Background: We set out with the idea that we wanted to get married in a ceremony on a cliff overlooking the ocean. After posting in the broader Caribbean forum (Seeking a cliff overlooking the ocean for our wedding ceremony) and getting some wonderful suggestions (and lots and lots and lots of research) we have narrowed the list down to these 3 hotels on the Cliffs of Negril Jamaica (oh and The Crane in Barbados...but that makes 4 and doesn’t fit in this thread so pretend I didn’t tell you that.

I would love to hear opinions from those of you that have seen and stayed in these places first hand and any insider type info you think might be beneficial for me to know while I make this decision. I appreciate the help and look forward to your responses (and even more forward to this trip).

Rockhouse Hotel
The Caves
Moon Dance Resort

- Lauren (seekingseacliff)

I lived in Jamaica for 3 years and traveled to Negril fairly often. It was our favorite place on the island to escape to. I found the Rockhouse food to be very good, and the Caves has an ambiance worth mentioning. I do not know much about the Moon Dance resort however.

The Crane in Barbados is simply an astounding backdrop for a wedding. The view the sand and see are simply spectacular and the sunset is to die for. It's my favourite getaway( so I may be bias), but admitedly it's an incredible destination ambiance for romance.

Of those I've only seen Moon Dance Resort upclose. I toured the entire property this past July. It is *spectacula*r and I most definitely can picture a wedding there. I also like that it is a bit more out-of-town than the other two, along where the busy main road looks more like a "country lane".

OK this is not based on MY experience, but....

One of my best friends got married recently at The Crane.(In fact, i recommended it on another thread here, earlier this morning).

She has traveled a lot in the Caribbean; her husband is a native of the Caribbean and has lived there his entire life. So when she says The Crane was an amazing, perfect spot for wedding and honeymoon, I totally believe her.

The Crane does have a spectacular setting, I stayed there in March due to the fact that we remembered it from our first trip to Barbados 20 years earlier when we visited Crane Beach. You don't mention when you are planning to be married which I think is important for a few reasons I will mention in a minute. Advantages to The Crane for a wedding -- a full service resort with all amenities, lots of choice of accomodations for guests, several restaurants on site, a great little "village" on site with shops, spectacular beach, Barbados has a good choice of direct flights from main airports, The Crane has several different locations you could choose for the actual ceremony (in addition to right on the Cliffs, I think the historic pool with the white pillars, overlooking the beach would also be a nice location). Possible disadvantages depending on when you go -- In Winter 2010 the beach was very narrow due to winter storms, etc. -- the surf is very rough, other times of the year the beach is much wider and nicer, I know the beach came back in the summer because I have seen recent photos. The A/C is somewhat hit or miss due to a major design flaw and there are A LOT of complaints on reviews about this, we were okay in a room in March that never got below 78 degrees due to the breeze and ceiling fans but other times it could get oppressive; a lot of the grass was burned out last March due to the drought, not the nicest looking the resort could be, also service can be a bit hit or miss. Also, don't believe reports about The Crane being far from everything, if you rent a car it is an easy 20 minute drive to the airport and not too much farther to St. Lawrence Gap, Oistens Fish Fry, etc. we have no problem driving around the roads are in wonderful shape compared to other islands and the signs are good. Also, the rooms at The Crane are beautiful with every amenity.

www.thecrane.com Best for Carib and of yours

might also consider

www.hotelvillacaletas.com

in CR

Many get married in a Greek Ampitheatre

even higher than the Crane cliffs overlooking the Pacific

VERY spectacular...nice white beach below

Congrats!

Well update time (and don’t be mad), for an assortment of reasons, we are getting married at the RockHouse Hotel in Negril Jamaica. However, we are now seriously considering honeymooning at The Crane. Do you think this would be a good location for a honeymoon? We have now 95% decided on Barbados so with that in mind (and knowing we were partial to its overall aesthetic) is the Crane still the number one choice? My only concern is a lack of accessibility to activities and restaurants. We would love to hear more of your thought on the Crane as well as any other suggestions of things to see or do while in Barbados. Thanks all!

-SeekingSeaCliff

What time of year are you talking about? I already commented about some AC issues at The Crane. There are three restaurants at The Crane and three times we ventured out to restaurants all only 1/2 hour away or less. There are also two places right near the Crane with great take out (Crane Palms, Cutter's) and since room has refrig and microwave a few times we did take out for dinner when we just wanted to relax. Also took a Catamaran Cruise from St. Lawrence Gap area, they come and pick you up so that was no problem. You might also look at Coral Reef Club and Fairmont Royal Pavilion if you are set on Barbados.

I'm curious the "assortment of reasons" for chooseing Rockhouse over Moon Dance, if you're willing to share that?

Is the honeymoon immediately after the wedding? (you're going to both Jamaica and Barbados on the same trip? or at a different time?)

Lauren, I hate to throw another choice at you but I grew up visiting Round Hill in Montego Bay for the past 35 years. We have a private home there that is rentable to you/ your guests. Some famous celebrities often vacation there and RH is unsurpassed for their attention to detail and their hospitality. Check out our website for more info: www.summerlandvilla.net. Good luck!