In this special five-part feature, we run you through Jamaica’s 10 best boutique hotels and resorts. The Swank Guide visited over 30 Jamaica hotels and stayed at 12 to find our top picks. A hotel doesn’t have to be expensive to be great, so our list includes low-cost but classy digs, as well as Jamaica’s most luxurious resorts, and everything in between.
Our list of Jamaica’s best hotels and resorts is organized by region. We begin at Port Antonio, followed by Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Negril and Treasure Beach.
Hotels 1-2 of 10
Geejam Hotel GoldenEye Resort
Geejam Hotel
- Port Antonio
- from 250 USD per night
The room nomenclature Tributes to Jamaican musicians
Nestled in lush Portland Parish, Geejam combines ultra-modern design with a serene tropical vibe. Known for its music studio, eclectic crowd, and impeccable service, this resort is a creative haven in Jamaica, with each of its 12 rooms named after a Jamaican musician.
The owners won’t name-drop their celebrity guests, but Rolling Stone will (hello, Harry Styles). Steps are everywhere – literally everywhere – making this a non-starter for the mobility-challenged but perfect for those seeking thigh definition. The beach requires a road crossing and stair master certification, but the infinity pool offers consolation with views that make postcards feel inadequate. Pro tip: Upper rooms aren’t just about elevation – they’re about validation of your life choices. And yes, that really is a recording studio upstairs.
Seeing red Knock-out views from the infinity pool, complete with the hotel’s signature pops of red
The Bushbar serves as both sustenance provider and potential music industry networking opportunity (though they’ll never confirm or deny). Open-air dining with views that make you forgive any minor culinary missteps, though you won’t find many. A separate seafood menu proves the kitchen, like the recording studio, knows its tracks. The bar stays busy with a crowd too cool to care they’re being cool, while the soundtrack – unsurprisingly – slaps. Whether you’re fueling up for beach steps or recovering from them, the casual-but-curated vibe hits all the right notes.
The beach at the bottom of the many steps down from the hotel is not your typical Jamaican beach scene: think super-private and mellow. Experiences curated by the hotel include an excursion to a tiny island only ten minutes from the hotel, rafting (a Swank fav), and use of Geejam’s extensive watersports equipment.
Highs:
- Bright, spacious and nicely furnished rooms with lots of personality
- The owner Steve and his staff
- Pool table with better views than your Instagram
- Big on class but affordable
Lows:
- All those steps
Like what you see?
GoldenEye Resort
- Ocho Rios
- from 550 USD per night
Licence to chill Paddle-boarding at GoldenEye
This Jamaican hideaway, just outside Ocho Rios, has a relaxed Caribbean vibe with a touch of elegance thrown in. The property was owned by Ian Fleming, where he wrote the first 13 Bond novels, and you can stay in Fleming’s home here.
With 49 rooms, villas, and beach huts, the resort is one of Jamaica’s most luxe. As soon as you come in, you walk through a mini version of the Golden Gate Bridge… in other words this hotel knows something about drama, with an eclectic blend of shabby-chic charm and modern finesse thrown in. But you might be surprised to learn what rooms are the best – you’ll have to read our hotel profile to find out.
GoldenHi This bridge, reminiscent of San Francisco’s Golden Gate, welcomes you to the hotel
From fine dining to beachside barbecues, there’s a variety of ways to eat at GoldenEye. ‘The Gazebo’ serves lagoon-side dishes, while ‘Bizot Bar’ provides a casual, beachy setting with its delectable fare inspired by Jamaican and Mediterranean cuisines. Whether you’re toasting the sunset with a cocktail or savoring a gourmet meal, you probably won’t have to leave the place to eat or drink. I didn’t leave the property for three days because I was enjoying myself so much.
Luxe amenities include freshwater and saltwater pools and the ‘FieldSpa’ that actually on a lagoon… the first time I’ve ever kayaked to a spa. There are tons of watersports to choose from, or just chill on one of the resort’s three beaches.
Highs:
- The lagoon rooms
- Sunset cocktails with an authentic Rasta band
- All those beaches and pools
Lows:
- It’s expensive
