Idle Hours
Runaway Bay , Jamaica Runaway Bay , Jamaica
3 Bedrooms
3 Baths
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Every vacation includes:
- Inspected home
- Guest support
- Property advice
- Local expertise
- Personal concierge
- And more...
General description
See more detailsAmenities
- Bedding: 1 King, 4 Twin, 2 Single
- Bathroom: 3 Ensuite
- Max Occupancy: 9
- Staff: Butler, Cook, Security,(Maid: 7x/wk)
Policies
- Check in Time: 4 PM
- Check Out Time: 10 AM
- Handicap Access: No
- Smoking: Not Allowed
- Pets: Not Allowed
- Children Allowed: Yes
Reviews
I thought Iâd take a moment and pass along our thoughts from our trip. First the negative. It was too short. Both Leslie and I really enjoy the island very much. The weather, the varied geography, the water, and especially the people. We found it very common to have people on the street ask us if this was our first trip to Jamaica and if we were enjoying our trip. It seemed that most everyone we encountered was genuinely concerned that we were having a good time. We found that refreshing. One of my favorite things (Bob might appreciate this) was the 3 or so occasions that I got out fishing with a couple of the locals in a small (canoe like) boat. Fishing with a hand line was something new and interesting, and it definitely took a bit of getting used to. The fish were interesting and colorful, albeit small. We did some fishing in deep water, 3-400â and caught quite a few red snapper this way, and even at one point hooked a shark on the way up, or maybe I should say it hooked us. It broke off after a few moments which was probably a good thing. It immediately brought to mind one of my favorite movie lines from Jaws âweâre going to need a bigger boatâ. What a great time this was. Probably our favorite longer trek around the island was the day we went over to Appleton Estates. While the rum punch was outstanding, what we really enjoyed was getting into the back country and seeing the interior of the island. Probably our least favorite trip was over to Negril. We may have hit it on a poor weather/wind day but we found the beach to be dirty and crowded. As both of us donât like crowds much, and we were very spoiled with our villa and its beach itâs not a great surprise. It was very nice of course, just not quite as expected. Our favorite beach was actually Aquasol beach in Montego Bay. More of a local hangout I think, but clean, good sand, and a nice location for swimming. We will go back there. As for the villa Iâll suffice to say it was an awesome experience. The home and the beach were extremely nice. It is obvious the house is well maintained and we really like the beach and the privacy of it. The staff was simply incredible. Donna was consistently keeping things spotless. We enjoyed learning about how to do things and where to go from her. Martin did a great job cooking. We both found it remarkable that after 3 weeks of meals, there was not a single meal that we didnât find very enjoyable. We had numerous local dishes including ackee and salt cod, curried goat, and lots of jerked meat of course. Every single thing was good. While we arenât real picky eaters we were really surprised that we didnât encounter more that didnât quite hit the spot. It was simply excellent and consistently so. Every member of the staff was a pleasure to get to know. They were each always working to ensure we relaxed and enjoyed ourselves. It was a difficult good bye when we left after 3 weeks. I would highly recommend our van and driver. They regularly following up to see if they could do anything else and to ensure everything was good. I am hopeful that we can use their services again when we go back in December. So much so that I told them to pencil it in on their calendar, including two vans the week my kids come down over Christmas. We found it very interesting to talk with Calvin and learn from him. He was never pushy or trying to take us places we didnât want to go, a problem I have seen other times. The other big thing is his driving was conservative and safe. We felt comfortable riding with him and at no time was he rushing or being aggressive. It made our travels relaxing instead of memorable. Overall we had an awesome trip and I canât say enough good about it. We simply did not have any bad experiences, but many great ones. It didnât take long to find the website to be able to tell what cruise ships were in town and what times, so that we could plan our excursions for times the cruise ship invasions had retreated. I think the only thing I would point out about Idle Hours is the location and the resultant noise. Janis did advise of this when we were looking at places to stay and itâs just something to be aware of. The intersection in front of the house is a dangerous one that has horns honking and trucks using engine brakes all night long. The only time we found we noticed the noise was at night, and I quickly found that a pair of earplugs too care of it easily. The location with the beach and the proximity to the store and such make the location great, and the noise is just the price of it. Donât misunderstand and think Iâm saying itâs a real problem, itâs just good to know going in. We are very much looking forward to going back in December. My kids are all excited about Christmas in Jamaica this year too. It will be a great time and a Christmas weâll always remember Iâm sure. It was 125 degrees colder in Fairbanks than it was in Montego Bay when we left to head home. There is something fundamentally wrong about that somehow I think. But home is home and we love it here too and the winter is much better after a 3 week break in the middle. Now the days are getting longer and summer isnât so far away anymore. Thanks for all your help in making our trip so perfect. I think weâll be going back for some time to come. We truly enjoy the island and the people. The best way I can show our feelings about the trip is by booking again for next year. That says it all I think.
Mark & Leslie
July, 2013
My wife and I stayed in Idle Hours a little while ago and it was the most incredible experience we had from all of our vacations. We went on four other vacations since then (very exotic places) and Idle Hours took the cake by far. The pool, beach, deck, hammock, almond tree, cook, and housekeeper were definitely the highlights of the trip. We can't wait to be back!
Gabriel B
July, 2013
My wife and I stayed in Idle Hours a little while ago and it was the most incredible experience we had from all of our vacations. We went on four other vacations since then (very exotic places) and Idle Hours took the cake by far. The pool, beach, deck, hammock, almond tree, cook, and housekeeper were definitely the highlights of the trip. We can't wait to be back and have a blast with Sue and Martin!
Gabriel Bouskila
January, 1970
What a wonderful gem! We simply loved our family holiday at Idle Hours. It was the just what the doctor ordered in terms of rest and total rejuvenation. Living in Boston and traveling extensively for business, we were in desperate need for a peaceful holiday. We loved the comfort and privacy of the property. But what made it truly special was the care with which we were treated. The house staff was fantastic, especially Sue who took such wonderful care of us all. The house was immaculate, leaving us to do nothing but simply indulge in "idle hours." We will certainly return.
Karin Nauth
May, 2008
We just returned from Idle Hours 3 days ago, and it is still (and will probably always be) etched in my mind. The house looks just like the pictures, but the house is not what made this paradise, it was the back porch with the rocking chairs, the Almond Tree with the hammock, wonderful beach, and awe-inspiring view. I can't wait to return to my home from home and Sue (housekeeper) and Martin (cook) for more Jamaican hospitality!!!!!
Christine Karr
March, 2007
Plan your next vacation:
Idle Hours
Before you inquire, here’s what you should expect:
- Inspected home
- Guest support
- Property advice
- Local expertise
- Personal concierge
- And more...
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