Sustainable Hotels in Jamaica

With its beautiful beaches, unique cuisine, and laid back atmosphere, Jamaica certainly has a lot to offer to upscale travelers looking for an adventure. The birthplace of reggae doesn’t disappoint with its hotel scene either, housing many boutique hotels and all-inclusive resorts that go the whole nine yards to ensure guests have maximum comfort. Picture tropical vibes paired with the latest contemporary accommodation, Jamaica takes full advantage of its breathtaking scenery and promises vibrant nights under the Caribbean skies.

• Negril, Jamaica

The Caves

• From $530 /per night

There’s no better way to start our list than with a hotel in scenic Negril – Jamaica’s home of stunning stretches of sandy beach and turquoise waters. This is the spot that hides the Seven Mile Beach which has won numerous awards including 2019 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice® awards for Beaches. Surrounded by cliffs and stunning nature, the hotel’s vibrant cottages offer panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. As you might suspect, sunsets are a real thrill here throughout the whole year.

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Aside from boasting an excellent location, the hotel has an interesting story too. It was opened by a Rastafarian artistic couple who has devoted their time and energy to create cottages that encompass the vibrant Jamaican culture. Most of the furniture is hand-crafted, there’s a huge emphasis on lively colors, and Jamaican crafts dominate the space. After some years, the hotel was acquired by the renowned hotel group Island Outpost, which is owned by the music legend Chris Blackwell.

The dramatic cliffside setting and the adults-only policy make this resort ideal for honeymooners and couples. The 12 unique cottages can accommodate up to 24 guests, so privacy and intimacy are guaranteed. They offer maximum comfort with cozy sitting areas, outdoor spaces with stone floors, and huge windows, most of which overlook the sea.

The Caves doesn’t disappoint in terms of dining options either; the Bamboo Terrace has a 24/7 eatery with locally infused ingredients. Don’t miss to try the Jamaican breakfast or order a tropical cocktail at the bar perched high above the cliffs. Room service and cooking classes are also available.

Prices for the cottages start at $530.

• Oracabessa, Jamaica

GoldenEye

• From $720 /per night

Another hotel owned by the man responsible for popularising reggae music, Chirs Blackwell, bought GoldenEye in 1980. We must say that he has a thing for rage gems with a historic appeal. After all, if Ian Fleming found the hotel inspirational enough to spend a couple of months there and write all of his 14 James Bond novels, GoldenEye is a hands-down amazing hotel to visit. And yes, Mr. Bond #5 himself has visited the hotel as well as Jay-Z, Beyonce, and Bill and Hillary Clinton, to name a few. It’s worth noting that the hotel’s popularity comes with a price tag; this is one of the priciest resorts in Jamaica.

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The hotel’s 52 cottages are situated either around the lagoon or the private beach. Expect laidback luxury with authentic Jamaican decor, cozy claw-foot soaking tubs, and outdoor showers. All units feature private terraces equipped with chairs and tables overlooking the lagoon. King-size beds, Royal Hut 400-thread count handmade linens, air-conditioning, cozy sitting areas, flat TV screens, sound systems – you name it; GoldenEye promises a comfortable stay with all amenities needed for a comfortable stay.

Did we mention that the cottages spread across 52 acres of property filled with lush vegetation? And if this wasn’t enough to trigger your imagination, there are also two oceanfront pools with one boasting an infinity edge, while the other sits just above the ocean. The pool area is packed with lounge chairs, guests get beautiful beach towers, while drinks and cocktails are served by Bizot Bar. Barefoot lunch can also be arranged.

All meals at Bizot Bar and Gazebo (available for dinner) are prepared with vegetables and fruits sourced from the owner’s 2,500 acres organic garden.

The one-bedroom lagoon cottages start at $720, while the two-bedroom lagoon villas cost $1470.

• Montego Bay, Jamaica

Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall

• From $259 /per night

Household names such as the Hyatt hotel chain need little to no introduction, but what makes Zilara Rose Hall stand out in a region tightly packed with top-notch hotels is precisely this – unmatched luxurious accommodation. What we mean by this is that the rooms are generously sized with standard rooms starting at 500 square feet of living space, featuring a lengthy list of amenities and a decor that contributes to the sharp and luxurious vibe.

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The hotel’s grandiose property has a large pool at its center and is overlooking the beach. However, the small beach leaves a lot to be desired. There are lounge chairs and cabanas, but there aren’t enough sitting areas to accommodate the hotel’s size. That being said, Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall makes up for this inconvenience with the large pool, amazing pool service, and top-notch spa. Numerous beauty treatments and massages can be arranged at the spa and there’s a fitness center with the latest cardio and strength training equipment overlooking the ocean.

The hotel excels when it comes to dining options. There are 11 restaurants that are spread across Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall and Hyatt Ziva, the hotel’s sister property. Guests can savor authentic Jamaican cuisine prepared by island natives or order some Western classics at Choisez, while Fuzion prepares modern Asian cuisine paired with sake wines and Asian beers. This amazing restaurant list goes on with BraZil serving linguica sausages, picaña beef, and traditional Brazilian desserts, while Di Roza promises the best of the Italian cuisine.

Double rooms start at $259.

• Kingston, Jamaica

Strawberry Hill

• From $410 /per night

Strawberry Hills presents Jamaica’s most exclusive hotel and a completely different experience from any of our previous listings. Just getting to the resort is an adventure of its own as Strawberry Hills is set high up in the Blue Mountains, Jamaica’s famous coffee plantation. It takes a 50-minute journey from the busy streets in Kingston to the resort, however, it’s worth the trouble as you’ll pass by the charming village of Papine. As you climb higher in the mountains, you’ll be amazed by the ravishing views and you’ll get a better idea why Strawberry Hills was selected by New York Times as one of the “1,000 Places to See Before You Die”.

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The resort’s 12 cottages are nestled in a former coffee plantation among gardens and lush vegetation. Interiors are best described as a Jamaican interpretation of classic Colonial style and every little detail was designed by the renowned architect Ann Hodges. Inside all cottages there are four-poster beds fashioned with white bed linens, accented with vibrant African fabrics. Apart from the awesome hilltop pool, Strawberry Hills has an expensive spa offering Ayurvedic and hydrotherapy treatments.

The in-house restaurant serves traditional Jamaican dishes such as a fish stew, lamb curry, conch fritters, and coconut shrimp. The sweet-toothed shouldn’t miss the homemade ice cream that’s a guest favorite.

The two-bedroom cottages start at $410, while one-bedroom villas cost $450 a night.

• Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Moon Palace

• From $350 /per night

Situated close to Ochos Rios, Moon Palace is a glamorous beachfront resort that’s in close proximity to numerous attractions including Dolphin Cove, Dunn’s River Falls, Turtle River Park, and Ochos Rios Craft Market.

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With its 705 rooms spread across a gigantic property, marble interiors, and numerous facilities, Moon Palace resembles the luxurious hotels in Vegas. All rooms have a beige and blue color palette and feature furniture built with coastal woods. Beds with coral-patterned bed runners also add to the beachy vibe. Furthermore, each of the commodious 705 rooms has private balconies, allowing for some stunning ocean and mountain views. Large flat TV screens, iPod docks, working desks, coffee makers, free Wi-fi, and mini-fridges, Moon Palace goes the whole nine yards to ensure guests have access to top-notch amenities.

Moon Palace’s extensive list of facilities reflects its prime status. The hotel boasts two private beaches, one equipped with sun loungers and shady cabanas, while the other is reserved for water sports. From snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking, to scuba diving, fun times are guaranteed at the resort. Additionally, the hotel has four swimming pools with sun loungers, swim-up bars, and hot tubs. Last but not least, the hotel’s fully-fledged spa encompasses 23 treatment rooms, a sauna, steam rooms, an indoor pool, and a relaxation area.

Deluxe rooms with ocean views start at $350.

• Montego Bay, Jamaica

Sandals

• From $466 /per night

Sandals is yet another beachfront hotel, this time on the northern coast of Jamaica right off the main A1 highway. What sets this hotel apart from other accommodation options in the area is the sophisticated and luxe look of the place paired with an array of facilities including 12 restaurants, 6 bars, a fitness center, stage, and entertainment areas.

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Beachy palette heavy on blue and whites fills the interiors while the spacious lobby features a contemporary design. Guests can choose from 27 room categories ranging from entry-level deluxe rooms and beachfront butler suites, all the way up to oceanfront penthouse suites. In-room amenities include a flat TV screen, coffeemakers, minibars, air conditioning, ironing facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Each room has a colonial-style design with custom-made king-size beds, dark mahogany wood furniture, and retro artworks.

As we’ve already mentioned, the hotel has nine high-quality restaurants, so you definitely won’t run out of options, no matter how long you’re staying. Buffet-style breakfast is served at the Bayside, Dino’s Pizzas serves an incredible variety of pizzas prepared with local ingredients, while Asian fare can be enjoyed at Tokyo Jo’s.

Deluxe rooms start at $466.

• Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica

Half Moon

• From $800 /per night

Another hotel on our listing that’s settled in the beautiful Montego Bay, this time a resort that boasts two private beaches. Since its opening in 1954, Half Moon’s tropical vibe has been a magnet for celebrities. And we must say that the list of guests who have visited this hotel is quite enviable; Spike Lee, Morgan Freeman, Jay Z, David Bowie, and Iman – they’ve all experienced Half Moon’s laidback luxury.

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Colonial English style dominates the interiors and stepping into the spacious lobby immediately gives you a hint that you’re in for a treat. Next to the lobby, there’s an amazing library filled with vintage photos and art books – the perfect place to relax after a long day of sightseeing and learn something about the vibrant Jamaican culture. Furthermore, there’s a coffee shop with charming desks and chairs. Here, you’ll get the idea of why Jamaican coffee is considered to be the best coffee in the world. Getting lost in the resort’s vast gardens is a pleasure, given the sheer volume of colorful flowers, palm trees, and well-maintained lawns.

The hotel’s classy look continues in the guest rooms, suites, and villas. Each unit is furnished with tropical hardwood, contemporary artworks, and ocean-inspired fabrics. Most of the accommodation options include safes, flat TV screens, air conditioning, safes, writing desks, and high-speed Wi-Fi.

Double room prices start at $800 if you take advantage of the special offers that the hotel often has.

• Montego Bay, Jamaica

Secrets Wild Orchid

• From $430 /per night

The perfect follow up to our previous listing would be Secrets Wild Orchid, a sprawling 350-room hotel situated in Jamaica’s hottest touristic destination – Montego Bay. The hotel is a convenient 20-minute drive away from the airport, so you won’t have trouble reaching your cozy accommodation.

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Secrets Wild Orchid is an adults-only resort which offers all-inclusive packages which cover every possible luxury you can imagine. By this, we mean limitless access to the gourmet a la carte dining options, unlimited top-shelf spirits, soft drinks, and fruit juices, and 24-room and concierge service. Furthermore, the hotel’s “unlimited luxury” packages also include daily maid service and free access to the fitness facilities, as well as the dive center.

All 350 rooms are thoughtfully designed and leave nothing to be desired. In-room amenities include four-poster beds, iPod docks, flat TV screens, free daily restocked minibars, free Wi-Fi, soaking tubs, and separate rainfall showers. Suites are airy and elegant with furnished balconies. A popular option among high-end guests is the Preferred Club Junior Suite which has direct access to the pool.

With a total of 10 restaurants, guests will have a hard time choosing whether to try some Mexican, Italian, Jamaican, Asian, or French specialties. Let it be known that every restaurant has its own building and distinct decor.

Junior Suites with a garden view start at $430.

• White House, Jamaica

Sandals South Coast

• From $400 /per night

For those of you looking to relax in a natural wildlife preserve and savor laidback luxury, Sandals South Coast is the perfect deal. This is the only hotel in the beautiful area of White House and its grandiose property spreads across 500 acres of wilderness preserve, making it very intimate and quiet. However, the lack of landmarks in the area doesn’t mean that you’ll get bored here – the hotel offers plenty of fun in its entertainment areas. Theme nights, cocktail parties, talent shows, and live music, Sandals South Coast promises unforgettable nights.

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The hotel has all-inclusive packages that are quite generous with unlimited fine dining at 9 restaurants, unlimited premium liqueurs, roundtrip airport transfers, and stocked bars in every room. Plus, guests can practice a wide variety of land and water sports, including snorkeling, scuba diving, horse riding, paddleboarding, sailing, tennis, beach volleyball, and billiards. Professional instructions for the water sports are also included in the all-inclusive packages.

Spacious and inviting, the hotel rooms ooze sophistication with dark wood furniture, soothing fabrics, and contemporary artworks. All rooms have ravishing views over the water. Featuring in-room amenities such as air-conditioning, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, microwaves, patios, and balconies, the rooms leave nothing to be desired. For some extra luxury, guests can have private butlers that will be happy to assist with anything they may need.

Double rooms start at $400.

• Negril Jamaica, Jamaica

Sandy Haven Resort

• From $279 /per night

If you happen to find yourself in Negril, the best way to experience this upscale area is certainly from a room situated on the world-famous Seven Mile Beach. The hotel’s top tier status can be recognized immediately from its well-maintained grounds dotted with palm trees, colorful flowers, and comfortable sun loungers. Earth-inspired color palette dominates all interiors with dark woods, numerous plants, and antiques which create a relaxing atmosphere.

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With only 35 rooms in the hotel, a quiet and intimate stay is guaranteed. The decor encapsulates the Jamaican lifestyle at its finest with wooden floors, king-size beds, soothing fabrics, and floor-to-ceiling windows. All of the rooms and suites are incredibly spacious and have all the must-haves for a hotel of this stature, namely: walk-in closets, safes, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and coffee machines. Furthermore, there are private patios with tables and chairs overlooking the azure blue waters.

The on-site restaurant Bongos serves some fantastic dishes prepared with flavors from the Caribbean. Sandy Haven’s Beach Bar & Grill offers some refreshing drinks and small bites in an elegant open-air setting.

Junior Suites with an ocean view start at $279.

• Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Hermosa Cove

• From $500 /per night

Travelers who want to engage with the local culture and mingle with friendly locals, should definitely visit the charming Hermosa Cove if they happen to find themselves in Ocho Rios. This is an eco-friendly resort where guests are known by their name and meals are cooked with naturally sourced ingredients from the hotel gardens. However, don’t let the homey atmosphere fool you, Hermosa Cave doesn’t lack upscale luxury either. Guests rave about the hotel’s cascading pools, while villas have their own private pool set in walled gardens.

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What sets Hermosa Cove apart from the mega-resorts in the area is the unique architecture of the bright bungalows appointed with museum-quality art, small towers, and rooftop palapas. Every corner of the resort has been designed by the owners and a team of local artisans to create a haven of wood and stone. Room accommodations range from one-bedroom villas to boutique lodgings and each offers unique perks such as painted wood furniture, ornately carved wood hangings, and antique prints. What we recommend is the amazing Cottonweed Tree House. This second-story villa is nestled on the edge of a bush and its inviting ocean view deck seems like the ideal spot to sip Blue Mountain coffee.

For the ultimate one-with-nature experience, taste the hotel’s delicious cuisine in a gazebo while you watch the Jamaican sunset over the ocean. Meals are infused with local favorites such as steamed callaloo, braised oxtail, and jerk chicken, and the chef’s unique creations will leave you craving for more. The best part? Guests are welcomed to participate in the cooking process and learn the ins and outs of Jamaican cuisine.

Guest rooms start at $500.

• Treasure Beach, Jamaica

Jakes

• From $315 /per night

The perfect romantic getaway, Jakes is a hip resort that’s part of the luxury hotel group Bespoke Hotels. Stepping inside the property feels like entering a hippie utopia where artsy cottages are connected with mosaic pathways. If you visit the resort, make sure you are ready to unplug from the world – there’s no phone, internet, or TV in the guest rooms. No internet and yet the hotel’s interiors are screaming for Instagram shots, so be sure to bring a good camera. Guests are invited to relax and surrender in an artsy, Gaudi-Esque paradise where time seems to slow down.

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Here, no two units are alike and every little detail has been designed by the owner with Jamaica’s heritage in mind. Picture tile mosaics, vibrant artworks, pillows, and curtains patterned with a red and green color palette. The eclectic CDs collection that guests can play on their in-room stereos adds to the retro atmosphere. The artsy charm continues in the bathrooms fashioned with tile mosaics, seashells, and glass bottles. Take a dip in the claw-foot bathtubs and breathe in the bohemian atmosphere.

Start your day with a callaloo breakfast at Smurf’s Cafe, continue with art and cooking classes, and bike to Lover’s Leap in the afternoon, Jakes is all about unforgettable experiences in a stunning setting.

Oceanfront bungalows start at $315.

• Negril, Jamaica

Rockhouse Hotel

• From $135 /per night

Another hotel in Negril, Jamaica’s hot tourist destination that every year attracts millions of people. If you want to experience everything that this beautiful area has to offer, you should definitely check out Rockhouse Hotel, a sprawling resort tucked in cove formations and volcanic rock cliffs. The hotel is particularly popular among big artistic names and the hotel’s enviable guests list includes Bob Marley and Bob Dylan.

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There’s a vibrant and fun atmosphere all around the resort; expect to see sailors, scuba diving enthusiasts, and adrenaline junkies jumping from the cliffs surrounding the resort. The hotel’s twenty villas feature thatch-roofed huts and external balconies overlooking Pristine Cove. Suites start at 800 square feet and offer plenty of space with a lounge area, bedroom with king-size beds, and oversized balcony overlooking the sea.

The hotel’s spa is the main draw here as it’s surrounded by untouched greenery and colorful flowers. Guests can relax in the three-walled spa overlooking the azure blue waters and experience holistic treatments available for singles and couples. We strongly recommend that you should try out some relaxing massages infused with local ingredients such as cinnamon and brown sugar. Additionally, the ocean-view infinity pool offers plenty of space for relaxation with umbrellas, sun loungers, and shady cabanas. Painting and cooking classes are also available at the resort.

Deluxe standard rooms start at $135.

• Negril, Jamaica

Tensing Pen Resort

• From $300 /per night

Tensing Pen Resort is a sophisticated and upscale hotel situated on the West End cliffs in Negril. From the romantic rooms with thatched roofs guests can experience some of the most beautiful sunsets over the Caribbean Sea. The hotel was opened in the late ‘70s when it functioned as a tiny hippie hangout, but it has grown through the years and is now considered to be one of Negril’s best hotels.

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Tensing Pen cottages certainly leave an impression with their unique decor. Picture wooden four-poster beds, stone detailing, wooden floors, and locally inspired artworks by Jamaican artists. Each unit comes with a furnished balcony overlooking the ocean. In-room amenities include ceiling fans, mini-fridges, kettles, storage spaces, and in-room safes. However, there are no phones or TVs – the resort invites guests to unplug, though Wi-Fi is available.

Complimentary breakfast consisting of fresh Blue mountain coffee, toast, local jams, and cereals is served every morning at Lodge. This is an open-air restaurant overlooking the blue Caribbean sea where guests can enjoy specialties such as freshly caught fish, local grilles lobster, traditional jerk chicken, and sweet curried black river shrimp.

Deluxe rooms with an ocean view start at $300.

• Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Jamaica Inn

• From $300 /per night

Tensing Pen Resort is a sophisticated and upscale hotel situated on the West End cliffs in Negril. From the romantic rooms with thatched roofs guests can experience some of the most beautiful sunsets over the Caribbean Sea. The hotel was opened in the late ‘70s when it functioned as a tiny hippie hangout, but it has grown through the years and is now considered to be one of Negril’s best hotels.

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Tensing Pen cottages certainly leave an impression with their unique decor. Picture wooden four-poster beds, stone detailing, wooden floors, and locally inspired artworks by Jamaican artists. Each unit comes with a furnished balcony overlooking the ocean. In-room amenities include ceiling fans, mini-fridges, kettles, storage spaces, and in-room safes. However, there are no phones or TVs – the resort invites guests to unplug, though Wi-Fi is available.

Complimentary breakfast consisting of fresh Blue mountain coffee, toast, local jams, and cereals is served every morning at Lodge. This is an open-air restaurant overlooking the blue Caribbean sea where guests can enjoy specialties such as freshly caught fish, local grilles lobster, traditional jerk chicken, and sweet curried black river shrimp.

Deluxe rooms with an ocean view start at $300.