Jamaica Has a Very Cool New Resort

By Alexander Britell

There’s a new hotel in Montego Bay — and it’s rather unlike any of its neighbors.

In the heart of the tourism capital’s “Hip Strip” the new S Hotel Jamaica has opened its doors, a trendy, design-forward retreat on the sands of the island’s north coast.

It’s the second outpost in the country for Crissa Hotels, the company behind the popular Spanish Court boutique hotel in the heart of new Kingston.

And the brand has taken that urban buzz to Montego Bay’s famous Doctor’s Cave Beach, with a total of 120 rooms and a hip ambience centered around a signature pool scene.

That ambience extends to the stone-filled “Roman bath”-style Irie Baths and Spa to the ultra-sleek, sweeping lobby.

The lobby.

But it’s the “Wet Deck” pool that will be the biggest injection of energy, with swim-out cabanas, colorful chairs and umbrellas and a Mediterranean-style lounge experience.

As for the food, the property calls it “Fresh. Local. Jamaican,” and that will cover four dining concepts: the all-day Rock Steady, the Pool Bar and Grill and Tracks & Records, the first Montego Bay outpost of legendary sprinter Usain Bolt’s casual dining brand.

And then there’s the sky deck, a rooftop experience that will mirror the rooftop scene at the company’s Kingston outpost, one that has become one of the capital’s centers of cool. (The Sky Deck will be exclusive to those staying in Sky Club Suites.)

The hotel calls itself “South Beach with an irie vibe,” but it’s more than that — with colorful accents and inspired touches like a replica of the convertible Katherine Hepburn rode in during her visit to Jamaica in 1953 used for the launch.

The latter is no coincidence: the aim here is to help return Montego Bay to its days as a beacon for the Jet Set.

It’s an ambitious hotel — and one that could be a game changer for Jamaica’s most popular destination.

For more, visit the S Hotel Jamaica.

— CJ