Overview of Round Hill Hotel and Spa
About Round Hill
Round Hill is a casually elegant boutique hotel and spa located in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Since its inception in 1953, it has attracted a celebrity clientele including John F. Kennedy, Paul Newman, and Paul McCartney. Ralph Lauren owns one of the 27 villas overlooking the stunning ocean.
This luxury property is conveniently located just 20 minutes from Sangster International Airport, yet it offers a secluded getaway. Nestled on a 30-acre private hillside peninsula, Round Hill commands the shoreline with minimal foot traffic, ensuring guests can enjoy peace and tranquility.
This posh resort does have a neighbor, an 18th-century plantation house which has been transformed into the Spa at Round Hill. This unique spa experience creates a calm atmosphere that sets it apart as one of the premier spas in Jamaica. Guests can indulge in treatments, participate in yoga classes, enjoy a delicious lunch, or simply unwind in a hammock or under the lush trees by the ocean.
Accommodations
Originally opened by socially connected Jamaican entrepreneur John Pringle, Round Hill invited prominent American and European socialites along with artists to build private cottages on the property. The hotel’s charm and glamour are evident through old black and white photos displayed in public areas.
Guests can stay in one of the 36 guest rooms at The Pineapple House, a two-story building arranged to hug the shoreline, or they can book a villa when owners are away. Designed by Ralph Lauren, the rooms feature a tasteful palette of neutral whites accented with bright pinks and blues.
During my stay in an upstairs room, I was greeted with romantic four-poster beds, vaulted ceilings, and expansive louvered windows that opened up to breathtaking ocean views. Although the downstairs rooms offer comfortable patios, the soothing sounds of the waves lapping at the shore are most prominent in the upstairs accommodations.
Spa Experience
Round Hill emphasizes a refined taste and a tranquil, laid-back ambiance reminiscent of a bygone era. Rooms are accessed via actual keys, adorned with a brass key chain featuring the signature Round Hill pineapple. The resort hosts an English high tea every afternoon, enhancing its charm. It’s not an all-inclusive party scene; instead, it offers a serene environment perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
The complimentary Pineapple Kids Club accommodates guests of all ages. For those seeking adventure, the surrounding area boasts ample activities. While amenities include tennis courts, jogging trails, and a fitness center, many guests prefer lounging by the infinity pool.
Interestingly, some find the spa too far to walk to, despite it being only a five-minute walk away. The Spa at Round Hill offers a striking seaside plantation house setting, complete with a sprawling lawn and majestic trees. This inviting spot can be enjoyed without booking a treatment if you choose to simply relax outdoors.
The spa uses Elemis products, but they uniquely create their own blends of massage oils using local ingredients like Jamaican lemongrass and sweet orange. Guests can enjoy signature hot stone massages, among other treatments, and the therapists are accommodating to special requests.
Moreover, Round Hill Spa features a variety of body treatments including a Jamaican Coffee Bean scrub and a pineapple body buff, both of which are highly praised.
Dining Options
Notably, one of the spa’s signature treatments, the Hangover Massage, is designed for Caribbean travelers notorious for indulging. This gentle massage combines traditional Swedish techniques with an oil blend incorporating Jamaican Sweet Basil to help rejuvenate the body.
Round Hill also boasts an outdoor treatment room, perfect for experiencing tropical serenity. While primarily for body treatments, this space can occasionally accommodate other services. Classes, such as yoga, are offered for an additional fee, and the spa menu features delightful refreshments.
Despite the luxurious atmosphere, the overall feel at Round Hill is relaxed, extending to its service that is friendly yet genuine without the corporate stiffness found elsewhere. While the fine dining experience could be improved, the English-style high tea served at 4 PM, featuring exquisite home-baked goods, is exceptional. Overall, Round Hill Hotel and Spa emerges as a highly recommended destination for a tranquil escape.
Round Hill Hotel and Villas: Type of Spa: resort spa
John Pringle Drive, Montego Bay
Jamaica, West Indies
Telephone: 876-956-7050
Website: www.roundhill.com
