FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


( some you might not thought of asking)

COMPARISONS:

Castle on the Sea  and the Chateau en Exotica VS. ANY and ALL HOTEL(s)

RATES:

Our rates for amenities offered at both Castle on the Sea and the Chateau en Exotica, have been, and are now currently lower priced than any known hotel, resort, villa or Castle anywhere with similar amenities.

***When both a major airline president, a European princess, and the managing director of the worlds most posh hotel chain, all personally chose our private resorts AS THEIR PERSONAL VACATION RETREATS. This speaks volumes in itself, and should give others a clue as to why this is likely to also be THEIR BEST VACATION CHOICE EVER.

HOTELS:

PRIVACY: Offered ONLY IN BEDROOM or suite.

EVERYTHING ELSE:

HOTELS are shared, with NUMEROUS (SOMETIMES 100'S) of multiple strangers:
Dining,
pools,
beaches,
gardens,
lounge chairs,
bars,
game rooms,
lounge,
patio or terraces,
spas or Jacuzzi's,
outdoor shower(s)
all water sports

All dining and activity TIMES are TOTALLY REGULATED FOR ALL GUESTS.
  
Mass pool & spa chlorination, which is hard on the eyes, skin and an assault on the noise, is the Hotel's attempt to kill any assorted possible diseases, which some of the hundreds of guests "may" be affected with, this also applies to CRUISE SHIPS where there are often large outbreaks of various strains of FLU and other sickness, that often spread quickly in confined quarters.

PRIVACY PRIVACY PRIVACY:
CASTLE ON THE SEA &  THE CHATEAU

Both Castle on the Sea and Chateau en Exotica offer nothing less than TOTAL PRIVACY, your personal staff is trained to be almost invisible if you wish, and only appear when desired to enhance your paradise life style.  YOU select the times, for dining, snacking, on your personal Chef's gourmet delights, or drinking your Butlers tropical mesmerizing, or fruity concoctions. 
COMPLIMENTARY NANNY SERVICES.
ALL OF YOUR VACATION TIME IS YOURS ALONE, 24 hours each & EVERYDAY.  NEITHER PROPERTY IS EVER SUB-LEASED.   NO OTHER PERSON STAYING IN ANY OTHER PROPERTY, VILLA, HOTEL/ RESORT CLOSEBY CAN SEE YOU EITHER, SWIMMING, IN THE SEA, POOL, SOAKING IN ONE OF THE JACUZZI'S OR DINING IN ANY OF THE NUMEROUS ROMANTIC SETTINGS, AT EITHER CASTLE ON THE SEA, or the CHATEAU en EXOTICA.   Few properties of any type in Jamaica OR IN THE CARIBBEAN, have such actual PRISTINE PRIVACY.

Even the unforgettable swimming in the Caribbean at Castles is 100% private, as it is not a 'beach" where strangers walk back and forth in attempts to "sell" assorted un-wanted "items". Both Castles and the Chateau are GATED SECURE EDEN'S, with staff resident in their own quarters on premises.  In event a guest would like additional security, this can also be arranged.   We suggest, it would be prudent where ever one is (even at home), to lock doors of premises at night, lock your car doors and windows, when on tours and out of car,  Do not invite strangers into your accommodations or pick up hitch hikers. 

POOL & JACUZZI SPA SANITATION:

The Jacuzzi's are  totally drained and cleaned prior to each new guests arrival.  Castle and Chateau's swimming pools both employ a unique Nature 2 filtering system, which enables them to be always crystal clear with little use or need of chlorine or other chemicals.  *No red eyes or chlorine enhanced skin infections.

WHICH PROPERTY IS BEST?

Simple answer,
the one which BEST suits YOUR NEEDS. 
Both share much in common for exclusive peace and tranquility in fruited flowered gardens.
For larger groups of more than 7 adults we suggest Castle on the Sea, which also offers direct Caribbean front swimming/snorkling etc.
For use of San San private resident beach and the Blue Lagoon (both a few minutes drive away), Chateau en Exotica may be just the ticket. 
Difference in rates is that Castle on the Sea offers more amenities, but also has more expenses, while being close to more nightlife, restaurants, shopping, Dunn's River falls & Dolphin Cove etc.


ACCOLADES AND HONORS:

Past honors and accolades we have GOD'S Blessings to totally Thank for:

Chateau en Exotica, chosen by the worlds number one author Arthur Frommer's as "THE ULTIMATE FANTASY RETREAT"
Only known resort (private or public, to be chosen by giant telecommunications company AT&T in their Millionaires contest (twice chosen)
Appeared on PBS TELEVISION SPECIAL The Bahamas and Caribbean with Shari Belafonte
Jamaica's leading newspaper the Daily Gleaner, special featured an almost full page Sunday special "Chateau en exotica: JAMAICA DREAM HOUSE, A PLACE OF SERENITY"
Hosts to both royalty and various movie "stars" including movie crew from popular movie cocktail, staring Tom Cruise.
Major hard cover book, The World In Focus.
Featured on the front cover of Caribbean property report, in its initial issue of the magazine, along with numerous other books and magazines.  

RATES:

All booking rates are based upon rates at TIME OF BOOKING ONLY, and are subject to change for future bookings.  We know of no better vacation value for world class private estates with the many amenities offered, we WELCOME COMPARISON, these EDEN'S, are truly second to none.  As our costs constantly escalate, from time to time our rates may be adjusted accordingly, but will ALWAYS OFFER the best possible value.

DINING:

Jamaican, Thai, Chinese, Continental cuisines. Flambé deserts, many mouth watering delights, to many to list here.(See our " a taste of paradise" click on primary web pages, Chateau en Exotica and Castle on the sea) for samples of Chef(s) cooking abilities, always YOUR CHOICE OF MEALS. 

WHO WE ARE:
Henri & Joyce Verne residents of the Palm Beach Polo & Country Club, 11790 Rene LaCoste Drive, Wellington, Florida 33414 USA  telephone/fax 561-793-7257
We have been owners and Managers of Villas & Resorts for over 36 years, in Jamaica, Hawaii, USVI St. Thomas, Key West Florida, Palm Beach Florida.  All things being equal and all places having both good and bad points, WE LOVE JAMAICA it is our very favorite island,   By clicking onto Henri Verne, on either Google or Yahoo search engines, you may be provided  with additional information as needed.

MINIMUM STAY REQUIREMENTS:

5 nights low season April 15 thru December 15th
7 nights high season December 15th thru April 14th
MINIMUM STAY less than above may be waived in certain circumstances, advise please.

SUGGESTED GRATUITIES: TIPS


8% to 10% of villa rental at end of stay in HIGH SEASON, to be split for your staff of 3 as you
deem proper
8% to 15% of villa rental at end of stay LOW SEASON, these are suggestions only, please use your description, as your staff is sure to please.

DEPOSIT -- CANCELLATION POLICY

Confirmations require a deposit of 25% of booking rate, with CHRISTmas and New Years requiring a deposit of 50%.
FULL BALANCE due 35 days prior to arrival, exception CHRISTmas balance due minimum 65 days prior to arrival.
Acceptable form of payment, either: Personal check, money order, bank draft, bank wire transfer, cashiers check, western union money gram, secured cash.
CONFIRMATION RENTAL RECEIPT CONTRACT given upon receipt of deposit. 

TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED

CANCELLATION: 90% refund if cancelled within 8 weeks of occupancy, or if property is re-booked on those same dates.  Suggest trip cancellation insurance. 

HURRICANE: In unlikely case of hurricane during your vacation, we offer you complimentary vacation time for those days directly effected, with-in one year of occurrence.

GROCERY & BEVERAGE COSTS:

Range from approx. U.S. $115 to $175 per person per week, depending on costs of groceries during time of your vacation, and your selection of groceries. (less FOR CHILDREN). All fruits from gardens of either property in season are complimentary to our guests.
Liquors, fruit drinks and soft drinks are inexpensive in Jamaica, with exception of scotch, and certain fine wines, all which may be brought into island with guests, if desired.


STAFF DUTIES:

Cheerfully greet guests, with complimentary drinks & flowers upon their arrival
assist with all guest luggage to their suites.  Prepare and serve all meals, drinks.  Housekeeping (CLEAN AND FRESHEN) all rooms, with fresh flowers and linens.  Maintain pool, waterfalls, spas, fountains fishponds basketball, golf putting green lawns & gardens.  Upon request wash dry and iron guests clothes (NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO ANY ARTICLES OF CLOTHING, IF THIS COMPLIMENTARY SERVICE IS REQUESTED BY GUEST)
NANNY SERVICES also available upon request.  Assist all guest(s) when ever needed.  There is NO ADDITIONAL COST for any of the above services, however it is suggested that a reasonable gratuity be given just prior to your departure,

CHECK IN AND OUT TIMES:

CHECK IN time 3:00PM
CHECK OUT time 12 NOON
In event that on dates you are checking in or out and there are no other guests booked for those dates, you may use an early check in after 10AM or as late a check out time of 3PM

AIRLINES BOOKINGS:
CVOA is recommended, site can be found on bottom of Chateau en Exotica pages (click thru for airfares). You may also book your own airfares with who ever you like.

AIRLINES FLYING INTO JAMAICA:
Air Jamaica
Air Canada
Delta
US Air
Spirit
are among many others.

CASTLE ON THE SEA
ON SITE SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES: Total pampered privacy, Swimming/diving/snorkling/fishIng & boating in gorgeous multicolored crystal clear and mostly calm Caribbean seas, directly from Castles private patio and steps to the sea.

Enjoy soaking in state of art 7 person Jacuzzi, with its multi back arm & foot massage jets, stereo speakers, twin waterfalls.

Dining in your daily choice of 12 different paradise settings, both inside and outside.

Enjoying your most unique fresh water crystal clear swimming pool, with its 9 FOOT WATERFALLS and SWIM UP JACUZZI IN POOL BENCH, knowing that its waters use a new filter system that has need of very minimal chlorine and chemicals (nearly chemical free).
Fun, in pool basket ball, and volleyball, and pool floats AND TOYS.

Both indoor and OUTDOOR SPEAKER STEREO CD music you select to fill the air.   Board games, safe dart boards, checkers, chess etc. vast DVD & CD library, though we suggest you also bring your own personal CD's.

3 HOLE PUTTING GREEN

GARDEN BASKETBALL COURT

Many on the wall LCD and DVD player televisions, throughout both Castles.  Mini refrigerators in all bedroom suites, which are fully AIR CONDITIONED and have CEILING FANS.  The LARGE COVERED PRIVATE OUTDOOR TERRACES from every bedroom suite, with their incredible DREAM VIEWS, over looking the Caribbean, are totally awesome.
  
Castle's gardens and some of its many fishponds and fountains.  You will find both garden swinging hammocks, over looking the sea, and comfortable park like benches, set  near fishponds and multi fruited and flowered gardens, in this electronic gated
Eden.     

CHATEAU en EXOTICA SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES, though similar are totally delightful, and unique: Click onto:
http://iwms.com/exotica
      
MASSEUSE SERVICES:

Professional services are available upon call, at BOTH RESORTS, for additional nominal costs.

INTERNET SERVICE

HIGH SPEED, and fully complimentary at both Castle on the Sea, and at the Chateau en Exotica.

TOURS ATTRACTIONS & excursions: surrounding areas:  Your staff can arrange for boat Capt. to pick you up dock side at Castle on the Sea, for either glass bottom boating, fishing and/or  snorkeling.  also great scuba diving can be arranged. For the not to be missed, world famous Dunn's River Falls & beach, we recommend arriving in mornings, Monday thru Friday, not holidays, as it can become crowded with tourists and Jamaicans.  Dolphin Cove opposite Dunn's River Falls, is where you may swim and play with live dolphins.  Sting Ray City, Reggae Beach and James Bond beach, and white sand beaches just minutes drive from Castles along with GOLDEN EYE (home of author Ian Fleming, and "birthplace" of JAMES BOND), also "FIREFLY" Former home of (Sir) Noel Coward, famous British playwright & actor,   Shaw Park gardens, river rafting, horseback riding, tennis and golf courses are short drives away.  Polo matches, seen at Chukka Cove, Many fine restaurants including Jimmy Buffet's MARGARITAVILLE, dine by actual WATERFALLS at the Ruins restaurant (also famous for many movie shots).
Italian, East Indian, Chinese, of course Jamaican hot and spicy "jerk restaurants" are numerous, and SOME are EXECELLENT. River rafting, hiking, biking trails, drive thru Fern Gully, great shopping including famous Crafts Markets, cave tours, much night life, even movie theaters, are close at hand.

VEHICLE RENTALS AND TRANSFERS:

We can arrange all of your car rental or transfer needs thru Island Car Rentals, whom we have worked with for years, they are known as the largest, most reliable and best vehicle rental company in Jamaica, with airport stations at the Montego Bay and (Donald Sangster) and Kingston, (Norman Manley) International airports, having some of the safest drivers we have experienced in Jamaica.  Manager, is Ms. Dulcie Moody, asst. Manager is Mrs. LauraLee Blackwood, if neither available ask for AnnMarie.


DISCOUNTS: 15% to all our returning guests from prevailing rates, as our special thank you, and IF SPACE AVAILABLE,  last minute bookings, with-in 2 weeks of occupancy, also are offered a 15% discount.

HURRICANES:

There have been 5 known recorded hurricanes with-in the last 57 years in Jamaica, so the likelihood of such an occurrence taking place while your there is possible but un-likely. 
In the event of this happening on your vacation, we offer all such guests affected, a complementary vacation for the same amount of nights directly effected, with-in one year of such occurrence.   We also suggest our guest(s) consider utilizing A trip cancellation insurance policy, which would cover many possibilities.

SHARKS: or other dangerous fish, TSUNAMI

We have never seen a live shark in more than 36 years in Jamaica or EVER known of a shark attack or any other dangerous fish attack.  We HAVE seen MANY SHARKS just off shore in our home state of Florida.  About 22 years ago we did see a dead (non dangerous) whale shark washed up on a beach just outside of Kingston.

TSUNAMI - Not known in Jamaica to date (THANK GOD), we are aware that recent TSUNAMI'S, STRIKE LOW LYING BEACH AREA'S, with waves approx. 20 ft. high.   Both Chateau en Exotica and Castle on the Sea are above that height and not likely to be directly effected by such an un-likely and terrible occurrence.  

DOCUMENTS needed

U.S. CITIZEN'S NEED PASSPORTS/ OTHERS DEPENDING ON COUNTRY OF ORIGIN.
ALL NEED ROUND TRIP TICKETS
PHOTO ID AND/OR BIRTH CERTIFICATE
DRIVERS LICENSE IF DRIVING THERE


JAMAICA: as your travel destination

Though beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, there is little doubt that Jamaica is truly one of the worlds most gorgeous tropical Eden's, with much to see and do.  Crime is a concern there as it is world wide, however most crime in Jamaica takes place in the inner cities of Kingston, and St. Catherine which are MANY MILES away from the primary tourist resorts, and there fore crime does not often affect tourists.  Of the millions of tourists into Jamaica, relative few tourists, are actually affected.  In fact there are many other popular tourist destinations which have far worse crime records against tourists.
Stick to the many gorgeous beauty spots there are, use common sense, and as many thousands of previous guests to all of our properties in Jamaica have found, you to will likely have the vacation of a lifetime, happily returning again and again, to your new tropical paradise home.  Click onto the "WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY" pages.

DISTANCE:
CASTLE ON THE SEA from Montego Bay approx. 20 minute inter island flight time to Boscobel airdrome, or about a 1 hour 35 minute drive.  

CHATEAU en EXOTICA from Norman Manley Kingston airport, approx. 25 minute flight time to Ken Jones airdrome, or 2 hour drive, as of 12/22/06.  New island highway now being constructed, expected to be complete late 2007/2008. should offer much quicker road arrival times, at both estates.

EMERGENCY SERVICES:

HOSPITAL
POLICE
FIRE DEPARTMENT
SANITATION
DOCTORS
All all close by to both properties, if needed.

MOVIES MADE IN JAMAICA:

Please note that the vast majority of movies shot here were filmed in Ocho Rios and Port Antonio, the islands two most beautiful regions:

Cocktail (Tom Cruise)
Club Paradise Peter O'toole & Robin Williams
Cool Running's
Dr. No (1st James BOND)
Live and let die (1st Roger Moore James Bond)
Legend of the Fall (Brad Pitt)
Playmates in Paradise
Prelude to a kiss
Passion in Paradise
How Stella got her groove back
Passionate summer
Eden
Treasure of Jamaica reef
A high wind in Jamaica
Going to extremes
The house next door
Wide Sargasso Sea
Lord of the flies
Treasure Island
Return to treasure Island
Milk & Honey
In like Flynn
Smile Orange
Dancehall Queen
The harder they come
3rd world cop
Otto the film
Papillion
Marked for death
The man who knew to little
Instinct
All the brothers were valiant
Klash
Popcorn
Scam
Sankofa
Children of Babylon
Piranha
The mercenaries
Hammerhead
Storm over Jamaica

Above list is just a sampling of the love affair for Jamaica by Hollywood and the movie picture camera