Debut of Geejam Collection Could Result in Tourism Boom for Port Antonio, Jamaica

 

Trident Hotel in Port Antonio, Jamaica

Port Antonio's bid to become the trendiest vacation spot in all of Jamaica just got a little stronger with the debut of the Geejam Collection, led by music veteran and hotelier Jon Baker, partner and co-owner, Steve Beaver, and billionaire businessman and Port Antonio native Michael Lee-Chin.

The first two projects to debut are the oceanfront 13-villa Trident Hotel and the landmark Trident Castle that has been converted into a luxury eight-room hotel, opening March 15, 2013. The third is the Blue Lagoon Restaurant & Villas, set to open later in the year. Continuing the momentum begun by Geejam Hotel, established in 2008 and drawing this generation’s movers and shakers to the region, the project will further invigorate tourism in Port Antonio.

Trident Hotel

Epitomizing laid-back luxury and quintessential cool, the Trident Hotel features 13 spacious studio, one- and, two-bedroom villas with private, heated plunge pools and terraces overlooking the sea. Amenities include outdoor soaking tubs, steam rooms, wet bars, and sleek modern interiors complete with flat screen Apple TVs and Wi-Fi.

The Trident was thoroughly renovated but maintains most of its original Jamaican-Georgian exteriors. Stylish and understated, the décor is minimal but with surprising details like retro artwork and accents that lend to the hotel’s hip yet unpretentious atmosphere. The generous public spaces include an infinity swimming pool; screening room that doubles as an art gallery; a boutique; gym with a Jacuzzi, yoga deck and spa treatment room; library; indoor and outdoor dining; two indoor bars and its own private beach and beach bar.

The hotel’s main 80-seat restaurant, Mike’s Supper Club, takes cues from the uptown Harlem style of years past and boasts an original Ferrari red 1917 Steinway piano, live music and spectacular views. The menu will feature internationally influenced dishes with an emphasis on Jamaican and Japanese cuisine. The Time Bar and Explorer’s Lounge features an original 1930s billiard table and the largest selection of rare cognacs and Cuban rums in Jamaica. The bars’ signature cocktail menu comes from the team at Angel’s Share, a long celebrated speakeasy, based in New York City.

Available for both individual bookings and buyouts, rates start at $750 for the studio villa in high season.

Trident Castle

The Castle’s faded glamour charm still reigns on this sprawling seven-acre oceanfront estate. Much of the original furnishings and interiors have been refurbished and kept in tact, creating an exceptionally unique retro-chic ambiance. Built as a private residence by architect Earl Levy beginning in 1979, The Castle has become a symbolic landmark of Port Antonio’s history, and since been converted into a high style pied-à-terre for seekers of uncommonly refined living.

The Castle features eight bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, and modern amenities including five hundred-count sheets, compact digital surround sound system, Apple TVs, mini-bar and Wi-Fi. The grand public rooms include an opulent ballroom and banquet hall, an elegant drawing room and living area, adjoining sunrooms and a state-of-the-art photography studio. The Castle’s culinary team serves bespoke meals that blend Jamaican recipes with global accents, served in the property’s glam dining room, on its outdoor terrace, or poolside. A bar located within the sunrooms features a full repertoire of cocktails, wines and specialty elixirs. The property also houses a Romanesque swimming pool with deck overlooking the ocean, helicopter pad and a petite private chapel arranged among its expansive lawns and terraces. Available for both individual bookings and buyouts, rates start at $275.

Blue Lagoon Restaurant & Villas

Later in 2013, The Geejam Collection will launch the Blue Lagoon Restaurant & Villas, a destination within the destination to bring locals and tourists together to enjoy the legendary aquamarine waters of this natural wonder. The Blue Lagoon property will act as a full-service recreational, dining and accommodation resort situated on the breathtaking north shore. Plans for the revival of this landlocked cove include a heritage museum, botanical gardens, public beach area, restaurant, pier-side craft kiosks and luxury villas.

Visit www.geejamcollection.com.