8 Best Hotels in Jamaica

Located 10 minutes east of Port Antonio, this stylish, tech-savvy rockers' getaway (Gwen Stefani recorded an album here, and it's a favorite of Grace Jones) was once a music producer's hideaway. It still features a state-of-the-art recording studio that's available to guests (assuming you're cutting your next album while on vacation). Cell phones are provided upon arrival, and visitors have their pick of more than 50 international newspapers to peruse in their rooms, which are notable for a modern mix of high-tech and island simplicity. The 12 studio rooms added most recently are especially nice, each with a balcony, ocean views, white and wooden decor, and well-curated art.

Luxury and privacy are hallmarks at Hermosa Cove, where the contemporary one- and two-story villas offer all the conveniences of home in a beautiful tropical setting. Artwork and stylish furnishings from around the world grace villas named for tropical fruits and spices, each with its own private kitchen and walled-in garden featuring a small private swimming pool and gazebo. The resort has an infinity pool, beach area, and two delicious on-site restaurants, Christophers and the Broken Rudder.

A 45-minute drive from Kingston—but worlds apart in terms of atmosphere—this exclusive resort was developed by Chris Blackwell, former head of Island Records (the label of Bob Marley, among many others), and features an infinity pool, spa, and pure relaxation in Georgian-style cottages. This place is not for beach buffs but for those in search of great food, and on a clear day, the on-site restaurant offers unbeatable views over the capital city, too. Cottages survey the mountains from expansive porches, most with an oversize hammock. Every bed has an electric mattress pad for chilly evenings, and mosquito nets—because there's no air-conditioning, guests usually prefer to keep windows open.

This massive property is one of the island's largest resorts—and most economical all-inclusives—with more than 800 rooms, seven restaurants, three pools, and a children's water park. Guest rooms, decorated in muted tropical tones, are a good value for travelers who don't mind some dining restrictions (and plenty of fellow travelers at the buffet line). Special Club Golden and Club Diamond categories include separate check-in, a lounge, and other exclusive facilities. There's also an adults-only category.

At this go-to resort for the uninhibited that promises a perpetual spring break for adults, most visitors are drawn to the legendary party atmosphere. You can find "prude" activities, such as those in the large gym, but it's the nude side that's regularly sold out. Many nudist groups plan vacations en masse here several times a year; another peak time is Halloween, when guests celebrate the resort's anniversary with wild costumes and decorated rooms. All the resort's premium suites have private terraces with ocean or garden views and hot tubs. In addition, all rooms have multi-head showers and mirrors over the beds. It's also a great choice for fans of nightlife.

This all-suites, all-inclusive property is the most stylish and offers more amenities than the other adjacent Iberostar resorts, including a fantastic spa, a beautiful beach, three pools, and a water park for kids. Guests are welcomed with sweeping grand staircases and an expansive marble lobby appointed with red velvet couches and giant brass chandeliers. By comparison, the rooms have a minimalist approach with soothing green and brown tones. Rooms are well-appointed and inviting, but the vast, dimly lit, uncarpeted hallways that you have to navigate to get to your comfortable suite are a jarring contrast. Once in your room, you may never want to leave, and with 24-hour room service, you don't have to.

This boutique resort on the cliffs features spacious cottages that are handcrafted from stone and thatch, with cedar and mahogany furniture and fittings that were made on-site. The property was designed by architect Shane Cohen, who owns and runs the resort with his wife, Christine. Relax by the saltwater pool or indulge in natural spa treatments in the open-air cabanas on the cliff or on the large covered yoga deck, which is surrounded by a lily pond. Various meal plans are available.

Surrounded by lush forests and palm trees, this relaxed all-inclusive is a favorite with ecotourists thanks to its emphasis on environmental sustainability. Rooms here are in tree-house-like cottages amid towering royal palms. Open and airy, rooms have floral bedspreads, gauzy curtains, natural-wood floors, and high ceilings. The beach is across the street, along with such activities as nonmotorized water sports. Nature enthusiasts can also take a walk with the resort's resident gardener.