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:
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.
Located on a quiet cove on the outskirts of town, this former estate has a dozen guest rooms in a historic Great House and 16 cottages tucked away amid lush greenery and a beach considered one of the best in Jamaica. Once an exclusive address for visiting celebrities, Frenchman’s Cove today attracts a more democratic mix of guests, including families and wedding parties. A beach bar and grill is a popular hangout, and freshwater showers to wash the sand away are fed by the river water emptying from the mountains into the sea.
This Small Luxury Hotels of the World property features 11 seaside villas brightly decorated in mid-century modern style, a clifftop infinity pool and health spa, and restaurants serving , and a classic supper club with a speakeasy vibe. Guests can snorkel in clear waters off the beach or sign up at the water sports center for offshore activities. Local attractions include the Blue Lagoon, rafting trips on the Rio Grande, and waterfall hikes.
A hillside eco-resort with just 10 guest rooms, Mockingbird Hill is close enough to Frenchman’s Cove for fun days at the beach but secluded enough to disappear into the natural beauty of the Jamaican interior. There will be no TVs to disturb the tranquility — entertainment is instead provided by the copious birds that inhabit the gardens and surrounding hills of this de facto wildlife refuge. Bring a book, settle into a chair on the terrace with its unforgettable rainforest and ocean views, and let time slow down.
The gilt-edge lobby is indeed palatial at this hotel set in a Georgian style mansion with a mix of hotel rooms and full and junior suites. Decor is decidedly old school, with lots of curtains and ornate furniture, and with 80 rooms it’s big enough to host sizable weddings and other large events. A collection of more than 2,000 original artworks adds to the traditional atmosphere of elegance.
Reminiscent of the boutique clifftop hotels of Negril, the Seacliff has but 15 seaside rooms with welcoming hammocks for easy relaxation, along with a trio of private villas. The Cliffhanger delivers on its promise of dining with a spectacular view, with an emphasis on authentic local cuisine.
The 30 rooms here are a mix of hotel style accommodations spread among five buildings and a smattering of junior suites. An open-air spa offers a variety of treatments, and the location is a perfect jumping-off point for exploring San San Bay, Portland, the Port Antonio craft village, and beyond.
Anyone who loved treehouses as a kid will adore this unusual resort, modeled after a West African village and offering stays in tents, individually decorated suites, and of course huts and treehouses adored with exquisite wood carvings and overlooking Boston Bay. The Safari Deck restaurant will have you looking around for passing giraffes and elephants — alas, the only ones here are of the wooden variety.