Janet Silvera and Yahneake Sterling, Gleaner Writers

From left, Rose Hall Development's Judith Ferger, Caryll Mullings, MoBay Hope's Judy Farmer and Betty Prurzyski in conversation at the opening of St. Elizabeth's new boutique hotel, Idlers' Rest, in Black River. - Photo by Janet Silvera

Attorney and hotelier Courtney Hamilton has struck gold again, this time on Jamaica's south coast.

Known for Buccaneers Beach and Chatwick Gardens hotels in Montego Bay, Hamilton, on Sunday, January 28, opened his third resort in Black River, St. Elizabeth.

'Idlers' Rest Beach Hotel' is his latest project. The property was previously a party spot for many St. Elizabethans but after a visit to the area 16 months ago, Hamilton saw its true potential and dreamed of converting it into a resort. Just over a year later his dream became a reality.

Most of the well-wishers had attended the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival in Montego Bay three nights in succession. They refused to give up on an opportunity to continue the revelry in the southern coastal town, famous for its Georgian architecture, and the first to receive electricity in Jamaica.

From as early as 2:00 p.m., Hamilton's three-quarter-acre beachfront property was the scene of festivity, with persons keen on knowing which architect and designer were behind the niche market resort.

17 rooms

Set in picturesque Black River, the hotel currently boasts 17 rooms with plans to expand to 24. Rates start at US$125 per night and include a continental breakfast.

Located just two miles from the town of Black River, the two- storey hotel with its tropical contemporary look has a 1950s feel with a laid-back theme.

Nestled along the blue waters of the long black sandy beach, the new hotel is an epitome of intimacy and relaxation.

Asked why Black River, Hamilton said, "Black River is one of the few towns that allow you to recapture Jamaica's past. Other towns have tried and failed, but Black River still holds on to the past with its architecture and people. It's potential for growth is tremendous."

About the decor, Mr. Hamilton, who has travelled to Morocco and seen the vibrant furnishings, was tempted to go the same route with decorating. However, all craftsmanship was done locally by artists from White House and Parottee in St. Elizabeth.

So, what can guests expect at the hotel? "We're hoping to give guests an introduction to south coast hospitality that is different from the north coast with its hectic lifestyle."

"You can expect to be taken back in time," he said.

Hamilton was surrounded by many admirers and friends, including deputy Opposition Leader Audley Shaw, former government ministers K.D. Knight and John Junor, who toasted him as a 'Renaissance Man'.

Shaw, who commended his friend for investing in the area, joked that he now has more alternatives for accommodation, but with his luck people will say they always knew Audley Shaw was an 'idler.'

Boast about my dad

Hamilton's daughter, Tiffany, a prosecutor in New York, revealed how common it was to hear people brag about their children. "But today, I have the opportunity to boast about my dad. My father is a 'one man show', and the one man behind this project."

The wind beneath his wings, Judy Farmer said she was in awe of his drive, "I have seen him pull off this project in just over a year," she told the gathering .

Sharing his pride and joy were former schoolmates and Howard University alumni, Desmond Malcolm, and Dr. Oran Atkinson, as well as brothers and sister, Trevor, Michael, Loy and his father, Owen Hamilton.

MC Sandrea Falconer, Major General John Simmonds, Trevor Heaven, Lee Bailey, Fred and Ralph Smith, Ryland Campbell, Dr. Christopher Tufton, Dr. Neville Graham, Clive Nicolas, Clayton Morgan, Clare Miller, Karlene Walters, Charmaine Deane, Rene Rattray, Gary Currie, Pam Tulloch, Tom Scarlett, Prudence Chang, Kenneth McLeod, Mel and Nerissa Brown, Carl Miller, Chris Quarless, Lyn Morris, Claudette Hamilton, Richard Whitfield and Vee Redpath, Clive and Joan Lee, Pauline Reid, Noel and Valrie Campbell, Janet Whyte, Trudy Dixon, Raymond Burger and Clinton Thompson made up the list of people in attendance.