The Royal Plantation – Ocho Rios Jamaica

The Royal Plantation boutique resort sits elegantly and stylishly along the northern coast of Jamaica in Ocho Rios. The only Jamaican hotel admitted to the illustrious “Leading Small Hotels of the World” rests on a two-story cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Rock laden stairs wind dramatically around buildings surrounded by lush indigenous plants that lead to stunning whitesanded beaches. Lending a sort of old world elegance and reminiscent of Hitchcock-like landscape, you almost expect Grace Kelly and Cary Grant to come frolicking down the stairs.

Checking into the Royal Plantation you are immediately led to an off-the-lobby alcove by your concierge agent where a fresh Mangosa, (the signature cocktail made with mango juice and champagne), and a refreshing aromatherapy cloth chilled in rose water is served upon your arrival. This is a true Butler-style service hotel. Your concierge will be most attentive and charming and before you finish your Mangosa you will have already assessed you have come to an unforgettable place. After your greeting, you will take an inspiring tour on your way to your guest room where you will first encounter the hotels jaw dropping panoramic coastline view, as well as the stylish interior of the hotel. There is a strategy to this tour; it’s incentive to leave your equally breathtaking and luxurious guest room where you will rest your head at night with a pillow of your personal specification.

The rooms are decorated in a breezy West Indies British colonial style of four poster beds and luxurious Frette linens. Creamy tones of sumptuous fabrics and architecturally beautiful bathrooms and closets – prove almost too irresistible to leave your room. But you must, because the Royal Plantation has the uncanny ability to make seemingly ordinary activities into extraordinary experiences.

MOUTHWATERING ACTIVITIES

Make like a sous chef and whip up something fabulous du jour with the Royal Plantation’s chef in their very own kitchen.Challenging menus await you with fresh ingredients you might just pick outside the back door of the kitchen. Don an apron and chef ’s cap and learn all about cooking the Caribbean way. Cooking classes are small and intimate and each participant is responsible for an appetizer, soup, entrée, or dessert. All creators are deservingly rewarded with their prepared feast at a white clothed table overlooking the ocean. Pat yourself on the back and enjoy a bottle of wine and toast to your culinary prowess with your fellow colleagues.

STROKE OF GENIUS

With such stunning views and stylish surrounding – it’s enough to want to paint it?? Try out your inner Van Gogh with the artistin- residence. Boldly assert your true colors on a canvas with a rainbow of paints. Mix a bit of encouragement and direction from your teacher and you will be creating visions of wonder. Relaxing and stimulating – no worries here – except maybe which gallery is going to show your works of genius.

CIVILIZED AFFAIRS

A most civilized ceremony that dates back to the beginnings of British Aristocracy. Royal Plantation adheres to this civilized ceremony with panache. Put your pretty little slip of a sundress on and perhaps a hat and sit on the stately veranda feeling like royalty while sharing traditional finger sandwiches from fine bone china. An assortment of the prized leaf-dried concoction with Bob Marley singing in the background at a whisper tone and a specially made napkin with a hummingbird embroidered provides just the right Jamaican touch. Andre, a most fabulous host (also the Director of Sales and Special Events) loves to take tea with guests and share island tales; you’ll smile and laugh so much you will think tea has turned to cocktails. Fridays provide a special treat of Hot Chocolate. Raises a bit of an eyebrow to the uninitiated but rest assured this is a true Jamaican treat. Enjoy this locally grown liquid gold that is prepared as conscientiously as wine or tea over another fine Jamaican treat of hardo – a rustic bread. Marjorie Parkin the in-house chocolate sommelier – also provides an audio feast of legend and lore of these local delicacies.

THE ART OF SABRAGE

Champagne and caviar you say?? Well, sure maybe you are one of the lucky ones who have been able to enjoy this infamous dynamic duo but have you ever been served this royal fermented grape with the bottle slayed open by an antique sword the length of your arm? The C-Bar at the Royal Plantation proudly offers this imposing and intimidating, but yet so sexy tradition that is rich in French history and dates back to Napoleon times. One quick expert swipe of this sword will leave you breathless first by sight and then the inimitable silky taste of Veuve Clicquot. Die and go to heaven with a heaping of caviar and crème fraiche accompanied by morsels of potatoes, and half-dollar sized crepes.

CROWNING TOUCHES

How does it possibly get any better? The Royal Plantation again provides the ultimate in romance and elegant finishing touches. Looking for that speechless, mouth agape and tears in the eye reaction? Upon request the Royal Plantation will bring fairy tales to life when you open the door to your suite and find candles flickering and casting dreamy shadows over the room while champagne is chilling in the bucket and rose petals floating in the bath water. Continue to make it all about you and your loved one and experience dinner or a picnic on the beach with your own personal butler and flautist. Take it to the water later for a moonlit or sunset couple’s massage on the pier followed by champagne and canapés. The Royal Plantation evokes the timelessness and glamour of yesteryear while seamlessly blending modern amenities. It is stylish and elegant without the pomp and circumstance. Luxurious furnishings and accommodations are surrounded by expertly trained staff that is also refreshingly friendly and often playful. Honeymooning, anniversary or rekindling – The Royal Plantation will steal your heart away and make any occasion an unforgettable celebration.

The Royal Plantation Ocho Rios, Jamaica www.RoyalPlantation.com