Good Hope, Jamaica: A Visitor’s Guide to the Estate, Landscape, and Surroundings

Built in 1774, Good Hope was once the largest sugar plantation in Jamaica when it was still under British rule. However, it’s now regarded as one of the island’s most beautiful and spiritually grounding retreat destinations, with elegant Georgian architecture. 

Good Hope hosts a variety of retreats, and Beckley Retreats specifically utilize the space for psilocybin experiences. The location’s sordid history may make some people uncomfortable—a feeling you should avoid before embarking on psychedelic exploration—and Beckley does offer similar retreats in the Netherlands for those who prefer a different environment. 

How to Get There

Good Hope Estate is about a 45-minute drive from Montego Bay Airport. As you leave the suburban landscape, the highways narrow into winding mountain roads, the vegetation grows denser, and the air feels fresher with each turn. At the top of the mountain, a panorama of valleys and hills opens. It is one of Jamaica’s most stunning views. 

The recommended flight arrival time at Montego Bay International Airport is between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. local time, which’ll give you enough time to settle into your accommodations at Good Hope before the opening ceremony.

A Brief History of Good Hope

Good Hope’s story is deeply connected to Jamaica’s complex history, specifically to the legacy of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Established in 1745, the estate began as a plantation built through the forced labor of enslaved Africans. We acknowledge this history to honor the enslaved peoples whose lives, labor, and resilience shaped Good Hope, and whose legacy endures in its foundations.

Jamaica was emancipated in 1834, and Good Hope gradually transitioned over the next 80 years from a working plantation to a long-stay guest house. By the 1970s, however, the property had fallen into hard times. In 1989, however, businessman Tony Hart purchased the land with the help of investors and restored the decaying structures. Good Hope eventually found new life as an eco-resort in 2012, welcoming travelers once more to its historic grounds.

The Estate & Architectural Character

Good Hope Estate consists of two main structures—the Country House and the Coach House, inspired by Georgian architecture, recognized for its exposed brick and symmetrical aesthetic—that’s nestled into sprawling hills. Cockpit Country, Jamaica, is known for its winding rivers and dense greenery, home to one of Jamaica’s largest remaining rainforests. The area feels secluded and calm.

Today, Good Hope Estate represents both preservation and renewal. Lovingly maintained over time, the estate has evolved to meet the needs of modern guests while retaining its historic soul. Next to the carriage house, a saltwater infinity pool overlooks the mountain backdrop. Newly built ceremonial spaces offer places for gathering, reflection, and celebration. While inside, the original wood floors remain a marvel of craftsmanship, held together by perfectly fitted wooden pegs.

Activities In and Around Good Hope

There’s a lot to do at Good Hope in your free time, too. You can explore lush trails or take a refreshing dip in the winding river. History enthusiasts might gravitate to nearby sites showcasing Jamaica’s rich heritage, like the rum factory. There’s also a saltwater infinity pool with a stunning mountain view for those who want to relax on-site. Art lovers can visit the quiet local pottery studio of renowned ceramicist David Pinto, who often opens his space to Good Hope visitors.

What a Day at Good Hope Looks Like

Sunrise

Mornings at Good Hope greet you with quiet and calm, and, if you wake up early enough, a colorful sunrise (usually punctuated by passing birds). New light, fresh air, and birdsong set the tone for a day of ease and presence.

“My favorite time of day at Good Hope is meeting guests with their coffee in hand on the front lawn for an early morning walk, the mist still in the valley as the sun rises, we set off to see what the morning brings,” says Blaise Hart, owner of Good Hope Estates.

Midday

Once the sun is at full force, you’ll want to seek shade in the open-air communal spaces of the Great House or relax poolside, allowing the day to unfold at a gentle pace. Good Hope’s selection of healthy meals is a shared experience, prepared with care and intention, often featuring fresh local produce, some of which is grown right on the estate. 

Sunset & Night

Evening is accompanied by low, warm lighting, whether during dinner or around a fire. From the terraces or quiet corners of the estate, the night sky unveils a brilliant canopy of stars, unhindered by city lights. This rhythm of day turning to night, with its shifts in sound, and temperature, encourages quiet reflection, connection with nature, and a deep sense of ease that stays with you long after the sun has set.

FAQs