8 Best Hotels in Jamaica, From Kingston to Montego Bay
The “land of wood and water”—the meaning of “Xaymaca,” the Arawak (Taino) word from which the word Jamaica is derived—is the most popular island in the Caribbean. Many mistakenly arrive on the golden shores for a blast of sunshine, a poolside cocktail, and little more with a multitude of generic all-inclusive flop-and-drop resorts to choose from. But having spent my childhood on the island and returning regularly, I've seen Jamaica's hotel scene adapt and evolve beyond the usual cookie-cutter resorts.
Some of the best addresses offer a fresh perspective that's unique to Jamaica, from a local, family-owned property on the under-the-radar south coast, to a mountain hideaway in the lush east coast greenness that is Portland. While Jamaica obviously has plenty to choose from, here’s my pick of the best hotels to know about on my island home.
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Courtesy GoldenEye/©Christaian Horan PhotographyhotelGoldenEye
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Gold List 2018, 2019, 2020 
Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019Far 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 enamored 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, later 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 beachfront.
Geejam Hotel
Established by music producer Jon Baker and developer 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.
Courtesy Jake's HotelhotelJakes
$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2021A 30-year mainstay on the island and owned by the local Henzell family, Jakes is a collection of colorful one-of-a-kind villas and bungalows all connected by mosaic trails. The breezy bohemian property 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.
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 private pools.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a dedicated staff including a private chef, maid, concierge, and driver or nanny as needed. A stay here is a completely curated experience that includes beverages and a menu of customized farm or sea-to-table options in a Jamaica-fusion style. Plus, a percentage of the rental fees support the Bluefields Villas Foundation, which supports local community efforts.
Courtesy Round Hill Hotel and VillashotelRound Hill
$$$ | Gold List 2024Dating all the way back to the 18th century when it operated as a farm, Round Hill opened as a hillside resort in 1953. The 100-acre grounds feature a lovingly restored plantation house, ocean-view villas, suites, and rooms as well as a strip of soft white sand coastline with vibrant coral reefs. In the rooms, interiors have a clean and sophisticated aesthetic for which their designer—and frequent guest—Ralph Lauren is known. This sprawling stay is an ideal option for families, with an array of kid-centric activities, clubs, and dining options, as well as an on-site nanny program. Dining here is also a curated experience, with much of the organic produce grown on the hotel's grounds. Expect fresh Caribbean fare along with great vegan and vegetarian options.
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Corey HamiltonhotelRockhouse Hotel
$$ | Gold List 2018 Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023For 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 suites—made from wood, stone, and thatch—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.
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 the capital close to the National Gallery, Hope Botanical Gardens, and the Bob Marley Museum. Rooms here overlook the Blue Mountains, cityscapes, 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 favorite for the well-heeled professionals of the city.
Courtesy Sandals South CoasthotelSandals South Coast
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2023What 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, and even an over-water-chapel. All of this, plus three swimming pools, a two-mile beach, nine restaurants, and seven bars can be found within a 500-acre nature reserve at the edge of the tiny town of Whitehouse on the pretty south coast.
