The best hotels in Jamaica
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Having spent my childhood on Jamaica - the most popular island in the Caribbean - and returning regularly, I've seen its hotel scene adapt and evolve beyond the usual cookie-cutter resorts. Yes, it’s true that Jamaica Inn, one of our recommended best all-inclusive resorts, can be found here, but that’s just one of the addresses to offer a fresh perspective that's unique to Jamaica. From a local, family-owned bolthole on the south coast, to a mountain hideaway in the lush east coast greenness that is Portland, the island offers ample accommodation choice. Here’s my pick of the best hotels to know about on Jamaica, my island home.
More recommendations for the best hotels in the Caribbean:
- The best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean
- The best hotels in St Lucia
- The best hotels in Barbados
- The best hotels in Antigua
- The best hotels in St Barth's
How we choose the best hotels in Jamaica
Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveller journalist who knows the destination and has stayed at that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider both luxury properties and boutique and lesser-known boltholes that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We’re always looking for beautiful design, a great location and warm service – as well as serious sustainability credentials. We update this list regularly as new hotels open and existing ones evolve. For more information on how we review hotels and restaurants, please look at our About Us page.
GoldenEye
Far from the tourist hustle and bustle of the northwestern coast, Jamaica’s smartest and arguably most famous address is located on the northeastern coastline of Oracabessa – a small town jewel of about 5,000 people, with a thriving community of creatives. Writer Ian Fleming became so enamoured with Oracabessa while on assignment with the British Navy during World War II, that he returned to buy a property, building GoldenEye, where he would go on to write all thirteen James Bond novels during his winter stays. In 1976, Bob Marley became the owner, latering selling it to Chris Blackwell – founder of Island Records, who expanded the property to include a range of private huts, cottages and villas dotted around the tropical 40 acre grounds. The tropical beachside hideaway is home to four restaurants and bars, including the laidback bamboo bar which served Jamaican Jerk BBQ right on the sandy Low Cay beach front. Read the full review of GoldenEye here.
Price: Rooms from around £384 per night
Geejam Hotel
Established by music producers Jon Baker and Steve Beaver, Geejam originally began as a rainforest compound near Port Antonio, with a recording studio that has attracted artists such as The Rolling Stones, Alicia Keys and Drake. In 2008 the home was transformed into an effortlessly cool hotel with an emphasis on maintaining its music and creative roots. Accommodation includes four treetop cabins, 12 jungle-chic rooms and two sprawling villas – the latter coming with a private chef, bartender and housekeeper. The hub of the hotel is Bushbar restaurant, which teams an infinity pool with a state of the art sound system, and serves up a range of Jamaican fusion fare. Just steps from the compound is the eponymous Geejam Bay, home to wildlife including turtles and rays.
Price: Rooms from around £357 per night
Jakes
A 30 year mainstay on the island and owned by the local Henzell family, Jakes is a collection of colourful one-of-a-kind villas and bungalows, connected by mosaic trails. The breezy bohemian bolthole sits along the rocky coastline of Calabash Bay in Treasure Beach – a sleepy, fishing village on Jamaica’s south coast. If you haven’t heard of the hotel, you’ve probably heard of the restaurant – the beloved open-air Jakes Restaurant is a regular on all of the island's where to eat lists. The menu changes daily, with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced produce and seafood (including conch and lobster when in season), as well as sustainable and eco-friendly standards. The funkier, beach-side Jack Sprats, has a great local vibe on its long outdoor deck, serving up unique pizza toppings such as jerk chicken and pineapple.
Price: Rooms from around £79 per night
Bluefields Bay Villas
On a hilly coastline above the popular Bluefields Beach, Bluefields Bay is a boutique all-inclusive resort comprising of only six villas and four brand-new suites. The property is owned by the Moncure family, who also own the largest collection of Jamaican antiques in the world – think gorgeous mahogany and lignum vitae furnishings – which are displayed throughout. Villas here range from two bedroom cottages tucked into the trees, to the palatial six bedroom San Michele, with a little bridge to its own private island, and one of two helipads on the property. All come with their own private pools. Upon arrival guests are greeted by a dedicated staff including a private chef, maid, concierge, and driver or nanny as needed. While a stay here is a completely curated experience that includes beverages and a menu of customised farm or sea-to-table options in a Jamaica-fusion style. A percentage of the rental fees support the Bluefields Villas Foundation, which supports local community efforts.
Price: Villas from around USD$800.
Round Hill
Dating all the way back to the 18th century when it operated as a farm, Round Hill opened as a hillside resort in 1953. The 100-acre grounds feature a lovingly restored plantation house, ocean-view villas, suites and rooms as well as a strip of soft white sand coastline with vibrant coral reefs. In the rooms, interiors are a distinct clean and sophisticated aesthetic for which their designer – and frequent guest – Ralph Lauren is known for. This sprawling bolthole is an ideal option for families, with an array of kid-centric activities, clubs and dining options, as well as an on-site nanny program. Dining here is also a curated experience, with much of the organic produce grown on the hotel's grounds. Expect fresh Caribbean fare along with great vegan and vegetarian options.
Price: Rooms from around £906per night
CoreymusRockhouse Hotel
For a taste of Jamaica's wild and rugged side, head north of Negril's famous beaches to Rockhouse, a charming boutique hotel with a series of rustic – and Green Globe Certified – cottages that are spectacularly built into the volcanic rocky cliffs. Reserve one of the ocean view suite, made from wood, stone and thatch, and where you can watch the sun set directly into the sea. The blue water here is some of the clearest on the island, and can be accessed by jumping from one of the many bridge walkways, or climbing down stairs, some of which are located in natural caves. If you want to enjoy the soft sands of the beach, there's a shuttle bus that can take you to Rockhouse's beach-side sister hotel Skylark Negril Beach Resort.
Price: Rooms from around £243 per night
Photofusionmedia LLCAC Hotel Kingston
For a stay that’s beyond the beaches, the AC Hotel Kingston, owned by the Stewart family, sits within the heart of capital, close to the National Gallery, Hope Botanical Gardens and the Bob Marley Museum. Rooms here overlook the Blue Mountains, city scapes and the Caribbean sea in the distance. Unique locally made furnishings and an outstanding collection of art by Jamaican artists can be seen throughout the hotel. The lobby is a popular co-working and lounge space, while the bar, which has both inside and outdoor poolside areas, is a favourite for the well-heeled professionals of the city.
Price: Rooms from around £249 per night
JR DeliaSandals South Coast
What lands this famed all-inclusive resort on the list is its supercharged romance offering – the heart-shaped collection of over-the-water villas, swim-up suites, even an over-water-chapel. All of this, plus three swimming pools, a two mile beach, nine restaurants and seven bars, is found within a 500 acre nature reserve at the edge of the tiny town of Whitehouse on the pretty south coast.
Price: Rooms from around £652 per night
Strawberry Hill
Not many people think of a cool, lush, mountain retreat when planning a trip to Jamaica, but the twinkling city view and breathtaking jungle vistas from Strawberry Hill will quickly shift that perspective. The resort and its restaurant garnered global attention when it was featured in a 2008 episode of Anthony Bourdain’s travel series No Reservations. Part of the Island Outpost collection – owned by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell – Strawberry Hill is a 26-acre resort in Irish Town, 3000 feet above the capital of Kingston in the Blue Mountains. The property includes the only Aveda concept spa in the Caribbean, an infinity pool with city views, beautifully designed botanical gardens, and a dozen Georgian-style cottages with hand-carved wooden details. The unique setting makes it a sought-after wedding location, and the Strawberry Hill Restaurant is beloved for its Sunday brunch, serving up a modern take on traditional Jamaican dishes that stay true to the culture.
Price: Rooms from around £341 per night