“Unbelievable!” That was the word that sprang to my mind the first time that I stood on the veranda of The Tryall Club’s Great House. It was late in the afternoon, and from my elevated vantage point, the view was spectacular. The Great House’s hillside gardens and manicured lawns cascaded down to a crescent, white sand beach and beyond lay the emerald and sapphire waters of the Caribbean Sea. The West Jamaican sunset bathed the classic colonial Great House in a warm glow and a pleasant breeze rustled nearby palm fronds. The distant sound of laughter from a late finishing foursome on the 18th fairway, combined with a cold planter’s punch in my hand, contributed to an overall sense of happiness and wellbeing. It was a moment that I will not soon forget – which is not an uncommon experience at this luxurious resort where unforgettable moments are common place.
Located just west of Montego Bay on Jamaica’s North Shore, The Tryall Club is one of a handful of top tier resorts scattered throughout the Caribbean which are fortunate enough to be located at the point where blue sea and green mountains collide. Like other destination resorts in its class, Tryall caters to guests that have money and time to spend, luring northern golfers, wedding parties, honeymooners, family reunions and those who simply crave Caribbean style relaxation. Guests typically stay in residence between two weeks and one month- some stay even longer, and many return year after year.
The Tryall Club has differentiated itself from the rest of the Caribbean’s exclusive destination resorts in several ways. First, there is the Club’s longevity. Founded in 1950’s, The Tryall Club has consistently maintained its status as the premier luxury resort in Jamaica. Among the travel elite, the Club’s excellent reputation has withstood the test of time. Second, the sheer size and grandeur for the resort property sets Tryall apart from other destination resorts. Situated on more than 2,200 acres of lush green Jamaican hills, the Club has over a mile of beach and waterfront, and more trails and paths that the average person can walk in a day.
Without question, The Tryall Club’s most distinguishing characteristic is the unique villa lifestyle that it affords to its members and guests. The Club’s 84 exquisitely appointed villas vary dramatically in size and décor, but all share certain characteristics. Each villa is staffed with a personal chef, housekeeper, laundress and gardener, thereby ensuring that each member or guest receives top flight, personal service. Each villa is tastefully furnished and has its own private pool and veranda. Each villa is designed to be a serene, private refuge. After spending time in one the Club’s lovely villas, I wondered to myself why anyone would ever leave such comfortable surroundings!
Fortunately, The Tryall Club’s world class amenities provide ample reason to venture outside the comfort of your private villa. First and foremost of these amenities is the Club’s incredible 18-hole, 6221-yard, par 72 championship golf course. Originally designed by the famous golf architect Ralph Plummer, the Tryall course borders the Caribbean Sea in places and traverses the resort’s rolling hillsides in others. The Tryall Club has hosted the Johnny Walker World Championship on numerous occasions and is regarded as one of the finest courses in the Caribbean.
If you are not in mood for golf, other possible activities include tennis (4 clay surface and 5 hard surface tennis courts), a complete fitness center, receiving a therapeutic massage, walking and jogging trails, shopping in several boutiques or engaging in a full complement of watersports. Professional golf and tennis instruction is available. Of course, relaxing on the beach is other favorite pastime. During season, the Great House offers fine dining. Lite fare and drinks are available at the Beach Club. Simply stated, there is something for everyone.
One appealing aspect of The Tryall Club experience is the simple joy derived from driving the Club’s golf cars and personalized electric vehicles to and from various points on the resort property. Many of the villas include the use of specially customized cars that reflect the colorful personalities of the villa owners. Each year, the Club holds a community competition that awards prizes to the most uniquely customized golf car. Tropicars is a proud supplier of E-Z-GO golf cars and personal vehicles to The Tryall Club.
So, the next time good fortune gives you the opportunity to spend two weeks in paradise, go to The Tryall Club. We’ll meet you on the veranda with rum punches in hand!
