For sun, sand and sea, you could pick any Caribbean island. But to truly recharge, get yourself down to Jamaica, visit these dreamy spots, and we promise you’ll return feeling renewed.
stay: With one of the cottages owned by American fashion royalty, Ralph Lauren, Round Hill Resort’s spacious white villas with preppy nautical touches offer the ultimate in privacy. Oh, and did we mention your own pool (skinny dipping, anyone?). While at this Montego Bay property, treat yourself to some time at the spa, where they use luxurious Elemis products along with a superb scrub made of local coffee and a rich moisturizer made with local coconut oil. That said, the tranquil 10-minute walk to the 18th-century plantation house the spa occupies is therapeutic in itself, thanks to abundant greenery and stunning ocean views. www.roundhill.com
savour: The rough drive to Stush in the Bush made even seasoned travellers like us crankily ask, “Are we there yet?” But after we stumbled into a seat at this hillside property and took one bite of the perfectly crisp plantain chips dipped in creamy guacamole (washed down with sorel juice) we quickly forgot the struggle to get to Zionites Farm. Enjoy a superb farm-to-table meal prepared using organic ingredients (while chatting with the lovely owners Christopher and Lisa), and you’ll be ready to ditch city life just as they did. www.stushinthebush.com
spa: If 68,000 square feet of spa space sounds like heaven to you, then an afternoon at Fern Tree Spa is a must. Located at Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay, the spa is famous for its signature massage, which begins with a relaxing foot bath that incorporates Jamaican Cerasee (a local herb known for its purifying properties) and mint. After working tight muscles and knots with the spa’s signature essential oil blend of allspice, ginger and orange, get your therapist to finish your treatment with a Jamaican rum body splash. Plan for plenty of lounge time afterwards so you can take advantage of the spa’s serene outdoor oasis where you can dip your feet into the refreshing pool beneath the shade of lush palm trees. www.halfmoon.rocksresorts.com
sip: Although Negril is not a quick jaunt from Montego Bay (budget at least 90 minutes to drive there), be kind to yourself and to go to Jackie’s on the Reef. With no Wi-Fi service, you can truly disconnect and enjoy the simple pleasure of breathing in those cooling trade winds. Take part in a yoga class or meditation at this eclectic property and then sit back to enjoy the waves of the Caribbean Sea lapping at the shore while sipping one of the unique fresh-pressed juices Jackie is known for. Choose from seagrape or almond (made from the tasty but usually discarded fleshy exterior of the seed); each is combined with a healthy dose of ginger. www.jackiesonthereef.com
Happy travels! —Karen Kwan
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