Strawberry Hill

Hotel review

Quite simply Strawberry Hill is a fabulous place. Steeped in history - the property was gifted by the royal family to Henry Walpole (son of Prime Minister and cousin of Nelson) back in 1780 and he named it after his gothic pile in Twickenham. Since then it has been in the hands of various owners until Chris Blackwell (of Island Records fame) purchased the property back in the early ‘70s – it was the first of what is now his Island Outpost collection. He has expanded it gradually over the years and since its early incarnation as a pop star hang out and jamming pad, it has evolved into a stunning small hotel set in the Blue mountains high above Kingston. Here it really is all about location, location, location; the infinity pool has extraordinary views over Kingston and wherever you look from this glorious hilltop perch, you can see for miles. The rooms are spread amongst thirteen little cottages that have been constructed using the best local craftsmanship and an award winning architect; so whilst being quite new, you really feel that you’re staying in an original period place. Interiors are beautiful. Understated elegance featuring hard wood floors, mahogany furniture, draped four poster beds, hand carved fretwork (there’s a different design in every room), louvred windows and original Jamaican artwork adorning the walls. Plus every room has a lovely private verandah for soaking up that view. In the main building you’ll find a library/sitting room for chilling out, various eating areas and a bar which, as well as serving a delicious rum punch, is bedecked with photos of the cast of A listers who have called the place home over the years. Food is a good mix of Jamaican and international – there is something for everyone – well executed. Strawberry Hill is not what most people expect when they come to the Caribbean (there’s no beach or all inclusive packages here), but it is a glorious place to come for a spot of laid back luxury far from the madding crowds. The peace is incredible and the welcome is warm. It is a destination that you'll wish you'd booked for longer and that will have you coming back time after time.

Sarah Empson Review published: 03/12/2024