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Colonial Jewel

As guests helicopter in, the first impression of Villa Rio Chico is a jewellike plantation house set in a field of emerald velvet. The 14 acres surrounding the seaside estate near Ocho Rios are splattered with hibiscus, orchids and bougainvillea, and dotted with sapphire-blue pools. Where the green ends, a full half-mile of private beach begins.

There are six bedrooms in the colonial-style great house, which has sweeping views of the parklike setting from every room. Most bedrooms also have a lanai or balcony with even more expansive views.
Furnishings include hand-carved four-poster beds swathed in designer fabrics, and a formal dining room with hand-carved table and chairs.

Only an insider could have created this villa, so it's no surprise that the owner of Rio Chico is Gordon Butch Stewart, chairman of resort-giant Sandals.

A one-week rental is $28,000 year round (the two-bedroom guest cottage is $3,500 extra), including a staff of eight. For more information, visit www.riochico.com or call 800-327-1991.

Posted online 06/01/01.

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