18 Best Hotels in Jamaica

At this boutique resort that's part of former music mogul Chris Blackwell's Island Outpost group, the thatched-roof cottages are individually designed and furnished, most with balconies overlooking the deep water off Negril's West End honeycombed cliffs. These arty accommodations are constructed above huge caves that reach deep inland. There are steps that lead down to caverns, where you can arrange private dining. There is also a cave rum bar, illuminated by dozens of candles. With fabulous sunsets, magical surroundings, and great service, the hotel is a hit with A-listers. Little touches such as incense lit at turn-down time and music in your room upon arrival give the resort a homey feel.

Whether you're a fan of James Bond or luxury getaways in general, this exclusive address 20 minutes east of Ocho Rios holds special appeal as the property was purchased in 1946 by James Bond creator Ian Fleming, who built a villa that is now owned by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell. The main property features more than 40 accommodations categorized as villas, beach huts, and lagoon cottages, but the exclusive Fleming Villa is located on a separate parcel of land with its own private beach, pool, and dedicated staff. Dining is available at the gazebo restaurant, and the bar has a soundtrack selected by Blackwell. Paddle across the lagoon to the FieldSpa for natural open-air treatments.

A favorite of celebrities and other wealthy people thanks to its private, elegant villas, this peaceful resort west of MoBay also has stylish hotel rooms in the Pineapple House; the rooms are decorated in a refined Ralph Lauren style done by the designer himself, who has property on the resort's 98 acres. Each villa includes a personal maid and a cook to make your breakfast, and most have private pools. It's a fairly quiet place, with a small beach and limited but good dining options. Many guests return again and again because of the personal service and excellent management.

During its heyday, guests at what was then called Plantation Inn included British royals, Winston Churchill, and authors Noël Coward and Ian Fleming, but today, it's one of the Caribbean's most popular boutique hotels. Overlooking a private Caribbean cove and spanning 17 acres, this British colonial getaway is composed of 74 ocean-view suites and the private Villa Plantana, which has its own pool, dedicated butler, and chef. All the spacious hotel suites are decorated in plantation style and are appointed with handcrafted mahogany beds and other elegant furnishings.

When this resort opened in 2017, it made headlines around the world for its stunning over-the-water bungalows that extend to form the shape of a heart in the ocean; in 2020 Sandals South Coast earned attention by unveiling its first swim-up rondoval suites, all of which feature a private pool, conical ceiling, and a serenity swing. The river-like pool that meanders through the rondoval village spans 17,040 square feet and is said to be the longest resort pool in the Western Hemisphere. The innovation alone makes this all-inclusive, adults-only property stand head-and-shoulders above other Sandals resorts. There are also nine restaurants, seven bars (some of which are swim-up bars), a private beach, three pools, a spa, and a range of water sports and activities to complete the luxury south coast experience.

One of Jamaica's most stylish resorts features villas decorated with commissioned artwork and elegant furnishings designed and made especially for the hotel, plus three excellent dining options, including a dinner club with live jazz by the house band or mento music by the famed Jolly Boys. A farm and nursery down the road provides plants for the beautifully landscaped property. All villas are fully appointed and provide ocean views and privacy. A full-service spa, private cinema, fitness center, and a private beach round out the amenities.

The Jamaica Inn exemplifies the elegance, luxury, and exquisite service of Jamaica's tourism heyday with attention to details such as fresh flower bouquets in the rooms and lovely beach views. Marilyn Monroe honeymooned here with playwright Arthur Miller, and Winston Churchill also visited; his name is on a plaque on the door of the white suite, one of four deluxe luxury suites. Although a connection to the past is apparent and exemplified by the long tenure of many on staff—including a bartender, Teddy, who has been pouring drinks for guests including prime ministers and royalty—this refined hotel is not one to rest on its laurels.

The company that specializes in the all-inclusive resort brings its brand of luxury, attention to detail, and attentive staff to this family-oriented property with bright rooms centered on an exquisite beach where you can enjoy water sports and even get scuba certification. There are several restaurants with choices from pizza to fine dining with a wine cellar featuring top vintages. Plenty of activities for children of all ages include an Xbox 360 game room, waterslide, dance-hall club, and Sesame Street–themed activities, exclusive to Beaches. Butler service is offered, and guests get free access to nearby Sandals Golf & Country Club. The helpful staff can help plan off-site excursions.

This beachfront, couples-only resort emphasizes romance and relaxation and is a more laid-back alternative to the nearby Sandals Negril. Located along Bloody Bay, north of the funkier Seven Mile Beach, the property is decorated in bright colors, and lively art by local craftspeople peppers public spaces. Rooms are similarly bright and roomy but are not luxurious. All rooms are air-conditioned and have king-size beds and ceiling fans; oversize bathrooms have a double vanity and Jacuzzi bathtub; every room has a flat-screen TV, bathrobes, an iPod docking station, and a minibar stocked with beer, wine, juices, and soda (replenished daily); and hors d'oeuvres are delivered each evening. All rooms also include balcony or patio, and suites have hammocks.

This classy, couples-only, all-inclusive encourages you to check your cares at the entrance and indulge in soul-nurturing pampering. Rooms—all suites—are soothing, with tile floors, plush linens, large balconies, and a style more Mediterranean than Caribbean. Bathrooms are large and luxurious. Romantic oceanfront suites have oversize whirlpool tubs. Guests have their choice of beaches (one clothing-optional), though both have pebbly sand, and neither is as appealing as the pools.

For sports-minded couples, this all-suites resort is known for its expansive sports offerings, top-notch facilities (Jamaica's best and among the Caribbean's best), and healthy cuisine. If you're looking for an active vacation sprinkled with romance, this is the best option in Negril. Suites are tucked in bungalow-style buildings—each with a private verandah overlooking the sea or a lush garden area—spread along a ½-mile (¾-km) stretch of gorgeous beach. Across the road lies one of Jamaica's best sports complexes, with classes and high-end equipment and instruction. There are 10 tennis courts, a full-service spa, and a fully equipped fitness center.

This all-inclusive has beautiful contemporary designed guest rooms; a handful of villa suites with private plunge pools and private sun terraces; and a private island where you can sunbathe in the buff. The resort is on a nice stretch of beach, and offers many water sports as part of the all-inclusive package, as well as several off-site excursions, including shopping in Ocho Rios and a visit to Dunn's River Falls.

With its many room categories, 28 massive villas (five to seven bedrooms), shopping village, a private beach, water sports, three pools, the luxurious Fern Tree spa, a children's village, golf course, and an equestrian center, this resort feels almost as though it's an entire town. What started in 1954 as a group of private beach cottages offered for rent during off-season months has blossomed into one of the most popular getaways on Jamaica's north coast. Renovations in recent years have added more than 50 rooms and a wealth of bars and restaurants, including a vegan café. The original beach cottages, just steps from the sand as well as public areas, remain a great choice. 

This adults-only beachfront resort with well-appointed rooms is trendy and sophisticated, offering the same all-inclusive service as its neighboring family-friendly sister resort, including a gym, a wellness center, and a spa in addition to freshwater pools and Jacuzzis. There are four dining options, including a Japanese restaurant and a steak house; guests may also eat at any of the restaurants at Riu Montego Bay and Riu Reggae. Land and water sports are in abundance, and there is free Wi-Fi throughout the resort.

Couples looking for a sports-oriented getaway and a casually elegant atmosphere flock to this resort on one of the best stretches of Negril Beach. You can wear dressy shorts to dinner, but men are required to don a collared shirt at the classy Sundowner restaurant. Water sports, particularly scuba diving, are popular; the capable staff is happy to work with neophytes as well as certified veterans. Tennis and other activities are included for landlubbers. There's a huge swim-up pool bar for when you're through exerting yourself. The range of spacious accommodations includes some two-story suites; personal butler service is available in top categories. The property features seven restaurants and a classy piano bar.

This sprawling, couples-only resort began years ago as two separate properties and is now one of the largest resorts in the Sandals group, though it does suffer a bit of a split personality: the Riviera Seaside and Beach Club has babbling brooks, fragrant gardens, and a chic beach club, while across the road (accessible by shuttle or tunnel) is the all-butler-service Riviera Villas and Great House. Some villas are quite far from the public areas and the beach. The resort also has 16 places to eat, a large rock-climbing wall, Jamaica's first speakeasy (The Rabbit Hole), and complimentary golfing privileges with the Sandals Golf and Country Club.

Four miles (6 km) east of the airport, this elegant resort has Jamaican-style buildings around attractive gardens and a less boisterous atmosphere than Sandals Montego Bay, offering a few more-formal touches, including nightly shows, unlimited fine dining, free nonmotorized water sports, and afternoon tea. A colorful "dragon boat" transports you to Sandals's private island (advertised as two vacations in one) for meals at a gourmet Thai restaurant or for private poolside fun.

The sumptuous villas— most of which have a private pool—and pampering staff lend a home-away-from-home feel to this golfers' haven west of MoBay; the beautiful seaside golf course is considered one of the toughest in the world and hosts big-money tournaments. The resort has other fun activities like tennis lessons, motorized sports (wakeboarding, banana boat rides, private glass-bottom boat tours), and a kids' club. The resort is even farther out than Round Hill, but golfers are more than willing to accept the relative isolation for easy access to the great course.