Reviews

Bucket list

Mark, August 2019 (Main Villa & Garden Cottage)
“Staying at Norse Hill Estate while you explore Portland Parish should be on everyone’s bucket list.

The main house sits on a hill with ocean views in the distance. The living and dining areas have wide open doors and windows to allow the sea breeze in. The bedrooms are large and spacious, all with their own bathrooms. There’s nothing like retiring to these cool air conditioned rooms for a good night’s sleep. We also had the Garden Cottage, and the master bedroom was charming and cozy – definitely romantic.

Heaven on Earth!!

Pineapples-a-Plenty, June 2019 (Main Villa & Garden Cottage)
“Expectations were high before arrival, and from the moment we entered the gates of this majestic villa, the experience our small group enjoyed was nothing short of awesome. This holiday is one for the record books thanks to the spectacular staff, the amazing views, their 8 acres of lush gardens, the cuisine prepared to perfection, and so much more. All we can do now from home s long for the stunning views from the perch under their stately banyan tree. 
The accommodations are first-class, comfortable, private, and varied. While we traveled with a group of eight, you could easily travel with as many as 14. Their guest cottage is but one of the breathtaking quarters available. The main house is stately, regal, and immense. Our entire group has traveled extensively, and the consensus is that Norse Hill is one of the best kept secrets anywhere. 
We were pampered from the moment we were greeted by the gracious and friendly team who each showered us with hospitality. The average tenure wi well over 10 years, and they perform like a well-coordinated orchestra. Alma is a magician in the kitchen. Each and every one of the meals we enjoyed were over the top. The ingredients, flavors, and love that she poured into our dining experiences simply floored us all. Paula helped in the kitchen, and is the chief of housekeeping. Wayne, our butler, is a gracious gentleman, and daily brought us our pina coladas in the pool, and so much more. 
We investigated the entire eight acres multiple times with the head gardener, Hansen. The grounds are reminiscent of Fairchild Tropical Gardens here in Miami. Simply exquisite. The varied topography, and the enormous variety of trees, plants, vines, and so much more are simply stunning. They have a fantastic area next to one of the largest bamboo trees you’ll ever see that makes for a wonderful picnic. And speaking of inviting areas, a signature spot for an outdoor meal, cocktails, reading, or simply soaking in the surreal view of the coastline. 
This was a masterful week. The only problem was that the seven days flew by too fast. We are already looking into returning. Behind the scenes of our memorable week is the virtuoso, Yvonne, who makes the impossible happen constantly. She oversees all of the operations, and is the perfect hostess. Her reach is extensive, and surely nothing happens in Port Antonio without her involvement and blessing. Thank you, Yvonne, and Norse Hill, for a perfect week! This was well beyond a five-star experience!” 

Atmosphere was unbelievable!

Denise, February 2019 (Main Villa)
“Loved my time there we spent 8 blissful days there. Atmosphere was unbelievable. The staff was very pleasant and accommodating; food was amazing. The villa and grounds were very clean. The views from this beautiful villa which sits on 8 acres were very impressive. I was up early just so I could enjoy the sunrise. Book your stay it is well worth it.”

Better than any hotel!

Lina, June  2018 (Main Villa)
“Amazing vacation way better than any hotel. I would recommend this house for families with children because there is a lot of space to play outside as well as a (Website hidden by Airbnb) was absolutely amazing and set up everything for us that we needed before we got there a driver and nanny for our daughter.The house has a lot of history and charm. The view is breathtaking.The staff at the house were great and helped with everything we needed.Alma was an amazing cook. Taryl was a great driver and tour guide. Was an amazing vacation we will be coming back.”

One of the most exceptional estates in Port Antonio!

Whitney, April 2018 (Garden Cottage)
“My fiancee Matthew and I had a truly special stay at Norse Hill. This property, as other reviews describe, is really bar non one of the most exceptional estates in Port Antonio, or eastern Jamaica for that matter. The house is on a meandering, one of a kind road up through the Slim Aarons-esque nostalgic enclave of San San in authentic Port Antonio. What a time capsule all of Port Antonio is, with San San and Norse Hill as a cornerstone. If you appreciate delving into modernist and design-minded architecture of 50s & 60s glamour, all with one of the most incredibly lush and unobstructed shoreline views found in Jamaica, you will not be disappointed. And exploring what undeveloped (yet totally providing) Portland Parish is all about is another huge bonus. There are no big hotels/resorts/otherness, only authentic Jamaica vibe and culture that’s built upon the values of unity and respect, as many locals will tell you. I couldn’t recommend Port Antonio and this lovely gem of a home more. Special shoutout to Wayne, the caretaker, and Alma, the cook, who provided so much and are great at what they do. <3”

Stunning & well-kept!

Anastasia, March 2018 (Main Villa)
“Norse Hill is one of the most stunning & well-kept properties in Port Antonio! A very private & gorgeous villa perfect for a group. The house & the grounds are absolutely amazing, with beautiful eclectic decor, even if the weather isn’t perfect – you will have a wonderful time spending time at the house. The staff is absolutely wonderful and couldn’t be more accommodating. A special shout out should go to Alma, who’s in charge of the kitchen. You won’t find a better meal in Port Antonio!”

What an amazing place!

Michael, January 2018 (Main Villa)
“What an amazing place to stay and experience. The location both in Jamaica and the property really are the best you could ask for in Jamaica, without being directly on the beach, and even then it is a short walk down from the Villa to Frenchman’s Cove beach which is one of the best rated beaches in all of Jamaica. The villa’s layout and bedrooms lend it to be part of the outdoors as it should be! Yvonne was awesome in helping me arrange secondary transportation from Montego Bay. Her and the staff’s friendliness and personalities that I find in the Jamaican people is one of the reasons why I love Jamaica. Thanks Yvonne and team for making my birthday stay a wonderful, memorable experience.”

Norse Hill is a wonderful retreat!

Jamie, January 2018 (Garden Cottage)
“Norse Hill is a wonderful retreat in a lush region of Jamaica unencumbered by tourism. The cottage is set off from the main house surrounded by the sights and sounds of rainforest private, and comfortably appointed. We had daily housekeeping and given an unusually rainy week it was a important touch. The property manager Yvonne Blakey was a attentive source of information and made us feel right like family paying a visit. Highlights for us were touring amazing tropical gardens/property via Hanson the Gardener, dinner arranged for us at the main house via Yvonne cooked by Alma the estate cook. The amazing view will linger in our minds. We enjoyed days at Frenchman Cove beach floating in the river into the ocean. Rafting in the Blue Lagoon, dinner at Dickey’s best kept Secret, breakfasts with fresh fruit picked on property or purchased at nearby stands. We had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful Jamaican family who had rented the main house who had a Birthday Bash that weekend they invited us to the celebration and provided us with a truly authentic and memorable experience of Port Antonio”

One of the fondest memories of our life!

Eric, July 2017 (Garden Cottage)
“Norse Hill Estate will be one of the fondest memories of our life. We used the cottage to relax for 11 nights after our wedding in NYC, and it provided everything we needed to escape from the world. The pictures tell a great story, but being there is something you will have to experience to believe. A true vacation destination provides a great local experience while also offering complete comfort for where you lay your head at night. Not a day was wasted by just enjoying the property for days on end. The gardens, hammock, pool, and tree of life is more than sufficient for a several day break. You can easily walk down the hill to Frenchman’s Cove or for a nice meal at Geejam, while you can also walk by the main road and get picked up by a route cab within minutes. Its an easy $2 fare to get dropped off at any destination east or west, whether its the Blue Lagoon, Boston Beach, Winnifred Beach to the east, or Port Antonio (And Piggy’s!) to the west. The staff can also arrange a driver for you to be picked up at the Kingston Airport, or for any all day excursions to anywhere on the island. Explore Portland for all of its greatness, from the blue mountains to its quite beaches, and from its lush forests to its wonderful jerk chicken. The staff at the main estate are an added bonus and will help you with anything you need, and will also become friends for life.”

Charming cottage in an exceptional location

Martin B., February 2017 (Main Villa)
“The cottage is located within the stunning private grounds of Norse Hill Estate. Humming birds and butterflies abound. Anyone with an interest in nature will love it.
The building is well maintained and immaculate inside, has a/c but not needed during my stay. Gentle breezes keep the property cool.The staff are exceptional, Wayne Alma and Paula will cater to all of your needs. Alma can cook anything asked for and local produce is fantastic. The local manager is Yvonne Blakey, very efficient and knowledgeable.
I booked the property for 3 days and ended up staying for 11, very little more that I can say to recommend this amazing cottage.”

Beautiful place!! Can’t wait to go back!!

Colette, July 2016 (Main Villa)
“My stay at Norse Hill was AMAZING!! From the minute you arrive you instantly relax. The home, the grounds and the views are absolutely gorgeous!! The staff are very kind and attentive to your needs. There are many wonderful excursions to partake in nearby (rafting, Reach Falls, beautiful beaches). I had a lovely time in Port Antonio and the Norse Hill experience made it that much better. I am looking forward to retuning next year.”

One of my favorite places!

Jenny, March 2015:
“I have travelled extensively….none compare with the experience of Norse Hill. ….the staff greets you like a dear old friend……make you feel at home immediately.  All accommodations are ensuite with wonderful linens and tastefully decorated.  Walking paths through the 8 acres of botanical gardens are a serene way to enjoy the day…..We went on several of the recommended excursions and none of them disappointed.  The Reach Falls were incredible to climb, Frenchman’s Cove was an absolutely gorgeous beach and rafting……all amazing trips that are close by.  Norse Hill and it’s staff didn’t just meet my expectations, they went far beyond.  I would recommend the Villa to the most astute traveller. The week I spent at Norse Hill will truly stand out in my fondest of memories.”

Awesome! Great break from all inclusive & cruises

Joe, February 2015:
“I have been to Jamaica 3 times …..not really impressed ….a friend tole me about Port Antonio area and the Norse Hill Estate.  Very pleasant surprise and the best way to experience Jamaica, mon……Everything is first class and is perfectly maintained.  Views are even better than the pictures.  Cocktails every night out on the patio with an ocean view and breeze.  Coffee waiting for you every morning, breakfast served with fresh fruit ……Really cool and professional manicured grounds in which you can …..see various fruit trees, flowers.  The staff was awesome.  They were so accommodating……always there when you needed something.  Beautiful beaches, hiking, rafting and lots more to do in the area.   Great trip and highly recommended for families, couples looking for some adventure and great relief from the all inclusive stuff.”

Norse Hill belongs in Conde` Nast!

Maritza, December 2014:
“My husband and I celebrated our 25th anniversary at Norse Hill with all 8 of our children ranging from 23-10 years of age. Simply, Norse Hill was glorious. We all had a great time and have elevated our Norse Hill experience to our best family vacation yet. There is so much to say about the property, home and staff.  Things we loved:
• The layout of the house is exceptional, especially for a large group. We can tell that great thought and attention was paid to the design and its layout. We loved the master bedroom doors leading to the balconies. While air conditioning was available, we choose to listen to the wildlife symphony each night and early morning. The breeze we experienced was exquisite. 
• The gardens and property were beautifully kept up. 
• The assortment of books was great as was the over-sized backgammon game.
• The house staff was ideal. Lestin, Wayne and Rose did a wonderful job of caring for our needs. It was the first time we have had the great pleasure of experiencing house staff while on vacation…… It was a great help to have …..our driver available at a moment’s notice to drive us around town. ……Cell phone available for use while at Norse Hill was very convenient and helpful…….Each morning we were served fresh fruit, cereal, bacon, eggs, toast and juice……Some nice touches:
• White plush bath towels in every bathroom.
• Rum drinks served when we arrived on our first day.
• Bathrobe in master bathroom. 
• 5 gallon Water cooler
……Staff on hand upon arriving and departing…. I feel blessed that we found Norse Hill.
We will certainly be back. Our children insist!

Relaxing

Fort Lauderdale, July 2014
“… Norse Hill … is tastefully decorated with Chinese furnishings … bedrooms were beautiful … 4 poster bed with sheer curtains … very romantic … grounds … immense … well manicured … meals … beautifully laid out … delicious … variety of dishes for each meal … wish we could take … the butler home with us – he was at our beck and call with drinks, towels, snacks, anything we needed!

Port Antonio has a lot to do – rafting down the Rio Grande, diving into the Blue Lagoon … swinging on the low lying trees, eating jerk pork and breadfruit on Boston Beach where jerk originated, enjoying crayfish soup at Paradise (Winnifred) Beach … relaxing at Frenchman’s Cove Beach … always so beautiful and refreshing with the little stream running into the beach … top it off by returning to Norse Hill with a dip in the pool. We enjoyed drinks and the Jolly Boys … at Gee Jam … right down the hill … Our family loved our Jamaican trip!” 

Awesome experience in Jamaica!!

Sophie, France, May 2014
“A fantastic experience in a great and relaxing home. A discreet and attentive staff. Thank you to Lester for making us discover the jamaica kitchen. Thank you to Wayne for his service and attention, thanks to Jacqueline for his kindness and impeccable room service. The charm of this house also lies in its well-kept two gardeners (thank you to them) garden.

Thank you to Yvonne his visit to check if we missed anything.

We are delighted with this location, worthy of a grand hotel.

You can go there with your eyes closed!

Life changing!

Date of Stay – April 2014
“This … property was like a fairytale. The stunning views … were incomparable to any other location in the world we’ve stayed in. The staff were extremely courteous and so very friendly. Privacy and relaxation … truly in our own world. The trade wind breezes blew … awoke each morning to fresh Blue Mountain coffee … delicious, fresh fruit and food from the property and nearby farms … relaxed in the beautiful pool … areas to sit and enjoy peace, quiet, and coastal, mountain views. The gardens … like lush rainforests, abundant with flora and fauna we had never seen before … walk to the nearby Geejam Bush bar … all other places in town required driving … no need to leave this paradise … when we did, it was convenient to many of the attractions in the Port Antonio area.”

Dream place in Jamaica!!!

Marie, Montreal, March 2014
“Having lived in Jamaica for several years, I can definitely say that Norse Hill surpasses by far any other villa I have stayed at. The Port Antonio region is a little known gem, off the beaten track, and Norse Hill is the dream place to enjoy it from. The property is exceptional and the staff is extremely professional, welcoming and friendly. The only downside to a stay at Norse Hill is how difficult it is to leave it to come back to reality! :-)”

A magnificent, serene, and restorative experience

Todd & Allyson, Denver, March 2014
“Norse Hill is a glorious and restful retreat overlooking lush gardens and beautiful waters adjacent to Port Antonio … large windows and doors open to the Caribbean breeze … staff are warm and welcoming … food is delicious … freshness and authenticity of the varied dishes. Norse Hill is on the northeast part of the island, a less developed area … by air or by car, it’s well worth the trip and guaranteed to be memorable. We … could have stayed for a month … we found our bodies and souls replenished. … much to do nearby, while never … on the tourist treadmill. Crystal blue waters, kayaking, snorkeling, good local restaurants, and a rich history at your doorstep.”

Stunning Experience!

LYS, Los Angeles, February 2014
“We just returned from our stay at Norse Hill in Jamaica and feel blessed to have stayed in the beautiful experience that this home offers. Norse Hill is a peaceful retreat, the staff is lovely and the grounds are special. My favorite moments were waking up each morning to the turquoise light flooding into the bedroom, and sharing rum punch with my husband while relaxing on the lawn overlooking the ocean … a stunning time.”

We Loved Norse Hill!

Mark, San Francisco, February 2014
“This was … my first trip to Jamaica and this wonderful area near Port Antonio (and my first-ever review of a vacation spot). Norse Hill is unbelievable, yeh mon! The house is large, as are all of the rooms. Beautiful wood work, ornate railings, local artwork, high ceilings, cool architecture … staff was very friendly, polite and welcoming … Breakfast … fresh fruit, plantains, pancakes, bacon, eggs, a local dish of greens and fish that was fantastic, juices … From our second floor balcony we could see the large and immaculately manicured lawn, stately trees, hanging vines, flowers, beautiful swimming pool and view of the Caribbean … regret … we didn’t spend more time hiking around the property … beaches … have the clear aqua green water that you usually see in … Conde Nast Traveler … Couldn’t recommend this place enough … large comfortable canopied bed … a nice cool breeze made sleeping really easy.”

Hidden Paradise

From 04/23/2013 for a stay in March 2011
“Right from the start I could tell this was going to be one of the best vacations I’ve ever had. The house and views were gorgeous … the private botanical gardens… crystal blue ocean views … beach horseback riding, surfing, river rafting, boating, and snorkeling … all … were extremely cheap to do and exceeded our every expectation. The staff also went above and beyond, making us feel welcome and carefree.”

A no worries, no stress vacation with all the service you could want

From 04/24/2013 for a stay in April 2010
“We have stayed at Norse Hill Estate twice and are planning our 3rd trip! One of our main goals while on vacation is to unwind and relax … Norse Hill Estate certainly fulfills this goal! With the staff taking care of all your cooking needs, grocery shopping, laundry, packing lunches for day trips, poolside service, etc. there are no worries. We took excursions to Reach Falls which I highly recommend … there is the most beautiful private beach just down the hill at Frenchman’s Cove and how can you not stop at Woody’s local burger stand for plantain burgers and a rum and ting! … I have never had such fresh and delicious fruit … Boston Beach the home of Jamaican Jerk cooking is a definite must-do!”

Perfect Honeymoon: Secluded Gardens, Minutes to the Beach & GeeJam

From 04/22/2013 for a stay in April 2010
“My husband and I spent a week here for our honeymoon and our expectations were far exceeded … warm and professional staff … delicious local fare cooked for us each day, woke up to amazing views, took beautiful walks together through the secluded and absolutely unbelievable tropical “garden” (more like a garden of Eden), lay in the hammock with drinks while dinner was being prepared, and had a knowledgeable and friendly driver shuttle us to all the must-sees nearby ….exclusive Geejam Hotel ….just minutes walking down the hill … sunset drinks and hang out … (there’s a recording studio at Geejam in case that’s up your alley) … I would go back in a heartbeat.”

A little piece of heaven on earth

From 04/19/2013 for a stay in May 2008
“How luxurious to wake up each morning to an incredible view of the water and the sounds of the birds … delicious meals … A dip in the pool and a book under the huge tree nearby was a good morning activity. A walk through the gorgeous gardens … brought a kaleidoscope of tropical colors. The staff was always helpful and available. We only left the property a few times – to go to the beach … hike to the waterfalls … tour Port Antonio before embarking on a river rafting trip – because there was no reason to leave paradise! We can’t wait to go back and make another round of memories!”

Fairy Tale Castle in Jamaica

From 05/01/2013 for a stay in March 2007
“Norse Hill is a five star experience on every level. The castle has an old-world feel with new amenities … impeccably maintained … surrounded by a gorgeous lawn and pool overlooking the ocean … incredible botanical gardens. The gardens have long walking paths … plants from all over the world … simply exquisite. It is a magical place. The rooms have beautiful dark hardwoods, white linens … open up to the mountain/ocean breezes … This is an amazing luxury family vacation or couples’ retreat.”

Tropical Paradise for all ages

From 05/03/2013 for a stay in June 2006
“We found Norse Hill Estate in Port Antonio … a paradise overlooking the Caribbean with lush tropical gardens, pool and a fantastic team of cooks and support staff to satisfy every request. During our week we made day trips to local beaches, waterfalls, reggae concerts and at night, into town for dinner and dancing. All transportation was managed through Norse Hill Estate even the round trip from Kingston to Port Antonio.”

A Jewel in Jamaica

From 04/23/2013 for a stay in April 2005
“… Norse Hill is on par with the best accommodations … I have stayed in castles in the Loire valley in France, secluded villas in Italy, Norway, Denmark and southern France, exclusive hunting locations in Germany and Belgium, luxury hotels in central and northern Japan, a spa in Costa Rica and a private compound in Puerto Rico. The elegance, ambience and character of Norse Hill are unique among the places I have visited … It offers … world class luxury accommodation with a tropical flavor … retreat to the magnificent house and garden on more than eight private acres after a day of sightseeing, shopping or … beach is beyond compare.”

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