JAMAICA

Despite its location almost smack in the center of the Caribbean Sea,the island of Jamaica doesn’t blend in easily with the rest of the Caribbean archipelago.To be sure, it boasts the same addictive sun rays, sugary sands and pamperedresort-life as most of the other islands, but it is also set aparthistorically and cultural

BY LINDSEY EPPERLY

GoldenEye

Creative types will feel right at home with GoldenEye’s rich history; the resort boasts one of the most unique biographies in the Caribbean. Originally purchased in the 40s by playwright Noel Coward, the property eventually became the private home of Ian Fleming, who penned all 14 of the James Bond novels at GoldenEye. It later changed hands in the 1970s when Chris Blackwell, owner of Island Records, purchased the property and turned it into the resort it is today. Since then, the hideaway has hosted countless writers and musicians; Sting even wrote the hit, Every Breath You Take while staying on property.

Beach lovers will find themselves right at home in one of the spaciou beach cottages, which start at 1,110 square feet for a one-bedroom located right on the gorgeous white sands and just steps away from the water. Guests interested in channeling Fleming’s creativity can rent the Fleming Villa, an estate consisting of the three-bedroom main house, one pool-side and one cliff-side cottage, complete with a private pool, secluded beach, outdoor showers and tubs, and a media room.

Half Moon, A Rock Resort

Another resort with an iconic past, Half Moon is deeply rooted in old Hollywood luxury. With guests like Clark Gable and President John F. Kennedy, the hotel, which was opened in the 1950s, was an oasis for the rich and famous. Today, the classic property maintains the highest level of quality paired with the classic decor of the 50‘s, from the lobby’s marble floors to the vintage black and white awnings.

No other resort on the island, maybe even the entire Caribbean, has more to do on property than Half Moon. From a Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed 18-hole golf course to a private dolphin lagoon, the 400-acre property offers more than enough to make guests feel right at home. Other notable attractions are the Il Giardino Restaurant,equestrian center, 2-mile long white-sand beach, and top-notch children’s andteen’s programs, so every member of the family can find their niche while at the resort.

Sandals Royal Plantation

Sandals Royal Plantation stands out above other Sandals properties by itsaffiliation with The Leading Hotels of the World, an honor that distinguishesthe boutique resort in terms of service and quality. Each of the 74 suites comewith 24 hour room service, beautiful ocean views, and a personal butler toassist with everything from ironing to pampering. Because the lower-levelsuites only have french balconies, the St. Anne Honeymoon OceanfrontVerandah Suite, complete with a 178-square foot balcony, offers the best value.

Not only can couples enjoy all that Royal Plantation has to offer, they can also take the two-minute car ride next door to Sandals Grande Riviera. This massive resort offers plenty of dining options and several beaches, ensuring that Royal Plantation guests have all they need for a good time. In order to maintain Royal Plantation’s air of exclusivity, Grande Riviera guests cannot come on their property, so the crowd is always kept to a minimum.

Lindsey Epperly is a luxury travel consultant who enjoys preparing custom made vacations for her clients. To find out more about Lindsey’s travel planning and to request a trip, please visit www.vacationsbylindsey.com