The Best Boutique Hotels to Book in Jamaica

Sitting on the West End limestone cliffs, the Tensing Pen luxury resort is designed for elevated island living. Accommodation is varied, but the treehouse-style pillar cottages, with ocean views and outdoor showers, offer that little bit extra. Embrace the relaxation by joining the daily yoga in the open-air Seasong Hut or by taking a dip in the ocean-facing pool. The day starts with a free buffet breakfast that includes Blue Mountain coffee, and ends in the island-style thatched-roof bar with a cocktail created just for you.

The Trident Hotel is undoubtedly the best vacation resort in the parish of Portland, Jamaica. Along with being surrounded by some of Jamaica’s most beautiful attractions (like Frenchman’s Cove and Blue Lagoon), the decor of the hotel makes it an exquisite resort. The hotel feature 11 oceanfront villas, each with its own private terrace and pool. The resort also has a spa, fitness centre, and a media room.

Terra Nova, located in the heart of New Kingston, is one of the most popular boutique hotels among locals and celebrities. The suites are the epitome of European excellence and sophistication, giving each guest a royal experience. Along with amenities, such as a spa and health club, Terra Nova also features delicious restaurants and bars. The Regency Restaurant and Champagne High Tea on the hotel’s terrace are highly awarded.

The Geejam Hotel in San San, Portland provides all the comforts of a rural Jamaica setting with ultra-modern technology. Nestled in the lush bushes of Portland, the hotel features suites and villas along with a recording studio, gym, the Bushbar restaurant/bar, and a beautiful private beach. Geejam Studios is one of the leading residential recording complexes in the Caribbean and a favourite among popular artists like Grace Jones.

The Spa Retreat in Negril is the ideal romantic destination on Jamaica’s west coast. The resort features 18 handcrafted stone cottages with cliff-side dining that offer a spectacular view of the sunset and the ocean. The Spa Retreat features a full-service luxury day spa offering classic aesthetic treatments and a sea-water pool. The Spa Retreat team also frequently organizes Spa Yoga retreats, golf retreats and special events for its guests.

Rockhouse Hotel is a cosy boutique hotel set on the cliffs of Negril’s Pristine Cove, overlooking the turquoise Jamaican waters. The hotel features suites and exclusive thatched-roof cottages situated directly over the water. All villas are complete with their own private terrace and sliding glass door. On the grounds of the hotel is also a tropical garden, authentic Jamaican restaurants, and a newly built spa offering holistic treatments. There is a 60ft infinity pool on the cliffs where snorkelling and diving are available for guests that want to explore the waters.

Hermosa Cove is a seaside haven in Ocho Rios which features handcrafted villas enclosed in a lush tropical garden, complete with an outdoor dining pavilion and private dip pool. Hermosa Cove is considered not just a resort, but a work of art carved from the minds of Deb and Clayton, its artisan proprietors. Guests have the option of dining at Christopher’s restaurant, exploring the lush gardens and snorkelling at the cove’s coral reefs.

Sandals is known for its massive, luxury hotels but the Sandals Royal Plantation Resort in Ocho Rios is the company’s first boutique offering. Featuring 74 ocean view suites, each accompanied by the services of a personal butler, you can spend your days at the nearby Sandals Golf & Country Club, fitness centre, Red Lane spa, or participate in one of the many water sports.

Nestled among tropical gardens in Negril is the adults-only, Sunset at the Palms Resort. The resort offers 85 tree-house-style guestrooms surrounded by lush gardens of tropical plants and flowers. On the grounds of the resort is the Ginger Lily Spa, a variety of restaurants that serve Caribbean and international cuisine, and the Irie Martini bar and Blue Coffee cafe. Snorkelling and diving are available for guests along with other activities such as mountain biking, horseback riding, and river rafting.

The Sandy Haven Resort is a 35-room resort that sits on Negril’s famous Seven Mile Beach. Each beachfront room features expansive balconies and terraces, offering a magnificent view of the ocean. On the property is also a conference room for corporate events, a gym, spa, jacuzzi and pool. There are two restaurants and two bars, and a grill area. The resort is also in close proximity to the famous nightclub, Margaritaville.