Top 13 Resorts in Jamaica | Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, All Inclusive Vacations
Jamaica is famous for a number of reasons.
In addition to being the birthplace of Reggae icon, Bob Marley, and home to the fastest man alive, Usain Bolt, Jamaica is known most of all for its white sand beaches, hospitality and vacations.
Most of the top all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica can be found to the north of the island, in Montego Bay, Jamaica and Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
Where is Jamaica?
Located only a few miles south of Florida, Jamaica boasts three international airports and multiple cruise ship terminals in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Falmouth and Port Antonio.
Each year, over 3 million tourists travel to Jamaica by sea and air, to enjoy the sand, sea and sun.
Below is the list of 13 of the top resorts in Jamaica, followed by a brief overview of each resort (all inclusive and non-inclusive)
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13 Best Jamaican Resorts and Hotels
- Geejam Hotel, Port Antonio
- Club Hotel Riu, Ocho Rios
- Half Moon, a RockResort, Montego Bay
- Rockhouse Hotel, Negril
- Strawberry Hill Hotel, Kingston
- Jakes Treasure Beach Jamaica Hotel, St. Elizabeth
- Secrets Resorts & Spa, Montego Bay
- Golden Eye, Oracabessa
- Iberostar Grand Hotel, Rose Hall
- Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios
- Sandals Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios
- The Caves, Negril
- Round Hill Hotel & Villas, Hopewell
1.Geejam Hotel, Port Antonio
Geejam Hotel is not your typical resort hotel. Nestled in the lush greenery of Portland, Jamaica, the property features a healing spa, gym, bar, swimming pool and recording studio.
This small, boutique hotel features seven double rooms, which includes a self-contained three-bedroom villa.
The historic town of Port Antonio is approximately ten minutes from the hotel and offers guests the opportunity to indulge in Jamaica’s rich culture.
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Hiking and rafting are common activities enjoyed by visitors. Geejam Hotel has a Trip Advisor ranking of 97% and is listed as the top hotel in Port Antonio.
2.Club Hotel Riu, Ocho Rios
This 24-hour all-inclusive hotel can be found on Jamaica’s northern coast.
Nearby attractions include: swimming with dolphins at Dolphin Cove; visiting the botanical gardens at Cranbrook Flower Forest; and climbing the world-famous Dunn’s River Falls.
Climbing the Dunn’s River Falls (image source: Real Tours Jamaica)
The hotel boasts two amazing fresh water swimming pools, sauna, solarium terrace and hot tubs. Riu, Ocho Rios features 846 rooms with breathtaking ocean views in a quiet environment.
3.Half Moon, Rose Hall, Montego Bay
This Green Globe certified luxury resort sits on 400 acres of prime Jamaican real estate. Half Moon features 197 rooms and 31 luxury villas.
Guests will enjoy the two miles of white sand beach, meals from any one of the eight fine dining restaurants on-site, and drinks from eight bars.
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The hotel’s award-winning Fern Tree Spa is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a number of spa treatments designed to rejuvenate the body.
With 54 private swimming pools, three communal pools, 13 tennis courts, a fully equipped fitness center, an equestrian center and a golf course, there is always something for every guest to enjoy.
4.Rockhouse Hotel, Negril
Rockhouse Hotel is the perfect spot to enjoy the iconic Negril sunset. Perched atop the Pristine Cove cliffs, Rockhouse offers guests a selection of 34 air-conditioned rooms.
The rooms include garden villas, premium villas, studios, standard and deluxe standard rooms built from an interesting mix of timber, thatch and stone.
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Rockhouse is the perfect mix of nature and luxury in an eco-friendly way.
Rockhouse is Green Globe certified and gives back to the Jamaican community through the Rockhouse Foundation.
5.Strawberry Hill Hotel, Kingston
Nestled in the Blue Mountains, Strawberry Hill Hotel offers breathtaking views from every angle.
The hotel provides the backdrop for the perfect getaway, beginning with a scenic drive through Kingston, followed by an unforgettable journey through the hills.
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The property features Colonial style cottages that vary in size, but which are equally charming.
Strawberry Hill Hotel has a Trip Advisor rating of 82% and is a part of a group of hotels owned by the founder of Island Records, Chris Blackwell.
6.Jakes Treasure Beach Jamaica Hotel, St. Elizabeth
Jakes Hotel is located on Jamaica’s south coast and features private villas with artsy décor and an overall rustic feel.
Visitors have the option of exploring the nearby Black River Safari, YS Falls, and of course, the iconic Pelican Bar which sits in the middle of the ocean, almost a mile from shore.
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The hotel offers Yoga classes on a deck with a 180-degree view of the ocean and hosts a number of fitness retreats and workshops each year.
Jakes Hotel works closely with BREDS, The Treasure Beach Foundation, to empower members of the Treasure Beach community through sports and education.
7.Secrets Resorts & Spa, Montego Bay
Secrets Resorts & Spa offers guests a peaceful, sophisticated paradise.
The international hotel chain boasts two hotels on adjoining properties in Montego Bay – Secrets and Secrets Wild Orchid.
Virtually surrounded entirely by the Caribbean Sea, the hotels were built on a peninsula, and are adult only properties.
The upscale all-inclusive resorts offer elegant accommodations, gourmet dining, world-class spas, unlimited premium, drinks and a 24-hour room concierge service.
Other Secrets Resorts can be found in Mexico and Dominican Republic.
8.Golden Eye, Oracabessa
The flagship hotel of Chris Blackwell’s Island Outpost, Golden Eye was home to Ian Flemming, the English naval intelligence officer turned author who penned the James Bond series of spy novels.
The property boasts large, exquisite villas with fulltime dedicated staff to cater to the needs of every guest. The Lagoon cottages in particular, provide a private deck with easy access to private kayaks.
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The hotel is a hit among children who enjoy watching the James Bond DVDs, when they are not busy exploring every nook and cranny of 30-acre property. Golden Eye has a rating of 94% on Trip Advisor and holds the top spot for hotels in Oracabessa. Oracabessa is also home to the Ian Flemming International Airport.
9.Iberostar Grand Hotel, Rose Hall
One of the newer hotels on Jamaica’s north coast, Iberostar Grand Hotel is one of three hotels under the brand on the same property.
This all-inclusive resort is adults only and features 293 oversized suites and two presidential suites.
Mini-bars are fully stocked with premium liquors, which can be customized to suit each guest’s preferred taste.
There are four a la carte restaurants on the property, two swimming pools, and butler service.
This international chain also features properties in Brazil, Cuba, Spain, and Morocco, to name a few.
10.Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios
With 52 suites and cottages, Jamaica Inn is a luxury hotel in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The resort boasts a 700-foot private, crescent-shaped beach.
Available activities include: sunfish sailing, snorkeling and paddle boarding, among others.
The antique-inspired furniture helps to create the perfect ambience for the picturesque ocean backdrop.
Jamaica Inn is ranked number one on Trip Advisor’s list of top hotels in Ocho Rios, with a guest approval rating of 96%.
11.Sandals Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios
Ranked number two on Trip Advisor’s list of top hotels in Ocho Rios, this all-butler boutique resort is the epitome of luxury.
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The hotel features 74 suites, each with a view of the ocean. The perfectly manicured greens at the nearby Sandals Golf & Country Club offer an escape, if desired.
This retro-chic resort also features a champagne and caviar bar, the only one on the island.
12.The Caves, Negril
The Caves, Negril is another of Chris Blackwell’s Island Outpost gems. Located at Negril’s West End, this oceanfront sanctuary features twelve cliff-side cottages, a salt-water swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and spa.
For the adventurous traveler, jet skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, horseback riding and hiking tours are available.
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For the thrill seekers, diving into the ocean from the cliffs is guaranteed to provide an adrenaline rush like no other.
The property also features a limestone grotto which houses the Blackwell Rum Bar, serving guests signature cocktails from candlelit tables.
13.Round Hill Hotel & Villas, Hopewell
According to Round Hill, it is the place where “inhibitions run free”, “classic elegance still reigns”, “lost moments are found”, and “outside is in”.
The suites in this luxury hotel and villa were designed by the famed American designer, Ralph Lauren.
Round Hill is the perfect family getaway, and has won a number Travel + Leisure awards in several categories over the years. The resort offers a variety of all-inclusive packages for guests, and celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2013. Round Hill boasts a 92% rating on Trip Advisor.
Regardless of the occasion, need or budget, Jamaican resorts have something for every visitor. For those looking to indulge in the local culture, there’s lots to learn from a nation of people willing and ready to share.
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