Strawberry Hill Resort, St Andrews, Jamaica
Perched high in the Blue Mountains and hidden away by tropical vegetation, Strawberry Hill has the ambience of secret island retreat.
However, this former coffee plantation has a very illustrious past too: belonging to Island Records founder, Chris Blackwell, Bob Marley was a regular and it's played home to musicians of every flavour for four decades. Nowadays, its colourful past is showcased by the amazing collection of memorabilia and photographs that line the walls, but we have a feeling it's the spectacular views of far-off Kingston and the Jamaican Jungle and coastline below that will have your jaw dropping.
Dining options here are as varied as the guests. Rock 'n' roll evenings start in the bar; traditional dishes at The Restaurant get a subtle, modern local twist; ackee and saltfish and Blue Mountain coffee can be served on your breezy veranda; and the Sunday Brunch – served with strawberry bliss bubbly wine – is a real island ritual.
Thanks to the secluded location, the emphasis here
is on serious R&R– hammocks swing in the mountain breeze, element-based treatments are enjoyed at The Spa, and guided tours and
hiking trails take you through the botanical gardens, to hidden waterfalls, and
beyond the clouds. All this leaves you with just enough energy to take a dip in
the peaceful hillside infinity pool – a great spot to watch Kingston’s
twinkling lights come to life at dusk too.