Jamaica has always been a haven for the elites since the early 20th century. Upon seeing the majestic coastline of St Mary’s, well-known award winner Ian Fleming immediately called and wrote many of his James Bond novels in his home on the island.

In Oracabessa there was a Playboy Club and a hotel where all gentlemen could relax. I’m trying to write this last line with a straight face. The point is, this country has a rich history that involves people from all over the world.

The Jamaica Inn, a majestic hotel, has existed for over 60 years when the tourism landscape was a little different. “When it was built in the 1950s, only the aristocrats and the very wealthy could travel to the island. Even with Pan Am, airfares were very expensive, ”said Kyle Mais, general manager of the hotel.

Many famous Hollywood stars were visiting the island at the time, and this was one of the hotels they would stay at. “Ian Fleming was introduced to Jamaica through this property. We also had visits from Winston Churchill, Marilyn Monroe, Kate Moss and Kate Winslet, who all enjoyed their time on the property, ”said Mais.

The owners sat in such a glorious past and decided to keep the architecture and decor of the hotel rather than improve it. This means that they have kept a mid-century modern design theme throughout. “When guests come here, we want them to have a unique experience. One way to do this is to keep things as original as possible. Our nostalgic layout makes you feel like you’ve gone through a time machine. “

The lobby area is clean and spacious with pronounced black and white tiles that scream of English influence. Adjacent is the lounge area, which is equipped with a piano, books and a working telescope and adds to the nostalgia. The walls are plastered with pictures of celebrities, which makes the space feel like a museum. On a hill, this area offers a beautiful panoramic view of the rest of the property. To the left is the dining area which extends to a deck in front of the Caribbean Sea. Next to it is a garden with dense zoysia grass and various trees, which presumably draws nutrients from an underground water source.

Walk a hundred meters from the garden and experience the beach laid out on a concave outline. It is furnished with hammocks, cabanas and a bar. If you’re lucky, you might see the resident Labrador on a surfboard.

ELEGANT ROOM

Despite the rise of all-inclusive hotels, the Jamaica Inn has kept occupancy high by providing unique service to its visitors. It has a combination of 55 rooms including bungalows, suites, and cottages, all of which are filled with elements associated with a regal lifestyle.

If money is not an issue I would say go for the premier suite, which has the calming sea water as a backdrop and soothes the mind. When the louvre windows are opened, you can watch the waves slide on the sea, which brings with it fresh and pleasant air.

The interior walls are immaculately white and are complemented by furniture and furnishings made from natural materials such as mahogany and leather. This goes back to a time when authenticity was synonymous with premium content. The woodwork speaks to the superior skills of the artisans who have worked meticulously to ensure that their craftsmanship remains timeless. “Since we are by the sea, we have maintenance workers who maintain the property every day. As a result, all of our fixtures are constantly being checked and new colors are constantly being applied to ensure we are meeting our standards, ”said Mais.

Send an email for comments and feedback kareemsquest@gmail.com, or visit www.kareemsquest.com.

Who is it for: nostalgic people

Tip: There are no televisions in the rooms, so be in good company.

What to Try: Take a sea taxi from the hotel to Dunn’s River Falls

Location: Ocho Rios, St. Ann

Other hotels with a similar feel: Half Moon Hotel and Trident Castle

Contact: 876-618-7700

Length of travel from central points

Kingston: 1 hour 8 minutes

Montego Bay: 1 hour 44 minutes

Savanna-la-Mar: 2 hours 35 minutes