Island Outpost

Strawberry Hill

There is more to Jamaica than its breath-taking beaches; after all, that famous coffee has to come from somewhere! During a 45-minute drive from Kingston, guests will find themselves weaving through Jurassic Park-like scenery along a steep road featuring bends tighter than a hairpin, passing jerk shacks with names like “Pon di Road Nyammings,” that seem as though they are barely clinging to the mountainside. At 3100 feet above sea level lies Strawberry Hill, in the heart of the delicious Blue Mountain coffee region. Another of Chris Blackwell’s Island Outpost resorts, it is a favorite escape for British royalty (Charles and Camilla) and music-world aristocracy (Mick Jagger, Bob Marley) alike.

Guests will find it impossible not to unwind on the private porches of Strawberry Hill’s Georgian-style cottages that are suspended above the lush mountain valley below. Stress is washed away with a swim in the infinity-edge swimming pool that overlooks the entire city of Kingston. Lungs are filled with fresh air as they hike and explore the walking trails that run through the property’s 26 acres of natural vegetation and coffee farmland. Meanwhile, both the spa and the kitchen serve up Blue Mountain coffee delights, from the revitalizing coffee scrub of the Blue Mountain Elixir body therapy to the rich flavor of Strawberry Hill’s homemade coffee ice cream.

Visit Strawberry Hill

Strawberry Hill - swimming pool

The Caves

Just an hour from Montego Bay airport, Negril is a great destination for a quick getaway. For travelers wishing to avoid the same-same-same all-inclusives, the only answer is to head for the Lighthouse Road and keep going until the driver comes to a halt at The Caves.

Perched on the limestone cliffs of Jamaica's Westernmost point, the ultra-romantic hideaway is ideal for those looking for some quality time with that special someone, and for those who are tired of returning to their suite with sand in their pants. (No beaches here!) The Caves is also one of the most beautiful locations for an idyllic destination wedding - nuptials with a Caribbean sunset as backdrop are hard to beat.

Pale cobblestone pathways, a handful of prettily painted wooden houses, and sexy private outdoor showers make this a tropical all-inclusive castle of which each guest feels they are the king (or queen). Take a giant leap into the impossibly blue waters that lap gently against the cliffs, the highest jumping point is 30 feet! Snorkel through the caves that are honeycombed into the cliff face. Unwind at the Blackwell Rum and Cigar Bar, created from two of the many limestone grottos, or enjoy a private dining experience, also set in a cave. Take a day trip to one of Negril's seven miles of beach. And before long, even the most jaded of travelers will find themselves saying "one love" instead of good-bye.

Visit The Caves

The Caves - cliff edge with cottages

GoldenEye

The town of Oracabessa on Jamaica's North coast has been the low key hub of cool since James Bond author Ian Fleming first built the lush estate of GoldenEye in the 1950s, and his friend Noel Coward set up shop atop the high cliffs nearby with his estate, Firefly. Between the two they played host to the glitterati and literati, from Sophia Loren to Elizabeth Taylor, Truman Capote, and Katherine Hepburn. Now owned by visionary entrepreneur and Island Records founder, Chris Blackwell, the glamour goes on, with friends and fans ranging from Johnny Depp to Grace Jones.

Adding convenience to the special brand of Caribbean comfort that GoldenEye represents, Oracabessa is also home to Ian Fleming International Airport. Able to accept international flights (private aircraft only at the moment), with a domestic shuttle service in the works, the quick and easy access that Ian Fleming International provides to Jamaica's North coast means that the phrase, "Let's pop down to GoldenEye for lunch and a swim," is no longer simply wishful thinking!

Whether staying in the original Fleming Villa (with private beach) or in a Beach Cottage or Lagoon suite, guests will certainly catch on quick to Jamaica's "no worries" attitude. To enhance that irie vibe, the beachside Bar Bizot channels a live feed from Parisian world music station, Radio Nova, while The Gazebo restaurant offers front row seats to some of Jamaica's most fiery sunsets - we suggest making a toast to all that is right with the world with the signature cocktail, made with Blackwell Rum of course, the GoldenEye.

A dip in the ocean or fresh and seawater swimming pools is a given, but a dip in the lagoon is a must. And for those that wish to do more than relax in the sun contemplating their effortlessly cool vacation, we advise slipping away for a beauty or body treatment at the FieldSpa's hiddencave (overlooking the Caribbean Sea) or the lagoon-side Royal Palm treatment rooms. Active guests may sign up for all manner of classes (yoga, Stretch & Snorkel, Jet Ski Legs & Abs workout, triathlon training), get moving on an adventure to picturesque Dunn's River Falls or Dolphin Cove, venture out in the glass-bottom kayaks to neighboring James Bond Beach, or even make an excursion to Laughing Waters - the stretch of white sand where Ursula Andress emerged from the sea in the opening scenes of the 007 film, Dr. No.

Visit GoldenEye

GoldenEye - Low Cay Beach island