News from Strawberry Hill.

Chris Blackwell's Island Getaway

Have you visited Kingston, Jamaica, lately? The locale doesn't offer much to tourists, but news from Strawberry Hill, a hideaway tucked away in the Blue Mountains, just might get you to pack your bags.

Strawberry Hill is a resort owned since 1972 by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell. The secluded property is 3,100 feet above sea level and is surrounded by giant ferns and towering plants. It features 12 simple yet elegantly decorated villas, a restaurant offering new Jamaican cuisine, the Aveda Spa, an executive conference center and a library. The getaway's newest addition is a 60-foot negative-edge swimming pool with a gray bottom. The attraction hangs off the mountain, so you'll feel as if you're diving directly into the city below.

Your stay at this island retreat will definitely cost you. The basic prices of the villas range from $295 to $595 per night, depending on the features, number of bedrooms and the view that you request. Package deals that bundle room rates and spa treatments run from $1,655 up to $3,500 for a three to seven night stay, double occupancy. For $4,235, you and a friend can partake of a new offering called "The Ultimate Island Retreat." A continental breakfast and airport transfers are included, but food and drinks are separate. This spa package, which combines the beauty of the mountains with a close-up ocean view, features five nights at Strawberry Hill and two nights at the Caves--a separate property owned by the Outpost on the coast of Negril. Call 800-OUTPOST or 876-944-8400 to inquire and make reservations. You'll need to book a few weeks in advance.