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Even celebrities take their families to relax at this world-class Jamaican resort.

Situated on Montego Bay, Round Hill (876/956-7050; 800/972-2159) is a classic in its own right, a resort that evolved from a cluster of private homes built by superstar entertainers (such as Oscar Hammerstein, Mrs. Fred Astaire, and Noel Coward). These luminaries brought more luminaries and their idyllic community located on the Round Hill pineapple plantation became an intimate and exclusive hideaway.

In an haute timeshare concept, Round Hill today manages super-luxe two- and three-bedroom, freestanding villas and rents out individual suites when available. Each is unique, tended by its own staff, and appointed 'just so' under the influence of fellow homeowner Ralph Lauren. Many villas, each within a few minutes' walk of the gold sand beach, have their own plunge pools as well.

For families who prefer to be 'guests' of the very rich rather than live their lifestyle, there are spacious, newly renovated rooms in the Pineapple House, a two-story stucco hotel whose green and white broadstripe window canopies say more about the place than anything. Having recently undergone a two year renovation, the Pineapple House contains 36 oceanfront rooms featuring Ralph Lauren furnishings, a four-poster mahogany bed, and white stone floors.

We won't mention the myriad celebs who return over and again with their kids -- it wouldn't be right to deprive them anonymity in such a down-to-earth getaway. But as one of the frequent guests (mom of 3-year-old twins and an infant) confided, "It's wonderful to get the children away from their toys and TV and back to a natural kind of play. Here they roam the beach, ride the donkeys, play with the staff and wind down from their usual over-stimulated routine. We feel it gives them a chance to vacation the way we did when we were kids."

Organized Children's Activities

In its isolated cove near busy Montego Bay, Round Hill offers watersports, a pool, tennis and easy access to golf and island sightseeing. Depending on the number of children in-house, daily activities and crafts projects are organized by the trained staff.

In summer, from 9am-5pm, the Pineapple Kids Club offers nature walks, talent shows, reggae lessons and other activities for kids from 3-12-years-old. New this season is the Pineapple Kids Tennis clinic (from 9-11am daily), which offers lessons to kids under 13, to help improve their game

The gourmet menu changes nightly; some evenings it's a torch-lit beachside grill, others Jamaican cuisine, dances and music. Meals are also presented in the indoor restaurant or on the broad, beachview terrace, with early dinners available to younger children. Depending on season, a daily meal plan allows families to dine at the resort without much thought about its pricey menu.

Some evenings children disappear with the bevy of longtime nannies, who entertain and feed them in the lounge while parents gossip and trade cigars. On these evenings, guests who've met or reunited continue their conversations into the wee hours in the cozy, wide wicker armchairs at the piano bar.

Despite the potential for an overwhelmingly obnoxious atmosphere, Round Hill is truly delightful. I imagine that when I return, I'll sit and watch my son search the gold sand beach for crabs, run up and down the pathways leading to the various villas, leaf through books of the island's history in the paneled library or play quietly with the other children, who look upon Round Hill as their second home.

Rooms and Rates

Rates at the Pineapple House through December 14, 2007 start at $370 and go to $1,180 per room, per night, based on double occupancy. An all-inclusive plan is an additional $170 per person per night. Villas range from $820 through $2,680 per person per night. Prices work their way up throughout winter from there.

Summer is a relatively new season at Round Hill, which closed for many years while regulars went to the Hamptons or the south of France, and staff went to work on Mackinac Island. You'll find special values, such as an adjoining room for kids at half price, at this time of year. From May 1 through December 14, 2007, Round Hill offers its Free Nights promotion which offers a fourth night free for families staying a minimum of three nights.