Does any island in the Caribbean have a more diverse hotel product than Jamaica?
It’s a destination that has a simply staggering number of high-quality hotels, each with a strikingly unique identity and character — every one a destination in its own right.
And the best Jamaica hotels manage to achieve an enviable oneness with their environs, offering travelers a true sense of place married with Jamaica’s unmatched, powerful hospitality.
But how does one choose?
Whether you’re looking in tried-and-true Montego Bay or up-and-coming hotspots like Treasure Beach and Port Antonio, there’s a special hotel just waiting to host your next getaway. And we have you covered, with the latest edition of our Best Jamaica hotels, with a broad look at hotels across this magical island.
Round Hill Still the Grand Dame of Jamaica hotels, this 36-room hotel (which comes along with 27 stunning private villas) is a throwback to the magical hotels of the jetset age, with Ralph Lauren-designed rooms (Lauren himself is a part-owner), a lovely beach and some of the best service you’ll ever experience.
Half Moon Perhaps the island’s most iconic place to stay, Half Moon is relaunching with a dramatic $75 million transformation project that will vault the property to a new echelon in the Caribbean’s luxury hotel sector. What hasn’t changed is the remarkable location, with 400 acres of beaches, golf, wellness and just about anything you can possibly imagine.
Jamaica Inn Still a bit of a closely-guarded secret, this Ocho Rios legend (which first opened its doors in 1950) is set on a picture-perfect stretch of private beach, with a mix of suites and cottages and the kind of rarefied, tranquil ambience that just doesn’t exist anymore.
Geejam While the northwestern coast continues to be the most popular stretch of Jamaica’s coastline, more and more travelers to the island are looking beyond it, to burgeoning hotspots like lush, romantic Port Antonio. And that’s in large part due to hotels like Geejam, the oh-so-chic hotel (the one with its own on-site recording studio) that’s become one of the island’s epicenters of cool (and one of its top honeymoon retreats).
Skylark Negril It’s been a while since Negril had a hotel like this. The new 28-room Skylark has instantly become one of the hottest hotels on the island, thanks to bright, breezy design, a terrific culinary program and an impressive spa led by Linda Hall. It’s the newest hotel on this list, and a major new addition to the best Jamaica hotels.
Goldeneye Yes, this was once the home of James Bond creator Ian Fleming, a property that Chris Blackwell has turned into one of Jamaica’s signature resorts. The Oracabessa Bay-area boutique has a mix of villages, beach huts and cottages, with an intoxicating vibe that makes you feel like you could write a novel during your stay.
Kanopi House Maybe you’re looking for another way to experience the island, a way to get in touch with Jamaica’s natural soul. Look no further than Portland’s Kanopi House, a collection of treehouses that calls itself a “cultural experience,” is equal parts glamping and eco-luxe retreat. Our suggestion? Go for the Upper Deck, the highest treehouse on the property that is the ultimate rainforest retreat.
The Tryall Club
Tryall Club Just outside of Montego Bay, this is one of the most elegant options in Jamaica, a true villa resort that just so happens to have its own world-class golf course on the grounds. If you’ve ever stayed in a luxury staffed villa in Jamaica, you know just how incredible the service can be, and that’s precisely what you get at Tryall — with all of the amenities of a hotel included.
Strawberry Hill Another Blackwell stunner, this resort is set in the Blue Mountains outside of Kingston, an endlessly charming luxury hotel with some of the most spectacular views on the island. And then there’s the food, from the beloved sunday brunch to the marvelous “New Jamaican” food at the hotel’s signature eatery.
Sandy Haven Sure, Negril has no shortage of places to stay, but they tend to range from large resorts to small guest houses. This is another option. Sandy Haven is a luxury boutique hotel, a beachy sanctuary in the heart of Seven Mile Beach. And while it’s a boutique, the culinary offerings are broad, including the Bongos fine-dining eatery, a classic Jamaican beach bar and a piano bar.
Jakes
Jakes It’s funky, it’s quirky, it’s artsy, it’s unlike any other place to stay in Jamaica. The beloved Jakes is a portal to Treasure Beach, the up-and-coming destination on the southwestern corner of Jamaica that’s long been a magnet for intrepid visitors to the island. And Jakes has something for just about every type of traveler, from beautiful oceanfront bungalows to the Sprat Shack hostel.
Hotel Mockingbird Hill It’s an eco hotel, it’s a boutique hotel, it’s, well, home. There’s an immense warmth about this 10-room hotel in the hills of Port Antonio, which focuses on delivering an authentic, eco-friendly Jamaican experience. That includes everything from exceptional locally-sourced cuisine to a wonderfully relaxing “Garden of Wellness,” a unique amenity that takes relaxation to an entirely new level.
The pool at Tensing Pen.
Tensing Pen Another Negril-area standout, Tensing Pen is an intimate, authentic hotel with an almost overwhelming mix of accommodations for a boutique property. There’s everything from garden bungalows to high-level sea views units with spectacular views. Every room (each with its own name) here is unique — just like your vacation will be.
Rockhouse There’s just something we’ve always loved about the cliffside Rockhouse in Negril, a stylish but unpretentious boutique, from the delicious Pushcart Restaurant and Rum Bar to the 34 stone-wood-and-thatch-built cottages. And that’s without mentioning the spa, long one of the island’s best. Our suggestion? Make sure you get a treatment right on the edge of the water.
The popular Spanish Court hotel in Kingston.
Spanish Court Hotel Kingston? Yes, Kingston. Jamaica has made no secret of its designs on turning the capital into a major destination, and it’s on its way: from impressive cultural and artistic offerings to a vibrant, growing food scene (not to mention its rich history), the capital is increasingly on the radar of in-the-know travelers. And right now, there’s no better place to stay than the buzzy, well-run Spanish Court (make sure you don’t miss the rooftop terrace).
— CJ