For more pictures - Click Here
|
| Deana Bellamy and James Henderson |
| Key Features
JAMAICA, a large, busy, beautiful, lively island, an intense experience for travellers. Extensive air access. A full range of beaches, some classic strands, others in pretty coves. A long-standing and now highly developed tourism ‘product’ with many excellent hotels, inns and guests houses, many are all inclusives, some chains, but also some wonderful cool independent hotels, from old colonial classics to funky modern hideaways. Also a very good range of villas. Good golf, superb music, strong local life and vibrant culture. | | |
Jamaica always repays adventurous travellers. Of course, you can opt for complete calm and inactivity – in one of the Caribbean’s coolest hotels if you choose well - but the island is such a lively place that it is definitely worth exploring. To begin with it is fantastically beautiful, more than almost any other island. Then there are endless things to do, not just on the beaches, but inland in the mountains and rivers as well, and Jamaica has a lively cultural life, with excellent music. The Jamaicans themselves are funny, charming and eccentric, exasperating at times, but always engaging. They have a million words for an easy life - ‘criss’, ‘legit’, irie, cool runnings, level vibes - and when you’re sitting in a beach bar beneath the palms, with the sunset and an easy pulse of reggae in the background, and a rum or Red Stripe in hand, the island at its best in other words, you’ll be inclined to agree with them.
Located in the Greater Antilles, Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean after Cuba, which lies 90 miles to its north, and Hispaniola (home of Haiti and the Dominican Republic), which is about 100 miles to the east. The island measures 146 miles from west to east by 51 miles across at its widest point north-south, and has an area of 4,244 square miles. It is extremely rough and mountainous and it is also immensely fertile. Jamaica comes in a million fantastically beautiful shades of green.
The different terrains have developed specialised eco-systems. On the flanks of the Blue Mountain Peak, which rises to 7,402ft, you will find pine forest, cloud forest and rainforest, with orchids and enormous ferns,. And yet within 100 miles there is drier, savannah-like grassland and the extraordinary ‘Cockpit Country’, an area of subterranean rivers and 300ft karst limestone peaks like a shaggy green egg box. All over the island there are tight valleys that explode with greenery and run with stunningly beautiful rivers (some of which you can raft, others with waterfalls you can climb). And down on the coast you will find mangroves, meandering shorelines, cliffs with nesting seabirds and of course an incredible variety of beaches, from tiny enclosed coves to Negril’s seemingly endless stretch of pure white sand at the island’s western tip. Jamaica also has thousands of flowering plants, almost a third of which are endemic, and, for the Caribbean, it has a very varied wildlife. There are over 250 species of birds, reptiles such as iguanas and tree frogs, and curiosities such as manatees and the hutia, a guinea-pig like creature.
Jamaica is the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean. Originally populated by Arawak Indians, it was Spanish for a while, until it was captured by the English, almost by mistake, in 1655. Independent from Britain in 1962, Jamaica now has a population of around 2,710,000, making it the fourth most populous island in the Caribbean. Kingston, the capital, has a population of over 600,000. But even this is only half of the story. There are probably as many Jamaicans living abroad (mainly in Britain, the US and Canada) as live on the island itself.
Jamaica is a lively, energetic place, which you will discover the moment you get out and begin to explore. It is also relatively large, which makes it an excellent place to travel around on your own itinerary, driving and staying a few nights in each place. But even if you do nothing more than take a tour from your hotel, there are so many tourist attractions in Jamaica. That there is bound to something to suit you.
There are the sports to begin with - you can hike in the mountains, scuba dive on the offshore reefs and walls or deep-sea fish, you can mountain bike, surf, windsurf and run marathons. You can go bamboo river rafting and tubing, climb and swim in waterfalls, ride horses, go on a canopy tour in the tropical forest or play golf on the island’s many excellent golf courses. But Jamaica also has more depth than most other Caribbean islands in other areas. There is the old architectural beauty, faded Georgian grandeur in the towns and heart-rendingly beautiful plantation buildings set in fantastic countryside. There are sugar, tropical fruit and Blue Mountain coffee plantations to visit, a rum distillery tour and excellent bird-watching. There are botanical gardens, art galleries and museums. You can even watch polo. And of course, this is not to forget that Jamaica is the home of reggae, and so you can follow that too, in the bars and clubs around the island. If you are lucky you might see a world famous artist playing in front of a small home crowd.
Over recent years the public image of Jamaica has not always been that favourable. There are occasional problems, but not much more than in other Caribbean islands, or in other countries around the world. Almost invariably if you are street-wise and don’t take unnecessary risks then you should be fine. It is true that in certain areas you can expect to be hustled. Just be polite and firm and eventually they will go away.
Generally, though, Jamaica seems in better form now than it has been for a while. The roads are improving and it is looking in better condition. The island has so much to offer, and it is all easily available. Getting out there and exploring invariably rewards the effort.
Jamaica’s Resorts
Jamaica is generally divided into a number of ‘resorts’. They are named after the major town in the area, but in fact the resort usually stretches a long way beyond the boundaries of the town itself. So, while a hotel may nominally be ‘in’ Montego Bay, it might actually be on a secluded beach ten miles out of the town. That said, the towns themselves do each have their own character. Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are the main ‘volume tourism’ and cruise ship destinations, and they have many of the principal hotels, sights and shopping areas. At the western tip of the island, lining a truly spectacular beach and some equally pretty cliffs, Negril has a completely different feel. It has some delightful smaller hotels (alongside some major ones too) and a much more laid back air. Port Antonio is also a calmer and quieter spot, set against a backdrop of fantastically pretty countryside.
Between these main towns you will find smaller areas, almost destinations in their own right. Discovery Bay and Runaway Bay, on the north coast between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, have a few hotels, as do the quiet, local towns of Treasure Beach and Bluefields on the stretches of undeveloped coastline on the south coast. In the East, Boston Bay and Long Bay are very simple and offer a delightful laid back experience too. Finally there is Kingston the capital, home of the Jamaicans’ Jamaica, which of course is extremely lively. There is plenty of interest in the humdrum of the city, but even here you will find the Blue Mountains just close by, which are some of the gentlest and most charming areas in the Caribbean.
Jamaica is a large island and separate guides will be published to the different towns and tourist areas.
Blue Mountain Jamaican Coffee: Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is famed throughout the world. And among the most expensive, though several of the hotels around the island serve it to their guests. See here for a story about Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee.
Food from Jamaica: Jamaica is also famous for jerk. Can you imagine going to eat in a Jerk Centre? Is it a retreat for the socially ungainly? To find out what you have been missing see here.
Negril is the coolest town in Jamaica and a great place to do very little, just sit in a hammock and read a book. See here for some beach and cliff reading in Negril. |
| ^ back to top |
Accommodation
Jamaica has a huge range of accommodation, a reflection both of the large number of visitors, who come to the island for their different reasons, and of the island’s ‘resorts’, each of which has its own distinct character. There are also the many different locations, with accommodation set inland, in towns and in the mountains as well as on the beaches, lending each property its own character. The variety is impressive. You will find large hotels and resorts muscling in on the beachfronts, quiet, funky hang-outs on isolated coves, plantation inns, golf resorts, mountain lodges and small and simple guest houses in very ‘local’ villages. Then there are hotels with a speciality. Some are set up with children in mind, others for sports or nature lovers and there are hotels ideal for singles looking to be pampered, with full service spas. There is something to suit every taste and pocket.
The island is probably best known for its beachside hotels and resorts, which include a large number of all-inclusives (see below), but this is by no means all that Jamaica has to offer. There are also some fantastic smaller hotels that have endless island character, with a funky appearance and an easy manner. You will also find a good range of guest houses, enabling you to stay in less touristy areas at good prices. And if you would prefer to cater for yourself, then some of the cheapest places to stay in the resort towns are actually the cottages and apartments.
In addition, Jamaica also has an exceptional range of private villas, both independent homes and houses in villa resorts, making it an excellent destination for families or a gathering of friends. The island has had a long list of extremely wealthy devotees who have built some stunning houses along the north coast between Montego Bay and Port Antonio, with services and facilities to match. You can expect swimming pools, often a tennis court, a full staff including a butler, and a glorious setting, sometimes with a lawn leading down to your own section of beach.
Finally, unlike most other Caribbean islands, because Jamaica is a relatively large island and is ideal for travelling around. You can pick from among hotels in the mountains, on plantations and beaches, even the city and then link them up to create your own independent itinerary around the island.
ALL-INCLUSIVES
There is a huge number of all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica. In fact the trend for them, which has now reached many islands around the Caribbean, was started in Jamaica. The all-inclusive concept is simple. You make your payment before you leave home and then all aspects of your holiday (flight, transfers, accommodation, food, drink, even some excursions) are included in the price, so that you never have to take your wallet out again. It is a convenient formula and it has been very popular with some travellers. Also it is often well priced, so - if your rationale is to get to Jamaica as cheaply as possible then an all-inclusive may be the way to go. But all-inclusives do have a knock-on effect. Having paid for all their food and drinks, their guests tend not to leave the compound (which these hotels literally are in some cases), and the result is that independent restaurants and other services around the area suffer. Then, with captive guests, there is little incentive to impress in the dining room or with levels of service. The result is often a ‘sameness’ in the style and service. Most importantly, guests who stay in miss out on the best of Jamaica, travelling the island and meeting the Jamaicans.
While there is considerable variety within all-inclusives and some have made an effort to improve their service in recent years, with à la carte dining rooms, more watersports, better entertainment, free watersports instruction, the formula is usually a limiting one. As a general rule the hotels tend to be large (so you need to be happy as part of a large crowd) and all too often they lack character, particularly of Jamaica itself, which after all is such a lively and compelling island. In fairness large, mid range hotels in other islands may not have much character, and many of the travellers are not actually interested in seeing anything more than a small section of beach, but this does not mean that the experience is any better. In general at Definitive Caribbean we feel that the all-inclusives do not offer the best side of Jamaica. For this reason we have selected only a small number of them to recommend, ones that we feel are the most sympathetic or that manage to sidestep the limitations of the formula.
Hotels & Resorts
Jamaica has some of the most famous hotels in the Caribbean, stalwarts that have been offering top knotch service to returning travellers for forty or fifty years. These few may retain their fashionable position, but they are no longer the only places to stay in the island. Newer generations of hotels have grown up around them, starting in the Seventies and Eighties, when the large package tour companies began to reach into the island and then the wave of all-inclusives (see above). There is still building going on.
The major hotels in the island are all located on the beach and most are within a shout of the major resort towns, along the north shore between Negril, Montego Bay and a little beyond Ocho Rios. Many are very large indeed, with more than 200 rooms, though it is only recently that they have overtaken the 400 room Titchfield Hotel, which was open in Port Antonio in the early twentieth century. Despite the huge number of hotels in the island, more are still being built, and even larger than before, some with literally thousands of rooms. They look more like factories than hotels and are hardly the sort of place that you would want to spend a week on holiday.
So, for all of Jamaica’s huge number of hotels, there are really just a handful that we can honestly recommend as having true Jamaican character and suitable levels of service. In the absence of somewhere that suits your requirements you may want to look under the Small Hotels and Inns section.
| Couples Swept Away Resort
The most sympathetic of the all-inclusive resorts that line the beachfront at the northern end of Negril. A very large hotel with endless facilities on a broad and excellent stretch of white sand.
Key Features: A leading Jamaica beachfront hotel in Negril and distinctive amongst Jamaica inclusive resorts, set on 800ft of excellent sand, swimming pool, 4 restaurants (Thai, Caribbean, upscale), 6 bars, games room; plenty of watersports, catamaran cruise, scuba diving; fitness/sports centre with 25m lap pool, fully equipped gym, aerobics room, yoga lessons, squash court, racquet ball, 10 floodlit tennis courts, steam rooms and sauna, unlimited golf.
From US$593/night in summer all-inclusive | | Half Moon
A large and luxurious resort on 2 miles of shoreline and beaches just east of Montego Bay. Half Moon has hotel rooms, suites and villas in its extensive grounds, and an extremely wide range of activities, including a children’s centre, conference facilities, shopping centre, golf course, riding stables. A popular Caribbean and leading Jamaican resort.
Key Features: The Half Moon resort Jamaica is a 400 acre luxury Jamaica hotel and villa resort with 398 bedrooms in suites, hotel blocks and villas (with private pools, cooks and butlers), 2 miles of sandy beach, several pools, one Olympic, large lagoon pool with swim-up bar, 3 Jacuzzis, full service spa, fitness centre. 6 restaurants, 7 bars. Watersports, dive shop, dolphin lagoon, 25 acre nature reserve, 13 floodlit tennis courts, 4 squash courts, croquet lawn, bicycles, children’s village, equestrian centre, 18 hole 72 par championship golf course, David Leadbetter Golf Academy, 18 hole putting green.
From US$250/night in summer | | Jamaica Inn
One of Jamaica’s most elegant and loveliest hotels, set in its own cove just east of Ocho Rios, on one of the island’s prettiest beaches. Traditional Jamaican graciousness and grandeur, now sharpened up for a gradually younger and glitzier crowd, with a spa and a leaner redesign.
Key Features: The most elegant of hotels in Ocho Rios Jamaica, 47 suites and 6 cottages, restaurant and bar, superb 700ft white sand beach, beach bar, swimming pool, non motorised watersports, croquet lawn, holistic spa, library, gift shop, fitness room, wedding plan, some child restrictions
From US$280/night in summer | | Round Hill Hotel & Villas
Jamaica’s most refined hotel, in an exquisite setting of villas and hotel rooms on a hillside and private peninsular just west of Montego Bay. Round Hill has been a trusted escape for a well heeled, often glitzy crowd for the past five decades and offers the very best in tropical elegance.
Key Features: Round Hill Hotel Jamaica, best of Caribbean hotels and villas, set on a private 100 acre estate, 36 hotel rooms and 27 two- to five-bedroom villas (with bedrooms available as suites), most with private pools. Restaurant, piano bar, beach bar, 2 central pools, pool bar, full service Elemis spa, fitness centre, PADI dive and watersports shop, 5 tennis courts, children’s club, library, TV lounge, customised weddings, resort boutique and gift shop.
From US$370/night in summer | | Royal Plantation
Royal Plantation offers modern Caribbean luxury in a very attractive cliffside setting just east of Ocho Rios. Some traditional Old colonial elegance, but an upbeat air, with plenty of activity and modern amenities in the suites, spa and watersports.
Key Features: Royal Plantation Jamaica is an all-inclusive couples resort in Ocho Rios, also with a room only plan. Set in 8 acres, 76 suites with satellite TV, VCR & CD, 2 beaches with butler service, 4 restaurants including a caviar bar, 2 bars, swimming pool, 2 Jacuzzis, 2 floodlit tennis courts, non-motorised watersports, games room, full service spa, beauty salon, fitness centre, gift shop, conference centre, weddings Jamaica service, golf Ocho Rios close by. | | Sunset at the Palms
A mid-sized all-inclusive hotel set in attractive tropical garden across the main road from the superb beach at Bloody Bay in Negril. Very comfortable cabins, some on stilts and a lively atmosphere.
Key Features: Sunset at the Palms Negril is an all-inclusive hotel, set in a 10 acre palm garden and a 5 acre beachfront, non-motorised watersports, beach bar & grill. All rooms in cabins, all with satellite TV, hairdryer and coffee/tea maker; restaurant, swimming pool with swim-up bar, Jacuzzi, floodlit tennis court, full spa services (extra charge), fitness centre, gift shop, nature walks.
From US$325/night in summer all-inclusive | | Sunset Beach Resort & Spa
A large, well priced all-inclusive resort set in the Freeport area just outside Montego Bay. A very lively hotel with a huge range of facilities and activities, by day and night, including a large children’s water park.
Key Features: Lively beach front resort well placed to enjoy the attractions in Montego Bay Jamaica, 420 rooms, 3 beaches, 1 au naturel, 3 swimming pools, large Jacuzzi, 4 restaurants, 6 bars, cable TVs, non-motorised watersports, 4 floodlit tennis courts, fitness centre, upgraded children’s club, mini golf, beach volley & basket ball, slot machines, disco, beauty salon and spa (both extra), weddings. Pirate’s Paradise Water Park with waterslides, pirate ship, Jacuzzis, a teen centre, games room, children’s pool. All-inclusive plan.
From US$280/night in summer all-inclusive | | Terra Nova All Suite Hotel
An all-suite hotel set in an Edwardian mansion and pleasant gardens in New Kingston, close to the commercial district. Ideal for business travellers, but also independent travellers looking for a hotel in the city with some traditional Jamaican character.
Key Features: An elegant Kingston hotel, 2 restaurants (formal and veranda), piano bar, swimming pool, pool bar, 2 business centres, conference and meeting facilities, boutique, sundries shop, fitness room, spinning classes (extra), wedding venue. Gaming club and bar.
From US$135/night in summer | | The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort
The Ritz-Carlton Golf and Spa Resort is set in Rose Hall, a few miles to the east of Montego Bay. A large and luxurious beach hotel, it has the exceptional service of the Ritz-Carlton brand and includes a full service spa, a championship golf course and conference facilities.
Key Features: The Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall Jamaica is a commanding 427 room beach front resort, with 51 suites and 36 Ritz-Carlton Club Level rooms with private lounge and concierge, beach with non-motorised watersports, free-form swimming pool, Jacuzzi, full service Ritz-Carlton spa with 11 treatment rooms, fitness centre, tennis centre, 5 restaurants, meeting facilities, gift shops, children’s activities. Jamaica conference and event facilities for up to 800. White Witch golf in Jamaica - 18 hole par 71 golf course.
From US$229/night in summer | | | ^ back to top |
Small Hotels & Inns
In many ways the inns and small hotels of Jamaica are the unsung heroes. Many of them have so much character and individual island style, but while the large hotels have been able to market themselves internationally, the smaller hotels find it very hard to make themselves known. It is well worth seeking them out, because some of them rate as the coolest places to stay in the whole of the Caribbean.
While some of the small hotels and inns in Jamaica are set on the beach, this is not universal. Instead they may have an equally attractive location in the mountains or on a forested hillside. In Negril there is a delightful group of small hotels in superb settings on the cliffs of the West End (as well as several on the beach). Levels of service may also vary in the smaller hotels, but they are very likely to offer a friendly reception, with an excellent atmosphere for an easy-going stay.
DefinitiveCaribbean usually makes the distinction between ‘Small Hotel and Inns’ and ‘Hotels and Resorts’ at around 35 rooms. A couple of the hotels listed below may have more than this, but they are selected because their atmosphere is more that of a small hotel and sometimes because they are small by comparison with the hotels that they are surrounded by.
| Country, Country Beach Cottages
A delightful small hotel with funky Caribbean style set right on Negril’s famous beach. Colourful wooden cottages in excellent tropical gardens, a cool hideaway with a great Jamaican vibe. Well priced too.
Key Features: Country Country Negril is a cool, small luxury hotel in Jamaica set right on Negril beach. Beach bar and grill, all suites with veranda, a/c, cable TV, ceiling fan, fridge, kettle, phone, hairdryer, in-room safe. Central sitting and games room.
From US$105 sgl 135 dbl/night in summer | | Coyaba Beach Resort
A small and refined family owned hotel set in profuse gardens just east of Montego Bay in Jamaica. Coyaba Beach Resort has contemporary, if quite formal colonial style, but a relaxed and friendly air, with a good range of amenities and facilities for its size.
Key Features: Coyaba Beach Resort in Montego Bay has 50 rooms with some Junior suites, satellite TV, 400ft beachfront, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, 3 restaurants, 3 bars, floodlit tennis court, spa with three treatment rooms, gym, non-motorised watersports, children’s playground, meeting room, custom wedding plan. Member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World
From US$220/night in summer | | Hibiscus Lodge Hotel
A friendly, family owned hotel set in three acres of lovely gardens on a dramatic cliff top within walking distance of Ocho Rios’ town centre. It has quite simple but comfortable rooms overlooking the sea and a bar and pool that cling to the cliffside. Also a well regarded restaurant, the Almond Tree.
Key Features: Hibiscus Lodge Hotel, Ocho Rios Jamaica has 26 rooms, cable TV, swimming pool on the cliffside, enclosed sea swimming area off an unusual sandy deck, Jacuzzi, restaurant, swing bar, floodlit tennis court, conference room, caters to large weddings and functions
From US$128.50/night in summer | | Hotel Mocking Bird Hill
A small eco friendly retreat set on the hillside above Port Antonio, with fantastic coastal views over the lushest and most beautiful part of Jamaica. Mocking Bird Hill has a welcoming atmosphere, good comfort and facilities, some adventure (bird-watching and hiking) in the hills around and excellent home made fare in their restaurant, Mille Fleurs.
Key Features: A 6 ½ acre tropical haven, 10 rooms, swimming pool, TV lounge and library, art gallery, restaurant, bar, shuttle and entry to Frenchman’s Cove beach, snorkelling gear, bird watching, massage services, art classes in sculpture and drawing available.
From US$125/night in summer | | Jake's
A fantastic, funky hideout in the delightful and dozy village of Treasure Beach, quite remote on Jamaica’s southern shore. Jake’s is a scattering of brightly painted cottages in pretty shorefront gardens, centred on a small main house and bar. Relatively simple rooms, massage, but without doubt one of the coolest places to stay in the Caribbean.
Key Features: Jake's Jamaica is part of the Island Outposts group, 2 restaurants, poolside bar, saltwater pool, swimming beach, kayaks and snorkelling (extra), Driftwood Spa, games room with cable TV, CD and DVD collection, book and video library, gift shop, all rooms with CD/cassette player, CD library, hairdryer, small fridge and ceiling fan; cooking classes and fishing available (extra).
From US$95/night in summer | | Jamaica Inn and Spa
One of Jamaica’s most elegant and loveliest hotels, set in its own cove just east of Ocho Rios, on one of the island’s prettiest beaches. Traditional Jamaican graciousness and grandeur, now sharpened up for a gradually younger and glitzier crowd, with a spa and a leaner redesign.
Key Features: The most elegant of hotels in Ocho Rios Jamaica, 47 suites and 6 cottages, restaurant and bar, superb 700ft white sand beach, beach bar, swimming pool, non motorised watersports, croquet lawn, holistic spa, library, gift shop, fitness room, wedding plan, some child restrictions.
From US$280/night in summer | | Rockhouse Hotel
A classic laid back hotel on the cliffs in Negril, set in a series of stone walled and wooden, thatch-roofed cottages that line the cliff tops of the West End. Secluded and low key, Rockhouse Jamaica has great tropical style and a distinctly cool vibe.
Key Features: An ultra-cool, secluded small hotel in Negril, set on the cliffs, 60ft infinity-edge freshwater swimming pool, access to sea for swimming, restaurant, pool bar and grill, boutique, lounge, massage cabana, beauty and spa services, yoga room with daily classes (extra), snorkelling gear available for rent, some weddings.
From US$125/night in summer | | Royal Reef Hotel
A charming, small and independent hotel set on its own in a modern house on the waterfront in the Greenwood area on Jamaica’s north coast. As a small EP hotel in an island of large all-inclusives, Royal Reef Jamaica offers a cheerful retreat with pleasant accommodation and personal service.
Key Features: Cosy beachfront hotel, 19 rooms with cable TVs, restaurant, café, bar and grill, 2 swimming pools (1 fresh, 1 salt water), Jacuzzi, wedding services, meeting facilities, small peninsular with beach terrace.
From US$75 sgl/$90 dbl/night in summer | | Strawberry Hill
An exquisite small hotel in modernised plantation style, set at 3000 feet above Kingston in the Blue Mountains. Strawberry Hill is a Caribbean gem with an extremely and luxurious air. With a full service spa, an excellent dining room and high levels of service, it is a superb escape.
Key Features: One of the best small luxury hotels in Jamaica, part of the Island Outposts group, 50 acre mountaintop estate at 3100 ft, infinity edge pool, restaurant, bar, full service Aveda Concept Spa with sauna and plunge pool, yoga deck, gift shop, library with board games and TV, fitness room, mountain bikes available, nature walks and trails, meeting facilities. WiFi access. In rooms, CD player and CD library, cable TV, DVD player, mini bar, hairdryer, coffee/tea maker.
From US$395/night in summer full board | | Tensing Pen
A delightful, very small hotel, set on the cliffs in Negril at Jamaica’s western tip. Tensing Pen is a series of thatched wooden cabins hiding among lovely gardens on the cliffs. It is cool, calm, and extremely laid back. Also excellent for a Jamaica wedding location.
Key Features: Intimate Negril hotel, 3 acre cliff-side setting, great room with library/lounge, bar and dining room, swimming pool, gift shop, hammock hut, thatched cottages all with fridges, sea swimming access, yoga area, massage therapist
From US$117/night in summer | | The Caves
A discreet and very stylish hideaway on the cliffs in Negril, at Jamaica’s western tip. The Caves has just eleven rooms in a series of brightly coloured stone and wooden cabins strung along the cliff edge. An extremely calm and quiet escape.
Key Features: Excellent small Negril hotel, all-inclusive rate, 24 hr self-service bar, Aveda mini-spa, sauna, saltwater swimming pool, Jacuzzi, cave hot tub, all rooms with mini fridge, grotto dining room on request, CD/cassette player, CD library and hairdryer (TVs and VCRs on request), snorkelling equipment, pool floats, kayaks, bicycles, sea swimming access.
From US$425/night in summer all-inclusive | | | ^ back to top |
Villas
Jamaica has some extremely impressive villas for rent, among them some of the finest homes in the Caribbean. In fact the island has a long tradition of renting out private homes. In the Fifties and Sixties Port Antonio had an amazing scene, and some exceptional houses date from those days (and since). Holiday villas now stretch all the way along the north coast, some independent and others in villa resorts. Others can be found in Jamaica’s stalwart hotels, Round Hill and Half Moon for example, which have some villas as a part of their inventory of rooms. Of course many of the villas have superb settings, on hillsides, cliffs or their own stretch of sand. Fully staffed, they have all the toys and facilities for a superb villa-based holiday.
The highest concentration of villas is nowadays around Montego Bay, where you will find homes located at Round Hill, Tryall and Half Moon, as well as in a few other private estates in the area. Heading east along the north coast you come to Silver Sands, where there is a charming villa resort with a relaxed community, and then a string of private houses on the eastern arm of Discovery Bay. There are villas dotted along the beaches and cliffs either side of Ocho Rios, some of them independent houses, others in small villa resorts, which are an interesting option for a large group. And just east of here at Oracabessa you will find villas at Ian Fleming’s old home Goldeneye, where he wrote the James Bond novels. Port Antonio has a long history as a retreat for the jet set, and there is a clutch of lovely properties hidden amongst the hills above San San and on the striking seafront at the Blue Lagoon. At the other end of the island, Negril has little space for private villas on the beach itself, but there are a few private villas on the cliffs at the West End. Most of the self-catering accommodation is in apartments, with just a couple of villa resorts.
The standards set by some of the villas featured by DefinitiveCaribbean equal those of the island’s finest hotels. Many have a butler, cook, housekeeper, laundress and gardener as the norm and some will provide extra staff as needed, for instance additional maids, a night watchman, maybe a pastry chef, a driver and so on. However if you are looking for villas with low key staffing then these also exist. Unlike other islands, most of Jamaica’s private villas have live-in staff who have their own separate accommodation.
Like the rest of the Caribbean, tipping has become almost mandatory when staying in a villa in Jamaica. What is different however, is that here it is based on a percentage of the rental fee. The rate is hefty, at 10% of the rental cost in winter and 15% in summer. The staff depend on these tips, and so you should see it as standard and budget accordingly (it is very rare that you will find the service undeserving). It is worth remembering by comparison that hotels add a 10% service charge to their rates (also to be divided amongst staff), and then encourage additional tipping for individual members of staff at your discretion. In some cases – it depends on the company that you book through - these tips can be paid in advance.
| | Sleeps 20 | Silent Waters
A truly spectacular, very private property set high on a hilltop in attractive gardens just west of Montego Bay, with breathtaking views all around. Bedrooms in cottages are ranged around hilltop gardens with oriental statues among ponds and waterways, all encircling the central living areas. At the summit is an even more private one-bedroom villa with its own pool, and the helipad.
Key Features: One of the best villas in Jamaica, exclusive 18 acre hillside estate with helipad, 80ft infinity swimming pool, 2nd infinity pool, poolside bar, 2 dining pavilions, Yamaha Disklavier baby grand piano and entertainment centre: 48” satellite TV, DVD, VCR and CD surround sound system, video and CD library, computer with internet access, all suites with STV, VCR/DVD, CD player and wet bar, floodlit DecaTurf tennis court with viewing stand, wet bar and ball machine, exercise equipment, sea kayaks, snorkelling equipment, 6 massage tables. Yoga, massages and beauty treatments (extra). Jamaica weddings and special events location fee, driver with van available, electronic gated entrance.
From US$14,000-32,900/week in summer | | | Sleeps 18 | Golden Clouds
A 9 bedroom seafront estate with sprawling, landscaped gardens and a stunning coastal setting looking towards Ocho Rios on Jamaica’s northern shore. With 7 bedrooms in the main house (perched on the edge of a low sea cliff) and a 2 bedroom cottage set in the gardens, Golden Clouds Estate is an ideal retreat for large gatherings and special occasions such as Jamaica weddings.
Key Features: A Jamaican oceanfront villa rental set in a six acre seafront estate, two swimming pools, poolside cabana, barbecue terrace, Jacuzzi hot tub, waterfront beach terrace, service to the beach, wet bar, digital satellite TV, VCR, CD player, video collection, large book selection, exercise room with table tennis, tennis court, children’s playground, shuffleboard, basketball practice court, croquet lawn, computer with internet access and fax.
From US$9,200-12,000/week in summer | | | Sleeps 14 | A Summer Place
A distinctive and luxurious 7 bedroom holiday home, set on its own private white sand beach on Discovery Bay on the north coast of Jamaica. Ideal for relaxed beachfront and poolside living, with extensive gardens, suitable for children.
Key Features: Splendid Jamaica oceanfront villa rental, swimming pool (16ft x 32ft) with gazebo and bar, 5 main house bedrooms (with TV and VCR), waterfront gazebo, satellite TV with VCR, CD system, piano, sea kayaks, snorkelling equipment and pool float, barbecue.
From US$11,000-12,000/week in summer | | Amanoka
A fabulous-looking 7 bedroom beachfront villa with seductive Indonesian décor, located on Discovery Bay on Jamaica’s north coast. Amanoka has the luxuries of a small hotel set on its own pristine, white sand beach and several options for in- and outdoor living and dining.
Key Features: Exclusive oceanfront villa, one of the best villas in Jamaica, seafront gazebo, infinity edge swimming pool (13ft x 26ft), Jacuzzi, floodlit tennis court, air-conditioned fitness room, air-conditioned spa, water’s edge dining deck and BBQ, yoga on request, sea kayaks, sailfish boat, snorkelling equipment, pool table, cable TVs in all bedrooms, wet bar, pavillion style lounge, family room with 32” cable and satellite TV, VCR and DVD, CD, surround sound music system with 12 speakers, computer with complimentary internet access, fax/copier.
From US$14,000-18,000/week in summer | | Fortlands Point
A modern, executive style, 7 bedroom villa, set on the dramatic eastern point of Discovery Bay. Very well appointed, luxurious accommodation with all the mod cons, with a choice of 3 small sandy beaches cut into the shoreline.
Key Features: Luxurious seafront Jamaica villa rentals property on 2 acres with 3 beaches, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, squash court, fitness room, bar with TV and sound system, family room with big screen satellite TV, DVD with surround sound, DVD library, wine cellar, 5 alfresco dining areas, formal dining room, sea kayaks, floating bar, snorkelling equipment, croquet, darts, hammocks, barbecue, child’s playhouse and games, computer with internet access.
From US$14,000-18,000/week in summer | | | Sleeps 12 | Keela Wee
A fabulous 6 bedroom, beachfront villa with sea views and a glorious setting on Discovery Bay on Jamaica’s north coast. An ideal spot for families or a group of friends, with pool, gardens, beach, tennis court and friendly service.
Key Features: Jamaica oceanfront villa rental perfect for a Caribbean family vacation, virtually a resort in itself, private beach, swimming pool (16ft x 34ft), floodlit tennis court, sea kayaks and snorkelling equipment, water trampoline and floating platform, 2 beachside dining decks, seafront terrace with picnic benches, covered living/dining veranda with wet bar, family room with 32” cable TV, VCR, CD sound system, fax and computer with internet access, all bedrooms with cable TV.
From US$10,950-11,950/week in summer | | | Sleeps 10 | Cliffside Cottage
A cheerful, 5-bedroom Caribbean villa with panoramic coastal views, located in the private Unity Hall Estate west of Montego Bay. Cliffside Cottage is a comfortable and airy family style home which comes with beach club membership at nearby Round Hill Hotel.
Key Features: Child friendly villa rentals Montego Bay, swimming pool (20ft x 40ft) with large terrace, satellite TV, DVD and VCR, video library, CD system and CD library, formal and informal living and dining areas, Round Hill beach club membership.
From US$2,800-4,500/week in summer | | Drambuie Estate
A refined, intriguing five bedroom property in plantation style with stunning views over Montego Bay. Drambuie was built in the 1940s using original stonework and combines new and traditional architectural styles with colourful flair. Ideal for large groups, an excellent spot for Jamaica weddings.
Key Features: A good choice for a plantation-style villa vacation in Jamaica. Marvellous 35 acre estate, complimentary a/c van with driver, swimming pool (28ft x 65ft), gazebo, all bedrooms with cable TV and CD player, great house living room with pool table, large screen satellite TV, VCR, CD system and inlaid games table, telescope, computer with internet access, selection of books, CDs, videos and games, croquet, massage tables for use by pool or in tree house with services on request, free weights and bench, Round Hill beach club membership.
From US$5,600/week in summer | | Greatview
A first class, 5 bedroom luxury villa overlooking the coast east of Montego Bay, offering an exceptional standard of accommodation, comfort and facilities, with services to match. Newly built, the villa is furnished with family heirlooms, Asian antiques and traditional Jamaican pieces.
Key Features: Greatview is one of the best villas in Jamaica for rental, coastal views, infinity edge swimming pool (20ft x 40ft) with waterfall to plunge pool, Jacuzzi, air-conditioned gym, cable and satellite TV in all bedrooms, 40ft high ceiling great room with sitting and formal dining areas, large living veranda with bar and TV, air-conditioned family room with 30” plasma TV, DVD, VCR and library, gas barbecue, massage room with therapist on call, roof deck with telescope, weddings, meeting facilities, 24-hour concierge service and complimentary full time driver. Guest membership for Rose Hall Resort & Country Club.
From US$8,500-10,500/week in summer | | Knockando
A versatile, deluxe, 5 ½ bedroom family villa in a lovely setting in the exclusive Round Hill Estate west of Montego Bay. Knockando has a variety of bedrooms (for adults, for children and a separate cottage with wheelchair access) and a comfortable, spacious furnished veranda with excellent views along the coast.
Key Features: A good Jamaica resort villa especially for holidays in the Caribbean with kids, swimming pool (20ft x 40ft), large living/dining veranda with wet bar and cable TV, poolside fitness gazebo, dining gazebo, barbecue grill, cable TV, DVD, VCR, CD system with 10 speaker surround sound, library of CDs, DVDs and videos, internet access. Facilities for wheelchair users including electric wheelchair and 3 wheelchair friendly bathrooms. Also Round Hill Hotel and Beach Club membership and two 4-seater golf carts.
From US$5,500-8,000/week in summer | | Lime Tree
A delightful contemporary, 5 bedroom Caribbean home set on a cliffside on the outskirts of Ocho Rios on Jamaica’s northern shore. Hidden away in lush gardens, Lime Tree has a very welcoming atmosphere with crisp, light and airy interiors, good outdoor living space and uninterrupted views to the Caribbean Sea.
Key Features: A private villa in a superb Jamaica garden, elevated sea views, swimming pool (15 x 30ft), satellite TV, DVD, VCR, CD player, sea kayaks, snorkelling equipment, sea grotto terrace, waterfront terrace, swimming platform with sea slide, poolside dining pavilion with working fireplace.
From US$6,000/week in summer | | Pavilion
A bright and cheerful, well furnished holiday home set within well tended gardens at Rose Hall just east of Montego Bay. Beautiful views to the coast at the front and to the interior countryside behind.
Key Features: A Jamaica rental villa with membership to Rose Hall Resort & Country Club including access to water park and reduced green fees, 66ft freeform swimming pool with slide, large Jacuzzi, poolside gazebo with satellite TV, VCR, DVD, CD system with surround sound and PlayStation 2, covered veranda with bar, master bedroom STV, VCR, DVD and CD, 1 bedroom with STV and CD, additional STV and music system in living area.
From US$5,000-6,850/week in summer | | Sugar Bay
A super 5 bedroom villa with old plantation-style features set on a delightful white sand beach on Discovery Bay. Sugar Bay has excellent indoor and outdoor living space, a small garden and pool, rock pools and a jetty. It is a high quality house suitable for families as well as groups of friends.
Key Features: An exclusive oceanfront villa for Jamaica villa rentals, excellent indoor and outdoor living space, swimming pool (15ft x 30ft), Jacuzzi, seafront gazebo with swing seats, jetty with sun terrace, beachside dining and BBQ deck, floodlit sea, water trampoline, floodlit tennis court, ball machine, sea kayaks and snorkelling equipment, family TV room with satellite TV, DVD, VCR and CD surround sound system, library of videos and CDs, cosy dining room, furnished veranda for living/dining with wet bar.
From US$8,000-11,900/week in summer | | Tranquillity
A delightful seafront property set in beautifully tended shorefront gardens just to the west of Montego Bay. The five bedrooms are in a mix of old colonial style in the main house and more contemporary design in the separate cottage. Swimming and snorkelling right there.
Key Features: One of Linda Smith’s villas in Montego Bay Jamaica, 2 acres of beautiful shaded gardens in this Jamaica villa rent, swimming pool (15ft x 30ft), 2 sea kayaks, beachside dining gazebo, shared tennis court with sister villa Serenity, basketball net, villa cottage each with satellite (2 dishes) TV, VCR with video library, CD system with CD library.
From US$5,500-7,300/week in summer | | | Sleeps 8 | Birdie Hill (former Pixie Hill)
A gracious four-bedroom holiday home set in 5 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens just to the east of Port Antonio. Birdie Hill has a lovely old colonial Jamaican style and superb views over Alligator Head and San San Bay.
Key Features: A Port Antonio vacation villa with fantastic views, swimming pool, adjoining sun terrace and covered patios with steps into pool, cable TV, DVD, CD player, wet bar and built-in barbecue.
From US$4,500/week in summer | | Destiny
A top quality villa set high on a hillside to the west of Montego Bay, with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and coastline. Three bedroom main house, well designed for open-air living, infinity edge pool and a unique, private suite with pool, garden shower and luxurious bathroom.
Key Features: 7 acre tropical Jamaica villa hillside retreat, infinity swimming pool (20ft x 40ft), dining room and dining terrace, gazebo with wet bar, breakfast terrace, satellite TV, DVD and VCR, internet access, open air gym, 2nd pool in owners’ suite with lounge and piano, Master bedroom with roof deck, gas barbecue, use of floodlit tennis court.
From US$7,500/week in summer | | Edgewater
A comfortable, two storey shore side holiday home set on a rocky shorefront and sand just east of Ocho Rios in Jamaica. Edgewater has 4 bedrooms and a formal sitting room with a large covered living/dining veranda that leads to a pool terrace from where there are full-on sea views.
Key Features: One of just a few villas in Ocho Rios with a private beach, swimming pool, poolside gazebo, sea terrace, cable TV, VCR, stereo, resort next door with day/evening pass available (couples only).
From US$3,000-3,500/week in summer | | Emerald Seas
A superb and elegantly furnished, luxury 4 bedroom seafront villa just east of Ocho Rios in Jamaica, with stunning sea and coastal views from the cascading, cliffside gardens, which, like the villa, are lovingly tended and in immaculate order.
Key Features: One of Jamaica’s luxury villas with superb woodland grounds, swimming pool (18ft x 38ft), floodlit tennis court with ball machine and rackets, table tennis, games, cable TV, DVD, VCR and CD with movie library, computer with internet access, printer and fax, gas barbecue, seafront jetty, sea kayaks and snorkelling equipment, membership of Sans Souci resort’s gym and aerobics club – day passes for other areas (adult only resort) can be purchased, membership at Sandals Golf and Country Club with reduced green fees.
From US$7,000-7,500/week in summer | | Four Winds
A pleasant and comfortable 4 bedroom holiday home outside Ocho Rios on Jamaica’s north coast, located on the beach just west of Dunns River Falls. Four Winds is a two storey house in contemporary Caribbean style set in two acres of excellent tropical gardens.
Key Features: A Jamaica villa rent with a private protected swimming bay, swimming pool, flood-lit tennis court, games room with bar, cable TV, board games and dart board, cable TV, DVD, VCR and CD system, basket ball hoop, barbecue and beach side gazebo.
From US$5,000/week in summer | | Hillside Cottage
Hillside Cottage is a well loved, affordable 4 bedroom villa set within the exclusive Round Hill Estate. Popular with families, it has classic, beautiful Round Hill style, and stunning views of the coast and across the water to Montego Bay.
Key Features: Jamaica resort villa with a high level of repeat business, coastal views, swimming pool (20ft x 40ft), satellite TV, VCR and CD system, Round Hill Hotel and Beach Club membership, van with driver available. Can be taken with Seaside Cottage to sleep 16.
From US$6,500/week in summer | | Lolivya
A delightful 4 bedroom waterside home in one of Jamaica’s most unique settings, on the famous Blue Lagoon near Port Antonio. Lolivya has contemporary Caribbean décor and makes the most of its setting, with all its rooms looking onto the stunning water.
Key Features: A super Port Antonio villa rental with a waterfront setting, private jetty and sun deck, 4 seater dinghy, kayak, cable TV, CD player, barbecue.
From US$4,200/week in summer | | Noble House
An immaculate, 4 bedroom villa in a gracious, older style, located at Unity Hall just west of Montego Bay. Noble House is surrounded by lawns with flowerbeds and fruit trees and gives right onto 500ft of beachfront. Spacious living area and a private terrace with a sea view from each bedroom.
Key Features: An excellent option for a villa vacation in Jamaica, 5 acre beachfront estate with private beach, swimming pool (35ft x 55ft), bar, formal dining room, spacious living areas both indoors and out, roof terrace, lily pond, satellite TV, VCR, music system, 2 sea kayaks, wet bar in cottage, Round Hill Hotel and Beach Club membership.
From US$6,600-9,600/week in summer | | Norse Hill
Grand four bedroom Jamaica rental villa set high above the coast at San San just east of Port Antonio. Family style, with elements of the Orient and Scandinavia, fantastic gardens and spectacular views of the most beautiful part of Jamaica.
Key Features: Smart hillside Port Antonio villa rental set in 8 acres of excellent tropical gardens, pool (36ft x 10ft), drawing room, bar, dining room, covered terraces for meals, satellite TV, superb gardens.
From US$4,200/week in summer | | Roaring Pavilion and Spa
One of the Caribbean’s finest rental villas, a stunning four bedroom house in truly elegant Jamaican style, set just west of Ocho Rios on the beach made famous by Ursula Andress in the James Bond film Dr No. Top notch service and great style. One of the few Caribbean villas with its own spa. Also a fully equipped gym.
Key Features: First class Jamaica villa – outstanding Caribbean beachfront villa - with 24 hr room service, full service Jamaica spa, steam room and riverside terrace, air-conditioned fitness room with TV, large infinity edge swimming pool (18ft x 36ft), den area with plasma cable TV and DVD jukebox with 200 titles and CD with surround sound including bedrooms, over 100 CDs – separate sound system for gym and spa, cable TVs and DVDs in all bedrooms, formal and informal living and dining areas, Yamaha baby grand piano, guitar, computer with internet access, printer, fax, large BBQ, electronic gates and security.
From US$16,450/week in summer | | Sea Haven
A brightly decorated and comfortable 4 bedroom villa set on the seafront in Discovery Bay on Jamaica’s north shore. Sea Haven has plenty of classic Jamaican architectural style and is informal and charming inside. Steps lead down a low cliff to the water for swimming and snorkelling. The villa suits couples and honeymooners.
Key Features: Seafront setting, half-moon 16 jet heated plunge pool (11ft x 21ft), barbecue deck, dining gazebo, furnished veranda, wet bar, 2 sea kayaks and snorkelling equipment, floating platform, satellite TV, DVD, VCR and CD system, fax/scanner/copier, computer and free ADSL internet access.
From US$3,500-4,500/week in summer | | Seaside Cottage
An extremely well turned out 4 bedroom property in contemporary and artistic Caribbean style, set on the seafront in Round Hill on the Jamaican north coast, with expansive views across the water to Montego Bay. Seaside Cottage has generous outdoor living space and is furnished to a high standard. It has a separate cottage that is ideal for honeymooners.
Key Features: A Jamaica oceanfront villa rental with panoramic views of Montego Bay, swimming pool (12ft x 24ft), Jacuzzi hot tub, large covered terrace and pool terrace, separate guest cottage with balcony and eating area, formal dining room, comfy sitting room with satellite TV and DVD, all bedrooms with STV, internet access, golf cart available, Round Hill Hotel and Beach Club membership, can be combined with Hillside Cottage to sleep 16.
From US$6,500/week in summer | | Serenity on the Beach
Located on a lovely stretch of shoreline west of Montego Bay, Serenity is a pretty 4 bedroom villa that comprises a series of octagonal, wood peaked pavilions giving onto a covered Jamaican marble veranda. Sitting and dining areas are tucked in between the bedrooms, all of which look out to sea.
Key Features: A Jamaica oceanfront villa rental, all rooms facing the ocean, swimming pool (13ft x 28ft), shared tennis court (with sister villa Tranquillity), 2 sea kayaks, 1 open-air sea view sitting area, lounge with satellite TV, DVD, VCR and CD system, movie and CD library. Round Hill Hotel and Beach Club membership.
From US$3,900-7,000/week in summer | | Stonaway
Stonaway is a beautifully furnished four bedroom house built in plantation style on a lush and tranquil hillside in Shaw Park Gardens in Ocho Rios. Its large veranda has a bird’s eye view past the treetops to the town and harbour below.
Key Features: Enclosed swimming pool and terrace, cable TV, VCR, CD player, villa spa treatments on request, complimentary access to beach and pool facilities at “Rooms on the Beach” on Turtle Beach.
From US$3,500/week in summer | | The Wharf House
An unusual 4 bedroom villa set in a restored 18th century sugar wharf on the waterfront, with views across the water to Montego Bay. A cluster of stone buildings – main house, bedroom cottages, a games room and children’s play room - makes up a unique family holiday home that looks out onto a large wooden deck, a small beach area and the bay.
Key Features: Seafront setting for your villa vacation in Jamaica, large wooden jetty, swimming pool (15ft x 30ft), sea kayak, beach trampoline, large games hall with wet bar, upper lounging area and table tennis, yoga on request, main house with 32” satellite TV, VCR and CD player, all bedrooms with TVs, child’s play house, Round Hill Beach Club membership | | | Sleeps 6 | De Javu
An attractive and comfortable three bedroom villa set on the waterfront near Port Antonio. Quite a classic Caribbean set up, but with some funky décor. Easy seaside atmosphere.
Key Features: Comfortable waterfront Port Antonio villa at Blue Lagoon Jamaica, sundeck and brick barbecue deck, air-conditioning, fan, small bar, TV, internet access, snorkelling gear, two kayaks.
From US$3,650/week in summer | | Villa Ayahsowedeh
A modern and very stylish 3 bedroom villa right on the waterfront near Port Antonio. Minimalist style and décor, with whole walls of French windows and a deck to get the best of the setting and views.
Key Features: Spectacular, ultramodern waterfront villa at Blue Lagoon Jamaica, with sail-shaded deck suspended above the sea, sound system throughout villa, phone fax, cable TV, internet access, kayaks and snorkelling gear.
From US$4,900/week in summer | | | Sleeps 2 | Norse Point
A delightful, romantic cottage in traditional Jamaican style set on the point next to San San Beach near Port Antonio. Just one bedroom with a waterside deck and lovely views of Pellew (Monkey) Island. Good Port Antonio villa rental for a Caribbean honeymoon.
Key Features: One bedroom, shoreside Caribbean cottage rental. Private jetty and sundeck, telephone. Swimming right offshore.
From US$1,750/week in summer | | The Cottage at Te Moana
A quirky and comfortable one bedroom guest cottage set on a cliffside to the east of Ocho Rios in Jamaica. Te Moana has one bedroom upstairs and downstairs an open plan living/dining area and kitchen which gives onto a covered living/dining veranda and lovely sea views.
Key Features: Delightful Caribbean cottage rental, veranda with hammocks, uninterrupted sea views, complimentary high-speed internet, stereo and kayak. Te Moana is set beside owners’ main home, but has its own private entrance and garden. | | | ^ back to top |
Villa Resorts
Jamaica has some excellent villa resorts. These offer you an element of privacy and autonomy in your own villa but also the advantages of the central facilities of the resort. They vary considerably in layout and style. Some are a collection of villas built and decorated to a similar design in a central complex, while others are really more of an estate of privately owned houses with common management and some shared facilities. They usually include a pool, a bar and often a restaurant, but they might also include watersports if they are on the beach. You can also expect centralised maid service like a hotel, usually on a daily basis, but like a private villa, you may also be offered a cook and a butler to look after you as well.
It is worth noting that several of the best known hotels in Jamaica also have some villas within their inventory of rooms – including Round Hill and Half Moon - and so these will also be included in Definitive Caribbean’s selection of Jamaica villa resorts.
| Goldeneye
Just a few stylish and very comfortable waterfront villas in the attractive gardens of Goldeneye, Ian Fleming’s house in Jamaica, where he wrote many of the James Bond novels. Set on the north coast east of Ocho Rios, the small resort uses traditional Jamaican and oriental style to create an extremely chic air. Plenty of low key activities. The haunt of music stars and models.
Key Features: Extremely secluded, 15 acre, all-inclusive Jamaica vacation villa resort. Ian Fleming's villa has a private pool, small private beach and media room; all villas have kitchens/ettes, cable TV, DVD player and DVDs, CD player and CDs, and selection of books. WiFi and small business centre. Small waterfront restaurant and bar, or in-villa dining. Access to Low Cay Beach and James Bond Beach, kayaks, windsurfers, snorkelling equipment, jet skis (extra charge). Floodlit tennis court. Massage services (extra). Art and craft classes available (extra).
From US$660-2,500/night in summer all-inclusive | | Half Moon
A large and luxurious resort set on two miles of beaches and sandy shoreline just east of Montego Bay in Jamaica. Half Moon has hotel rooms, suites and villas in its extensive grounds, and an extremely wide range of facilities, including a full service spa, a children’s centre, conference facilities, duty-free shopping, golf course and riding stables. A very popular Caribbean and leading Jamaican resort.
Key Features: The Half Moon resort Jamaica is a 400 acre luxury Jamaica hotel and villa resort with 398 bedrooms in suites, hotel blocks and villas - 33 Royal Villas with 5-7 bedrooms, a private pool, butler, cook and housekeeper - 2 miles of sandy beach, several pools, one Olympic, large lagoon pool with swim-up bar, 3 Jacuzzis, full service spa, fitness centre. 6 restaurants, 7 bars. Watersports, dive shop, dolphin lagoon, 25 acre nature reserve, duty-free Shopping Village, 13 floodlit tennis courts, 4 squash courts, croquet lawn, bicycles, children’s village, equestrian centre, 18 hole 72 par championship golf course, David Leadbetter Golf Academy, 18 hole putting green.
From US$1,175/night in summer for a 4 bedroom vill | | Moon Dance Villas
A small villa resort situated in a double width garden on the excellent beach in Negril. Just six villas (between one and five bedrooms) built in a mix of modern and traditional tropical styles. Very private.
Key Features: Jamaica resort villas in a Negril villa resort setting, 300ft of excellent beach, swimming pool, Jacuzzi (among the villas), some villas with private plunge pools /Jacuzzis. Hobie Cat and other watersports, on-site wedding co-ordinator, all villas with chef, bar tender, housekeeper, cable TV, DVD, wet bar, PC/free internet access, CD stereo system with speakers inside and outside, massage services, all-inclusive plan available.
From US$600-1,500/night in summer | | Round Hill Hotel & Villas
Round Hill, Jamaica’s most refined hotel and villa resort, has an exquisite setting on a hillside and private peninsular just west of Montego Bay. A trusted escape for a well heeled, often glitzy crowd, it has been offering the best in tropical elegance for the past five decades.
Key Features: Round Hill Hotel Jamaica is set on a private 100 acre estate, with 27 villas (with bedrooms available as suites), most with private pools and 36 rooms. Restaurant, piano bar, beach bar, 2 central pools, pool bar, full service Elemis spa, fitness centre, PADI dive and watersports shop, 5 tennis courts, children’s club, library, TV lounge, customised weddings, resort boutique and gift shop.
From US$4,100/week in summer for 2 bedroom villa | | Tryall Club
A top notch villa resort set in extensive grounds running down to Jamaica’s north coast to the west of Montego Bay. Tryall has around 70 privately owned villas, many of them extremely elegant, scattered around hillsides and the fairways of an excellent golf course. Some central facilities, with a beach club and restaurant.
Key Features: Luxurious villa resort for a villa vacation in Jamaica and golf in Montego Bay, 56 privately owned villas, 13 villa suites, set on a 2,200 acre former plantation. ¼ mile private beach, 18 hole 72 par championship golf course, pro shop, 9 tennis courts 2 floodlit, restaurant and bar, beach café and bar, non-motorised watersports, croquet lawn, beach volleyball, gift shops, beauty salon, massage centre, fitness centre, children’s club, weddings, bird watching.
From US$400-$2,150/night in summer | | | ^ back to top |
Cottages, Apartments and Condominiums
In its huge range of accommodation Jamaica has a plenty of apartments and condominium complexes, particularly around the main resort towns of Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril. Often they are very well priced, so if you are happy to cater for yourself then they can be among the least expensive places to stay in these towns. The complexes very in style and services - some may have central facilities such as a pool and a bar or even a restaurant, but others may not. Although there is likely to be a sense of community within the small resort – you will probably get to know the other guests, and they are obviously suitable for families - they tend to offer independent living at a good price. You can generally expect daily maid service like a hotel, but in some cases it might be fewer times a week.
| El Greco Resort
Conveniently located, residential-style apartments situated on a hillside right above Gloucester Avenue in Montego Bay. Within a short walk of the excellent Doctors Cave Beach and all the bars and activity of the main strip, but secluded if you wish some quiet. Good value and well equipped self-catering independence in town.
Key Features: Well situated self-catering apartments in Montego Bay for Jamaica condo rentals, one and two bedroom, 96 in all, swimming pool, restaurant, 2 floodlit tennis courts, satellite TV and elevator access to Gloucester Avenue below.
From US$112/night in summer | | | ^ back to top |
Guest Houses
As a large island with a good depth of accommodation, Jamaica has plenty of guest houses. They are scattered around the island, some in the main resort towns, making them convenient for travelling from town to town or for the airport, but others tucked away in unexpected locations, perhaps isolated on a local beach in a small town in the east of the island, or high in the mountains, which make them a small destination in themselves. Inevitably standards vary, but you will find that most have good local character and a friendly attitude. Some guest houses have a particularly good dining room or a speciality such as yoga retreats.
If you have a favourite guest house that offers particularly good service and which you would like to see on Definitive Caribbean, then please let us know.
| Forres Park Guest House
A small and friendly nature retreat in Mavis Bank in the heart of the Blue Mountains. Excellent bird-watching and hiking, but also a retreat from the humdrum.
Key Features: Small nature retreat for Jamaica hiking and birds in Jamaica, set at 2500ft in the Blue Mountains, nature, hiking and bird watching trails, meeting facilities, bedrooms with private baths and balconies, authentic Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine, nearby world famous coffee factory – Blue Mountain Jamaican coffee.
From US$70/night | | Indies Hotel
A small and friendly bolthole right in the centre of New Kingston. Very simple rooms but a nice enclosed setting within a shout of the sites and the action of the uptown districts of the city.
Key Features: Budget guest house, small hotel in Kingston Jamaica (home of Jamaica reggae music). Restaurant and bar in rear patio, internet facilities, all rooms air-conditioned with cable tv, telephone and hot water.
From US$35 single-$57 double/night | | Jackie’s on the Reef
A small and very quiet holistic retreat tucked away on its own on the cliffs just outside Negril. Jackie’s on the Reef is simple but has a peaceful atmosphere with plenty of holistic activity including spa and beauty treatments, yoga and meditation and some more esoteric therapies.
Key Features: Secluded Negril Yoga center and perfect for a retreat in Negril, Jamaica. Holistic Negril spa and beauty services, massage, meditation, Tai Chi (subject to availability), Reiki, star gazing and some more esoteric therapies such as ear-candling and past life regression. Organic produce and dairy free menu, open wood burning stove.
From US$150/night per person in summer | | Moon San Villa
A very small guest house (just four rooms) set in a converted villa with a superb setting above the famous Blue Lagoon near Port Antonio. Moon San has an easy air, friendly service and of course fantastic views.
Key Features: Charming guest house in Jamaica with 4 bedrooms and en suite bathrooms, cable TV, 2 dining areas, balcony and terrace, TV lounge with cable TV, DVD, VCR and CD player, internet access, photo printer. Entry to Frenchman’s Cove beach, snorkelling equipment, water rafts, access to boat, chef, bar tender and housekeeper.
From US$145/night in summer | | Ridgeway Guest House
A small and comfortable guest house in the outskirts of Montego Bay, well priced, well positioned for the airport and not far from the activity of the town. An ideal stopover on an independent trip around Jamaica.
Key Features: Montego Bay guest house, all rooms en suite with hot water and cable TV, ceiling fan or air-conditioning.
From US$35 single-$45 double/night in summer | | San San Tropez
An off-beat and very low key guest house set in a nice garden in the San San area to the east of Port Antonio. Just six rooms, but a lively atmosphere around the Italian restaurant.
Key Features: A Caribbean guest house/small Port Antonio hotel in a 1½ acre hillside setting, 6 rooms, cable TV, swimming pool, good Italian restaurant, bar, beach passes, internet access
From US$68 per person/night | | | ^ back to top |
Sailing and Cruising
While it is possible to take a day sail in Jamaica, the island is not geared up for live-aboard sailing. Stay sail options are not available on the island.
|
| ^ back to top |
|