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The "Hideaways" Take: This Caribbean island maintains a unique culture—shaped by its colonial past and African heritage—and a varied landscape of rugged rain-forested mountains, plains of sugarcane, and some impressive rivers and waterfalls. The countryside is punctuated by picturesque settlements, the occasional old plantation, mountain cascades, and, of course, some spectacular best-of-the-Caribbean beaches.
 Just Beach-y: Some of Jamaica's beaches are long and surfy, but most are reef-protected coves lapped by languid blue waters. The island's warm weather seems tailor-made for days spent at the sea, strolling the soft sand, reading the latest best-seller, and frolicking in the surf.
Beyond the Beach: Hike to a waterfall, go on an eco-tour, play golf, ride a horse, or even visit a local coffee plantation to sample some fresh brew (spring is coffee-harvest season in Jamaica, don't forget).
 Have Your Fill: Dining in Jamaica is a delicious and diverse proposition. One afternoon, you might join the locals in a tiny fishing village to share a Red Stripe and some jerk pork, and the next you might raft the Martha Brae and enjoy a picnic at a "secret" falls.
Or you might not eat out at all! As one Hideaways member wrote of his experiences at a staffed villa in Jamaica (see right), "We only went out for dinner twice as (housekeeper) Delta's cooking was to die for. I ate stuff I don't even like!"
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Where to Stay: We recommend Round Hill Hotel and Villas (pictured above)--where members of the Hideaways Aficionado Club receive two complimentary 50-minute Tranquility Massages--as well as Half Moon, Jamaica Inn, The Caves, and Strawberry Hill.
But don't just take our word for it! Here's what a few members have said about their stays.
"[Round Hill] is a lovely, timeless resort in a superb location."
"We've traveled to many resorts on many islands in the Caribbean. Half Moon is undoubtedly the best value we have found. A truly beautiful resort."
"The Caves is one of our all-time favorite resorts. The culture, people, food, and scenery have been above our expectations both times we visited. The resort soothes, relaxes, and invigorates your senses."
Where to Stay "At Home": Renting a staffed villa is the ultimate way to pamper yourself—you trade in your usual cleaning, cooking, and caregiving for a housekeeper, cook, and nanny. It's a style of vacationing you should try at least once. By the way, this experience is one of Mike Thiel's 30 Wonders of the Hideaways Vacation World!
Jamaica is known for having terrific, reasonably priced staffed villas: See just some of our collection and get tips for renting a staffed villa . . . then plan your pampered escape with Hideaways Travel Services (800-843-4433).
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Beyond Jamaica—Have a Ho, Ho, Ho Holiday!
Gather the family together—or maybe escape the family altogether—and spend the upcoming Christmas season vacationing in unforgettable style.
Here are two holiday options, one for cruise lovers and one for land-lubbers! For additional recommendations—tailor-made for you based on your travel style, budget, and expectations—reach out to your personal planner at Hideaways Travel Services (toll-free: 800-843-4433).
 #1, By Land . . .
Enjoy a 10% discount on the Beach Houses of Covecastles (Anguilla). Members of the Hideaways Aficionado Club also receive an exclusive perk of daily continental breakfast. Travel Dates: Dec-16-11 through Jan-04-12. Book now with Hideaways!
 . . . #2, By Sea
Enjoy a 7-night "Christmas Time Cruise" from Nuremberg to Budapest (or reverse) with AmaWaterways. Departure Dates: Dec-09-11, Dec-12-11, Dec-19-11, Dec-23-11, or Dec-25-11. Rates start at $2,099 per person. Optional pre- or post-cruise 2-night stay in Prague for $460 per person. Book now with Hideaways and receive priceless personal guidance along with a complimentary one-year Hideaways Aficionado Club membership/extension ($195 value) and an in-cabin gift.
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