The Caribbean's best kept and longest held secret is being rediscovered as Jamaica embarks on its resurgence.
(MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA) - February 15, 2005 - The Caribbean's best kept and longest held secret is being rediscovered as Jamaica embarks on its resurgence. Long dormant, the spectacular seascape, thriving mountains and rejuvenating turquoise waters of Jamaica's exotic northern coast offer one of the last untouched, affordable beachfront real estate opportunities in the world. Introducing The Palmyra Resort & Spa at Rose Hall, the first luxury beachfront condo hotel in Jamaica, leading the island's renaissance. Located next to the famed Ritz-Carlton(r) on 16 acres of pristine waterfront land in Montego Bay, The Palmyra offers world-class amenities and unparalleled indulgence in a tropical village setting.
The rich history of a proud people, the mystery and intrigue of Rose Hall and the unyielding philanthropic legacy of the Rollins family together have paved the way for Jamaica's re-emergence as a prime resort destination, opening the door for island-style luxury living at The Palmyra. Offering the allure of Rose Hall's internationally renowned golf courses, white sand beaches and a private club lifestyle that is unrivaled in the Caribbean, The Palmyra provides its residents and guests with an incomparable way of living that feels remote and tranquil, but is easily accessible via direct flights from a multitude of major U.S. hubs. In fact, the flight from Miami to Montego Bay is just over an hour, while direct flights from New York last only three hours. Outside of Jamaica, beachfront property is increasingly hard to come by without paying a premium. The Palmyra offers a value-added lifestyle and the benefit of an investment opportunity that is sure to appreciate.
Bringing The Palmyra to life is Rose Hall Developments, the company that has masterfully planned the entire 5,000-acre community of Rose Hall Plantation, in partnership with the Resort Properties Group. The Resort Properties Group is a highly-respected development company with more than 20 years of expertise in creating spectacular, international luxury communities in Europe. With prime location, luxury condominiums, villas and homesites within the beautiful confines of The Palmyra and Rose Hall, the area is destined to become one of the most exclusive communities in the Caribbean.
"This is the last of the great beachfront properties," said Robert T. Trotta, moving force behind the Resort Properties Group, developer of The Palmyra. "The Palmyra presents the perfect occasion to create a sustainable, luxury community that celebrates the island's resources through architecture, amenities and experience. We're pleased to offer a ground floor real estate opportunity in a culturally-unmatched seaside haven."
HISTORY
Rose Hall, the incredible land that is home to The Palmyra, has a rich history dating back several centuries. In the late 1700s, the British colony of Jamaica was bustling with the success of sugar production, one of the island's largest industries. Rose Hall was one of the island's most successful plantations and was home to the Rose Hall Great House, the former haunt of famed mistress Annie
Palmer, remembered as the "White Witch of Rose Hall" because of her dark legacy, mistreatment of slaves and alleged involvement in the mysterious deaths of her three husbands. Yet the infectious vibrancy of the island lured affluent American philanthropist and entrepreneur John Rollins and his family to invest heavily in the country, prompting him to purchase the 7,000-acre property known as Rose Hall in the 1960s. Sadly, John Rollins passed away in 2000, but is succeeded by his wife Michele Rollins, an attorney and former Miss USA, who sits at the helm of Rose Hall today and oversees the development of the family's treasured land.
REAL ESTATE OFFERING
Located in the heart of the West Indies within the elite enclave of Rose Hall, the private sanctuary of The Palmyra will stretch along one-half mile of pristine Caribbean ocean where greens meet blues, fine white sand filters through toes and light sea spray from undulating waves lulls visitors into pure bliss. The Palmyra's real estate offering provides exclusive access to the resort for both second home owners and those looking for a rental opportunity through the managed rental program. Prices for the villas and condos range from the 400's to $5 million. Groundbreaking for the first phase of development consists of 11 villas, two condo buildings, The Palmyra ESPA, infinity pool and beach, and the project is slated to reach completion in fall 2007. The real estate offering includes:
  • 13 duplex buildings comprising 26 villas
  • Each villa is 3,040 square feet
  • 5 condominium buildings with approximately 630 individual condo units
  • One-, two- and three-bedroom condos ranging from 865 to 3,402 square feet
  • 10, four-bedroom Penthouse units
"Jamaica is on the verge of a veritable renaissance with the government and private investors engaging in smart growth and responsible infrastructure in Montego Bay and surrounding communities," said Trotta. "The Palmyra is part of this revival and our residents will benefit from the island's assets including a newly-privatized, highly efficient airport and a duty-free shopping center."
The Palmyra is more than a place to live—it will offer a new way of life. Skillfully designed by Miami-based architect Joe Andriola, vice president and principal of SB Architects, The Palmyra will encompass a private village of one- and two-bedroom condominiums and three-bedroom villas built in the timeless, grand tradition of British Colonial architecture.
Each of the residences has been designed to capture the style, spirit and scale of its surroundings, with each unit granted views of the Caribbean ocean. The natural palette of The Palmyra's adjoining shores, mountains and greens will harmonize and inspire the color palette for the residence's interior décor. All residences are elegantly appointed and include options for indoor/outdoor sound system, high-speed Internet access, imported custom tile and furnishes and premier appliances. The Palmyra provides maintenance-free living with a level of luxury and value not found elsewhere in the Caribbean or oceanfront in the United States.
AMENITIES
Situated on oceanfront land at the 5,000-acre Rose Hall estate, The Palmyra gives its residents and guests the opportunity to choose from the very best amenities available. The Palmyra ESPA, a five- star, 30,000-square foot spa, is a destination in itself for pampering and rejuvenation through wellness
classes, therapeutic treatments and relaxation. Susan Harmsworth, founder and CEO of ESPA, is an award-winning spa designer and counts five of the top 10 best spas worldwide, as recognized by Condé Nast Traveler, among her designs. The Palmyra ESPA will rival the world's best and will include state-of-the-art heat experiences, men's and women's indoor/outdoor relaxation areas, hot pools, tai chi, yoga, pilates, personal training and customized treatments, signature products and more.
Additionally, The Palmyra offers a fitness center and beachside amenities including cabanas, restaurant service and access to adventure gear for snorkeling, kayaking and more. Residents are encouraged to relax in one of three pools that overlook the sea—one specified for adults, one for families and one infinity pool. Dining options within The Palmyra community include casual beachfront fare at Annie's Reach or relaxed dining throughout the day at the Clubhouse. The Palmyra will also host on-site farmer's markets and local craft booths, bringing the treasures of Jamaican produce and handicrafts directly to guests.
PERSONAL CONCIERGE SERVICE
All needs and requests by residents are taken care of by a personal concierge at The Palmyra. Whether on-site activities or adventures outside of Rose Hall are on the day's schedule, the skilled concierge staff takes pride in making each and every guest's vacation unique and memorable from stocking refrigerators with choice products, partnering guests with the best island guides available or simply arranging restaurant reservations, tee times or babysitters. On hand to ensure no detail of the journey is overlooked throughout the duration of a resident's stay, The Palmyra's concierge staff provides insight to all of Jamaica's unique activities and addresses special needs any time of day.
ENRICHMENT CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES
The Palmyra gives residents the best of both worlds: the seclusion of a private sanctuary coupled with the vast opportunities of a vibrant island culture. Palmyra guests and residents will have the opportunity to participate in a range of cultural enrichment programs on-site ranging from Jamaican cooking classes where local chefs demonstrate the secrets of Jamaica's jerk seasoning, painting classes, music classes and much more. The Palmyra embraces visiting families by providing a kid's club that will entertain children with day-trips, interactive activities and educational programs, providing parents with time to reconnect and enjoy The Palmyra experience.
PREMIER GOLF DESTINATION
Three internationally-acclaimed championship golf courses wind through the lush mountains and valleys of Rose Hall, providing challenging and breathtaking golf experiences on the White Witch, Cinnamon Hill and nearby Half Moon golf courses. The Palmyra guests will be given membership to the Rose Hall Golf Association, which includes preferential tee times and charging privileges to the course clubhouses and restaurants. Designed by the course architecture team of Robert von Hagge and Rick Baril, the White Witch and Cinnamon Hill golf courses provide two exceptionally unique golf experiences just minutes from The Palmyra, while Half Moon is five minutes away.
The White Witch, an 18-hole course named for the legend behind Rose Hall plantation owner Annie Palmer, intrigues golfers as equally as its legendary namesake. In the spirit of the land, the White Witch offers golfers a taste of Jamaica's dramatic topography as the course winds through several micro environments, offering views of the Caribbean from 16 of 18 holes, with dramatic elevation changes where holes range from approximately 120 to 550 feet above sea level. Rather than caddies, those who play the White Witch are provided with "golf concierges" who see to every whim and impart local knowledge and lore while helping tame this sexy, challenging and occasionally
unpredictable course. The White Witch guarantees golfers will use every club in their bag while enjoying exceptional Jamaican hospitality.
The neighboring 18-hole Cinnamon Hill course, also brought to life by the team of von Hagge and Baril, allows players to get so close to the ocean, it appears as though they're almost playing in it. The front nine holes of this course trace the outline of the Caribbean while the back nine meander into the lush tropics and pass by waterfalls. Cinnamon Hill provides soft undulation and a memorable course players will want to revisit time and again.
Additionally, The Palmyra provides its residents and guests preferred access to the nearby 18-hole Half Moon golf course, designed by the late Robert Trent Jones Sr. and recognized as one of Jack Nicklaus' "Great Golf Resorts of the World". Just a short ride from The Palmyra and Rose Hall, Half Moon is known for its inherent challenge and beauty and is a highly walkable course that wraps around meadows and is surrounded by quaking palms, giving in to a picturesque setting worthy of repetition.
EXPLORING JAMAICA
Outside of The Palmyra, a rich island culture is yours to explore—the hardest decision for guests will be what to do first! The Palmyra staff will happily coordinate guided adventures with the best local outfitters to maximize the guest experience. Rose Hall's vast assortment of activities include the popular Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival that takes place annually on the Cinnamon Hill golf course, as well as outdoor recreation opportunities such as horseback riding on the beach, mountain trails or into the Caribbean, swimming with dolphins, river rafting, canoeing, kayaking, biking, deep sea fishing and more. Guests may visit The Shoppes at Rose Hall, 70,000 square feet of entertainment space dedicated primarily to duty-free shopping, European boutiques, restaurants and activities, or can explore the nearby Rose Hall Great House and Montego Bay Yacht Club.
VISITING THE PALMYRA RESORT & SPA AT ROSE HALL
To learn more about The Palmyra Resort & Spa at Rose Hall, interested parties may visit the sales centers located within the Ritz-Carlton(r) or on-site at The Palmyra, or may visit www.ExploreThePalmyra.com or call 1.866.680.4740.