Elite Traveler January-February 2016

elite traveler JAN/FEB 2016 141

Villa 16 ROUND HILL MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA

This exquisite converted plantation is the closest luxury resort you’ll get to the FBO in Montego Bay and, as such, it tends to be the main base of the global glitterati when they are Jamaica bound. Since it opened in the 1950s, it has attracted the likes of Fred Astaire, John and Jackie Kennedy and Grace Kelly. And even today’s high rollers still flock to the resort. Ralph Lauren has a hideaway here and he designed a number of the airy guest rooms. Our crashpad of choice is the sprawling two-story Villa 16, which sleeps up to 14 and has a whole heap of facilities – including a private garden, six bathrooms and two swimming pools. Recently renovated, it is situated at the edge of a tropical forest with not only the best views over the Caribbean Sea, but also ultimate privacy and seclusion. It has been designed to make the most of indoor- outdoor living with an open-air games room containing a pool table and wet bar. There is also a beautiful, book-lined study that opens directly onto the patio. An interesting view is provided by windows in the bedrooms on the lower floor that allow a glimpse into the swimming pool. The grounds are impeccably maintained, and the head gardener will give you a tour of his domain on Friday afternoons. Special amenities Staff force, open-air living spaces, two swimming pools, outdoor shower, private garden, detached guesthouse. Size 8,024 sq ft Number of bedrooms Six (master suite, three king bedrooms, one twin room in the main villa, and one twin in the detached guesthouse). Weekly rate $59,780 Contact Omar Robinson, general manager, omar@roundhill.com, +1 876 956 7050, roundhill.com/villa16

The Ritz-Carlton Suite THE RITZ-CARLTON, GRAND CAYMAN GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS Seven Mile on the western end of Grand Cayman is one of the loveliest beaches in the Caribbean. And The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is one of the loveliest places to stay when you’re there. The most desirable suite is its eponymous Ritz-Carlton Suite. Spread across three floors, it comes with a sitting area, dining room and majestic marble bathroom. Inside it has a light seaside decor, but retains The Ritz-Carlton’s urbane air. Outside, it has a 700 sq ft terrace that overlooks Seven Mile beach and the ocean, perfect for sunset watching. Worth a stay for the views alone. Special amenities Personal butler, butler’s pantry, bar pre-stocked with your favorite beverages, in room massages, Cayman cooking classes at the resort’s culinary studio, nine-hole golf course, five tennis courts with tennis pros available for private lessons. Size 2,400 sq ft Number of bedrooms One (with option to convert to a two bed) Weekly rate From $42,000 Contact Julio Diaz, reservations manager, julio.diaz@ritzcarlton.com, +1 345 943 900, ritzcarlton.com