In the Blue Mountains:

Strawberry Hill
Just a look at the wine list in the room service menu and you know this is no ordinary island resort. Louis Roderer Cristal 1988, almost $400 a bottle. Jordon Chardonnay, 1994, over $100. Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Robert Monaavi, Opus One, close to $300. Dom Perignon 1988, over $200 worth of bubbles.

The rich vintages perfectly complement the elegant atmosphere of this mountainside resort, perched 3,100 feet above sea level. From this lofty perch, the sprawling resort looks down on the lights of Kingston but the atmosphere here is pure nature. Jamaica's doctor bird, a hummingbird with an unbelievable plume tail, flits through the trees. A morning mist hangs over the mahogany trees. The sound of life in small neighboring villages wafts up from the surrounding valleys.

This resort is one of the Island Outpost properties owned by Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, the record label of the late Bob Marley (the reggae singer recuperated at this site after he was once shot in 1976), as well as Melissa Manchester and Robert Palmer. Like other Island Outposts, this property is exclusive and unique, drawing many celebrities. (During our stay, models Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell were also guests.)

The resort is composed of 12 wooden villas, each filled with antique Jamaican decor. The villas look out on the Blue Mountains from bedrooms, living rooms, and expansive porches. We spent part of our time just lazing about on an oversized hammock on our porch.

Every room includes electric mattress pads to warm up the bed on chilly evenings, mosquito netted mahogany four-poster beds, stocked kitchenettes, coffee makers, televisions, VCRs (videos are available for loan), and even CD players with a full array of CDs (OK, some of them are Island Record productions, but they fit the tone of the place.)

In New Kingston:

Honeymooners generally don't stay in Kingston but we've provided these hotels as a reference if you find yourself needing to spend a night to make airline connections through the Kingston airport.

The Courtleigh Hotel and Suites
This hotel is in the business district, although The Courtleigh name has been familiar to Kingston visitors for many years. Originally located a short distance from its present site, the family owned hotel relocated to this 10-story location. The 118-room hotel is aimed at business travelers but anyone on the road will find its rooms with all the comforts of home.

Jamaica Pegasus
The Pegasus is located right in the heart of New Kingston, within walking distance of The Courtleigh and the Wyndham Kingston Hotel. The 17 floor hotel includes 350 guest rooms, each with balcony, satellite TV, hair dryer, safe, two direct dial phones, and coffee maker. Upgraded rooms are found on the floors set aside for the Knutsford Club, with separate check-in, afternoon snacks, and upgraded amenities. We thought the best aspect of the Pegasus was its pool. The large, deep pool lies just behind the property and offers a quiet afternoon getaway with scarcely any traffic noise. Tennis courts and jogging trails are also found on the property.

Hilton New Kingston
This high-rise is the best of Kingston's business hotels and a comfortable leisure hotel, too. The expansive marble lobby leads to attractive, well-appointed guest rooms. The concierge floors include complimentary cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and Continental breakfast.