Headed to Jamaica? If you’ve already seen the sunset in Negril and soaked up the rays on Doctor’s Cave Beach in Montego Bay, why not spend a few days in Ocho Rios? The north coast hotspot has long been a popular weekend getaway for locals, and staying here means you’re “thisclose” to Jamaica’s two most popular attractions, the cascades at Dunn’s River Falls and the bobsled-themed rollercoaster at Mystic Mountain. Clearly, there’s no time like the present to start planning a trip to this St. Ann standout. And here’s where we recommend you stay when you get there. Here are the five best resorts in Ocho Rios.
Jamaica Inn This 67-year-old Ocho Rios classic offers the rare combination of refinement without pretension, delivered in a tranquil beachfront garden setting that feels far removed from hubbub of town but is only minutes away. Relax in its elegant suites; take afternoon tea on the terrace; and find your bliss in the waterfront Ocean Spa.
GoldenEye OK, so it’s a dozen away in the village of Oracabessa, but since Ochi’s the nearest town we had to include this chic cloister on the lush beachfront estate of James Bond creator, author Ian Fleming. A clutch of villas, cottages and beach huts face either the sea or a mesmerizing lagoon, and the Bizot bar is the gathering spot for an eclectic mix of local and international creative types.
Sandals Royal Plantation What’s not to love about this adults-only all-inclusive enclave where a mere 74 butler-serviced suites face the sea, beach butlers bring rum drinks directly to your chaise, and a caviar-and-champagne bar provides elegant refreshment?
Sandals Ochi Beach Resort Couples will love this 100-acre resort, where more than 500 rooms are sprawled over the oceanview hillside and on a white-sand beach. With their own pools, butler-serviced suites encourage staying in. But with 105 more of them (really!), 16 restaurants; and a speakeasy-style nightclub, there’s ample motivation to get out and about.
Couples Tower Isle Jamaica’s first all-inclusive resort (since 1978) is a slam-dunk for traveling twosomes with 218 retro-mod suites; its own nude private island; and thoughtful inclusions such as catamaran cruises and excursions to Dunn’s River Falls.