Defining Luxury in Jamaica: Welcome to ATWASI
April 22, 2025
Welcome to the ATWASI blog, where we articulate a distinctly Jamaican approach to luxury. I'm Andrea Baskett-Pee, CEO and Founder, and I'm thrilled to share this space where we'll explore a fresh perspective on luxury through the vibrant lens of my beloved Jamaica.
Andrea Baskett-Pee, ATWASI CEO & Founder
My Journey Home
As a first-generation Jamaican American now living in Kingston, my connection to this island runs deep in my bones. What began as childhood visits gradually evolved into a calling, leading me to make Jamaica my permanent home in 2017. Together with my husband, I initially founded CRMetry, the first Salesforce consultancy headquartered in the English-speaking Caribbean.
But something unexpected and quite beautiful emerged. Friends began noticing Jamaica's best-kept secrets I was sharing on Instagram – the places where authentic culture thrives beyond tourist paths. What started as casual recommendations for my inner circle evolved into curating exceptional experiences, and ATWASI was born.
Today, we're transforming travel in Jamaica by bridging authentic local experiences with refined luxury service. We're particularly excited to partner with property owners who share our vision of hospitality that honors Jamaica's cultural richness while delivering unparalleled comfort.
The Conscious Modern Traveler
Today's discerning traveler eagerly desires to connect with contemporary traditions, everyday people, and vibrant locales that remain inaccessible through conventional resort experiences. They seek cultural immersion without sacrificing comfort and reliability. Traditional tourism models struggle with this balance, leaving travelers either disconnected from authentic experiences or navigating them without the ease and refinement they deserve.
This is precisely where ATWASI creates something extraordinary.
Mango Hill Villa, Silver Sands, JA
Our Approach to Luxury
At ATWASI, we've crafted a new model for Caribbean luxury that embodies exceptional quality, personalization, authentic experiences, and transformative moments. Our approach seamlessly blends technological innovation with artisanal attention to detail, creating a framework where time becomes abundant and experiences become transcendent. Through our curated portfolio of distinctive villas and uniquely Jamaican experiences, we ensure every detail reflects our commitment to flawless execution and authentic cultural connection.
This philosophy comes to life through our partnerships with visionary Jamaican artisans like Michael Hudson of Hune Ware, whose terracotta creations exemplify the balance between indigenous materials and refined craftsmanship. Guests of Mango Hill Villa will soon have the exclusive opportunity to experience Hudson's creative process firsthand through intimate pottery workshops that connect you directly with Jamaica's artistic heritage.
What truly sets us apart, however, is our impact. While others might offer glimpses of Jamaica from a distance, we unlock its hidden cultural treasures. We're transforming expectations of Caribbean luxury, creating insider access to exceptional experiences, and building meaningful connections with local communities. Every journey we curate not only simplifies travel logistics but actively preserves and celebrates Jamaica's vibrant heritage.
THREE FOOTED LADY, 2022
Thrown, Hand Built Jamaican Terracotta
Image Courtesy of HUNE WARE’s Lead Artist & Designer Michael Hudson
Introducing Our Series: Defining Luxury in Jamaica
Through countless conversations with partners and like-minded individuals across the island, I've come to realize something surprising – there is no clear definition for what luxury truly means in Jamaica, especially within our hospitality context. Despite Jamaica's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, no one has attempted to articulate a distinctly Jamaican luxury philosophy until now.
This realization has become something of a calling. As someone deeply connected to both Jamaican culture and global luxury standards, I feel tasked with bridging this gap – articulating a perspective that honors Jamaica's unique gifts while elevating them to their rightful place in the luxury conversation.
Over the coming weeks, I'll be sharing a thoughtful three-part series exploring how Jamaica offers an unparalleled perspective on luxury while crafting the first authentic Jamaican luxury philosophy:
The Essence of True Luxury: Balancing Artistry and Experience – How luxury transcends simple definitions through craftsmanship, rarity, and transformative moments
The Luxury Paradox: Finding Meaning Beyond Opulence – Exploring how true luxury often appears understated rather than ostentatious, and how exclusivity is increasingly defined by meaning rather than price
Cultural Expressions of Luxury: Setting the Stage for Jamaica – Immersing ourselves in how Jamaica's natural abundance, cultural richness, and hospitality traditions create a distinctive luxury experience unlike any other
I invite you to join our inner circle as we explore what makes Jamaica not just a beautiful destination, but a place that offers a profound definition of what luxury can and should be in today's world.
Welcome to your new inner circle of Jamaica.
Andrea Baskett-Pee
CEO & Founder, ATWASI
