A few details for your stay.

1. Introduction to Michael

Michael McFarlane is the House Executive (until we come up with a cooler name).  He has lived in the house for years and is kind enough to look after it for us.  He stays in the main house while your group will stay in the Villa.  He’s your go to for whatever you need and will set up a group chat for your team to handle logistics, butler requests, etc.  The team will give your group a tour when you arrive. Relatively new amenities to the house include SleepNumber beds for all queen/king beds, a new 12 person hot tub, movie screen at the pool, and new pool furniture.  We also now have access to Half Moon’s Sunrise Beach.  Enjoy.

2. Arrival Form

Please complete the attached form and send back to Michael, copying me.

a. Name and number.  Name is important so we can make sure you have access to Half Moon if you decide to go over there and also so you can easily get in and out of the community.  Number is important in case Michael, or the chef, butler, or driver needs to get in touch with you. The room numbers are just for tracking on here.  Michael will match you all to rooms or give you options if space permits.  Generally, the person or people we know personally in each group will get the master rooms.  But all rooms have A/C, ensuite baths, and king or queen SleepNumber beds, or two traditional twins that can be combined to make a king.

b. Arrival and Departure. We need this information to make sure you get picked up from and taken to the airport on time.  The driver can track delays, etc.

c. Food Allergies.  Let us know if there are any allergies or strict food restrictions that the chef should  know about in advance.

d. Golf.  If anyone in your party intends to golf during the stay, mark it down on this form and we’ll be sure to get you villa rates for the three local golf courses.  We have some clubs at the house that you can use if you don’t want to travel with your own.

3. Driver

You will have a driver during your stay.  Driver is recommended and required.  The driver will pick you up at the airport and drop you off.  During your stay, he will take you wherever you need to go.  The cost for the driver (and a suitably large van) for a group of 6-8 is $160.00 per day plus the cost of fuel.  You will have your driver for nine (9) hours each day, beginning between 7a and 10a based on what you need.  Overtime costs $25 per hour.  Please discuss particularly long trips (over 2 hours) or long days with your driver in advance, as they may incur additional fees.

4. Costs

Damara and I want you to have a great experience in Jamaica and for TLB to feel like it is your home while you’re there.  We want you to feel like you’re at an anti-hotel.  You’ll only be paying for the cost of the staff, per the rates we pay the staff. 

NO CASH CHANGES HAND AT THE HOUSE WITH STAFF OR WITH MICHAEL.  Remember, the anti-hotel.  When you get home nice and tanned and relaxed you can settle up with me via Venmo, PayPal, Cashapp, Zelle, or Revolut. You won’t offend the staff, they understand that this is how it works.

We’ll work directly with you to collect funds.  So you can make whatever arrangements you want to make with your travel companions to get their share to you.  Food costs run from about $25-$45 per day per person, depending on your appetite.

Visit “Staff Costs” for an estimate of your costs for the team who will care for you.  

The only other costs will be any services – see below – and any optional gratuity that you decide to leave, which you would pay at the time you settle up with us (i.e., no cash to staff).  You’ll get a “bill” after you’re back home.

 5. Other Services/Amenities

·         We’ve built a spa off of the gym where you can get massages or other treatments.  Michael can arrange in advance or on demand.  The twin masseuses can do single or couples massages. (cost additional)

·         We’ve built a game room for kids (and grown-up kids) off of the gym.  PS4, TV, and Karaoke available.

·         We’ve installed a movie screen and projector at the gazebo to watch movies from the pool.

·         Horseback riding is available at Half Moon – including a Surf and Turf where you get to ride the horses as they swim. (cost additional)

·         Michael can arrange a Paint & Sip experience for guests.  Paint a scene from the property or create another masterpiece. (cost additional)

·         We also have a concierge doctor on call in case any medical issues arise or you forget any medications

6. Pack Light

You can have your laundry done every morning and get it back that evening.  So you really only need to travel with 3 or 4 outfits.  If you do carry-on only you’ll have a much easier time getting in and out of the airport – but of course you can’t carry on golf clubs.  If you’re planning on working out or riding the Peloton, bring gym clothes.  We have plenty of clip-in shoes in the gym of all sizes and if you aren’t comfortable with clip-ins, there are toe cages to use on the bike.

7. First Meal

Chef is a wizard and can make just about anything.  If there is something you’d like to eat on your first day and first breakfast or particular snacks or beverages you want when you arrive, shoot Michael an email.  You can also ask the driver to stop at the market on the way in to pick up snacks and booze.  If you are feeling adventurous just leave it to the chef.  You can also tell him you want something authentic, something Western, or something in between.  Red Stripes on the house…always.