MONTEGO BAY — In an ocean of foreign hotel brands, S Hotels Jamaica has carved out an enviable place on this island, both through the quality of its properties and its empathy.

In the parking lot of S Hotel Montego Bay, carpenters are currently busy nailing planks onto partitions. Once their work is completed, they load the results of their efforts onto a flatbed truck, which leaves each evening to deliver everything to the parishes of St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland, areas hard hit by Hurricane Melissa.

“We don’t claim to be building houses, but at the very least small shelters that allow those who have lost everything to have a roof over their heads,” said S Hotel Montego Bay’s GM, Andrés Cope.

In fact, what’s being built and assembled in the hotel’s parking lot are small prefabricated houses, made possible through the ʻS for Shelters’ program of the S Hotels Foundation, the charitable arm of S Hotels Jamaica. The best part is, hotel guests – no matter where they come from – can lend a hand.

In S Hotel Montego Bayʻs parking lot, S Hotels Foundation workers are busy assembling small shelters for delivery to Hurricane Melissaʻs hard-hit areas

“Many of our guests told us they felt guilty coming to Jamaica on vacation while some Jamaicans were still suffering the effects of Melissa,” explained Cope. “S for Shelters allows them to do both: enjoy their stay and directly support families rebuilding their lives. As a Jamaican hotel, helping our communities is at the heart of our identity.”

In total, 60 of these 10-by-12-foot shelters are expected to be built through a JMD$21 million (Cdn$181,000) program. Guests who stay seven nights or more at S Hotel Montego Bay will see a shelter donated in their name to a family in need. Shorter-stay travellers can also take part in the collective effort by making a donation of US$1,000 (or more) to fund the materials and construction of a shelter. The hotel will then match this contribution to help build and deliver the units.

Beach views at S Hotel Montego Bay

A CALL TO HELP

Located directly on the beach in Montego Bay, not far from one of the main commercial arteries of Jamaica’s second-largest city, S Hotel Montego Bay is no stranger to charitable initiatives.

“The day after Melissa passed through, we made about 40 of our rooms available free of charge to people who had lost their homes,” said Cope. Unlike many of its neighbours, S Hotel suffered little damage: it was one of the only nearby properties to remain open after the hurricane.

Built of solid construction and opened in 2019, this beautiful contemporary property is part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and is not affiliated with any other brand. “In Jamaica, many large international chains – mainly Spanish and American – dominate the hotel industry,” said Cope. “It’s good to know that Jamaican entrepreneurs are also taking their place.”

It is just as encouraging to see that major players in international tourism trust them. In the Canadian market, S Hotel Montego Bay is available through ACV.

TWO HOTELS, ONE VISION

In the near future, S Hotels plans to expand, but for now the brand has two properties, S Hotel Montego Bay and S Hotel Kingston.

Tastefully decorated, offering several categories of spacious rooms and featuring two swimming pools – one is an infinity pool on the seventh floor – the Montego Bay property also boasts a lovely private beach, several restaurants (fine dining, Italian-Mediterranean, Jamaican, outdoor grill and buffet), a café open until midnight, and two bars. In the basement, a gym and a spa with a dry sauna and several pools round out the offering. In the evening, guests can enjoy live music performances by the pool until 10 p.m.

Vibrant artwork is a hallmark of S Hotel Kingston

Everything is offered on an all-inclusive basis, and a simple wristband grants access to food and beverage services and even unlocks the door to one’s room.

S Hotel Montego Bay is located five minutes from the airport – with luxury car shuttle service available if needed – right next to a busy road and a lively area of the city; those seeking uncompromising tranquility are forewarned. Finally, several activities are offered directly on site.

A CHIC URBAN HOTEL IN THE CAPITAL: S HOTEL KINGSTON

While S Hotel Montego Bay is part urban hotel, part resort, S Hotel Kingston squarely belongs in the category of (chic) city hotels. Spacious and elegant, and also a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the group’s flagship property offers ʻan authentic boutique experience with a touch of grandeur,’ whether for a business meeting, a leisure stay, or enjoying the capital’s vibrant nightlife.

S Hotel Kingston’s 125 modern, comfortable rooms form a minimalist refuge in a contemporary, elegantly simple setting. Each features a bathroom with a Roman tub, a 50″ smart TV, IP phones, custom integrated lighting, and a range of high-end amenities.

The hotel’s restaurant (for a fee) also serves generous breakfasts (included) offered as a buffet, whether enjoyed indoors, on the terrace, or on a floating platform in the rooftop pool.

Three other bars and restaurants make it easy to quench one’s thirst and/or enjoy a meal or snack after a visit to the gym or some relaxation in the property’s lovely common areas, which are as warm and welcoming as the reception itself.

S Hotel Montego Bay and S Hotel Kingston: resorts worth remembering.

Info: shotelsjamaica.com and slh.com

Lead image caption: S Hotel Montego Bay (all photos courtesy Gary Lawrence)