Discovering the Essence of Jamaica

Jamaica, an island with reggae beats, lush landscapes, lovely beaches, and offers an unparalleled blend of luxury, culture, and nature.

My recent journey through this Caribbean gem, visiting the elegant Round Hill, iconic Jamaica Inn and vibrant Goldeneye was a testament to the island’s ability to enchant its visitors. My time on the island was more than just a luxurious escape; it was a deep dive into the heart and soul of Jamaica.

Round Hill, it doesn’t get more elegant

Round Hill is the epitome of elegance and sophistication, a mere 15 minutes from Montego Bay yet worlds away from the hustle and bustle. Since the beginning, this elegant property has been a fave among celebrities including Ralph Lauren, who owns a villa on the property, and masterminded much of the décor.

I stayed in an oceanfront room at Pineapple House; Think blue and white, wicker and bamboo, mahogany beds with beautiful views over the bay. The villas on the other hand are tucked into the hillside; all individually owned and decorated, but still adhere to the casual elegant style.

Breakfast was a lavish affair, served al fresco with views over the water. Round Hill practices a farm-to-table philosophy and has an organic garden on the property from where they source most of their ingredients (homemade yoghurt parfaits were delicious!).

It is hard to find a reason to leave Round Hill, with everything you could possibly want on your doorstep. The shallow waters are roped off for swimming. To explore farther out, just head to the watersports centre. I took out paddleboards, snorkels and tried my best on the waterskis. The hotel has its own glass-bottom boat, which cruises over the reefs nearby every morning, as well as a speedboat that guests can charter.

For a taste of local cuisine, book a dinner at the nearby Lobster Trapp, renowned for its fresh seafood (Be sure to book in advance as the family needs to catch and prepare your fish in time for your arrival!), or visit Scotchies for their famous jerk chicken and festival bread—a must-try local delicacy.

Timeless escape at Jamaica Inn

Entering Jamaica Inn felt like stepping back in time, embraced by its colonial-style architecture and warm hospitality that has defined this Morrow family gem for six decades. The hotel’s entrance, framed by blooming bougainvillaeas, opened up a world where time seemed to slow down.

All the rooms are just steps away from the beach and no stairs are needed unless you choose a Balcony Suite. Each suite offers expansive verandas overlooking the Caribbean Sea, where you will likely spend a lot of time. Lunch at your seaview table, card games on the sofa or watching the sun go down with a cucumber martini.

Jamaica Inn couldn’t be further from your typical all-inclusive hotel, yet so much is included in your stay – exploration and relaxation encouraged in equal measure.  The goal is for you to not just enjoy Jamaica but explore Jamaica. I enjoyed daily activities from paddleboarding, morning yoga, a garden tour, a spice tour, croquet on the lawn and if you are there on a Thursday you can’t miss their weekly bond on the beach.

But if you are feeling more adventurous they can arrange so much more. I took a morning visit to Dunn’s River Falls. The adventure began with a 30-minute boat ride below scaling the cascading falls and swimming in the natural pools.

Exploring nearby Ocho Rios and savouring local delicacies at Miss T’s added a vibrant local flavour to my stay. Whilst out and about, keep your eyes peeled for a sweet potato pudding, the most beloved sweet treat of the Jamaicans and certainly worth a try.

Nowhere quite like Goldeneye

An Island getaway is the perfect way to describe Goldeneye, the very place where James Bond was brought to life by author Ian Fleming. The entire property beautifully encapsulated the essence of Jamaica, firmly rooted in the arts, music and culture.

Goldeneye has three types of rooms; beach villa, lagoon cottage, or beach hut. Despite being within such close proximity to one another, they are very different. Chose a lagoon cottage for ultimate privacy, beach villa to be steps from the water and beach huts for that trendy beach shack stay.

There are so many spots to explore on site, Swim with fish in Snorkeler’s Cove, paddleboard around Oracabessa Bay, kayak along the craggy coastline or kayak in the lagoon. Grab a rum on Button Beach or enjoy a BBQ on Secret Beach.

As my journey through Jamaica came to an end, I realised that the island’s unique blend of luxury, culture, and natural beauty was far beyond anything I had expected. From the refined elegance of Round Hill to the timeless charm of Jamaica Inn, and the vibrant spirit of GoldenEye, each destination offered its own distinct allure. This trip was not just a luxurious escape but an exploration of Jamaica. As I departed, I carried with me a newfound appreciation for this Caribbean gem, eagerly anticipating my return to its enchanting shores.