Round Hill Hotel and Villas

Round Hill Hotel and Villas in Montego Bay, Jamaica, sits on the Shortlist — one of 777 houses in line for the stars, one rank below the 777 starred hotels on Earth. It carries an EMPTYJET Consensus of 94/100 and the national distinction Best in Country — N°1 house in Jamaica. Those recognitions and the broad guest endorsement present the concrete case that advances its candidature for the guide’s first star.

Round Hill’s position on the Shortlist rests on a string of concrete recognitions and sustained guest approval that make the case for a first star. The house posts an EMPTYJET Consensus of 94/100 and holds the Best in Country distinction as N°1 house in Jamaica. It has earned One MICHELIN Key and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence (2020 through 2025).

Round Hill Hotel and Villas opened in 1953, conceived by founders John Pringle and Liz Pringle (née Liz Benn). The original resort was established on 29 acres of land, later expanding to encompass a 100-acre peninsula. Over the decades, Round Hill has attracted a distinguished clientele, with notable shareholders such as Noël Coward, Adele Astaire, Bill Paley, Oscar Hammerstein, Francis H. McAdoo, and Clive Brook. The property is also known for hosting the Sugar Cane Carnival, a charity event held for over 50 years. Villa 10 holds a special place in history as the honeymoon retreat of John and Jackie Kennedy.

The architectural character of Round Hill is defined by its blend of classic Caribbean elegance and contemporary refinement. The Pineapple House rooms feature interiors designed by Ralph Lauren, offering sea views and a palette that reflects the surrounding landscape. Villas and suites are set amidst lush tropical gardens, with many accommodations providing private pools and expansive living spaces. The spa is housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century mansion, overlooking the Caribbean Sea and adding a sense of historical gravitas to the wellness experience.

Accommodation at Round Hill spans a variety of categories, each designed to offer comfort and privacy. The Pineapple House rooms, with interiors by Ralph Lauren, provide sea views and a tranquil atmosphere. The Ocean View King Room measures 460 sq. ft. (43 sq. m.) and features a four-poster king-sized bed, writing desk, spacious sitting area, louvred windows, and high cathedral ceilings. The Oceanfront Balcony Room King adds a private balcony with tropical foliage and views of Round Hill Bay.

Suites include the One-Bedroom Suite, offering up to 1,800 sq. ft. of space. Villas are available in several categories: Classic Villas range from 1,914 sq. ft. (178 sq. m.) to 5,816 sq. ft. (540 sq. m.), while Signature Villas span 3,037 sq. ft. (282 sq. m.) to 8,024 sq. ft. (745 sq. m.), each with dedicated on-site staff. The Estate Villa, the largest accommodation, covers 8,850 sq. ft. (822 sq. m.) and sleeps up to 12 guests. Many suites and villas offer private pools, ensuring a secluded and luxurious stay surrounded by tropical beauty.

Dining at Round Hill is led by Executive Chef Martin Maginley, whose approach centres on light, clean Caribbean cuisine. The Round Hill Signature Restaurants & Bars serve dishes that highlight local ingredients and culinary traditions, earning the property a place among the Caribbean Journal's 50 Best Restaurants in the Caribbean in 2020. The restaurant has also received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence from 2020 through 2025, underscoring the quality of its wine program.

Chef Maginley and his team have been recognised with several accolades, including the 2018 Taste of Jamaica Junior Top Chef award (David Gayle) and the 2018 Gold Award for Mixology (Kemar McCalla). Guests can enjoy a variety of venues, including the Cocktail Bar, Beach Bar, Pool Bar, and Afternoon Tea Lounge, each offering a distinct atmosphere and menu.

The spa at Round Hill is set within a restored 18th-century mansion overlooking the Caribbean Sea, providing a serene environment for relaxation and rejuvenation. Signature treatments include the Hot Stone Massage, which uses smooth stones from the local shores and heated Jamaican aromatherapy oils, and the Organic CBD Infusion Massage, employing premium CBD oils and balms. Advanced Radiant Skincare facials utilise marine-charged ingredients, plant stem cells, and tri-enzyme systems for visible results.

Additional offerings include indigenous body polishes featuring Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee or fresh pineapple, and high-performance sports recovery treatments with professional athletic coaching. The resort also features a state-of-the-art fitness centre and an open-air yoga pavilion, where guests can participate in guided meditation, breathwork, and fitness classes.

Round Hill is known for its attentive and personalised service, with a concierge team dedicated to arranging every detail of the guest experience. Childcare support is available through a nanny service, catering to families and ensuring peace of mind. These scores attest to the property's commitment to hospitality and guest satisfaction.

Situated on a 100-acre peninsula in Montego Bay, Round Hill offers a setting of natural beauty and privacy. The resort provides direct access to a private beach and is easily accessible from the airport, making it a convenient choice for international travellers. The expansive grounds are ideal for outdoor activities, including swimming, snorkelling, tennis, hiking, and yoga, all set against the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea.

Round Hill Hotel and Villas is suited to travellers seeking a blend of heritage, privacy, and attentive service in Jamaica. Its combination of Ralph Lauren–designed rooms, private villas with dedicated staff, and a spa in a historic mansion appeals to those who value both comfort and a sense of place. The resort's culinary program, recognised by Wine Spectator and the Caribbean Journal, and its robust wellness offerings, make it a compelling choice for couples, families, and groups alike. With a legacy of hosting notable guests and consistently high guest ratings, Round Hill stands as a distinguished option for those looking to experience Montego Bay with a touch of history and refined hospitality.

Round Hill offers a range of facilities and services, including rooms with private pools, a spa, private beach access, concierge service, villas, a swimming pool, fitness centre, yoga, snorkelling, tennis, and hiking. Childcare is available through a nanny service, and the property is easily accessible from the airport, ensuring a smooth arrival and departure experience.