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Island Outpost Opens Another Window to Paradise With Calabash Bay

01/09/2006

The Group’s Newest Addition Debuts EARLY THIS QUARTER -

JAMAICA – January 9, 2006 – One of Island Outpost’s chicest resorts, Jake’s on Treasure Beach, Jamaica, has become a beloved hangout for locals and a celebrity-studded list of guests looking to shed Hollywood and adopt the island’s laid back appeal. Now owner Jason Henzell is set to open Calabash Bay, the latest addition to Island Outpost’s signature accommodations, early this year. “We’ve always wanted to expand into the villa market –but we wanted to do it right and always in line with the casual, eclectic luxury that Island Outpost represents,” says Henzell. “Calabash Bay takes all that we’ve accomplished with Jake’s and adds a setting that will make guests truly feel they have a home on Treasure Beach. In fact, it has all the comforts of home and more—they’ll have Jake’s service with complete privacy and lots of room to spread out kick up their feet.” Offbeat, worldly, eccentric and totally hip with an amazing lack of pretentiousness, Calabash Bay embraces the amazing natural beauty of Jamaica and its exotic culture with ease.

Built on over two acres of land, Calabash Bay (consulted on by well-known Jamaican architect, Ann Hodges who also designed Strawberry Hill) is actually comprised of two units: one four-bedroom villa and a two-bedroom house, which can be rented together or separately. The lily pond at the entrance of the main house welcomes guests to the spacious living room, a dining room and a sitting area. The airy master bedroom boasts a king-sized four-poster bed fashioned from elephant bamboo imported from Colombia, and bay-like windows that allow guests a private view of the ocean without having to get out of bed. The master bath has a Jacuzzi and double sinks. A queen-sized poster bed—also made of bamboo—graces the second bedroom, which has ocean views as well. This second bedroom has an outdoor walk-in shower decorated by Sally Henzell with a colorful mosaic of iridescent purple, pink and yellow tiles, shells, cut stone and bottles set in concrete. Ample closets in both have plenty of space for tiny bikinis, sarongs, t-shirts and flip-flops.

The third bedroom also has a queen-sized bed and mosaic tile shower while the fourth bedroom has two single beds and a beautifully hand-decorated walk-in shower. Outside, a large verandah begs for lazy afternoons of relaxation while a thatched-roof gazebo allows dining with a view of the gorgeous bay. The fresh-water pool is framed with local cut limestone tiles. The second house—which can serve as a perfect set-up for the kids and their nanny—has its own kitchenette, air conditioning, fans and a delightful outdoor deck perched off the house into a lignum vitae tree.

The décor of Calabash Bay embraces the barefoot elegance of bamboo and rattan, hand-woven straw mats and yellow concrete floors. Indonesian and Moroccan furniture and accents mix with local Jamaican art and handcrafted pieces made from local cedar wood. There is also no lack of state-of-the-art amenities, such as wireless Internet access, cable television, and cooling air conditioning and ceiling fans.

Nestled on a low bluff overlooking Calabash Bay, the villa becomes home base for snorkeling or body surfing in the turquoise waters, or a respite for a cool drink after sunbathing on the golden sands. Thatched huts on the beach and an outdoor barbecue turn sunny afternoons into laidback parties for friends old and new. It’s also the perfect launch pad for long walks towards the spectacular Great Pedro Bluff, which can be reached from the beach by following the tracks used by goats and fishermen. Tours can also be arranged with the concierge for excursions to the YS Falls, adventures along the Black River, manatee watching and mountain biking.

Calabash Bay comes complete with a staff of four—an in-villa cook, a butler, a gardener and a houseman. A concierge will be on-hand to organize everything from concert tickets; fishing outings; cooking classes; in-house, in-gazebo or in-room massages; day trips to the Oasis Spa in Whitehouse and the Santa Cruz market and even weddings, New Year’s Eve parties, specialty meals or just about any whim that the tropical ambiance might bring out.

And because the house is situated just around the corner from Treasure Beach’s fishing hub, guests will see their fish or lobster dish being brought in every day by the local fishermen (the size of the catch can no doubt be discussed over a Red Stripe beer at their beach bar at the end of the bay). Together with farm-fresh produce, the chef can whip up delicious meals such as Shrimp in Coconut Cream Sauce, Mackarel Run Down or the quintessential Jamaican meal: Jerk Chicken.

Located just a ten minute walk from Jake’s, guests of Calabash Bay can saunter over and enjoy a Jamaican libation at Dougie’s or partake of any of its two restaurants. Villa guests, by the way, also have access to Jake’s eclectic DVD collection and music library—in fact, anything at Jake’s can be used, borrowed or charged to their bill, including a boat trip out to the world-famous Pelican Bar for a plate of steamed fish and good rum.

Jake’s owner Jason Henzell—son of the famous Perry Henzell who penned the classic “The Harder They Come” starring Jimmy Cliff—grew up in Jamaica and after a stint in the corporate world became involved in the very fabric of its tourism. General Manager of Jake’s since 1995, in 1998 he established BREDS – The Treasure Beach Foundation, which has achieved exceptional results in its commitment to community development. In 2004, he was named environmental ambassador. Henzell currently serves as a director of the Jamaican Tourist Board and was recently named president of Island Outpost’s collection of boutique properties in the Caribbean.

Owned by Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records and Palm Pictures, Island Outpost properties are known for their interesting character and stunning surroundings and offer clients a feeling reminiscent of staying at a friend’s home. The group includes Goldeneye, Strawberry Hill, Jake’s, and The Caves in Jamaica, Pink Sands in The Bahamas and an exclusive selection of villas.

Rates for Calabash Bay start at $800 per night for the four-bedroom villa and $250 per night for the two-bedroom house, plus 18.25 percent tax and service charge. The entire complex can be rented for weddings, private celebrations or long-term stays. Calabash Bay is a proud supporter of the “dollar a night” initiative, where one U.S. dollar for every night rented goes towards BREDS foundation activities.

For more information or to make bookings, call 1-800-OUTPOST or visit www.islandoutpost.com 0800-OUTPOST1 in the UK.

Contacts

Public Relations US
Andria Mistakos PR
Andria@andriamitsakospr.com
+1 561.266.0568

Public Relations UK
Louise Swanne - Riva PR
louise.swanne@rivapr.co.uk
+44 (0) 20 8874 4750

Public Relations - Germany, Austria, Switzerland
EuroMarketingConnections
nicole.merse@euromarketingconnections.de
+ (49) 211-405 6 504