When timelines lit up, last Friday, with reels of adventure seekers heading to Montego Bay to spend the weekend sleeping in tents, they were met with a few side-eye emojis. The faces behind the posts, after all, were unlikely campers. But when given the opportunity to leave New York, Toronto, and Kingston for a glamping trip at White Witch Golf Course, in Montego Bay, the group couldn’t possibly say no.

Their travel bags? Less sleeping bags, lanterns, and hiking boots, and more airy loungewear, books, and stylish outfits for fancy dinners at sunset.

This is Camp Luxe, a three-day, two-night ‘glamping’ event at the White Witch Golf Course, situated on the historic Rose Hall Estate. The brainchild of An Elegant Affair co-founders Karen and Khloe Clarke, Camp Luxe’s first staging took place in 2022 at Frenchman’s Cove.

For 2024, the team headed west, setting up ‘glamp’ on 200 acres of lush greenery and rolling countryside. “We could not have chosen a more beautiful venue than the White Witch Golf Course with its breathtaking views and serene landscape,” says Karen Clarke.

Where does the luxe come in? It’s in the details. From the glasses of wine proferred during check-in, to the complimentary neck and shoulder massages by therapists from MoBay’s Spa Dendrobium at the CIBC Welcome Lounge, luxe was everywhere.

“I’ve never seen bathrooms like that,” was New Yorker Marsha Davis’s reaction to the SO team onsite for the experience that featured hot water showers and air-conditioned portable restrooms. “I appreciate the attention to detail.”

SO relives the experience…

First…

A Street Food village with endless bites from Pink Apron; Montego Bay’s fave Mexican eatery: Taco Spot; Bulbie Soups by Grace; Häagen-Dazs, and cocktails from Coca-Cola, Ocean Spray, and the CIBC Lounge; in addition to a boutique concert with opener Ashir Di Guitarist and main act Sasco.

Saturday…

Nobody glamps alone!

Luxers — as Camp Luxe guests are affectionately called — will admit that getting them out of the cosy tents were often a challenge. But activities with glampmates are key to the Camp Luxe experience. “We feel giving luxers the time to rest and connect is just as important as creating experiences for them,” says Clarke.

Saturday kicked off with breakfast on the Club House’s terrace. The aftertoon was spent lounging lakeside at Music & Mocktails presented by Ocean Spray. The day wrapped with Epicurean Escape, a fine-dining experience which saw luxers slipping into something fabulous and relishing fare by Chef Alex D-Great.

Sunday…

Breakfast at 7:30…

Brunch at 11:00…

Checkout by 2:00…

After hitting the ‘follow’ button on new-found friends’ Instagram accounts, air kisses, and a promise to share priceless moments captured throughout the weekend, luxers bid adieu to what many described as one for the books!

“Each time I attend Camp Luxe I’m reminded that it is an event experience like no other in Jamaica. The attention to detail, the food (a culinary experience), the vibes (oh, the vibes) and the novelty of it all is what keeps me coming back. Can’t wait for next year!” says second-time luxer Clive Allen.