Looking for reputable rental agencies for Jamaican villas. Familiar with Linda Smith's website but would like other agencies/sites to compare prices and services offered. If anyone has any experience with Linda Smith or any other agencies, the help would be appreciated. Looking for February school vacation week, 2/14-2/21 2003.

Try jamaicaescapes.com now and in about a week since we're in process of adding new properties. Our villas, estates and beach cottages are 'quirkier',not as 'decoratory' nor pricey as Linda's and cover more of the island--not just the North Coast.She's got a good selection of more traditional luxe Jamaican villas,tho,mainly in Ochee and Discovery/Runaway Bay area, with a few in MoBay and many linked to resorts.<BR>Islandoutpost.com is also a good source.

We just got back from staying in A Linda Smith Villa in Tryall - She responded to all e-mail questions immediately - if she didn't have the answer she went to a source and let us know - the villa was better than the pcitures - the driver she put us in touch with-Ken Smythe- was great called us often to see if we needed any thing - it was a wonderful experience - she trains the staff and helps decorate the villas. Never rented from any other - but Linda Smith villas were all very nicely done.

Thanks you for the replies. I checked out the 2 websites mentioned. Nice properties but not what I am looking for. I think the Linda Smith site is what I need. Good to hear she is easy to work with and helpful. We are 3 families, 6 adults, 6 kids needing 6 bedrooms! The only thing that worries me is a staff. It would be nice to have a served meal a couple of times but we don't mind cooking for ourselves either. Any thoughts on having a staff available 24/7? The idea makes me a bit uncomfortable.

THEPLANNER,<BR><BR>Go to the "Tradewinds at Tryall" thread. There's lots of info about being in a staffed villa. Use the topic slider above to select Jamaica and hit 'Find'<BR>The thread will be the 20th or so. It was last updated on the 13th I think. Check it out.

We too were sceptical on a full service staff - we had our grandson with us and they were great with him serving him whatever we asked - you have control over what they cook and we had fussy eaters so when we had fish she served some pasta or chicken - one day with the staff and you will be comfortable they make themselves scarce - believe me I didn't want to come home and have to cook - go for a full time cook!!!!!

<BR>Kathy,<BR><BR>Were you at Tradewinds with Molly?

jam-man,<BR><BR>Yes Kathy was with me at Tradewinds! She's my mother! My dad took the whole family...Me and my two sisters, our significant others and our nephew. All of the recent Tradewinds posts are probably from all of us! We just loved it there!<BR><BR>To the Planner...like my mom said...we were all uncomfortable with being served but the staff was wonderful. Whatever you wanted you got it. And unless you want them around they leave you alone. It's was so nice for my mom because she got the pampering she needed. She wanted to bring our maid back with us! It's taking her a little time to get back in the swing of things back home! It's a great experience.