Approaching the elegant front portico of Jamaica's Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel along a driveway past well-manicured front lawns, there's already a hint of a past that's unusual for a leading business class hotel in a Caribbean capital. In fact, once a guest becomes familiar with some of Terra Nova's history, much else of their stay becomes more engaging and memorable.  

The busier surroundings of New Kingston are left behind as the hotel's porters whisk you up the front steps and inside toward the reception desk.


The early chapters of Terra Nova’s story unfold on the way: the front lounge, with its period décor and piano, paintings and plush corners with gilded mirrors and wingback chairs, evokes a past period of elegant residential living. The property was built in 1924 as a private urban mansion, passing in ownership among some of Jamaica’s rum dynasty families, one of which, the Lindos', had a daughter who grew up to become the mother of music and hotel mogul Chris Blackwell. That resplendent style also emerges in the main dining restaurant, in the luxury suites, and in much of the graceful architectural detail of the main building.  

Terra Nova Rooms and Accommodations

Accommodation here is divided into three distinct levels: Signature Luxury Suites, Signature Executive Suites, and Premium Junior Suites.  The wings that house most of the guest suites are relatively recent additions, but the old world style remains apparent in many of the decorative features. We stayed in a Premium Junior Suite and found the mix of contemporary travel efficiency and stylistic touches made it an ideal working space, thanks to the extensive open countertop stretching across one side of the wall.

 

Another in-room feature that made being in your suite both practical and pleasurable was an expansive walk-in, cedar-lined closet designed for easy unpacking and storage. Also well thought out for moments of relaxation was a window alcove lounge with sofa, table and chairs looking out on the gardens surrounding the property – a peaceful and light corner for enjoying in-room refreshment, reading, or work. We also  appreciated the complimentary high-speed wi-fi, smart TV with wireless keyboard, and the bath area with its walk-in rain shower and Moulton Brown toiletries on-hand.  

We did have a chance to look in at the three top-end Signature Luxury Suites, respectively called the Terra Nova Suite, Derby Suite, and Blue Mountain Suite, with each name signifying some aspect of these original residential living areas.  Expect lavish touches and detail within – everything from gold leafed period furniture, hardwood floors and plantation-era inspired décor to incredible views of the Blue Mountains beyond the private terraces. Expansive is also the literal word to describe these abodes – with the Terra Nova Suite measuring over 900 square feet.

Terra Nova Dining and Restaurants

With its selection of restaurant and casual bar and gaming options, Terra Nova is also a dining and entertainment destination of choice for local Kingston socialites and both business and leisure travelers spending time in the city. There's a setting here for every possible occasion, at the high end being the lavish Regency Restaurant for gourmet dinners that draw on both island classic, European, and North American favorites, pairing them with fine wine and spirits amidst candle-lit splendor and live piano music. We chose the perfectly cooked and tender rumfire chicken, one of the highlights among the entrees.  

If you are a big fan of breakfast while on the road, then the Terrace Restaurant has both the ambiance and the menu to begin a Kingston day at its best.  An extensive buffet selection and menu range from light continental to American to Jamaican beginning-of-the-day favorites. Any of these is incomplete without including some of the amazing island fruit – papaya, banana, watermelon or pineapple -- and don't leave Jamaica and the Terra Nova without a helping of guava jam on toast.  As to the atmosphere, the outward-looking terrace, bordered by goldfish filled rock pools, brings along the natural and open that define this island beyond the city. In addition to the lunch and casual dinner options served, there are also snacks, cocktails and desserts anytime after 11:00 a.m. in the plush Regency Bar & Lounge, where you can select from the island's premium rums or fine liquors or refresh with light fare.

For those who just have to begin the day with breakfast ensuite, there is a full buffet available of international classics as well as Jamaican favorites with gourmet teas, coffee and fruits included in the room rate.

Terra Nova Activities and Amenities

The Terra Nova's Monte Carlo Gaming Lounge is the fancy name for a casino featuring 150 slot machines, horse racing and blackjack machines, and roulette tables. For the time-pressed, or the traveler who just needs to regroup and recharge, the large enclosed fitness center has the full range of weights and exercise machines a short walk across the grounds from your suite. Also adjacent after a workout is the large outdoor pool and jacuzzi surrounded by lush greenery.  

Shopping for elegant or resort wear – no need to drive anywhere, you can stop in at the hotel's Eurowear and Escales Boutiques and browse.  Last but hardly least in Terra Nova's array of sweet amenities is its Regency Patisserie – a corner stocked with specialty desserts and signature chocolates prepared by in-house bakers and chocolatiers, with a menu ranging from rum and cheesecakes to chocolate mousse cakes and tropical fruit tarts. All completed with a cup of fresh brewed Blue Mountain coffee, of course.  

Terra Nova Information

Address: 17 Waterloo Road, Kingston 10, Jamaica

Tel: (876) 926-2211-2 and (876) 926-9334-9

Website: www.terranovajamaica.com