Most of us do not have the luxury of being waited on by our own personal staff everyday. So imagine yourself in the comforts of a private home, not having to cook a single meal, not having to clean up after a single meal, and sitting by the pool getting served ice cold tropical drinks. I don't know about you, but that sounds like the perfect vacation! If you agree, you should consider booking your next vacation at a fully staffed villa in Jamaica.
Now that you have decided that this sounds like a perfect vacation, you may be asking yourself how in the world it works to have a staff. And to answer it simply, it's easy!
Here are some answers to commonly asked questions:
Does every villa in Jamaica include a full staff?
No, all villas do not include a staff. But hundreds of them do. Jamaica is unique in the fact that it is more common to find fully staffed villas, than compared to any other Caribbean island. There are a lot of villas in Jamaica so make sure to check with your travel professional first to make sure that the one you are interested in, includes a full staff. Some villas may just include weekly house cleaning and that is not the same as a full staff.
What does it mean for a villa to be fully staffed?
A full staff usually includes a housekeeper, cook and gardner. I know...some of you are probably asking, why should I care about a gardner? It is true that you probably won't really see the gardner but you will appreciate their abilities when you see the gorgeous landscaping and vegetation. It's even fun to join the gardner and go out and pick fresh fruit and vegetables.
A housekeeper means they are cleaning daily and making up your beds every morning and also turning down your beds in the evening.
A cook means they prepare all your meals and snacks every day.
Sometimes these roles may get combined such as a housekeeper may serve your meals as well as clean. Or a butler may cook as well as serve the meals.
Quite a few villas in Jamaica also include butlers. Butlers are usually serving you your meals and drinks daily and helping out the cook and housekeeper as necessary.
How do we shop for food?
There are actually a couple options:
1. You can let the villa staff purchase all the food on your behalf based on a menu that you prepare. The staff will present you with an estimate for the cost of food and transportation and return any change along with the receipt. Some villas have prior arrangements with the grocery stores to provide groceries in advance of payment: please check with your villa staff.
2. You go to the market and grocery store either with the cook or by yourself and purchase the food. A trip to the market with the cook is quite interesting. Making at least one trip to the market and grocery store will also give you a perspective on the cost of food in Jamaica.
How much do groceries cost?
The daily cost for food and beverages per adult per day runs about $35-40 USD depending on whether you are a light or heavy eater. The cost would be more if you add in alcoholic beverages, especially imported wines and champagnes. It will also be more if you have food such as lobster or conch. Keep in mind that sometimes you won't be able to purchase these items if they are out of season.
How do I pay for groceries?
You will want to plan on going to the grocery store that the cook did the shopping to pay for the groceries. Sometimes the villa staff can take an imprint of your credit card and just return the signed receipt for you. Most grocery stores in Jamaica take credit cards, but not all of them, especially the small markets that the staff usually frequent for fruits and vegetables. So, make sure to check with your travel professional first.
Do I have to pay extra for the full staff?
No. The price of the villa always includes the staff, so it does not cost extra. There are tons of companies out there renting villas in Jamaica so make sure to double check what the price includes, but I have never seen on advertise an additional price for the staff.
Do I have to tip the staff?
Tipping is recommended. It is customary to tip 10-15% of the total villa cost. The tips are distributed the day you leave. Usually you would want to put the tips in individual envelopes and give them to each staff member. Or if you wish you can give one lump sum (probably to the cook or butler), and have them divide as they see fit.
Here are some suggestions on allocating the tips:
Cook - 50%
Housekeeper - 25%
Gardener - 25%
If your villa has a butler:
Butler - 25%
Cook - 40%
Housekeeper - 25%
Gardner - 10%
Another great feature to the full staff are night watchman. All the villas that come fully staffed in Jamaica also include a night watchman that will patrol the grounds of the villa from 6pm to 6am. The added security should help you feel safe and allow you to relax.
So, when you book your vacation to Jamaica and decide to stay in a villa, it couldn't be easier. You don't have to do anything but make sure the villa you are interested in includes the full staff, and make sure the price advertised includes the full staff. Then all you have to do is arrive at the villa and relax, because everything can be taken care of for you!
Heather Hill has been in the travel industry for over 15 years and currently specializes in Jamaica Villa Rentals. Caribbean Villa Hideaways can help you find your next vacation rental in Jamaica. http://www.caribbeanvillahideaways.com
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