Happy Birthday Bob Marley!
Trade bare, leafless trees for bright green palm trees this February and jaunt to Jamaica to participate in their annual Reggae Month, which celebrates the country’s indigenous music and its most legendary ambassador, Bob Marley. The month-long celebration is timed around Marley’s Birthday (February 6) and is packed with live concerts, fashion shows, dance parties, and sporting events.
Where to stay? Stick with the laid-back island vibe and go with one of Chris Blackwell’s Island Outpost hotels: Strawberry Hill, GoldenEye or The Caves. A Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Blackwell famously catapulted Bob Marley and reggae music onto the international music scene, and the rest is history.
Strawberry Hill, just outside and above Kingston (3100ft above, to be exact) in the Blue Mountains, served as THE Jamaican hangout for music legends seeking relaxation, inspiration, and the odd jam session – think Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Willie Nelson, Grace Jones, and Bob Marley. In fact, Strawberry Hill is where Marley headed to recuperate after being shot in the 70s. For those looking for a beach vacation, GoldenEye on Jamaica’s north coast is spectacular – Marley almost bought the former home of James Bond author, Ian Fleming, after the writer passed away. For the best of both worlds, The Caves in Negril is perched above stunning clear-blue waters on ancient limestone cliffs riddled with cool caves. There are many ways to experience the hotel’s namesake feature – drinks at the in-cave Blackwell Rum Bar, romantic private dinners in a candlelit grotto, or snorkeling through the sun-dappled waters of those that are submerged.
If jetting off to Jamaica isn’t in the stars for you, simply recreate the party at home…
Step 1: Turn up the heat and invite some friends over.
Step 2: Blast The Best of Bob Marley and The Wailers CD.
Step 3: Mix up a GoldenEye cocktail (one part Blackwell Fine Rum, one part pineapple juice) – Island Outpost’s signature drink.
Step 4: (Optional): Fill your apartment with sand and palm trees.
For reservations visit islandoutpost.com or call 1.800.Outpost.
