A Dreamy Day at the Strawberry Hill Resort

The Jamaican Blue Mountains are my favourite place on Earth– a tranquil highland escape of cool rolling mist, lush greenery, breathtaking views and rich history. Perched high in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains lies the Strawberry Hill Resort— the sort of escape that feels a world away from the bustling city of Kingston, although it’s only 20km away from the city centre. Strawberry Hill is a cozy boutique hotel consisting of white-washed cottages clustered across 26 acres. This mountainside retreat is part of Island Outpost, a collection of luxury Jamaican hotels and villas owned by Chris Blackwell, the former record producer behind Bob Marley’s breakout success. With that said, here’s how my recent day trip to the Strawberry Hill Resort went, and what to expect.

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Why Go For A Day Trip?

Strawberry Hill Resort works beautifully as a short overnight stay or a decadent day trip if you just want the spa, the infinity pool, and a memorable meal on the veranda. If you’re local to Kingston or staying nearby, a day here lets you sample the hotel’s highlights without committing to the cost of a full stay which starts at US$350 per night. I did exactly that: a restorative spa afternoon followed by a long, leisurely birthday lunch. This was the perfect way to spend my husband’s birthday, one of the most romantic dates we’ve had in a long time.

How to Get to Strawberry Hill

From Kingston, the drive takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic and your exact start point. Private car or transfer is best as public transport to Irish Town, the hotel’s surrounding community, is limited and unreliable. The B1 main road to Strawberry Hill is narrow and winding, so take your time and sound your horn around blind corners. Driving in Jamaica is not for the weak! If you’re visiting from another Jamaican town or city, expect a much longer drive (several hours) so overnighting is advised. If you’d like a luxe arrival and can afford to pay $$$ for it, helicopter transfers are available on request for the truly dramatic entrance but advanced booking is required.

Costs & What to Expect As A Day Visitor

Day passes are available for pool and property access, but day-use fees are waived once you visit either the spa or restaurant. Reservations are made via email (info@strawberryhillhotel.com) and the response time was fairly decent. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm spa reservations. Hospitality starts at the gate, as the security guard was quite friendly while collecting our names and verifying our reservation. After parking, it was easy to find our way around and we felt right at home exploring the property alongside overnight, and even destination wedding guests.

Strawberry Hill Field Spa

We arrived at the spa just before noon. The setting is quietly tucked into the gardens; treatments emphasize Caribbean ingredients and aromatherapy. My husband and I enjoyed the 60-minute signature Swedish massage which was quite relaxing; he fell asleep halfway through! My therapist used a combination of heated oils and slow, grounding techniques that were perfect for the cool mountain climate — I left feeling relaxed and slept soundly that night. Other treatments offered by Strawberry Hill’s Field Spa include reflexology, waxes, facials, manicures, pedicures, body scrubs, wraps, deep tissue and hot stone massages. I appreciated being able to order lunch ahead while at the spa too– they keep a lunch menu on hand. Massages for two totaled US$230.

Strawberry Hill Restaurant

Next stop, lunch. We enjoyed a spinach soup followed by a main course of curry goat and oxtail with sides of rice and peas, fried plantain and steamed vegetables. My husband substituted oxtail for jerk chicken. Our cocktails were just as delicious– I had a classic rum punch made with Blackwell rum, while my husband had Tropical Storm made with coconut rum, vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, pineapple juice and a splash of soda. Our server provided a complimentary slice of red velvet cake and sang Happy Birthday too, definitely commendable customer service. The final bill including tax and gratuities totaled roughly $120 USD– definitely more affordable than I’d expected at a luxury hotel.

We were in no rush after lunch, strolling through the property and by the infinity pool to snap some memorable photos. From the pool and loungers, one has a clear view of Kingston all the way out to the Caribbean Sea. I can only imagine how breathtaking the view is at night with the twinkling city lights as backdrop.

Practical Tips

• Plan ahead: Whether it’s the spa, restaurant or a private transfer, the hotel prefers advance reservations — call or email with at least 24 hours’ notice to avoid disappointment.
• Layers: The temperature at 3,100 ft can be surprisingly cool, especially at nights or after rain. Bring a light sweater even on warm days.
• Currency & tipping: The hotel accepts all major cards and USD (all prices are listed in USD). However, bring some local cash for tips, taxi drivers, or purchases in nearby villages.
• Combine Activities: Many visitors pair Strawberry Hill with a Blue Mountain coffee farm tour (save 5% with ADVENTURESFROMELLE5 if it’s your first booking with GetYourGuide) or a short hike — check out this list for ideas.

Wrap Up

If you want an instant mood reset— a few hours of mountain air, a professional spa treatment and a memorable meal — Strawberry Hill Resort is your place. A day trip lets you taste everything Strawberry Hill does best without the time or expense of an overnight stay. My day there felt luxuriously slow: spa, pool, and a long lunch with exceptional views — the perfect quick escape from city life. My only regret is living in Kingston for (almost) all my life, and not visiting sooner– but I’ll be back! Have you ever visited the Strawberry Hill Resort or would you like to visit? Sound off in the comments section below. If you enjoyed this post, you may also like:

• Lime Tree Farm & Cottages
• Tour Craighton Coffee Estate
• Jamaican Stereotypes Debunked
• A Guide to Jamaica’s Blue Mountains

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