Sitting high in the lush landscape of Cockpit Country stands a rustic Eighteenth Century Great House named Good Hope. On 2,000 acres 600’ above sea level, Good Hope is framed by dramatic blue-gray mountains and renowned for its excellent food, outdoor activities and country trails. Its grounds are fertile with papaya, oranges, ackee, breadfruit, bananas and coconuts as well as fields of flowers and grasses where cows and horses graze. The country road up from Falmouth weaves by 200-year-old stone fences past fields and orchards, cattle and horses ... gently leading back in time to a quiet era of a more peaceful, healthy and idyllic lifestyle.

This magical perch commands sweeping views of the Queen of Spain Valley, endless acres of plantation land and the refreshing Martha Brae River that wanders through thick bamboo forests below. The entire panorama takes in 20,000 acres of softly rolling mountains whose velvet texture changes with the light hour by hour. While extraordinarily private, this remarkable site is only a 45-minute drive east of the Montego Bay airport and 19 minutes from the beach.

Built in 1755 in classic Georgian style, the Great House was owned by the Tharpe and Tenison families in past centuries. Its current owners have lovingly updated the buildings while retaining many original features, including the first hot water bath in the Caribbean made in late 1700’s and 14’ tall Palladian windows trimmed with plantation shutters. The floors creak, the tall windows squeak, the feeling is a magical trip back in time. Yet, today’s guests enjoy modern comforts and gracious service in this unique home atop a working plantation. Rooms are appointed with antiques. Polished rare wood floors are throughout. Guests may enjoy tennis, hiking through the luxuriant unspoiled grounds, and horseback riding (100 miles of trails, different trail rides possible each day from mountaintop to cool riverbed through untouched bush country). Good Hope has hosted countless ambassadorial parties and fashion shoots (Vogue, Guess, Mademoiselle, Travel & Leisure, Elle) ... and has been beloved as a perfect setting for weddings and family reunions. Click here to see photos of Good Hope weddings. Sunrises and sunsets from this remarkable vantage point are beautiful beyond description. It would be remiss not to mention the sounds of Good Hope. To stand still for several moments invites the sounds of horses neighing across the valley, the braying of a distant donkey, perhaps the bawling of a calfing cow, the chirping of birds and merely the wind. Stopping quietly to listen is part of the magic of Good Hope. Here is a tranquil, spiritually uplifting retreat.

Food at Good Hope is extraordinary. Its chefs rank with the best. Favorites are grilled tenderloin, curried shrimp and blackened snapper as well as homemade hors d’oeuvres, soups and desserts. Mealtime at Good Hope will be one of your fondest memories. Guests are asked to prepay for groceries ($45 per adult per day, $25 for children 12 and under). Wine, liquor, soft drinks, bottled water and snacks are additional and are billed locally. Click here to view Good Hope's special menus page.

Trail rides will cost $35 per person. Youngsters too small for trail rides can be led around the stable yard by one of the grooms. Older children love to wake early and help the grooms round up the horses.

ACCOMMODATIONS

All twin beds can be kissed together as kingsize beds. While Good Hope can accommodate 33 guests, its configuration in individual buildings and cottages makes it perfectly suitable for 2 or 3 couples or a small family.

TIME ‘N’ PLACE BEACH

For various fees, the Good Hope driver will take you to the beach (and anywhere else if you ever wish to leave Good Hope).

Time ‘n’ Place is a rustic white sand beach next to the beautiful turquoise Caribbean ... just 19 minutes down the hill. Conde Nast described the beach bar here as “the best beach bar in the Caribbean.” Play checkers and listen to music under its thatched roof, have lunch and some brew, nap in its shade. Lunch at Time ‘n’ Place beach is included in Good Hope’s grocery budget (jerk chicken, escovitch fish, coconut shrimp, lobster, hamburgers and fries, full bar).

OTHER ACTIVITIES

West of Good Hope:

• Golf is 45 minutes west at three excellent courses: Cinnamon Hill, Half Moon and White Witch
• Windsurfing is 22 minutes away at Bounty Bay
• Silver Sands is a 30-minute drive east ... half mile of white sand beach, good swimming and dining
• Bamboo poled rafting down the Martha Brae River is just 20 minutes away, Windsor Caves are nearby for caving
• Half Moon Golf, Tennis & Beach Club is 45 minutes west. Golf course; tennis; deep sea fishing; sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling and scuba diving; more horseback riding; biking; spa, massage and hairdresser; shopping village; medical center; bars, restaurants, nightclub. The Ritz Carlton Hotel is adjacent to Half Moon.

East of Good Hope: Lively Ocho Rios ... 55 minutes east

• Dolphin Cove. Swim with the dolphins! Wear swimsuits and take towels, no jewelry. Reservations required with credit card deposit. Open every day. 8:30-5:30. 974-5335 or 795-0484 www.dolphincovejamaica.com
  
  
• Dunn's River Falls Wear swimsuits and water shoes (or you can rent them there) and climb the falls with guides.
  Play on the beach and take a swim. Take your camera! Take dry clothes and have lunch
  at Evita’s Italian Restaurant
  

WEDDINGS AT GOOD HOPE

• Nearest Hotel for additional guests ... PEBBLES is 15 minutes from Good Hope (Falmouth) 876-617-2495. 
• Rose Hall Hotel is 30 minutes from Good Hope (Falmouth). 
  

Guests staying at either of these can be shuttled to Good Hope.

WINE LIST