Best Resorts in Jamaica

If your idea of paradise includes bottomless rum punch, jerk chicken, and beaches that look like your screensaver came to life, Jamaica is the place to be. While some people come for reggae and others for the reawakening of their taste buds via scotch bonnet peppers, smart travelers know the real Jamaican magic happens in its resorts.

And lucky for you, we’ve compiled the island’s best, where the only thing more potent than the cocktails is the temptation to never leave. Without further ado, here are the best resorts in Jamaica;

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GoldenEye

Tucked away on Jamaica’s less-traveled northeastern coast in the small, vibrant town of Oracabessa, GoldenEye offers a peaceful escape steeped in both literary and musical legend. This serene enclave was once the personal retreat of Ian Fleming, who fell in love with the area during his World War II naval service.

So captivated that he built GoldenEye as his winter refuge, where he penned all thirteen James Bond novels. Decades later, reggae icon Bob Marley briefly owned the property before selling it to Island Records founder Chris Blackwell. Blackwell transformed it into the 40-acre tropical sanctuary it is today.

Guests now stay in chic, secluded huts, cottages, and villas scattered throughout lush gardens and along the shoreline. Dining is delightfully laid-back, especially at the bamboo bar on Low Cay Beach, where Jamaican jerk BBQ sizzles steps from the sea.

Round Hill Hotel and Villas

Staying at Round Hill Hotel and Villas feels like stepping into a well-preserved time capsule. Here, the glamour from the 1950s lingers in the air like the scent of sea breeze and freshly brewed afternoon tea. This Montego Bay hideaway has long been a retreat for global icons. For instance, John F. Kennedy penned pieces of his inaugural address here, while Oscar Hammerstein found inspiration for The Sound of Music.

The resort’s enduring charm lives in its details. Here, you’ll find green-striped awnings that shade sweeping terraces and cream-panelled interiors warmed by dark wood. For foodies, the daily ritual of tea and sandwiches served promptly at four should be your highlight.

Ralph Lauren’s recent design influence is unmistakable, though it feels less like a makeover and more like a continuation of its casual elegance. There are navy and white-striped booths in the bar and vintage photos of Hollywood royalty like Warren Beatty.

Rockhouse Hotel & Spa

Celebrating 50 years of laid-back luxury, the hotel’s signature thatch-roof stone villas and iconic red sea ladders offer instant nostalgia and serious Instagram cred. This cliffside retreat leans proudly into its rock-and-reggae heritage. Bob Marley and the Rolling Stones once took daring leaps from the cliffs, and the walls are peppered with memorabilia that nods to Jamaica’s musical soul.

Rooms exude rustic charm with four-poster beds draped in mosquito nets and handmade quilts sourced from local artisans. Outdoor showers surrounded by palms turn your morning rinse into a tropical birdwatching session, while the stone floors keep things cool and grounded—literally.

When hunger strikes, head to Pushcart for an education in Jamaican staples and stay for the impromptu dance parties fueled by resident DJs. At Rockhouse, the vibe is effortlessly cool and undeniably Jamaican, with a crowd that comes to relax hard and party harder.

Geejam Hotel

Tucked into the lush hills near Port Antonio, Geejam Hotel is where Jamaica’s wild beauty meets world-class beats. The resort was born from the vision of music producers Jon Baker and Steve Beaver who started it as a private rainforest retreat and recording studio. They went on to host icons like The Rolling Stones, Alicia Keys, and Drake.

Over the years, it has evolved into one of the island’s most creative boutique escapes. Since opening to guests in 2008, Geejam has stayed true to its artistic soul. The resort offers a range of stays from sleek jungle rooms and elevated treetop cabins to two expansive villas complete with private staff.

At the heart of it all is the buzzing Bushbar, where Jamaican fusion cuisine is served beside an infinity pool. Just a short walk away, Geejam Bay offers a serene natural hideaway where visitors might spot rays or sea turtles gliding through the water.

Jakes

Staying at Jakes feels like stumbling upon a secret Jamaica keeps just for those who venture off the beaten path. Tucked into the laid-back fishing village of Treasure Beach on the island’s quieter south coast, this family-run retreat has been a vibrant fixture for over three decades. Owned by the Henzell family, Jakes blends bold design with a breezy, bohemian spirit.

Think a scattering of brightly painted villas and quirky bungalows strung together by whimsical mosaic footpaths, all overlooking the Calabash Bay. The relaxed pace here is contagious, especially once you settle in for a meal at the famous Jakes Restaurant. Their menu changes daily and leans into what’s fresh and local—from line-caught seafood to garden-harvested vegetables.

And if you’re in the mood for something a little more playful, just wander over to Jack Sprat, the hotel’s beachside sister spot. Its long outdoor deck buzzes with local energy, and the pizza? It comes topped with island twists like jerk chicken and juicy pineapple, best enjoyed with bare feet in the sand and reggae floating on the breeze.

Bluefields Bay Villas

Tucked along the beloved Bluefields Beach, Bluefields Bay Villas is a boutique hideaway where personalized luxury meets authentic Jamaican character. With just six villas and four new suites, the resort offers an intimate, curated experience that feels more like staying in a private estate than a hotel.

The Moncure family, proprietors of this serene retreat, also happen to be the custodians of the world’s largest collection of Jamaican antiques. These lend the villas a rich and elegant sense of place—expect carved mahogany pieces and lignum vitae accents that whisper stories of the island’s past.

Accommodations vary from cozy two-bedroom cottages nestled in lush greenery to the grand San Michele villa. It boasts its own private island accessed by a quaint bridge and even a helipad. Each villa includes a private pool and a dedicated team ready to tailor every detail to your preferences.

Guests enjoy a thoughtful all-inclusive offering, complete with handcrafted beverages and menus inspired by Jamaica’s bounty from both land and sea. A stay here doesn’t just pamper; it gives back too, with part of each booking going toward the Bluefields Villas Foundation, which funds meaningful local community projects.

Conclusion

Whether you’re wooing a new flame or just running from a winter that overstayed its welcome, Jamaica’s resorts are the perfect retreats. From cliffside hideaways to mountaintop marvels, this island doesn’t do boring. Just bring your sunscreen, your chillest playlist, and maybe leave your shoes at the door. Ya mon, paradise awaits.