In August 1952, John Pringle and his associates unveiled plans for a modern seaside retreat on Jamaica’s north coast: Round Hill Bluff. Construction was set to begin that December, with designs modeled after Sunset Lodge; by completion, Round Hill became an ambitious vision that would soon define Caribbean luxury.
On January 8, 1954, legendary playwright and shareholder Noel Coward hosted a glittering pre-opening party for 200 guests. Just two weeks later, Round Hill officially opened its doors with 18 cottage owners—spacious villas that would set the resort apart. From the terrace, the panorama stretched across a palm-lined beach and turquoise sea, while evenings unfolded with cocktails, music, and dancing on a ground-level floor beside the bar.
By 1957, Round Hill had grown to accommodate 186 guests, and in the 1960s the property ushered in new additions with an expanded beach and three sparkling swimming pools. Hollywood soon followed (“How Stella Got Her Groove Back” was among the many films shot at the resort) and through the decades, Round Hill continued to evolve. In 1993 it celebrated its 40th anniversary with a gala for 500 guests. The name officially became Round Hill Hotel & Villas in 1997, cementing its dual legacy as both hotel and private enclave.
The Round Hill Spa is set within a restored 18th-century home surrounded by ten acres of lawn and a private beach. The spa features Elemis aromatherapy products and a treatment menu shaped by natural and local traditions. Guests can choose from signature therapies such as the Elemis Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap or the Pineapple Body Buff, both designed to restore and refresh.
Their Cocktail Bar sets the stage with a gallery of iconic moments. Walls are adorned with photographs of legendary entertainers and cultural luminaries. Among them are Pierce Brosnan, Sir Paul McCartney, and Ralph Lauren—who not only calls Round Hill home but also brought his signature design sensibility to the Pineapple House guestrooms and gathering spaces.
Round Hill Hotel and Villas continues to balance its history with thoughtful updates. Spread across 110 acres on the Jamaican coast, the resort recently added Villa 14, a five-bedroom, two-story residence spanning 4,800 square feet. Built on the site of the original Round Hill Resort developed by John Pringle, it reflects the property’s ongoing evolution while remaining connected to its roots.
