Travelers who want to enjoy the legendary north shore beaches of Jamaica but avoid the big tourist districts of Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Negril have long known to detour east to the small resorts in Port Antonio, a coastal city with a rich history set between Blue Mountains National Park and Boston Bay, the unofficial jerk capital of Jamaica. For a Jamaica beach vacation that will put you closer in touch with island culture and a bonanza of outdoor activities, consider one of these top Port Antonio hotels and resorts:

Geejam

Unquestionably the best known of Port Antonio’s hotel, the posh Geejam is a haven for musicians and music lovers (it has an on-site recording studio) hidden in the coastal rainforest of the Blue Mountains. Accommodations are a mix of hotel rooms, villas, and cabins, all private and distinctly designed (the treehouse-like cabins are named for four of Jamaica’s most popular musical styles: Reggae, Mento, Rocksteady, and Ska). A DJ booth keeps the scene lively by the pool, but solitude awaits at quiet Geejam Bay.