HomeHOTELS + VILLAS-CaribbeanThe 8 Best Luxury Boutique Hotels in Jamaica

The 8 Best Luxury Boutique Hotels in Jamaica

by URBAN JOURNEY
Goldeneye - luxury hotels in Jamaica

Award-winning hotels span the beautiful Caribbean island of Jamaica and the island is home to some beautiful and luxurious hotels and resorts. For the ultimate blend of inclusivity & luxury, opt-in for any of these luxurious boutique hotels in Jamaica. These properties are small, stylish and intimate. You’re truly in for a one-of-a-kind experience if you choose to stay at any of these luxury boutique hotels in Jamaica.

The Caribbean island of Jamaica is synonymous with beauty and unmatched hospitality, but there’s more to this holiday destination than expansive white beaches and tropical landscapes. Here, you can find some of the most luxurious hotels — offering a diverse range of amenities & unparalleled comfort in the backdrop of gorgeous sandy beaches, glorious mountains and breathtaking ocean views.

Whether you’re looking for accommodation, or an elegant and understated spa, you’ll be spoilt for choices. Get ready to plunge into a world of pampering and tranquility as we unearth the best luxury hotels in Jamaica that promise a fairytale-like Caribbean retreat.

Luxury Boutique Hotels in Montego Bay, Jamaica

1. S Hotel

S Hotel poolside - luxury boutique hotels in Jamaica

Image source: S Hotel

For an adults only, all inclusive escape, be sure to check-into this stylish and luxurious boutique hotel. This tranquil and sophisticated hotel can be found on Doctor’s Cave beach in Montego Bay and it truly stands out for its eclectic vibe.

Wake up for a beautiful sunset and grab a coffee from the Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee espresso bar. Spend the day unwinding in the Irie Spa hopping from one plunge pool to another or enjoy a floating breakfast by one of the two pools. The S Hotel does a fantastic job or curating activities of all kinds including yoga on the beach and cooking demonstrations. Being an all-inclusive hotel, you’re never going to have a dull moment. You will also surely be comfortable in one of their 120 chic rooms, all with a design-forward aesthetic.

The S Hotel is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. It has also has won numerous awards and was recently ranked as the #1 hotel in the Caribbean by Conde Nast 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards.

2. Round Hill Hotel and Villas

As one of the most esteemed hotels on the whole island, Round Hill Hotel and Villas is the first port of call for many celebrities, royalty, and discerning visitors. Lodged on the island’s north coast to the west of Montego Bay, this pleasure dome rolls down the hill to a stunning private beach — flaunting 27 private villas and 36 ocean-front rooms, surrounded by a lush tropical landscape. The decor, designed by Ralph Lauren, delivers understated elegance and timeless charm. This residence is steeped in history, having accommodated key figures such as John F. Kennedy, Paul Newman, and Ian Fleming, since its opening in 1952.

Picture yourself gliding through the cool waters of diverse swimming pools, each offering a unique experience for rejuvenating laps. Indulge in ultimate relaxation at our spa, which boasts exclusive beach access for treatments that transport you to a state of bliss. Pamper your taste buds with culinary delights that reflect Caribbean cuisine artistry, courtesy of Chef Martin Maginley who transforms every meal into magic.

What’s more; Immerse yourself in dishes generously sourced from the hotel’s organic garden, and dine at the seaside terrace, the restaurant, or the intimate comfort of your room. Don’t forget to create thrilling memories at the beach by sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, strolling, and admiring nature’s untainted elegance.

Round Hill Hotel and Villas was named one of the top 100 hotels in the world by Travel + Leisure. It also achieved the accolade of ‘World’s Leading Villa Resort 2023’ as chosen by the World Travel Awards, making it a front-runner amongst luxury hotels in Montego Bay Jamaica.

3. Half Moon Resort

Half Moon Resort - luxury boutique hotels in jamaica

Image credit: Half Moon Resort

​​Nestled amongst 400 acres of pristinely manicured grounds and featuring a two-mile stretch of private beachfront, the Half Moon Resort is arguably one of the best luxury hotels in Montego Bay, Jamaica. This charming beachfront retreat sits on an alluring stretch of white sandy beach overlapping the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Having hosted the graceful likes of Queen Elizabeth and John F. Kennedy, its warm hospitality and serene character endures still and await your patronage. Sneak away from chaos into the cozy warmth of its oceanfront suites, beachfront villasand cottages classified as Founder’s Cove, Rose Hall Villas, and Eclipse.

Featuring seven restaurants and five bars, there’s no shortage of places to grab a bite at this luxury hotel in Jamaica. Be sure to check out the Sugar Mill restaurant for an upscale meal, as detailed in our guide to the best restaurants in Montego Bay.

That’s not all; boost adrenaline levels at the beach by kayaking, snorkeling, paddling, boating, diving, and swimming with free gear. Or take one step at a time promenading its two-mile-long beach, sunbathing, and whispering sweet nothings to your significant other. Rest like an infant after receiving world-class hedonistic treatments at the overwater bungalow in the spa and let your tongue be forever indebted to you after downing authentic Jamaican cuisine at one of the world-class on-site dining options.

The Half Moon Resort has been hailed as the highest-rated resort in Jamaica by Forbes making it worthy of an honorable mention in any guide to the most luxurious hotels in Jamaica.

Luxury Boutique Hotels in Oracabessa, St. Mary, Jamaica

4. GoldenEye Hotel and Resort

Goldeneye - luxury boutique hotels in Jamaica

Image credit: GoldenEye

The GoldenEye Hotel and Resort sets the stage for guests looking to fulfill fairytale fantasy getaways on a tropical island contoured by beaches. This iconic private property was known as English author Ian Fleming’s Caribbean retreat. It is where he spent two decades worth of winters, and indeed where he wrote all 14 James Bond novels. 007 admirers rejoice since the GoldenEye Hotel and Resort offers an ‘Ultimate James Bond Experience’ for mega fans to live out their greatest Bond fantasies.

Perched on Oracabessa Bay, Low Cay Beach (which is about 10 miles from Ocho Rios) is the resort’s top-rated outdoor attraction that entices visitors with irresistible offers like kayaking, paddling, snorkeling, and sailing. On the inside — lagoon cottages, beachfront bungalows and villas, the originals, and free-standing beach huts offer serene luxury respite and otherworldly hospitality. The resort also boasts natural caves converted into private pools and grottoes, as well as a spa, three pools, and a high-end fitness center. A highly-regarded destination for honeymooners, the Goldeneye Hotel and Resort is also popular with families and bachelors alike.

On the culinary side of things, Bizot Bar on Low Cay Beach serves mouthwatering breakfasts, and the Bamboo Bar never relents in dispensing the finest rum drinks.

The GoldenEye Hotel and Resort has bagged numerous awards for its lavish imprints in the tourism landscape of the Caribbean islands. The property has consistently been recognized as the Caribbean’s Leading Boutique Resort from (2011 to 2023) by the World Travel Awards, which lays testimony to its unrivaled elegance and bespoke services. What’s more; the GoldenEye was honored with the prestigious tag of the Best Hotel in the Caribbean 2020 by U.S News and World Report.

Luxury Boutique Hotels in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

5. Jamaica Inn

Jamaica Inn - luxury boutique hotels in Jamaica

Image credit: Jamaica Inn

Embrace history and luxury at Jamaica Inn, a 17th-century landmark nestled in Ocho Rios. This iconic hotel and all-suite resorts transcends the ordinary, offering indulgent comfort in a truly romantic setting.

Born in 1949 as the Montego Beach Hotel, Jamaica Inn has danced with Hollywood royalty like Errol Flynn and Marilyn Monroe, while Sir Winston Churchill found solace in its serene shores. Ian Fleming even penned chapters of his iconic Bond novels within these very walls. Today, the resort seamlessly blends its storied past with modern-day opulence. Guests can indulge in luxurious accommodations adorned with island accents, private balconies overlooking the ocean and a world-class spa offering rejuvenating treatments inspired by indigenous Jamaican traditions like coffee scrubs and coconut oil massages. You can also take a dip in one of the two infinity pools.

Choose from three dining options including The Terrace Restaurant for al fresco dining under the stars, The Sea Shanty for seafood or book in a private beach dinner.

The Jamaica Inn was awarded the Caribbean’s Leading Luxury All-Suite Resort in 2022 by the World Travel Awards.

Luxury Boutique Hotels in Negril, Jamaica

6. The Caves

The Caves - luxury resorts in Jamaica

Image credit: The Caves

The Caves is an opulent adult-only resort perched on the dramatic cliffs of Negril’s stunning coastline. A true escape from the ordinary, this eccentric retreat showcases 12 artful cottages split into garden views, ocean views, and blue-hole view cottages. With a bohemian interior decor style and a unique connection to nature, this award-winning resort consistently ranks amongst the most luxurious hotels in Jamaica across the board, year on year. Thus, securing an enviable reputation amongst tasteful visitors of the island.

Here you can indulge in treatments at the Aveda spa perched over the ocean or a candlelit private meal in a magical cave. As far as all-inclusive accommodation goes, The Caves proffers ultra-luxurious accommodations enriched with awe-inspiring vistas of the sea, in addition to spotting amenities such as outdoor showers, minibars, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. It maintains a close link to nature, allowing guests to enjoy laidback luxury and a sense of earthy authenticity.

Indulge in exceptional healing and body pampering sessions that last even after your stay at the spa and spend unforgettable nights at the Sand Bar, where a dull moment never exists. Or relish an array of water sports activities like kayaking, snorkeling, paddling, and diving beckons on every guest. Meals are as sensational as they come and can be devoured at The Gazebo, or Bamboo Terrace, with options ranging from traditional Jamaican barbeques to candlelit 5-course affairs.

The Caves has been featured in many travel magazines and nominated for several awards.

Luxury Boutique Hotels in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica

7. Geejam Hotel

luxury boutique hotels in Jamaica - Geejam
Couples seeking unhurried intimacy and creative avenues to spice up vacations will have their dreams come true at Geejam Hotel. Perched on the foothills of the Blue Mountains on Jamaica’s Northeast coast, this secluded resort is sandwiched between the inviting seas and rainforests of Port Antonio.

Isolated far out in the mountains, the hotel blends hip-hop vibes with modern luxury apartments, offering the perfect template to create lifelong moments, especially for creatives and free-spirited minds. Having hosted the likes of Rihanna and Drake, it’s a perfect hub for crafting vivid, world-class sounds & melodies thanks to its recording studio perched in absolute quiet.

Accommodation options in this luxurious hotel in Jamaica include rooms, suites, and treetop cabins that offer stunning vistas of the lush green forests and picturesque mountains from private balconies. But the most exotic and luxurious of all accommodations are the charming villas featuring recording studios, private gyms, spa rooms, heated pools, stylish lap pools and jacuzzis. Not to mention full-service staff and in-house chefs who are readily available at your disposal, no matter what you need and desire.

Relish the tastes of Jamaica’s tongue-stunning delicacies at the Bush Bar, and wash them down with exotic cocktails—perhaps after taking invigorating laps at the outdoor infinity pool by the bar. To cap the experience in a remarkable fashion, undertake bespoke excursions to Reach and Nanny Falls, Frenchman’s Cove, and Winifred Beach.

8. Strawberry Hill Resort

Strawberry Hill Hotel

Image credit: Strawberry Hill Resort

Set in a secluded location amongst the lush rainforest and crisp waterfalls of the Blue Mountains, Strawberry Hill is an upscale, rustic retreat. Here you can appreciate the sensational views of Kingston 3100ft below, as well as the breathtaking crystal clear ocean, all from a tranquil position in the resort’s impressive infinity pool. But don’t take our word for it; the incredible view from Strawberry Hill even earned itself a spot in the popular book by Patricia Schultz, “1,000 Places to See Before You Die.”

Indulge the appetizing tastes of native Jamaican cuisines at the Strawberry Hill Restaurant, featuring delectable options like lamb curry and fish stew, coupled with tropical mixed drinks at the Bar. Indulge in the peak of elite R&R at the world-class Spa, where treatments are intentionally exceptional, complemented by breathtaking mountain views. Spice up your stay here with an exploration into the mountains on a guided hike, or venture afar into the capital city of Kingston, which is only 2 hours away for endless adventures.

Named ‘Jamaica’s Leading Boutique Hotel 2023’, Strawberry Hill is a must-visit for anyone wishing to experience the best luxury boutique hotels in Jamaica. Renowned as an ‘architectural masterpiece’, the exquisite aesthetic of Strawberry Hill along with the unparalleled service will leave you dreaming of this island paradise for years to come.

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