Strawberry Hill

Saint Andrew

Saint Andrew in southeastern Jamaica is one of the island’s main parishes, stretching from Kingston, the capital, to the majestic Blue Mountains. Thanks to its location, visitors to St. Andrew have the choice between a city and a mountain experience.

Devon House is the main historical monument in Kingston, which was once the home of Jamaica’s first black millionaire. For reggae lovers, there are two must visits. First and foremost, the Bob Marley museum entirely dedicated to the Jamaican artist from the slums of Trenchtown. It’s here, in his former home, that the museum was established in the late 1980s, and where visitors can retrace his history through his writings, objects that belonged to him and original photographs. The famous Tuff Gong recording studio is the second reggae oriented site, created by Bob Marley himself so he could produce his own music without being subjected to outside pressures, especially from producers. These studios are still in operation today, managed by the musician’s family. Numerous international artists have recorded albums here including Alpha Blondy. In contrast to this ambience, the peaceful Blue Mountains enable visitors to discover another aspect of Jamaica, namely its vast and magnificent nature. In a four-wheel drive or on foot, one can visit the numerous, natural grottos and waterfalls as well as the diversity of exotic flora.

Mountain air a few steps from Kingston

Strawberry Hill is a luxury hotel-spa located in the mountains at an altitude of 3,000 meters, on a former coffee plantation. The lucky owner today is Chris Blackwell, the well-known music producer and founder of the Island Record label and an important personality in Jamaica’s hotel industry. Like the rest of his establishments, all part of the Island Outpost group, he wanted Strawberry Hill to be a place of peace, relaxation and communication in an exceptional setting and in total harmony with the philosophy of the island.

His guests stay in one of the 12 cottages inspired by 19^th century colonial architecture, and offering 21^st century comfort, in a simple and warm décor. The wood walls are painted in white, and the furniture, the work of local craftsmen, are in dark mahogany. The four-poster beds are covered with white netting, giving the décor a special feel. The bathrooms have large bathtubs, and the hotel is happy to supply bath salts and other aromatic products like jasmine and ginger. Each cottage has one or several bedrooms to accommodate honeymooners or families looking for a peaceful vacation. All the cottages have terraces with a superb view of either the Blue Mountains or the city of Kingston, and you can specify your choice when you reserve.

For a pure moment of wellness and relaxation, the hotel’s ayurvedic spa proposes a variety of treatments, a sauna and an indoor pool. Those who feel like swimming can head for the outdoor infinity pool, with one of the most beautiful view of Kingston.

Jamaican Chef, James Palmer’s cuisine is classified as Jamaican new cuisine, which blends traditional dishes with more international influences to the delight of his guests.

It was after the attempted murder of which he was the victim that Bob Marley came to Strawberry Hill in order to take advantage of the hotel’s peaceful atmosphere.