Strawberry Hill, Kingston

Description: Strawberry Hill

Strawberry Hill is a mountainside retreat on a former tea estate located in the hamlet of Irish Town, Jamaica, on the slopes of the Blue Mountains, home of the finest coffee in the world. Strawberry Hill puts you in the centre of life at 3,100 feet wih fresh air, breathtaking views and most of all, seclusion.

Designed by Ann Hodges, its 12 airy cottages are based on 19th century buildings and the rooms reflect respect for the proportions, materials and craftsmanship of authentic 19th century Caribbean design. Each room is decorated with authentic furniture handcrafted on the premises and all provide an exceptional panoramic view. It is the perfect choice for a romantic getaway or a spiritual retreat.

Located north of Kingston in the scenic settings of the Blue Mountains the hotel is surrounded by the resort's extensive gardens. Unique to the resort is its 60-foot negative edge pool that overlooks Kingston 3,000 feet below. There are plenty of hiking trails for both experts and the novice.

The on site restaurant is overseen by Jamaican-born Chef James Palmer, the menu features "new Jamaican cuisine" and has received excellent reviews from both hotel guests and Kingston residents.

The site of a working plantation since the late 1700s (growing coffee and a variety of fruits, including strawberries), the property became well-known in the 1940s and 50s for its Sunday Tea. It was acquired in 1972 by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, who had often come to the property for this weekly affair. During the 1970s and 80s, Blackwell used the property's Great House as a private residence, entertaining such visitors as the Rolling Stones and Bob Marley.

Type of rooms: Strawberry Hill

Strawberry Hill's 12 deluxe Georgian style cottages respect the proportions, materials and craftsmanship of authentic 19th century Caribbean design. Luxurious, airy and romantic, they feature all the practical amenities of modern living as well as a tasteful indulgence for the finer pleasures in life.
The rooms, ranging from one bedrooms, studios and luxury villas, are individually handcrafted living spaces with an emphasis on detailed fretwork and furniture that was tooled and finished on site. Royal Hut fabrics and quality linens complement the dark mahogany furniture, thereby creating an atmosphere of relaxing intimacy. Four-poster beds draped with a delicate canopy of muslin netting recreate the classical nest. French doors, thick louvered windows and spacious private verandas recall renaissance luxury complimented by the warmth of a homey island ambiance.
Each cottage features hand-carved fretwork with varying themes; Gong has carved images of a lion dedicated to the memory of Bob Marley: Highgate alludes to sensuality and desire: Mountain View is dedicated to the legacy of Strawberry Hill's workmen. Local Jamaican artwork and photographs are also integrated into each of the cottage's interiors.
Bathrooms are furnished with terra cotta and hand-glazed tiles, and feature deep-set bathtubs. Enjoy our distinctive elemental amenities, whose combination of night flower and a scented ginger known as Hedychium that only grows in high altitudes is balanced out with grapefruit and jasmine aromas to create our own special blend of bath salts, shower gels, shampoos and lotions.
A bathing ritual card and scented candle are prepared at turndown every evening. Fresh fruit, assorted Jamaican delicacies, fresh spring water and your recommended Elemental Juice of preference are placed in your minibar each morning. Plush bathrobes and slippers are also provided for each guest.

Birdshill: Birdshill is a richly romantic single-story home (1,500 sq. ft.) with a private terrace to accommodate outdoor dining and leisure while providing breathtaking views of the island landscape. The bedroom features a centrally placed four-poster bed, adjoining walk-in wardrobes and a luxuriant bathroom. Doors leading onto the balcony from both the sitting room and bedroom give way to a large, flowing living space that captures the sublime synergy of the uniquely Caribbean interior-exterior lifestyle. Housing its own couples Spa gazebo and private terrace, Birdshill is ideal for honeymoons and romantic retreats.

Highgate: A truly majestic double-story deluxe villa (3,000 sq. ft.), Highgate features two bedrooms with bathrooms en suite, a dining room, sitting room, kitchen, visitor's bathroom and expansive balconies that wrap around both floors. Walk-in wardrobes and vaulted ceilings highlight the master bedroom, while doors leading onto adjoining balconies accommodate both bedrooms. Lounge in one of the hammocks or chaise wicker chairs as you surrender to an unforgettably elegant mountaintop vista.

Mountain View 2: Mountain View 2 is an enchanting double-story two bedroom family house (3,200 sq. ft.) with the option to rent an additional bedroom, Mountain View 1, to accommodate large families or three or more couples. The extra bedrooms are located off an adjoining walkway, thus ensuring total privacy for all members of your group. Mountain View 2 is highlighted by its plush interior giving way to a magnificent island panorama.

Timbuktus & Mountain View 1: The Timbuktus and Mountain View 1 are deluxe rooms (400 sq. ft.) with elegant bedrooms, private balconies and spaciously portioned bathrooms. The five rooms, Timbuktu 1, 2, 3, and 4 and Mountain View 1 feature exceptional views of Kingston from sunrise to sunset. The well-sited balconies are protected by vibrant foliage, bringing you so close to nature you can almost taste its balmy and nuanced fragrances.

Studios: Situated on the mountaintop to stunning effect, Gong, Tree, Cedar and 59 Steps make up the property's four studios suites (480 sq. ft.). Housing palatial four-poster beds with all-purpose kitchenettes, bathrooms and balconies, the studios capture the refined luxury and absolute peacefulness of the property. Each studio offers a quiet, personalized environment and features an uninterrupted canvas of the city lights of Kingston.

Additional information: Strawberry Hill