**Exploring Jamaica’s Best Stays: From Mountain Retreats to Beachfront Bliss**
In Jamaica’s lush Blue Mountains, where coffee thrives, mornings begin with the aroma of freshly brewed grounds, as mist rolls over the landscape. The serene town of Port Antonio moves at a leisurely pace, much like a raft gliding down the Rio Grande. In Ocho Rios, hotels compete to offer the best barbecue experiences near waterfalls and pristine beaches. Over in Negril, evenings are spent watching the sun dip below the horizon, whether from the famous Seven Mile Beach or the cliffs near Rick’s Cafe. Across the island, the warmth of the Jamaican spirit is felt year-round, with sunshine and music in abundance.
### Best for: Scenic Views
Perched on a mountain plateau gifted to the Walpole family in 1780, Strawberry Hill offers stunning views of Kingston and the Blue Mountains. Owned by Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, this retreat features 13 charming clapboard cabins with verandahs shaded by almond trees. The infinity pool, mahogany bar, and dining room overlook the mountains, offering a tranquil escape. On Sunday mornings, the sound of distant church bells fills the valley as guests sip Blue Mountain coffee. Rooms start from $370 (£287).
### Best for: Waterfront Living
GoldenEye, once the home of Ian Fleming, where he penned all 14 James Bond novels, is now a luxurious resort on Jamaica’s north coast. Owned by Chris Blackwell, the property offers cabins perched over a turquoise lagoon, complete with outdoor showers and kayaks. Colorful beach villas sit on stilts along the shore, and the focus is on water-based activities like snorkeling and paddleboarding. Motorboats are notably absent, preserving the peaceful atmosphere. Rooms start from $400 (£311).
### Best for: Food Lovers
Jakes Hotel on the south coast is a foodie’s paradise. Overlooking Treasure Beach, the restaurant serves fresh seafood and local produce, including its famous jerk crab and callaloo. Guests can stay in oceanfront bungalows, cottages, or villas, some with private plunge pools. Cooking classes and farm-to-table feasts are also available. Rooms start from $150 (£117).
### Best for: Beach Lovers
Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios boasts one of the island’s finest beaches, a 700ft crescent of sand that feels secluded and peaceful. The beach stays sunny until late afternoon, and the hotel’s bartenders are ready with gin cocktails as the sun sets. This historic hotel, where Ian Fleming and Noël Coward once debated martini recipes, offers a timeless luxury experience. Rooms start from $430 (£334).
### Best for: Bohemian Style
Negril’s Rockhouse Hotel remains a favorite for its laid-back, bohemian vibe. Its thatched-roof huts sit on volcanic cliffs, offering four-poster beds and outdoor showers. Guests can also choose from poolside studios or ocean-view suites. The hotel offers yoga, candle-making, and relaxation sessions, with seafood salads and rum cocktails served at the dining hall. Rooms start from $95 (£73).
### Best for: Family Fun
Skylark in Negril brings a touch of Miami Beach to Jamaica with its retro design and private beach. The hotel’s turquoise doors lead to rooms decorated with vintage travel posters and mid-century furniture. There are no TVs, but families can enjoy the beach and the popular Miss Lily’s restaurant, known for its fried chicken and coconut cake. Rooms start from $170 (£131).
### Best for: Five-Star Luxury
Round Hill Hotel & Villas, near Montego Bay, is a former sugarcane estate that has hosted the likes of Noël Coward and John F. Kennedy. The plantation-style villas, designed by Ralph Lauren, feature private pools and ocean views. Guests can enjoy afternoon tea in the mahogany bar or relax in the hotel’s spacious rooms. Rooms start from $650 (£503).
### Best for: Digital Detox
At Kanopi House near Port Antonio, there are no screens or Wi-Fi in the treetop cabins. Guests wake to the sounds of nature and can enjoy meals at the Living Room restaurant, which overlooks the hillside. The menu depends on the day’s catch and local harvest, and guests can even dine by the Blue Lagoon, taking a dip between courses. Rooms start from $400 (£311).
### Best for: Creatives
Geejam, a secluded retreat near Port Antonio, has attracted artists like Amy Winehouse and Beyoncé. Built by two music executives, the hotel features 19 cabins with private terraces overlooking the jungle and sea. The Bush Bar and beachfront restaurant are social hubs, and the property includes a recording studio where musicians have created hits. Rooms start from $474 (£368).
### Best for: Self-Catering
The whimsical Jamaica Palace in Ocho Rios offers 13 villas, including Victorian-style cottages and a treehouse. Most villas have private pools and full kitchens, with the option to have them stocked before arrival. Guests can also enjoy free kayaking, a saltwater pool, and weekly barbecues. Rooms start from $560 (£436), including breakfast.
This article was created with the support of Visit Jamaica and was published in the October 2024 issue of *National Geographic Traveller* (UK). To subscribe, click [here](https://subscriptions.natgeotraveller.co.uk/).
Source: nationalgeographic.com