Bambu was designed by architect Robert Hartley in the early 1960s as a unique melding of West Indies architecture and Italian Venetian style. Its Palladian arches, dramatic central pool, Italian sculptures, and breathtaking view make it one of the most photographed homes in this collection. In 1974, images of Bambu appeared in Slim Aaron’s A Wonderful Time: An Intimate Portrait of the Good Life

Multiple dining areas take advantage of the spaciousness and vast views of this special property.  Breakfast at the river is a marvelous way to start the day. Lunches on the covered garden terrace overlooking Montego Bay, and dinner in the gazebo feature one of the most beautiful nighttime light shows in the world.

Renovations of interiors and grounds have resulted in an impressive face-lift of this elegant grande dame. Wireless Internet, Apple television, and marble bathrooms complement lovely new interiors.  Today its modern comforts and infrastructure mesh with Bambu’s original Euro charm and glamour.  As designer Charles Faudree wrote when it was featured on the cover of Veranda magazine, Bambu is the “….blending Old World elegance with New World comforts.”  Its newest folly is an open-air garden shower and bathtub outside a small hideaway bedroom downhill from the main house … with a nine-mile view across Montego Bay.

Notable also are Bambu’s sprawling grounds and gardens. Headed by talented Sam, the gardeners have created a lush and lavish tropical paradise, with natural stone pathways that wind through gardens to unexpected terraces for private quiet times.

With handicap access in mind, a separate entrance designed especially for guests in wheelchairs features a ramp to a level entrance to the villa, avoiding all stairs.  The Bambu pool features a broad 4″ deep wheelchair platform as well.  This shallow water platform is also a thoughtful, safe pool area for toddlers.

If you’ve left your pets at home while you’re on vacation, be advised that Bambu is home to a couple of affectionate dogs and a fabulous parrot!  At your preference, they may be allowed to roam the grounds and come in to play with the guests or be kept in their large, open-air kennel.