The Top Addresses that Offer Something Beyond the Usual Poolside Cocktails Resort Experience
14 December 2023
Having spent my childhood in Jamaica – the most popular island in the Caribbean – and returning regularly, I have witnessed the hotel scene adapt and evolve beyond the usual cookie-cutter resorts. It’s true that Jamaica Inn can be found here, but that’s just one of the addresses offering a fresh perspective that’s unique to Jamaica. From a local, family-owned bolthole on the south coast to a mountain hideaway in the lush east coast greenness that is Portland, the island offers ample accommodation choices. Here’s my pick of the best hotels to know about in Jamaica, my island home.
How We Choose the Best Hotels in Jamaica
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GoldenEye
Far from the tourist hustle and bustle of the northwestern coast, Jamaica’s smartest and arguably most famous address is located on the northeastern coastline of Oracabessa – a small town jewel of about 5,000 people, with a thriving community of creatives. Writer Ian Fleming became enamoured with Oracabessa while on assignment with the British Navy during World War II, that he returned to buy a property, building GoldenEye, where he would go on to write all thirteen James Bond novels during his winter stays. In 1976, Bob Marley became the owner, later selling it to Chris Blackwell – founder of Island Records, who expanded the property to include a range of private huts, cottages, and villas dotted around the tropical 40-acre grounds. The tropical beachside hideaway is home to four restaurants and bars, including a laidback bamboo bar serving Jamaican Jerk BBQ right on the sandy Low Cay beach front.
Price: Rooms from around £384 per night
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Geejam Hotel
Established by music producers Jon Baker and Steve Beaver, Geejam originally began as a rainforest compound near Port Antonio, featuring a recording studio that has attracted artists such as The Rolling Stones, Alicia Keys, and Drake. In 2008, the home was transformed into an effortlessly cool hotel with an emphasis on maintaining its music and creative roots. Accommodation includes four treetop cabins, 12 jungle-chic rooms, and two sprawling villas – the latter including a private chef, bartender, and housekeeper. The hub of the hotel is the Bushbar restaurant, which combines an infinity pool with a state-of-the-art sound system, serving a range of Jamaican fusion fare. Just steps from the compound is the eponymous Geejam Bay, home to wildlife including turtles and rays.
Price: Rooms from around £357 per night
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Jakes
A 30-year mainstay on the island, owned by the local Henzell family, Jakes is a collection of unique, colorful villas and bungalows connected by mosaic trails. Situated along the rocky coastline of Calabash Bay in Treasure Beach – a sleepy fishing village on Jamaica’s south coast. If you’re unfamiliar with the hotel, you might have heard of the restaurant – the beloved open-air Jakes Restaurant is a regular in all of the island’s dining lists. The menu changes daily, focusing on fresh, locally-sourced produce and seafood such as conch and lobster when in season, while maintaining sustainable and eco-friendly standards.
Price: Rooms from around £79 per night
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Bluefields Bay Villas
Located on a hilly coastline above the popular Bluefields Beach, Bluefields Bay is a boutique all-inclusive resort comprising only six villas and four brand-new suites. The property is owned by the Moncure family, known for possessing the largest collection of Jamaican antiques in the world, showcased throughout. Villas range from two-bedroom cottages nestled in the trees to the palatial six-bedroom San Michele, which includes its own private island bridge and one of two helipads. Each comes with private pools and a dedicated staff, including a private chef and concierge, ensuring a fully curated experience.
Price: Villas from around USD$800.
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Round Hill
Dating back to the 18th century when it operated as a farm, Round Hill opened as a hillside resort in 1953. This 100-acre property features a lovingly restored plantation house, ocean-view villas, suites, and a beautiful stretch of white sand coastline with vibrant coral reefs. The interiors showcase a clean and sophisticated aesthetic, designed by frequent guest Ralph Lauren. Ideal for families, Round Hill offers a range of kid-friendly activities, clubs, and dining options, along with organic produce grown on-site.
Price: Rooms from around £906 per night
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Rockhouse Hotel
For a taste of Jamaica’s wild and rugged side, head north of Negril’s famous beaches to Rockhouse, a charming boutique hotel with rustic, Green Globe Certified cottages spectacularly built into volcanic cliffs. Opt for an ocean-view suite crafted from wood, stone, and thatch, where you can watch the sun set directly into the sea. If a beach day calls, there’s a shuttle to the beach-side sister hotel, Skylark Negril Beach Resort.
Price: Rooms from around £243 per night
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AC Hotel Kingston
Located in the heart of Kingston, close to the National Gallery, Hope Botanical Gardens, and the Bob Marley Museum, the AC Hotel Kingston sits within a vibrant urban scene. Rooms provide views over the Blue Mountains, city skylines, and the Caribbean sea. Featuring locally made furnishings and a diverse collection of Jamaican art, the hotel is a hub for co-working and socializing.
Price: Rooms from around £249 per night
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Sandals South Coast
What distinguishes this famed all-inclusive resort is its supercharged romance offering – featuring a heart-shaped collection of over-the-water villas, swim-up suites, and an over-water chapel. Nestled within a 500-acre nature reserve at the edge of Whitehouse, on the picturesque south coast, enjoy three swimming pools, a two-mile beach, nine restaurants, and seven bars.
Price: Rooms from around £652 per night
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Strawberry Hill
Not many consider a cool, lush, mountain retreat when planning a trip to Jamaica, but the breathtaking jungle vistas from Strawberry Hill will shift that perspective. Featured in a 2008 episode of Anthony Bourdain’s travel series No Reservations, this resort is part of the Island Outpost collection owned by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell. Home to an Aveda concept spa, an infinity pool with striking city views, and beautifully designed botanical gardens, Strawberry Hill is an idyllic setting for weddings.
Price: Rooms from around £341 per night
