Making its debut on January 27, the new, stylish S Hotel Jamaica aims to become the ultimate trendsetting hotspot overlooking Doctor’s Cave Beach.
Despite the 120-room S Hotel’s contemporary design, it still feels “notably Jamaican.” There will be buzzing bars, a pool scene, the Sky Deck for the exclusive use of those booked on concierge floors, an international restaurant, a café, spa, and gym.
Chris Issa, Jamaican entrepreneur and owner of Crissa Hotels, says, “We’re creating a new kind of hotel in Montego Bay—one that infuses modern Jamaican culture balanced with the sophistication of an urban hotel and the laidback style of a beach resort.”
The Design
Miami-based luxury design firm, Antrobus Ramirez directed the interior design with Jamaica-born designer Alison Antrobus and design partner Ruby Ramirez, spearheading the project.
Jamaican historical and cultural design elements are at the forefront of the design. Artisanal weaving techniques are used in unexpected applications, such as the 20-foot screens made with rattan cane panels and “cut stone,” typically used in traditional Jamaican buildings. Guests will also find the works of local lumber artist, Tamara Harding, whose pieces feature wood recycled from the trees removed from the property during construction. Other local artists contributed original pieces, including a hand-painted mural and a photomontage of “faces of Jamaica” that adorn the hotel’s dining venues.
In the guestrooms, sleek interiors with a monochromatic theme are meant to make the blue Caribbean Sea a focal point. The hotel’s Sky Suite has with 20-foot ceilings, while the Presidential Suite has three bedrooms and a living/dining room. Other room categories range from The Essentials to Spa Suites that include various spa amenities such as “wicker”-wrapped soaking tubs. Each room features turntables complete with a copy of Bob Marley’s iconic album “Legend.”
The main swimming pool is framed by swim-out cabanas, while white sand lines the area around the pool; here, guests can relax on beach chairs and a sleek wood.
The Restaurants & Bars
The food and beverage concept is fresh, local, sustainable and, most importantly, Jamaican. Rock Steady, the hotel’s main restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and serves artisanal Jamaican and international cuisine with a custom selection of wines, champagnes and house-made local cocktails. Additionally, The Market, an all-day dining venue, will have fresh, locally driven buffet offerings highlighting Caribbean and international specialties.
The Sky Deck, exclusive to Sky Club Suite guests, has a rooftop location with a glass-enclosed pool surrounded by cabanas and loungers; this is the ideal spot to enjoy the sunset with cocktails and tapas menu. The Pool Bar & Grill uses top-shelf spirits and organic herbs in its craft cocktails, while the all-day menu includes healthy snacks, made-to-order sandwiches, grilled specialties, salads and fresh juices. The Ska Café serves coffees, detox green juices, light bites and more; it also has indoor and outdoor seating, and a library with an international array of magazines, books and newspapers, and a daily-changing Spotify playlist.
The Spa
The Irie Baths and Spa embraces Jamaican heritage and a holistic approach to wellness. It offers subterranean plunge pools with varying temperatures and four treatment rooms (two double rooms and two singles). The spa uses Natura Bissé and locally made skincare; treatments include manicures and pedicures, Lycon waxing services and a variety of facials, massages and body scrubs.
Meetings, Events & Weddings
S Hotel also offers flexible meeting and event spaces, which can work well for weddings and other special events.
The new S Hotel is centrally located on Montego Bay’s irie Hip Strip, recently rechristened Jimmy Cliff Boulevard, just five minutes from Sangster International Airport and walking distance to nightlife, restaurants and shopping.
For more information and reservations visit, www.shoteljamaica.com and email reservations@shoteljamaica.com.
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