I’ve put together the following information to help you to prepare for your trip and give you an idea of what to expect.
VILLAS – 2-7 bedroom villas that generally sleep 4-14 persons with usually one bathroom per room. There could be a surcharge for the following issues: rented through My Silver Sands vs a direct rental, location of villa, quality of villa and if you do not fill your villa with two persons per room. Each villa that we normally use has its own private pool or is close to the beach. Each villa has a staff of at least two persons: a cook who prepares your meals and a housekeeper who cleans the villa and does your wash daily. In some of the larger villas there could be extra staff to help with the cleaning, cooking or serving drinks. All villas normally have a person who comes by to garden or clean the pool, these staff people normally handle several villas.
TIPPING — Each staff member should be tipped at least $25 by each person staying in the villa and 50% for children if you are there for one week. Add additional 50% more if you are on the 10 night trip. A rule of thumb for tipping is to tip 10% of the cost of the villa. Our weekly bus drivers should also be tipped $5 to $20 per week depending on how much you have used them. Transfer bus drivers should be tipped $1 per bag minimum. In all an individual should expect to tip between $70 and $85 per person for the 7 night trip. Please see “The Guid to Tipping” section
UTILITIES – The water is safe to drink. The electrical current is the same as in the U.S. Most villas are equipped with phones, TV’s, cable, AC, DVDs and ceiling fans. Many villas have added internet. Because Silver Sands is located in a rural area, your villa might have reduced water pressure and reduced hot water at certain times. Please review the water pump directions, hot water switch, as well as the supply of flashlights and candles with your cook upon arrival.
MEALS – There are two meals daily at 10:15 AM and 5:00 PM. The morning meal consists of an assortment of the following or similar dishes: fresh fruit salad, freshly squeezed orange juice, eggs, bacon, French toast / pancakes and one Jamaican dish called ackee. The evening dish might be chicken, fish or pork or ground beef. You can purchase fresh lobster or fresh fish from local fisherman. I can assist with this request. Also we will have local vegetables, rice or potatoes, salad, bread and a dessert are usually provided.
FOOD SUPPLIES – All supplies are purchased through Chen’s store (Michael Chen) by myself. Deliveries will be made directly to your villa. Your cook is responsible for assisting you in ordering all of the food. There are times that certain items can run short (butter, milk, oranges and coffee for example). You may pick up these items yourself while in Duncan’s or at the local store in Silver Sands. You can also pick up fresh fish and lobster from local fishermen around Silver Sands or at the fisherman’s beach located within walking distance. However, you will not be reimbursed for any purchases made by you. Please work carefully with your cook on food supplies. Each villa is expected to have one guest work with the staff to make sure that there is no issue with the menu or food supplies. Check out the sample menu and the cook’s instructions. Some food may be picked up or transferred to other villas at the end of your stay. Snacks are available at Chen’s as well as the commissary on property (if open).
BEVERAGES – A 3 bedroom villa (6 persons) will be stocked with 3 cases of beverages (beer, soda, tonic) as well as your choice of 3 bottles of liquor (rum, gin, vodka, Tia Maria). This initial supply is included in the package and will be adjusted according to the number of persons in the villa. All additional beverages are at your expense and can be purchased at Chen’s in town or at the commissary in Silver Sands.
TRANSPORTATION – Round trip transportation is provided from the airport to Silver Sands. We will also have at least one or two additional vehicles for day trips (12 passenger van or 25 passenger bus). Trips may include visiting Duncans, Ochos Rios, Falmouth, craft markets, duty free shops, pottery, local bars and rafting. There are typically both morning (Duncans) and afternoon trips. Many trips are at no charge and the bus runs on time. The bus is not available for extended trips lasting longer than 7 nights. You may hire a Taxi (if available) to go play golf, fish and do other activities. When visiting Silver Sands on your own, a driver is available for approximately $20-$25 per hour. During a week at Silver Sands, you can hire a driver and you can do extensive touring for approximately $500 for the week, which is less than it would cost to rent a car. It is considered a risk to drive in Jamaica.
