Fears of a future with the IMF notwithstanding, there are still lots of stylish opportunities to lounge, laugh and live on The Rock in 2010. Our love for all things luxury continues as we visit some well-appointed properties on which sit gorgeous villas.

DESTINY VILLA

Montego Bay

It’s hard to decide which is more breathtaking: the dramatic architecture of the Destiny Villa or the spectacular backdrop of mountains, river valley, Caribbean Sea and the lights of Montego Bay. Once you catch your breath you will just enjoy the question rather than try to answer it.

Destiny features bold architecture where indoor living space is designed for outdoor living, opening up on to a 270-degree vista of the surrounding areas. The result is that it is hard to tell where the rooms end and the natural surroundings begin due to the seeming absence of walls. A perfect example of this is the living room where three of the four walls are made up of sliding glass doors that connect you to the enchanted landscape outside.

All rooms open out onto the outdoor recreational area which hosts the larger of the villa’s two infinity-edge pools. It is here that the grandeur of the panorama from the villa’s perch atop your tropical mountain is stunningly apparent and it becomes clear why the name Destiny was chosen for this house. You have indeed arrived and the world seems to be laid out at your feet.

This outdoor area features a large pavilion where breakfast may be served. You will also find a thatched-roof gazebo with cushioned seating for up to twenty guests, wet bar, icemaker, TV and VCR. A second equally impressive infinity-edge pool is situated outside the owner’s suite on another side of the house.

In keeping with Destiny’s regal theme, its world-class kitchen is run by a professional chef and has all the necessary accoutrements for the fine cuisine it promises, including a full pantry, eight-burner gas and electric cooktop, deep fryer, Weber grill and microwave oven.

VILLA FEATURES

* Air-conditioned bedrooms

* 4 King-sized beds

* Baby Grand Piano in Owner’s Suite

* Cable television, VCR, DVD, CD players

* Library of music and movies

* 12′ * 24′ owner’s suite infinity-edge swimming pool

* 20′ * 40′ infinity edge swimming pool

* iPod Connectivity

* ADSL Wireless Internet

* Outdoor grill

* Fax machine

* Eight staff

* Professional chef

* Thatched-roof gazebo bar/media room for 20 guests with Flat screen TV and DVD Player

* Meditation and Yoga Pavilion with yoga mats and exercise equipment

* Eight-Speaker Sound System piped to Indoor & Outdoor Areas

Where to book and rates: destinyjamaica.com 876-979-0889. US $ 7,500-$9,250 (summer) and US $11,000-$15,600 (winter).

HIGHLAND HOUSE

Montego Bay

Until now, Highland House in Montego Bay has been one of the best kept villa secrets. The art deco-styled interior is an ode to the rich history of this property, as it was once owned by Broadway legend Oscar Hammerstein and served as the inspiration for many a show tune. Yes, the hills are still alive in Reading and this winter guests will be enjoying a variety of fruits and vegetables from the just expanded organic garden, as well as the new yoga pavilion, which also can be used as a massage hut, table tennis area or look-out at Montego Bay’s city lights.

Where to book and rates: highlandhousejamaica.com (805) 258- 2767 6 BR US $7,500- $9,500

CORAL COVE VILLA

Discovery Bay

Located in one of Jamaica’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, the Coral Cove Villa experience is one that always has guests returning for more. A late 2009 renovation has expanded this beachfront property to 5 bedrooms on two levels, making it a perfect location for a family getaway. What’s more, the annex, Coral Cove Cottage, has an additional 3 bedrooms which can host even more family and friends. The house comes fully equipped with a friendly staff of five who are there to attend to the fancies of each guest, ensuring that they can spend all their time relaxing, rather than spending their time on mundane domestic details.

Where to book and rates: sunvillas.com 876-544-9497 5 BR US $5,300- $6,600. Access to tennis courts.