous property, view and staff. We had a wonderful time and we are really going to miss the great food that Nicoy served every day. We thank the staff for all the pampering. This was a trip of a lifetime and we will miss you all and hope to see everyone next year.

  Ron S., Aug 2006

• Dear Linda,

  Drambuie is a beautiful villa with an equally beautiful staff who are caring, warm and loving folks. We return to Jamaica because of the amazing hospitality and warmth of the people. It is a spectacular place and we had a most relaxing time. We leave with many fond memories.

  Deborah M., New York NY, Aug 2006

• Dear Linda,

  We all had the most relaxing and exciting vacation. Everyone was fabulous. The staff took great care of all of us and made us feel special and at home.

  Tracy E., Satellite Beach FL, July 2006

• Dear Linda,

  Thank you for sharing this slice of heaven with us. It is a lovely villa with a glorious staff, spectacular food and beautiful views.

  Nancy G., Naples FL, July 2006

• Dear Linda,

  We had the best vacation ever!! The natural beauty, awesome view and excellent care the staff provided will, no doubt, lure us back to Drambuie. We love the real Jamaica. It was FABULOUS, FABULOUS and we will never stay in a resort again. Thanks for the perfect moments and we look forward to returning next year.

  Jessica F., June 2006

• Dear Linda,

  This was unforgettable! No other experience will top living in luxury. The villa and staff were amazing! We can't wait to come back to Drambuie!

  Diane P., Upper Marlboro MD, May 2006

• Dear Linda,

  WOW!

  This was the vacation of a lifetime. The villa is beautiful, the staff is superb and the view is incredible. I will miss our breakfasts and dinners and that wonderful view. Dorothy and Chris C, Vienna VA, Apr 2006

• Dear Linda, My sisters-in-law, mother-in-law and I just returned from a vacation at Drambuie where we celebrated by mother-in-law's 70th birthday. I just want to let you know what a wonderful time we had. The villa and location are absolutely beautiful and the incredible staff at Drambuie made our stay very special. We were waited on hand and foot, something we mom's are not used to. In the beginning, we felt awkward asking for things, but somehow we got used to it. We fell in love with everything and everyone. I came away with a whole new feeling for Jamaica and I would love to return someday. Thank you and everyone who helped make our vacation special, memorable and like no other

  Leslie H., Alpharetta

  GA, Feb 2006

• Dear Linda, We had a wonderfully quiet and stress free week of great service and friendly attitudes. Every meal was perfection and there was not a moment we were not cared for with respect. Tony did a wonderful job as sis all of the staff.

  We always felt we were at home and part of the family. I cannot find a single thing that would make it better if it were changed. We will definitely return in the near future Ed & Victoria L., Naperville IL, Feb 2006

• Dear Linda, We enjoyed a very special visit at Drambuie over the Thanksgiving holiday. The staff was superb and Tony did an excellent job of managing the staff and ensuring that all of our various needs were attended to promptly. The location of the villa is spectacular and the panoramic view of the Montego Bay harbor is incredible. A hearty thumbs up and thank you to all for a very special time at Drambuie. Catherine S., Portland ME, Nov 2005

• Dear Linda,Tony butler was a wonderful manager. He was attentive, funny, responsible, knowledgeable and competent. The food was fantastic - better than we expected.

  The table was always set so beautifully - nice touch! Warren is an excellent addition to the staff. Staff was great with the kids. I loved the hammock and beautiful view. Excellent!!!Nancy G., Nov 2005

• Dear Linda, Thank you so much!!! I had a great time in Jamaica - it wouldn't have been the same without the wonderful staff. Tony, our butler, went out of his way to make our visit a pleasure. What a wonderful experience living in our dream home for 10 days. Thank you again! Liza T., Aug 2005

• Dear Linda,This place is wonderfully breathtaking. The staff couldn't have been better than they were. The hospitality exceeds the greatness it took to service our group. Our meals were nutritious and full of planning with care. The staff truly is the heart of this beautiful estate. We will never forget our memories.

  We would love to return. Paul & Pam P., Jun 2005

• Dear Linda,Fantastic views, beautiful landscaping, remarkably friendly staff, a well designed home beautifully decorated. We had a special time with special people. Truly a get away to remember. Thank you and the quality staff.

  You make this experience a slice of heaven! We would come back in a heartbeat!

  Lee & Susan L., Jun 2005

• Dear Linda,We had a great time in Jamaica!!! This estate is so beautiful and the staff was very friendly, polite and helpful. Exploring Montego Bay, Ocho

  Rios and Negril was an amazing experience for us! I hope to get an opportunity to come to Jamaica again soon Sandy F. & Jason M., Jun 2005

• Dear Linda,We came, we saw, you rocked! Phenomenal adventure ... See you on the beach ... Dana M., Jun 2005

• Drambuie was spectacular! From the moment we arrived all was perfect. Great house, great view and, of course, a great staff! We will miss you! Courtney C., Mar 2005

• Wonderful magical place. Lovely staff and service. Thank you so much. Thank you for taking such good care! Until we meet again, Many blessings! Jennifer

  Y., Mar 2005

• My family and I were "spoiled rotten" by your staff, and the villa was too much for words. Magnificent! Had a wonderful time. Hard to leave. Thank you. Bruce H. and family, Mar 2005

• Everyone was very professional and nice. Beautiful view and grounds. We love the villa and the staff was amazing! We will recommend it! Matt

  C. - Mar 2005

• Drambuie was our 2nd villa in Jamaica. The view and the staff made this our favorite Jamaican experience. Tony, Rhoda, and Craig welcomed us with a ready smile and a warm embrace. We thank you for your hospitality. It was the best. Thank you for everything! Nancy A & Megan S., Feb 2005

• This place was by far the best villa in Jamaica.

  The staff went beyond any of our expectations. We will be back! Yeah, Mon!Matt & Lisa G., Feb 2005

• Amazing experience. Thank you. The massage at the villa was a great experience. Jeff & Kristi J., Feb 2005

• This is such a beautiful home. We had one of the best experiences ever, We look forward to coming back again. Paul & Allison M., Feb 2005

• Tony was great and made our stay so much fun. All staff was so friendly. Everyone was wonderful. The food was great. This was one of the best trips we have ever been on. Thank you for a great vacation getaway. Lisa

  G., Feb 2005