Famous Faces, Famous Places and Famous Foods
Round Hill Hotel & Villas
Location:
Montego Bay, on the north shore of Jamaica
The Location is paramount at this exclusive resort that caters to the famous and the privileged. Built in 1955 and an ode to understated elegance, Round Hill is a haven for socialites and celebrities. Famous faces (and their entourages) like Paul and Linda McCartney, Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, Steven Spielberg, Harrison Ford, Goldie and Kurt (if you are still reading this you’ll know instantly who I’m talking about) are signing the guest register.
In the Golden Days of Hollywood, Grace Kelly, Cole Porter, Rock Hudson and Clark Gable were frequent guests. Jackie and John F. honeymooned at Round Hill. The bar walls are studded with vintage photos of those golden oldie stars. As an example of the style and ambiance of the villas, famous Hollywood stars such as dancer Fred Astaire built a villa in the 1950's. If you’d like to have the same view that a literary luminary did, book Number 3 -- Noel Coward’s former two-bedroom cottage.
The Who’s Who goes on:
A thoroughly modern Ralph Lauren owns one of the Round Hill villas, and you are quite likely to see him relaxing on the beach or dining with his family. What’s it like? Star gazing aside, Round Hill is one of Jamaica's most sophisticated and beautiful resorts. The lovely and private beach is shaded by Indian Almond trees and sea grape. The small bay is perfection for a leisurely swim. Deluxe ocean front rooms are spacious and truly right over the water. They have large opening windows (almost walk-through size) that let in the caressing sea breeze. Ceiling fans hums discreetly above.
If you are crazy for golf—guests have green privileges at Tryall, one of the Caribbean’s top courses.
Evenings at Round Hill:
The outdoor restaurant has a mento band at dinner -- the three older gentlemen in the band do requests. Ask them to play any of your Bob Marley favorites -- it will be a rousing rendition you'll never forget.
Oh, and don’t forget to bring your best duds -- Saturdays are formal and Ralph could be at the bar, beach or in the restaurant.
Accolades:
Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Montego Bay, received high honors on the prestigious Conde Nast traveler’s 1997 Gold List.
The Cost:
A deluxe ocean front room starts at US$220 per night, a villa suite with private pool starts at US$440. Noel Coward’s two bedroom villa is priced at US$5000 in high season and $2,500 in low season.
Lovers’ Option:
You can tie the knot at chi chi Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Montego Bay, Jamaica for approx.US$700. The wedding plan includes marriage officer, a bottle of French Champagne, a wedding cake, a flower bouquet, a photographer to shoot and develop 36 pictures and a video. Add to this cost a deluxe ocean front room for US$220 per night, or splurge on a villa suite with private pool starting at US$440.
Call 1-800-237-3237 or 1-800-972-2159 for information and reservations.