Kingsley Blake Promoted to Round Hill Ambassador

His trademark turquoise jacket, kind eyes and friendly smile have been a signature welcome for guests and his knack for storytlling leaves everyone earning for more.

Known as stalwart in Jamaican tourism for his service excellence, Kingsely believes that his longevity is due to his undying love for his country and optimistic attitude towards life.  “My daily prayer is that I will be able to make even one person happy at work,” he says.

“We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful place and I am so grateful for that. It is my responsibility to ensure that when people come to visit, I show them the best of what my country has to offer! If they come 1, 2, 3 times or more, they must leave with a piece of Jamaica in their hearts.”

During his long serving tenure at Round Hill, Kingsely has received local and international recognition for his dedication to the hospitality industry. Some of these include:

Special Awards – Tourism Service Excellence Awards – 2019
Concierge of the Year – CaribJournal – 2014
Hotel Employee of the Year – Jamaica Tourist Board – 2008
Hotel Employee of the Year – Round Hill Hotel and Villas – 2008 (an award also recieved 2 times before)

Additionally, our Round Hill Ambassador has also been featured in 27 magazines worldwide. For 6 consecutive years, Kingsley was also on the cover of a Japan publication designed to market the Caribbean region for tourism in Asia.

In celebration of Kingsley’s birthday and new promotion, we sat down with our new Round Hill Ambassador to learn more about the man, the myth and the legend. Enjoy!

When you’re not working at Round Hill, what do you like to do?

My favourite thing to do is read! I will read anything!  I also love to play dominoes. That is my favourite game, so you can find me playing with friends and having a cold Red Stripe beer.

What is your favorite food?

Jamaican Jerk Pork

Tell us something interesting that we would not know otherwise.

I still have the first $1 tip that I ever received. It was from a gentleman – Mr. Wooseworth who drove a Blue Maverick and stayed in Cottage 17. I got it on November 17, 1972. When I was in charge of orientation, I would gift each new staff an autographed $1 bill and tell them, “If you can keep this, you can keep your job.”

Who is your favourite celebrity guest?

To me, every guest is a celebrity. But if you ask me my favourite famous guest, I would have to say Paul McCartney. He is just so down to earth, and I love that!

What is your favourite suite?

66B in Villa 13. I think that room has the best view on the entire property!

What is your favourite villa?

I have 2. Villa 16 is my favourite overall because it has the most fascinating story, but I also love Villa 11. It is my favourite 3- bedroom villa at Round Hill

What is your favourite room?

129A and 104A

Why?

You have to go and see for yourself. *smiles* I remember I roomed Admiral Cullings in room 129A during his first stay at Round Hill. Afterwards, he stayed in that room for 29 consecutive years until he passed away.  

How do you feel about this new role?

I am honoured and excited. I am grateful that my team at Round Hill see me fit to not only represent the property to guests, but to anyone who wishes to experience the essence of our paradise.

What are you looking forward to most in this new role?

Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher, but did not get to further my education to do so. Now, I will be visiting schools and other local organization, and I will get to share my passion with the younger generation in more ways than one.

In addition to his internationally acclaimed Villa tour – which is a highly anticipated activity for travellers of all ages, Kingsely’s role as Round Hill Ambassador will also include:

Attending local & international awards ceremonies
Sharing best practices in Customer Service, Guest Engagement etc. during new staff orientation
Giving motivational speeches at department training sessions
Attending weekly Manager’s Cocktail party to meet & greet new and returning guests
Doing public speaking engagements at local elementary schools

We are so proud to have you on our team and wish you all the very best in your new role, Kingsley!