Round Hill Resort and Villas | Merci Destination Weddings + Honeymoons

Would you believe this stunning photo was taken by little ol' me with my trusty iPhone?
It's shot from my bedroom balcony at Round Hill Resort and Villas.  Judging from the lush greenery, bright colors and beckoning water, this clearly means: 1. Even the clumsiest of photographers {a.k.a. me} couldn't mess up a view like this... and 2. If this is my work, well, just imagine how gorgeous this place looks in person!

 

It's no secret being a blogger comes with great perks -- the best of which {honestly and truly} is that you guys swing by here each day.  But if one perk was to come in at close second, it would be the travel -- and the fact that I get to share gorgeous honeymoon and destination wedding locations like Round Hill with you.  {Who knows, perhaps I may just sway you to visit, and inadvertently take part in some amazing memory-making}.

If you're an avid Merci New York reader, you already know from many of my Merci destination wedding posts {like the lovely Brie and David, or the gorgeous Keisha and Christopher} that I absolutely a.d.o.r.e. Round Hill Resort and Villas.  The couples who choose Round Hill are undeniably fashionable {hello 007 dinner jackets!} and the resort itself?  Well, as I hope to prove with more of my fabu phone photos below, it's just out of this world.
I had the pure pleasure of visiting Round Hill this December with an amazing group of wedding professionals, and the experience is forever engraved in my memory... After a short flight from NYC, we were greeted by hotel staff at the airport, privately whisked through customs and were lounging poolside at our private villa 30 minutes after landing.  If that's not instant gratification, I'm not sure what is.

Round Hill is perfect West Indies paradise.  The original colony-style hotel {more on that later} is nestled above a beautiful private beach in Montego Bay, Jamaica.  It is steeped in the tradition of rat-pack era panache, yet modernized with the resort-chic touch of Ralph Lauren. 

I immediately sensed the history the moment I walked in the main house.... Crisp green and white cabana stripes graced the awnings.  A bright Caribbean beach beckoned against white sand.  Dark wood walls were sprinkled with black and white photos of 60s-era socialites and movie stars glistening in its graces.  In short, ladies:  This is the stuff chic is made of.  {Stylist's tip: Make mental note to pack your linen shirt dress and your fiance's Vilebrequins - you'll thank me later}. ;)

One thing you'll immediately notice about Round Hill is that is magically captures the perfect juxtaposition of old and new... Yes, the club house, the restaurants and the shared spaces are all steeped in a magical tradition that makes you want to sling yourself on a baby grand and sing your heart out {and believe me, a few guests do}, but the 27 private villas that climb up the lush green footpaths from the beach are a breezily modern reprieve that somehow works wonderfully with the property's eloquent past.  As you can imagine, I got my gold key, I walked through the gazebo, and I was immediately wowed by what awaited me...

 

This, dear readers, is not a hotel pool. This was our private villa and our private pool overlooking the beach.  There are no babies in swimmies and diapers.  No swim up and sit bars with strangers.  No strangers of any kind, actually... Just a calm blue oasis for six very lucky ladies for four very indulgent days.  

Susan takes a mid-morning dip in our {expansive} villa pool.

The villas at Round Hill are each privately owned and staffed by a housekeeping team that caters to your every need {and then some}. Breakfast is served to your custom-catered liking at a long wicker table beneath palm-frond fans. Mid-afternoon wines are chilled in a Subzero the size of a city apartment, which is then housed in an open-air professional-grade kitchen just a few steps from the pool. Rooms are equipped with posh amenities, chic decor... and a few surprises. Case in point? Our villa had a downstairs bedroom with a "window" that looked out to under the pool!

A garden view of our gorgeous villa.

Now, for a little history that piqued my style-loving mind... As I mentioned earlier, Round Hill was the first "colony-style" resort of its kind in the Caribbean. Founder John Pringle had the idea of creating a Montego Bay resort that would appeal to the very rich who wanted to have a cottage in the West Indies without the problem of absentee ownership. As John was dedicated to his dreams and worked tirelessly to turn them into reality, in 1953 the ever-renowned and celebrated Round Hill was to open its doors to the world of fame, wealth, and creative talent with Noel Coward as its first shareholder.

In addition to beautiful bedrooms, our villa was complete with a plush playroom, perfect for families.  I imagine many an extended family has taken a post-sun break here.

The hotel operates on the same basis today with its villas being owned by individual 'shareholders' chiefly from the U.S. and Europe. One cottage owner, Ralph Lauren, has taken a personal interest in redesigning parts of Round Hill, enhancing its quintessential character. When the owners are not in residence, the cottages are available for rent either as villa suites or as two- to six-bedroom complete villas, focusing on fresh design amongst lush tropical landscaping. 

Another stunning {iPhone!} view from my bedroom.  Le sigh.

Loved this private-gated entrance to a expansive manse on the Round Hill grounds.  came across it on a walk to the spa, and my mind raced with ideas of what sort of lushly landscaped home lie behind the gate...

These beautiful orchids grew effortlessly around the property.  I was amazed by their color and cheery beauty.

The Round Hill Spa and fitness club is located at the tail end of a beautifully lush footpath that curves alongside the water's edge.  Each morning, I ran along this bridge to the sound of waves lapping on the pebbled shore.  At right: A perfect swing alongside the path to the spa.

One of the {many} luxuries afforded to guests at Round Hill is access to their award winning spa.  Of course, {in the name of journalism!}, I had to test it out for you, and can totally attest that the service is second to none.  I reveled in an exquisite massage and a facial that rivaled some of my favorites in NYC.

The spa is located in a restored 18th century plantation house, and the seven service rooms are luxuriously designed with relaxation in mind.  That said, if you are anything like me {and you'll revel in as much Caribbean air as the day is long}, you may also opt for an outdoor massage beneath the tree in the above photo.  With the sound of the waves and the warm, calming breeze, you'll be instantly relaxed.  {Brides: I think it's the perfect way to kick your post-wedding relaxation into gear}!

Here are some of my traveling buddies, post-spa, under an intimate mango tree bar with Red Stripes in hand!  From left, Jodi of EVOKE, Katie of the Brandman Agency and Sarah of Brilliant Event Planning

I get that this is an odd picture, but the stylist in me couldn't resist... Even the backgammon boards are chic at Round Hill! This little guy was in my "office".  Unfortunately he was too big to fit back into my suitcase {or find room for in my Manhattan apartment}.

 

From its stunning grounds and rich history, to its breezily chic approach to luxury, my first visit to Round Hill was an experience that continues to mesmerize me.  Round Hill oozes style, exudes grace and exemplifies the very best of Caribbean elegance...  I'm already planning my return {and I hope to see you there}!  

P.S. - After you pack your suitcase and book your ticket {!}, be sure to visit the Round Hill website, check out their stunning weddings and events page, and see more Round Hill loveliness with some of our stunning destination weddings on the property, featured exclusively on Merci New York.

xx,

All photos courtesy of Jacqueline Weppner, Merci New York.