Round Hill Hotel and Villas, is by far the most elegant and exclusive resort in all of Jamaica. The 110-acre peninsula, once a pineapple grove, has been a hotel since 1953.
President JFK and Jackie O honeymooned here, and Kennedy even rehearsed his inauguration speech in Villa 10, which you can visit during the Bell Captain’s villa tour every morning at 10:30am (if Joan Collins isn’t staying in it).
Villa 12 was once owned by Oscar Hammerstein, and Round Hill was the place where he met the real-life Maria Von Trapp who inspired him to write The Sound of Music, as well as several other musicals. His writing desk is still there to this day.
For decades, the privacy and exclusivity of the resort has meant it has been home away from home to glitterati, literati and literal royalty - a supermodel was paddling on the beach with her family during our time there and even Harry and Meghan were recent guests.
Where is it?
From the moment you step off the plane the Round Hill experience begins. A private driver will pick you up and whisk you away on a very short 30 minute journey from Montego Bay Sangster Airport. The winding, leafy driveway opens out onto the pristine white lobby building with forest green striped awnings.
Upon arrival, the delightful staff will proffer welcome drinks of rum punch or lemongrass iced tea. You will feel as though you have stepped back in time and a picture perfect vista of the ocean greets you as you emerge.
During your stay take a stroll along one of the hotel’s trails and explore the coastal paradise in which it is set. Located in Montego Bay or MoBay as the locals call it, a very popular tourist destination due to its white sand beaches and exciting nightlife as well as its many links to other areas of the island.
However, you might find yourself not wanting to leave the resort as Round Hill makes it their mission to cater to your every whim.
The Style
This is not a flashy all inclusive — this is a masterclass in all-exclusive. Round Hill is the definition of quiet luxury and world-class hospitality. The overall style of decor is old world but without feeling in any way tired, the resort has a timeless elegance.
Striped beach umbrellas make you feel as though you have stepped into a Slim Aarons photograph. Aarons once photographed Babe Paley, one of Truman Capote's Swans, at her villa which is now owned by Ralph Lauren. Lauren is responsible for the design aesthetic throughout. White painted wood with beautiful curated fabrics and the open airy layout give the spaces a coastal cabin vibe.
In the cocktail bar, artful black and white photographs of iconic guests from Penelope Cruz to Princess Margaret line the walls. The grounds are a perfect example of how luscious and green the island is; prepare to have huge Monstera envy and wonder why your Swiss Cheese plant is still the same size as when you bought it three years ago on Columbia Road.
There are no televisions in the suites which provides the ultimate peaceful evening sat on the balcony watching gently swaying palm trees backlit by the orange and pink sunset. However, if you are desperate to watch the football, there is a TV in the cosy pineapple room where you can also leaf through coffee table photography books and if you have finished your beach read there is even a library so you can pick up another one before you head back to your sun lounger.
Which room?
You’re spoiled for choice with 36 suites and 27 villas (most with private pools). Opt for a Premium Ocean-front Balcony Room King which features a spacious four-poster bamboo bed, Ralph Lauren Home Collection furnishings naturally!
There’s a deep soaking bathtub, double vanity sink and rain shower where you can slather yourself in Elemis bath products. For the ultimate in luxury book one of Round Hill’s villas and enjoy a made-to-order breakfast prepared in-villa each morning, dedicated villa staff who will cater to your every need and butler services including: unpacking on arrival, as well as dining, spa, and activity planning.
Food & Drink
Start your day with a freshly squeezed fruit juice. I recommend the papaya, pineapple and ginger juice and follow it up with a cappuccino made with Round Hill’s own brand blue mountain coffee beans, which you’ll find yourself stocking up on in the gift shop for gifts. Be sure to immerse yourself in local flavours and order the Jamaican breakfast of ackee and saltfish with callaloo and plump dumplings.
Complementary afternoon tea is served everyday from 4pm-5pm, where Round Hill’s chefs have put a Caribbean twist on a British classic. Lightly spiced tuna finger sandwiches and scones with clotted cream and guava jam.
Try to include at least one Monday evening in your booking so that you can experience a Beach BBQ the Round Hill way. Red linen tablecloths, glowing candles, tiki torches and feeling the soft sand in between your toes while you enjoy a full buffet with steak cooked your liking, as well as a taco bar and freshly grilled lobster tails.
Dinner is always a silver service affair with menus changing daily from Wagyu steak to curry goat with coconut rice and peas. Save room to try their homemade scotch bonnet ice cream, the combination of hot pepper and cold sweet vanilla ice-cream is sensational. To get the most for your money, we recommend the All American meal plan of £178 a day, per person. Excluding alcoholic beverages.
Facilities
If you are travelling with family, the Pineapple Kids club is available on site, so you can enjoy a little uninterrupted snooze on the beach while feeling safe in the knowledge that your kids are not only being well cared for but probably having even more fun than you.
Speaking of fun, have you ever been on a water trampoline? Well now’s your chance, Round Hill has an actual trampoline floating on the sea just off their private beach.
If you prefer to stay grounded there are fitness and stretch classes in the state of the art gym overlooking the dreamy spa lawn. Round Hill are also working with local scientists at Seascape Caribbean to rehabilitate and restore the corals, fish and shellfish to their house-reef which is now flourishing and full of life and a perfect excuse to use the complimentary snorkeling equipment provided by the hotel.
Extracurricular
There a so many things to do on the property from booking a session with a Pickleball instructor to enjoying a massage in the gazebo listening to the sound of the ocean.
If you can bear to leave beach at Round Hill, the hotel will arrange for a driver to take you out and explore MoBay. Visit the beautiful Harmony Beach Park, a beautifully manicured area of natural beauty which is free to enter.
For a unique experience book a nighttime excursion to the otherworldly glowing bioluminescent Falmouth lagoon. Bring a swimsuit and take a glowing dip as millions of dinoflagellates twinkle around you.
Best for
Couples, families, friends, famous people! The thing that really makes Round Hill special is the people who work there. Every single person you encounter from the Bell Captain to the Restaurant Manager is so warm and welcoming. The kindness and hospitality of the staff at Round Hill is unmatched. They endeavor to make every single guest, from those staying in the largest villa to the most reasonably priced room, feel truly at home.
Details
Rooms at Round Hill Hotel and Villas start from £550 + taxes per night for a Premium Oceanfront Balcony Room King. roundhill.com
