The Island Outpost collection of villas and hotels on the Caribbean island of Jamaica consist of: Strawberry Hill, GoldenEye, The Caves and The Fleming Villa.
Strawberry Hill is Island Outpost’s Blue Mountains resort set in 26 acres. Like its sister properties Strawberry Hill is distinctly its own, but conforms with the brand’s desire to showcase authentic Jamaica through its laidback vibe, unique island setting and all those little details such as local specialities on the menus and native plants used in the spa therapies.
Amid botanical gardens are 12 19th century cottages offering secluded privacy for each guest to soak in their views of paradise. Sit by the infinity pool, dine on Caribbean flavours in the veranda restaurant or head behind the white wooden shutters for an authentic spa experience. Little wonder the hotel was chosen as one of The New York Times ‘1,000 Places To See Before You Die’.
For a Jamaican holiday experience bar none, Travel Seen recommends a twin-centre stay at two Island Outpost hotels. Speak to our team about three days walking and exploring the Blue Mountains at Strawberry Hill followed by seven nights at GoldenEye for lagoon swims and beach life, the perfect combination of authentic Jamaica.
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Stay
Breathe in the mountain air in a secluded, unique cottage at Strawberry Hill created by Jamaican architect Ann Hodges. Traditional and comfortable each has views of the gardens in which the luxury hotel is set, with four-poster beds, Blue Mountains Aromatics toiletries, fresh white fabrics and wooden floors.
The One-Bedroom Villa is just the ticket for a romantic Jamaican honeymoon with its wraparound veranda, gazebo in its own private garden and even an outdoor shower. The Two-Bedroom Cottage meanwhile is set high up within the property, boasting two verandas; one to catch the sun rise, one the sun set over the Blue Mountains.
Eat
Start each day in your cosy dressing gown with breakfast on your private veranda and a hot cup of Blue Mountain coffee grown less than a mile away.
The restaurant at Strawberry Hill is open for three meals a day featuring island classics with a modern twist – think ackee and callaloo, Creole jambalaya, fish stew and Jamaican oxtail shepherd’s pie.
Afterwards enjoy a cocktail on the wraparound veranda. The Sunday brunch with mimosas is a must, and in the bar you can peruse the photos on the walls of former famous guests.
Explore
Fly to Jamaica from the UK in just under 10 hours, with direct routes from London into both Kingston and Montego Bay airports.
The journey up into the Blue Mountains from the airport is extra special, driving around the 365 bends of the winding Irish Town Road to the hotel, past epic viewing points alongside the Hope River. As you reach the 26 acres of Strawberry Hill the air becomes fresher and the vistas even more astounding.
For a James Bond style entrance helicopter transfers from Norman Washington Manley Airport can be arranged to the 3,100 feet altitude hotel.
Why here?
The luxury mountain hotel makes the most of its vantage point with an infinity pool that boasts outstanding views.
Head to the spa, set in a secluded spot, with indoor/outdoor treatment rooms and therapies that showcase the island, like the body scrub using Blue Mountain coffee beans.
Chill with a yoga session at the dedicated pavilion, or poolside at sunrise or sunset.
Wander the gardens, home to avocado, lime, guava, juniper and mango trees or take a guided walk through the mountains with an expert who can offer insight into the local history, spotting flora and fauna along the way and suggesting places to stop for a refreshing dip in a swimming hole or waterfall.
Our take
Don’t miss a guided walk in the Blue Mountains from Strawberry Hill. Explore this rare ecosystem with your head in the clouds as you amble past wild fruit trees, waterfalls and tiny villages.
While you’re on the island we recommend a visit to The Bob Marley Museum at 56 Hope Road, the address bought by the famous Jamaican in 1975. It’s now filled with artefacts about his career and is easily one of the island’s top visitor attractions.
