ArcaMax

A staffed villa is a level -- or three -- above the service of a posh resort and there are plenty of activities (everything from kayaks to a playscape for the little kids to snorkeling and sailing from the dock, even lessons in making towel creatures and people, thanks to one of our butlers, Hamantro Mitchell).

This is not only an intimate experience, but it also enables guests to get to know more about Jamaica and what it's like to live here through daily interactions with the staff.

The villa staff enjoys that too. "At a hotel, you don't know who you are cooking for or what they like," explained Chef Witter.

"I like to be able to share our culture with guests, to show them how friendly everyone in Jamaica is," said Chief Housekeeper Veronica Hall, who has worked at Sundown for 17 years. That's usually not possible at resorts when staff are cleaning rooms when guests are gone. "I wish you could take our sunshine home," she said.

Adam Stewart notes that at a villa, guests can be as active -- or not -- with plenty to do nearby -- horseback riding on the beach, floating down the Martha Brae River on long bamboo rafts, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, among the options. There is even a Jamaican Bobsled Adventure in Ocho Rios.

In fact, Stewart got the idea for Island Routes by showing his American friends what he liked to do when he was home. Now it's become the largest tour and adventure company in the Caribbean.

"You'll never get bored," Stewart promises.

We certainly didn't.

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(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow "taking the kids" on www.twitter.com, Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments. The Kid's Guide to Philadelphia, the 13th in the kid's guide series, will be out this spring.)

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