BEFORE MY TRIP TO MONTEGO BAY, most of what I knew about Jamaica was that my parents had enjoyed their honeymoon there more than 30 years ago. Eager to escape chilly weather and embrace island life, I welcomed three days at a five-star Jamaican resort. Stepping off the plane in long pants and a sweater into the intense West Indies heat was the quick jolt I needed to shift into vacation mode.
Arriving at Round Hill Hotel and Villas, I was struck by how naturally the property fit into its surroundings. Perched on a hillside — true to its name — the resort is framed by cliffs, turquoise water, sandy beach and lush foliage. It doesn’t feel like a constructed resort so much as a discovered oasis. Rustic bars are built around almond tree trunks, and shade on the beach comes from woven branches and large limbs rather than rows of umbrellas, keeping views unobstructed while providing comfort.
As I wandered the grounds, dreaming of the spa treatment that awaited and worrying a little about my fresh sunburn, the atmosphere lulled me further into relaxation. The path from the beach to the spa’s welcome wharf, called the Enchanted Path, offers a gentle transition into calm. Along the way I passed a small cove decorated with white stones stacked and signed by guests and a nearly private stretch of sand with plush loungers and an inviting hammock. Tempting as the hammock was, I continued toward the spa cottage.
When Round Hill opened in the 1950s, spa services were far less common. As guest expectations changed and wellness grew in popularity, the spa evolved from a modest room with a couple of beds into a full-service wellness center. Today it offers natural scrubs, exotic treatments, advanced skincare and holistic therapies that match the resort’s rustic-luxury aesthetic.
After reviewing the menu — from a tranquil experience to deep-tissue therapy — I chose the Wellness Massage, described as a balanced blend of relaxation and deeper work. In the changing room I stowed my clothes in a cubby, slipped into an oversized robe and rubber sandals, and made my way to the treatment room.
Treatment room © ROUND HILL HOTEL AND VILLAS
A glass of spa water awaited me, and I settled beneath plush sheets scented with aromatherapy. My masseuse was gentle and patient as I got comfortable. She began with a careful exfoliation of my feet, legs, arms and hands, then my back. The scrub revived skin dulled by winter and improved circulation, making the subsequent oil and lotion treatment even more soothing.
The Wellness Massage is intended to refresh skin, relax muscles and release deep tension. The session progressed from feet and calves to the back, arms, shoulders and neck. The kneading pressure struck the right balance — relaxing yet effective. Repeated sequences of oil, massage and lotion left me fully immersed in the experience.
Halfway through I rolled onto my back for more attention to my feet, legs, chest, head and face. A 50-minute session concluded with a scalp massage, a simple addition that felt like a luxurious finishing touch I hadn’t realized I needed. It elevated the whole treatment and sent me toward full relaxation.
Coming back to myself, pleasantly hazy and recharged, I reluctantly rose and prepared to change. My hair was disheveled and slick with oil, but the island ease — irie, mon — made me unbothered. I slid my feet into rubber sandals and headed to my locker for beachwear.
The spa and fitness center’s private beach is only steps away, so I drifted over to a lounger to linger a while longer. The spa is one of the resort’s few adults-only spaces and remains notably quiet, ideal for extended treatments and uninterrupted rest. It’s a perfect counterpoint to the rest of the resort’s offerings: infinity pools, high tea and attentive service.
Round Hill Hotel and Villas
John Pringle Drive
Montego Bay, Jamaica
tel 876 956 7050
roundhill.com