Bambu

Nine miles west of Montego Bay is a large private site overlooking perhaps the most glorious view of sea and sky on Jamaica's renowned north coast. Elegantly perched on eight and a half acres atop this hill is Bambu, a grand six-bedroom private villa distinguished by its classic architecture and appreciated by discerning vacationers.

Bambu was designed by architect Robert Hartley in the early 1960's as a unique melding of West Indies architecture and Italian Venetian style. Its Palladian arches, dramatic central pool, Italian sculptures and breathtaking view make it one of the most photographed homes in this collection. In 1974, images of Bambu appeared in Slim Aaron's 'A Wonderful Time: An Intimate Portrait of the Good Life'.

Multiple dining areas take advantage of the spaciousness and vast views from this special property. Breakfast at the river is a marvelous way to start the day. Cocktails on the terrace over the bay and dinner in the gazebo feature one of the most beautiful nighttime light shows in the world.

Multi-million dollar renovations of interiors and grounds have resulted in an impressive facelift of this elegant grande dame. Wireless Internet, Apple television, new marble bathrooms and a state-of-the-art kitchen complement lovely new interiors. Today its modern comforts and infrastructure mesh with Bambu's original Euro charm and glamour. As designer Charles Faudree wrote when it was featured on the cover of Veranda magazine, Bambu is the "blending Old World elegance with New World comforts". Its newest folly is an open-air garden shower and bathtub outside a small hideaway bedroom downhill from the main house with a nine-mile view across Montego Bay.

Notable also are Bambu's sprawling grounds and gardens. Headed by talented Sam, the gardeners have created a lush and lavish tropical paradise, with natural stone pathways that wind through gardens to unexpected terraces for private quiet times.

With handicap access in mind, a separate entrance designed specially for guests in wheel chairs features a ramp to a level entrance to the villa, avoiding all stairs. The Bambu pool features a broad four inch deep wheelchair platform as well. This shallow water platform is also a thoughtful, safe pool area for toddlers.

If you have left your pets at home while you are on vacation, be advised that Bambu is home to three affectionate Mastiff pups. At your preference, they may be allowed to roam the grounds and come in to play with the guests or be kept in their large, open-air kennel.