Strawberry Fields Together, St. Mary, Jamaica — As Told By Nella

Strawberry Fields Together: A Serene Eco-Friendly Getaway

Strawberry Fields Together is an 18 acre privately owned eco-resort pristinely preserved and located right here in St. Mary, Jamaica. Founded in the 1970’s, this nature sanctuary is a symbol of the sweet serene escape and the relaxed irie vibes that Jamaica is infamously known for. A place where the terms ‘just cool man’ and ‘everything kris’ seem to be the embodiment of your current state of mind.

One of the most wonderful and beautiful things about living in Jamaica is that I have access to year-long sunshine and some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world. Without worry of freezing cold, blinding snow or slippery icy roads, I have the freedom to explore and travel across my island and explore all the amazing nuggets we have neatly nestled away. And I recently found one those golden nuggets.

How to get there:

Just a little over an hour away from Kingston and tucked away in the cool, tranquil rural parish of St. Mary lies a true hidden gem. Starting my journey from Manor Park, I continued up and through the cool hills of Stony Hill; passing through the Stony Hill square and continuing straight until I entered onto the junction road. From there it was a straight journey on until you come across the roundabout which gives you the options to head to either the parish of Portland or the parish of St. Mary. We already know about my fervent love for the parish of Portland as described here and here. But today I was slated for a brand new adventure.

After exiting the Junction road, bear left at the roundabout and westwards into St. Mary. Less than 10 minutes later you will come upon the turn off for Robin’s Bay. As you travel along Robin’s Bay, a landmark to look out for is a bus stop that’s painted with the Strawberry Fields Together logo. Take the turn off at this bus stop. You will drive further on this road and into the community. Follow the dirt road until you see branded signs that guide you to your destination. There you will find Strawberry Fields Together. You really need to look out for the signs as you drive along because you may just miss the turn in.

Strawberry Fields Together

Strawberry Fields Together was a much needed and well-deserved escape from the hustling and bustling city life of Kingston. Now although to the first-worlder, Kingston is not a massive city like New York or Shanghai or Paris; in recent years Kingston has been evolving and is quickly getting a more metropolitan transformation and feel. With new road constructions on every corner and new apartment complexes and business centers seemingly erecting overnight. The city is surely becoming the hub of business and commerce that it appears to be aiming to be. Endless traffic, towering buildings, busy streets and blaring lights can be too much to take in sometimes and a rural escape seems to be the remedy for this city girl.

The privately owned property is owned and operated by Kim Chase and Everton Mckenzie. Named after the popular Beatles song ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’, the property hosts an array of visitors for day trips, special events and overnight stays alike. Lying along one of the last stretches of undeveloped St. Mary coastline, the vast property in Robin’s bay is secluded and well-preserved. Its secluded location and natural atmosphere is absolutely awe-inspiring and adds to the relaxing feel and rustic vibe of the environment. The surroundings unspoiled by modernization and unscathed from commercial development, truly allows one to rekindle their relationship with mother nature.

Accommodations:

Once I got there and checked in, I was given the keys to my cottage. From the reception office, I made my way over to my cottage. I stayed in the ‘To di world’ master suite cottage, an upper level part of a duplex (both of which pay homage to Jamaica’s own fastest man alive Usain Bolt. The lower level is actually called Lightning bolt). The duplex had a shared kitchen facility but that was where the shared experience ended. Although there were immediate neighboring guests, the unit was so self-contained that I was not disturbed by, nor was I disturbing to (at least I hope not) any of the other guests.

The cottage itself had a very earthy, rustic and outdoorsy feel to it. With much of the room stylized and fashioned with wood and stone including a shower separation made out of bamboo. The room also boasts a balcony with relaxing hammocks and a brilliant view of majority of the property. The balcony had a little slit which remained opened, so the combination of the chilly sea breeze and crashing waves soothingly lulled you to sleep. There is no door to separate the balcony and the actual room so the little slit opening can leave you exposed and feeling not very private at times.

There is no television to distract on property but there is WiFi access so you can connect your devices if needs be. The kitchen facility came fully equipped with a stove, coffee maker, pots, plates, glasses and utensils. So if you fancy a meal all you really need to do is bring your food.

Just a little note: Each cottage has its own unique design and décor individualized to the room’s distinctive personality.

What to do at Strawberry Fields Together:

Strawberry Fields Together offers an off the property guided hike to Kwame Falls and Black Sand Beach. The hike to Kwame Falls is via two routes. Either you do the full hike, an approximately one and a half hour (each way) journey to and from the waterfalls; starting at the Strawberry Field Together property. Or, you can choose to take a boat ride to the Black Sand Beach and begin the hike from there. From here, the hike is approximately half an hour each way.

Strawberry Fields also offers the option of snorkeling at a nearby reef; to which you are transported by community fishermen. These touring options can all be booked via the main office. Unfortunately, I never took advantage of any those options while I was there.

Alternatively, you can spend the days enjoying the full experience of the unspoiled rustic beauty. Laze around at the property’s two private beaches. The crystal clear blue waters and fine sandy beach is perfect for swimming, trying to get that perfect tan or just relaxing and enjoying the awe-inspiring scenery. The constant sound of the waves lapping against the shoreline is absolute music to the ears. The natural balance of the cool sea breeze and sunshine takes care of everything.

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However, if you’re not a beach bum or a lost mermaid, you can enjoy the beautiful flowers that encapsulates the grounds while having a delicious picnic with your loved ones. You can enjoy a day filled with games reminiscent of your best childhood memories. Cozy up and read a good book. Or you can lie in the grass and watch the clouds sail by.

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What to eat:

There is a restaurant on property called The Strawberry Patch. Named the 2015 Jamaica Observer Table talk Food Awards culinary gem for the parish of St. Mary; the restaurant caters a menu for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. With Jamaican favourites such as rice and peas/festival/bammy with chicken, fish, curried goat or lobster (when in season) to a done to order vegetarian meal inclusive of stir fry veggies with almonds, black beans and tofu. The Strawberry Field’s Together restaurant has everything to suit all palates.

However, my guest and I chose to hone our culinary skills and cooked while we were there. But from what I’ve been told the food is absolutely delicious albeit a little pricey.

Complaints:

The actual road to Strawberry Fields Together needs a lot of work. Potholes galore so if you drive a low car, it hurts your soul as you are forced to drive through each pothole.
There were a few power outages during our stay
It can be pretty costly to eat at the restaurant as it is charged per meal and per person. Although this can be avoided by preparing your own meals or choosing to book the package rate with meals included.

Overall Experience:

This eco-friendly resort is an oasis of sheer majestic beauty and natural wonder. It’s the perfect escape you need from the busy towns and cities and experience a little bit of the serene side of Jamaica. I eagerly anticipate my next visit.