Winter and spring has been grim for me, mostly due to the fact that I was unable to travel. January to April was a very busy time which has kept me tied to NY during the worst weather months. Needless to say, I was eager to grab an opportunity to get out of dodge. I booked a trip to Montego Bay and within two weeks, I heard the welcome phrase “Jamaica no problem”, and was basking in the Caribbean sea, and enjoying views such as this.
Oh, I had a wonderful time in Montego Bay. As expected the weather was wonderful, the sea was warm, and the people were very friendly.
I was lucky to experience two resorts during my visit, but I was less than enamored with one of the resorts, so I will share my experience of the one I enjoyed, Round Hill Resort and Spa. Round Hill is a wonderful resort, described by many as a home away from home, and that it is, and more. As soon as I arrived, I felt like I belonged, the hotel grounds are magnificent. I stayed in a second floor ocean view room which can only be described as breathtaking – take a look.
The pictures are great – right? But they really don’t do Round Hill Resort and Spa justice, as I said, it is a beautiful resort. It’s ideal for someone looking for a relaxing stay in Jamaica. It’s off the beaten track a little, but not too far out if you want to escape from the tranquility for a while.
Being a food blogger, I am always looking for inspiration when I eat out. It’s important that I find restaurants that serve good food and provide great service. Aside from the few meals I suffered at the first hotel I stayed, I did enjoy some really nice meals. Surprisingly, my most satisfying meal was from a take out store called Captain Red Hat, on the Hip Strip in Montego Bay. This place was heaving with locals every night, lining up to get their meals for the total sum of $4! I had stewed chicken with rice and peas and beet juice. I only wish I bought another meal for a midnight snack, it was utterly delightful. I tasted as f someone’s grandmother had made my meal, the flavors were so nicely balanced and rich. Taking a photo of my meal in its styrofoam container, would not have done it justice, it deserved to be laid out on a fancy plate with garnish and great silverware. I do regret not taking a photo so that I could share the imagery of how busy this restaurant was everyday. Service was swift and constant, Captain Red Hat does roaring trade.
I also had a nice meal at Sugar Mill, the service and ambience are hard to beat here, and if you’re lucky you can snag a table outside. If I was in the market for a marriage proposal and the setting had to be in a restaurant, this is the restaurant where I would like my proposal to take place. So romantic!
Snapper with Escovitch Vegetables
Coconut Creme Brulee
I was served by three wait staff. One who took my order and served my food, another who made sure I had enough to drink at all times and another, who supervised and checked everything was as expected. Who could ask for more?
My only regret during my trip to Montego Bay is that I didn’t find the opportunity to rest and relax, and take in the sun and sea breeze in this wonderful bed, situated just outside of my room at the Round Hill Resort and Spa. I would’ve loved to bask in this wonderful Jamaican sunset and mumble the words “Jamaica no problem” one more time.
Just one more time.
