The Jamaican Hotel Where JFK And Angela Bassett Stayed Just Upgraded Its Villa Program

Round Hill Hotel‘s villas have provided guests with unmatched levels of luxury for decades. After all, “How Stella Got Her Groove Back,” starring Angela Bassett, Taye Diggs, and Whoopie Goldberg, was filmed in Villa 11, and John F. Kennedy rehearsed his inauguration speech by the pool at Villa 25. But now, the historic Montego Bay, Jamaica, offers unmatched amenities for those staying in one of the 27 available villas worthy of world leaders, cultural icons, and Hollywood A-listers.

The enhanced programming and amenities on the property now allow villa guests to enjoy their customized vacations and enjoy it all within the villa’s privacy. Things like breakfast, prepared and served by dedicated villa staff, are now included with all villa bookings. Also, a team is available for all your needs no matter the time of day. (Talk about the presidential treatment!)

During their time on property, you can choose to stay within the villa’s privacy, where all meals can be served, yoga classes can be taught, and spa treatments can take place. That’s in addition to enjoying a private pool (available in most villas), secluded indoor and outdoor living spaces, and easy access to the beach. Of course, if you wish to wander outside the villa, a team is available to set up services at the award-winning Spa at Round Hill, a yoga class in the pavilion, afternoon tea, and a round of golf at the nearby Tryall Club, and more.

When booking a Signature or Estate Villa, you also get The Club Mobay VIP airport service, where representatives will help expedite them through the airport process upon arrival and departure to provide a seamless experience. The service also grants access to a VIP lounge with snacks and drinks.

While the villas—which range from two to six bedrooms—feature modern design and amenities, it’s getting to stay in a piece of history that might be the most exciting. For example, Ian Fleming was known to frequent Villa 3; Angela Bassett, Taye Diggs, and Whoopie Goldberg were all filmed in Villa 11. And, funny enough, Diggs later returned to Round Hill to marry fellow actress Idina Menzel.

Other historical highlights include JFK and Jackie Kennedy’s honeymoon spot in the four-bedroom Villa 10. They would later choose that villa to visit again with family since it had a large lawn where the children could play. In addition, “The Sound of Music” was written in Villa 12, and Adele Astaire once owned Villa 25, where JFK prepped his speech. In fact, there are still several artifacts of his stay and speech in the villa today.

“Round Hill’s amenities blend timeless comfort with state-of-the-art convenience, allowing guests to make the resort their home-away-from-home,” Round Hill said in a statement.

And if you can’t stay in one of the luxe villas, there are still 36 Ralph Lauren-designed oceanfront guest rooms in the main Pineapple House. Plus, (fun fact) 2022 marks the 20th anniversary of “How Stella Got Her Groove Back.”