Face to face: Omar Robinson, GM at Round Hill Hotel & Villas & president of Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association

What are your upcoming plans for Round Hill?

We have a number of developments and projects in the pipeline which we’re very excited about. We will continue the renovation of some of the villas, most of which have been completely renovated. Our Kids Club will also be renovated with a focus placed on upgrading the activities. We will be expanding our organic herb garden to complement the resort’s existing culinary offerings. We will also continue to support our local initiative with the “One Love Foundation” where Round Hill is committed to using vegetables, greens and herbs which are supplied by students. In addition, we will also developing a plant nursery. We will be building a new water sports centre in due course. Also, due to the dying of our coral reef, we have decided over the next 3 years to renew the ecosystem function of the immediate bay-reef, which is approximately 3 hectares of reefscape. This will help to rebuild our coral reef and marine life while enhancing the guest water sports experience.

What will you be doing to attract more UK visitors to the property?

To take advantage of the new north-south highway, which has significantly reduced the travel time from Kingston, we will be offering complimentary roundtrip airport transfers for all guests who arrive on British Airways into Kingston. Additionally British travellers will benefit from 2 free nights when they stay for 7 nights at Round Hill. With our new PR agency in the UK, the resort will receive more exposure and so consumers will be more informed about the resort.

What are the property’s USPs?

The rich legacy and history that the property offers, our strong culinary programme with an emphasis on sustainable organic ingredients, our long-serving staff who help to build on the traditions of the property with their pride of ownership and a commitment to ensuring a quality guest experience. Our Ralph Lauren designed oceanfront rooms and our luxurious private villas, most of which have their own private pools. An 18th century great house that accommodates of Elemis Spa and a newly build state of the arm gym and yoga pavilion.

How is the UK market performing for the Jamaica tourism industry right now and what are the goals for growing this business?

Last year, the market grew by 7%. We hope to grow the market by a further 2-3% for this year.

What does Jamaica offer that’s unique and how does this appeal to UK travellers? Diverse and Fascinating Culinary Offerings: The Island is well known for its exotic and locally sourced culinary creations. The Jamaican experience in incomplete unless you try our culinary offerings. These offerings are a combination of Caribbean dishes mixed with local dishes rich in seasonings and spices that is sure to excite the food lover’s palette. Music & Sports Legacy: Jamaica is home to reggae music and reggae icon Bob Marley. Visiting guests can enjoy home grown reggae music all across the island. Tours to visit Nine Mile; the original birthplace of Bob Marley are also available to further immerse visitors in the music. Jamaica is also home to Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Usain “Lighting” Bolt and Asafa Powell who holds the record for running the 100 metre race in under 10 seconds in more than 70 races. With the 2016 Rio Olympics right around the corner, the country will be a buzz with excitement as our athletes (especially in track and field) are highlighted on the main stage. Rich in culture: Jamaica has a proud and rich culture that has been shaped over the centuries by the Island’s unique historical heritage. Our people are a mixture of many ethnicities that have landed our shores over many centuries as recognised by our motto “Out of Many One People”. Our vibrant Jamaican culture is reflected in the nation’s traditional and popular music, and is the driving force of the country’s cuisine, art and craft, dance, drama and fashion. One of the greatest aspects of Jamaica’s culture however is the warm, friendly and welcoming nature of the locals.

Five things travel agents should know about Round Hill Hotel & Villas, Jamaica

1. The resort can accommodate a range of guests including couples, groups and families

Round Hill Hotel & Villas is an iconic resort which claims an illustrious guest list and exudes understated luxury and sophistication so is ideal for the discerning traveller. Guests can choose to stay in one of the resort’s 36 Ralph Lauren-designed oceanfront rooms or hire one of its 27 privately-owned villas. This year, Round Hill Hotel and Villas has introduced the Weekly Villa Hideaway, encapsulating warm Jamaican hospitality and providing guests with a unique private experience. This special offer which is available until 17 December 2016 – subject to blackout dates and availability – presents guests with accommodation in one of the property’s 27 secluded villas nestled within the 110-acre resort. Guests can choose between four villa options – from one to six bedrooms – each villa has its own personnel including a cook, housekeeper and gardener, allowing guests to unwind whilst the villa staff anticipates and takes care of every need, making it the perfect option for couples, groups or families wanting a private experience.

2. It offers an award-winning family programme

The resort provides a range of activities at its Pineapple Kids’ Club and 7-Up Club that can be enjoyed by children and teenagers of all ages. The resort’s new one-hour sailing and guided snorkelling tour is ideal for the adventurous teen who loves the water, though further fun and adventure can be had with the weekly Banana Boat and Scuba Demo activity. For teens who prefer to be pampered, the exquisite Spa at Round Hill has a special ‘All About Me’ TweensTeens Spa Menu for children 12-16yrs, which includes special massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, makeup and hair services, and Yodanga – a unique blend of Jamaican style dance moves that flow into yoga postures, challenging creativity and leaving guests feeling energised, focused and balanced. These special packages also include a non-alcoholic beverage, sorbet or ice cream. Round Hill also offers a ‘Mini-Me’ Spa Menu for little ones (4- 11yrs) who want to get in on the action. The menu includes special facials, massages, ‘colourme-pretty’ manicures and pedicures, and hair braiding. Nanny services are also available at the resort.

3. The resort has updated its spa and fitness centre

The resort is the perfect location for fitness and wellness enthusiasts. Last year, it opened a 2,300 sq. ft. fitness centre/gym which consists of an open courtyard for outdoor stretches and cardio, an open pavilion for yoga enthusiasts and two enclosed air-conditioned pavilions with modern gym equipment ranging from light commercial arc trainers and treadmills to leg press, leg extension machines and much more for both lower and upper body exercises. Following the Spa at Round Hill’s latest renovations, it now features an extended reception area, new changing areas and juice bar offering delightful and refreshing smoothies, including ‘Smoothie Shots’ of wheatgrass, spirulina, acai, goji and protein. For guests wishing to dine at the spa, the spa butler offers a food menu with lighter options such as chilled gazpacho, chicken wraps and a flavourful arugula salad – using organic fruits and ingredients sourced locally. The Spa at Round Hill is located in a beautifully restored 18th century plantation house on ten acres of beachfront lawn.

4. Only fresh, local and seasonal produce is served at the resort

Executive Chef Martin Maginley and his team showcase the finest in custom-crafted Jamaican dishes in the open-air Seaside Terrace and The Grill at Round Hill, while the three elegant bars offer signature hand-crafted cocktails. The on-site organic vegetable garden supplies the kitchen with the most flavourful ingredients, and provides visitors with sweeping views of both Round Hill Bay and Montego Bay from its hilltop location. Every week, the resort offers a special ‘Farm-to-table’ menu twice-weekly, which includes only locally produced food to ensure the freshest ingredients are used and also shows the level of support that the resort provides to local farmers.

5. It is the perfect choice of resort for weddings and honeymoons

Round Hill Hotel and Villas has been the consummate location for intimate weddings for decades. The resort’s timeless elegance and understated luxury combined with its authentic tropical location makes it the perfect place to say “I do.” The property can host as many as 120 people at a variety of locations throughout the property, from an intimate poolside affair in one of the private villas to a laid-back Jamaican beach party. Round Hill’s on-site wedding coordinator works closely with each bride and groom to create a personalised, authentic experience for the couple as well as all of their wedding guests. The resort is ideal for newlyweds looking to indulge in a unique honeymoon experience. Front row access to breath-taking sunsets, an opulent infinity pool, award-wining dining and one of the best Resort Spas in the Caribbean (and the only spa in Jamaica to utilise the renowned Elemis product line) are just some of the tempting drawcards for couples looking to indulge in a luxurious experience as they start their future together as husband and wife.

For further information, please visit: www.roundhill.com