Bromley Retreat Center is an historic estate set in the cool of the hills on the North Coast of Jamaica, a short distance from some of our fabled beaches and the resort town of Ocho Rios. The house, built on stone foundations, dates from the 17th century and has sweeping views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Its' generous reception rooms, high ceilings and deeply shaded wrap-round verandas make the interior of the house delightfully cool and ideal for group gatherings. The surrounding grounds lush with tropical trees and flowers and abundant bird life provide a peaceful sanctuary.
Bromley Retreat is an ideal venue for workshops of up to 16 participants but we also have two cottages available for short or long stays for personal solo retreats.
Stay in one of our charming cottages: Lignum Vitae, which has a large queen bedroom suite as well as a single room - veranda - fully equipped kitchen and living room opening onto a private garden OR The Schoolroom which has a queen bedroom, fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, living room and balconies with some of the best views on the property. Allow our beautiful surroundings and friendly atmosphere to inspire and refresh you. NY Times best selling author Jacqueline Sheehan has likened Bromley to "the chambers of a heart", and Joyce Maynard, author of To Die For and At Home in the World, has said that she would "come back in a heartbeat."
Our warm and friendly staff are on hand to help you to source locally grown fruit and vegetables (they will clean your cottage on a weekly basis). For a small extra charge they can also cook you a delicious meal - try our famous "pepperpot soup" fish fritters or an organic roast chicken flavoured with our own dried jerk seasonings. For desert, sample our homemade ice creams and sorbets. We have a driver on hand who can take you to town for other shopping or to the beach (round trip approx $35).
Take an early morning plunge in our deep clear pool - or enjoy an evening dip under the stars. Hike on one of our trails and enjoy stunning views of the Diablo Mountains. With out help explore some of our fabled white sand beaches and crystal clear rivers and waterfalls or adventure up into the Blue Mountains and sample our famous coffee. Treat yourself to a massage with our master body worker Lyndale - join us for yoga classes or arrange for a private session with one of our teachers.
Alexandra Edwards: I come from four generations of an English Jamaican family famous for cultivating and exporting citrus and I married into a family whose Scottish patriarch once owned a string of cattle, sugar, and banana properties as well as hotels all over the island. Bromley is the last remaining family home and we have turned the house into an artist retreat center running yoga, writing, music, and painting retreats and delighting in having our guests experience a sampling of authentic Jamaican rural life.
I am also a freelance writer specializing in interiors and lifestyles and I am currently working on a series of books on Jamaican houses. I divide my time between Jamaica and our home in Sausalito, California.
Your Host and Retreat Operator: Alexandra Edwards.
Region: Jamaica has long been celebrated for its beauty, vibrancy, and unique culture. Much more than just a tropical tourist destination - it is of course the home of Bob Marley, Malcolm Caldwell (author of The Tipping Point), Chris Blackwell (Island records originator) - it attracts writers, artists, and musicians. Bromley, with its' distinct steeply pitched shingle roof, is set in the hills of the parish of St. Ann, known as the 'garden parish' due to its' beauty, lush countryside, white sand beaches and many rivers tumbling down from the mountains of the interior to the coast. We are close to the resort town of Ocho Rios with shopping, art galleries, restaurants, and range of hotels including Jamaica Inn, a private luxury hotel. We have a family connection with the hotel and take some of our guests there for the day to enjoy the beach and Kiyara Ocean Spa. We are also close to Firefly - the former home of Noel Coward and Goldeneye, where author Ian Fleming penned many of his famous James Bond novels.
Location: Bromley is located approximately 15 miles south of the town of Ocho Rios.
Closest airport: The closest major airport is Montego Bay about an hour and half's drive from the town of Ocho Rios. We can help with transport either on a tourist coach or with one of our drivers.
A charming cottage w/queen bedroom + single bedroom, bathroom, living room accessing a private garden, fully equipped kitchen and balcony.
$500-$700
Schoolroom Cottage
Formerly where the owner's mother was school by a governess, this shingle-roofed cottage has, from its' verandas, some of the best view on the property. A Queen bedroom, living room, fully equipped kitchen, bathroom.
$500-$700
Amenities
Wireless
Printer
Weekmaid
Private bathroom
Swimming pool
Payment terms: A deposit of 50% for a week's stay and 20% for longer term stays is required to secure your booking. The balance is due upon arrival - all currency is in US dollars.
Cancellation policy: If at least 30 days prior to arrival, deposit will be refunded less $25 administration fee. Cancellations under thirty days will not receive a refund.
A
sampling of memories from our residents
The Writers' Retreat
Each retreat is independently owned and operated.
