Frommer's Review
This place doesn't have the polish and glaze of such choices as the Hermitage, but it has down-home qualities and quiet charm. This former sugar estate, built in 1815, is set in the lush hills only a 15-minute drive east of Charlestown. Set on 40 tropical hectares (100 acres), it fronts a 10-hectare (25-acre) garden. Guests live in fairly spacious surroundings, in a setting of pineapple friezes, island crafts, family heirlooms, and tile flowers. Fabrics are island-made, with tropical flower designs. The shower-only bathrooms are a bit small. Cottages are scattered about the garden, and each has a four-poster king-size bed made of bamboo or mahogany. Rooms have large porches with views of the sea as well. The original stone tower windmill has been turned into a duplex honeymoon suite (or accommodations for a family of four).
The hotel lies at the beginning of a rainforest walk; it takes about 3 to 4 hours to follow the trail round-trip (the hotel provides a map). For the equestrian, horseback riding can be arranged. If you want to go to the beach, the complimentary hotel shuttle will take you to either Pinney's Beach (on the leeward side) or White Bay Beach (aka Windward Beach), which has good surfing. The shuttle also stops in Charlestown if requested. Caribbean-style meals are served at the 175-year-old "long house." The inn also maintains a lunch-only restaurant (open daily 11am-3pm) with changing facilities at Pinney's Beach. In 2007 substantial renovations were made, including an overhaul of the public rooms and the addition of a new dining room and library area. Incidentally, the Golden Rock is one of the best places to spot the island's colony of Vervet monkeys, introduced here in the 17th century.
Facilities:
2 restaurants; bar; outdoor pool; sailing; scuba diving; snorkeling; windsurfing; horseback riding; beach shuttle; babysitting; laundry service
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
