Mountain-top resort in Jamaica invites guests to discover Bob Marley
Strawberry Hill’s Natural Mystic package starts at $1,866 for three nights
Jamaica (April 12, 2007) – Nestled atop Jamaica’s Blue Mountains and part of Island Outpost’s collection of hotels, Strawberry Hill just introduced the Natural Mystic package in honour of Bob Marley, the man whose spirit still lingers. As an exciting voyage into the vibe of reggae music and the life of Bob Marley, guests who book a three-night stay enjoy a complimentary visit to the Bob Marley Museum on Old Hope Rd and a trip to Marley’s home in Trenchtown – the inspiration for peace and harmony.
A three-night stay starts at $1,866 for a bedroom suite or $2,146 for a deluxe studio. Rates are based on double occupancy and include airport transportation and all meals, house wines and spirits. An 18 per cent tax and service charge is not included.
Founder of the iconic Island Records, Chris Blackwell bought Strawberry Hill in 1972, which was the peak of his reggae introduction to the world. A major element of this musical revolution was Bob Marley, a recording artist and personal friend. Blackwell’s influence in the Jamaican and reggae community earned him infinite trust with a varied group of artists who also began to use the property as a studio, simply named Studio One. Many great artists would meet with Blackwell and their label management at Strawberry Hill throughout the years. A refreshing and spiritual mountain retreat, Strawberry Hill continues to serve as a refuge for the weary and the well travelled. It was no surprise that Bob Marley chose to recuperate here from a 1976 assassination attempt, drawing inspiration from the Blue Mountains’ mists.
Strawberry Hill was honoured with the National Heritage in Architecture Award in 1986, but then after a hurricane destroyed it in 1988, Blackwell felt compelled to commission Ann Hodges to bring back the history and beauty that it once possessed in true honour of its guests and their rejuvenated experiences. The resort opened again in 1991 encapsulating a rich and vibrant past. In addition to Bob Marley’s accolades, guests skim through photos and awards lined up in the main bar and conference room honouring the works of many artists and rock legends, including Traffic, U2 and The Rolling Stones. The Bamboo room houses a collection of black and white photos of jazz singers and crooners like Dizzie Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra.
Set on a former coffee estate, Strawberry Hill offers sweeping views of Jamaica’s Blue Mountains and the Caribbean Sea, all bathed in the lush mountain mists. Twelve airy cottages, cluster beside the Caribbean’s only Aveda Concept Spa, located at the resort. Wood-shingled and gracious, the architecture reflects the original nineteenth-century buildings that once stood here with cooling louvers, fretwork and gables. Hammocks and rockers stand on the verandahs. Hardwood floors and mahogany furniture – handcrafted on the premises – complete the ambiance.
With this new tour, artists, musicians and enthusiasts alike follow the paths behind this remarkable musician and begin to understand the true meaning of his lyrics.
For more information or to make a reservation, call 1-800-OUTPOST. You can also see their accommodation listing under Jamaica –Kingston at www.caribbean.com.
For your FREE on-line Jamaica travel guide, visit www.caribbean.com.
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