Strawberry Hill
Colonial-romantic meets reggae soul. Wood-paneled bar plastered with Island Records memorabilia, candlelit veranda dinners, yoga at altitude, rum punches at sunset. Bohemian and intellectual rather than resort-glossy.
Sunday brunch draws large day-tripper crowds — if pool tranquility matters, skip Sunday or go early morning
Why It Matters
Won Jamaica's Leading Boutique Hotel at the World Travel Awards every year from 2011 to 2024. Listed in the New York Times #1 bestselling book '1,000 Places to See Before You Die.' The property is part of the Island Outpost group founded by Chris Blackwell, the man who launched Bob Marley's international career — and Marley actually stayed here. On a clear day the infinity pool has views stretching over 100 miles.
Twelve Georgian-style cottages cling to 26 acres of Blue Mountain at 3,100 feet above Kingston — this is Chris Blackwell's personal salon-turned-resort, built where Bob Marley once recuperated and the Rolling Stones once hung out. The original plantation house was leveled by Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, and Blackwell rebuilt it to 19th-century specifications: hand-carved mahogany fretwork, four-poster beds draped in muslin, wide verandas angled to catch the view. It is emphatically not a beach resort. There is no air conditioning in many rooms (you don't need it — mountain nights are genuinely cool), and getting anywhere on the property involves hills and steps. But the infinity pool looking out over the twinkling grid of Kingston, the stone fireplace in the bar, and the spa that smells of locally grown coffee and coconut are hard to argue with.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
One Bedroom Villa
The honeymoon-favorite at 1,500 square feet, with a flow that feels genuinely open. Doors from both the bedroom and living room open onto a broad wraparound veranda with Kingston views way below. Private gazebo in a lush garden and an outdoor shower make this the most romantic category on the property. Queen bed, full Wi-Fi, kettle and French press, waffle-weave robes.
QueenStudio Cottage
A step up from the Studio Suite with a king-size four-poster bed draped in mosquito netting — this is the classic Strawberry Hill aesthetic in its most concentrated form. Set high in the foliage for epic mountain and Kingston views. Jalousie shutters and fretwork let the breeze move through. Compact, but with strong character. Limited Wi-Fi.
King (four-poster)
Studio Suite
The entry-level option at 400 square feet — compact but well-proportioned. Queen bed (convertible to two twins on request) with mosquito net, hand-carved fretwork fanlights above the doors, and a private balcony with mountain views. Accessed via steps and inclines, so not ideal for guests with mobility concerns. Minibar, terry bathrobes, and nightly turndown included. Wi-Fi is limited in this category.
Queen (or two twins on request)Two Bedroom Cottage
A quaint two-story cottage set at the full 3,100-foot elevation. One room has a queen bed, the other has two twin singles — good for families or friends traveling together. Two verandas are positioned to catch both sunrise and sunset over the Blue Mountains. Limited Wi-Fi, minibar, mosquito nets on all beds.
Queen + 2 Twin SinglesTwo Bedroom Villa
The most expansive option at 3,000 square feet — a full two-story private dwelling. Each floor has its own wraparound veranda with hammock, giving a 360-degree view of the mountains. Vaulted ceilings, broad mahogany plank floors with locally woven circular rugs, a full-size refrigerator and kitchenware, and an in-room dining option. Full Wi-Fi throughout. Best for families or groups who want genuine seclusion.
Two QueensThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
An advanced 18-mile round-trip hike from 3,500 to 7,000 feet — reaching the peak of the Blue Mountains, one of the highest points in the Caribbean. Takes 7-8 hours; pricing on inquiry. Not for the faint-hearted.
A low-difficulty 3-hour guided hike following the Hope River downhill, crossing tiny bridges and waterfalls on an ancient parochial trail still used by local villagers. Good for swimmers and water lovers.
A medium-difficulty 4-hour uphill hike through deep country Jamaica, past small coffee farms, the Hope River, and tiny isolated village communities. Ends at a local family restaurant at the peak.
Wander four acres of terraced botanical gardens cultivated over decades. Taino arrowheads have been found on the 26-acre property. The gardens are in continuous development with a sustainable production mission.
Arrive by helicopter from Norman Manley Airport in Kingston for a dramatic approach to the 3,100-foot property. Price available on request.
Blue Mountain coffee is grown less than a mile from the property. A coffee tour up the road is consistently rated by guests as a trip highlight — book through the hotel.
A Kingston institution — champagne mimosas (with fresh on-property oranges), a buffet spread, and sweeping mountain views. Draws a strong local crowd. Arrive early if pool access matters to you.
Yoga sessions at the Yoga Pavilion with mountain views, or by the infinity pool. Mats are complimentary and signed out at the spa. Private and group sessions available.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Full Wi-Fi in One Bedroom Villas and Two Bedroom Villas. Limited Wi-Fi in Studio Suite and Studio Cottage categories. Check-in at 3pm, check-out at 12pm.
Available in all room categories; menu focuses on traditional Jamaican dishes. In-room treatment orders incur a 20% surcharge at the spa.
Weddings for 3 to 150 guests. Multiple venue options across the 26-acre property. Also used for private dining events and corporate meetings.
Four-plus acres of terraced botanical gardens spanning the 26-acre property. Features exotic tropical plants, ginger, ferns, and locally grown ingredients used in the restaurant and spa.
Stocked minibar in all room categories, including rum cakes — a Blue Mountains specialty.
A one-of-a-kind negative-edge pool at 3,100 feet above Kingston. On a clear day you can see over 100 miles. At night, the city lights below create a mirror of the sky above. One of the most-photographed pools in Jamaica.
On-property helipad for helicopter transfers and scenic arrivals from Norman Manley International Airport.
Complimentary with any body spa treatment. Designed to warm and relax guests before their treatment, increasing circulation and eliminating toxins.
Dedicated yoga pavilion with mountain and ocean views, used for private and group sessions.
BUILD YOUR STRAWBERRY HILL PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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