Jamaica has long been a vacation haven for the luxury-seeking elite. The destination has played host to former U.S. President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jackie Kennedy, HRH Queen Elizabeth, HRH Prince Charles, Beyonce Knowles, Sir Paul McCartney, Naomi Campbell, and many others. Author Ian Fleming penned all fourteen James Bond novels at GoldenEye, located in Oracabessa. With its cerulean waters, white sand beaches and lush vegetation, the island provides the perfect backdrop for an extravagant vacation getaway.
“Jamaica is a land of unspoiled natural beauty with the reputation of a world-class leisure destination,” said Paul Pennicook, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “Further enhanced by her wealth of well-appointed resort offerings, the island is the premier destination for travelers seeking the ultimate in luxury.”
From the tourism capital of Montego Bay, to Negril in the west and Port Antonio in the east, visitors can find something to appease their luxury palette. Here’s a sampling of Jamaica’s most lavish retreats where the rich and famous stay to relax, be pampered and enjoy maximum privacy:
Azul Sensatori Jamaica (Negril, Jamaica)
Located on Negril’s world famous Seven Mile Beach, Azul Sensatori Jamaica, offers 136 ocean-view rooms, three pools, five restaurants and Karisma’s Gourmet Inclusive concept. World-renowned chefs, sommeliers, high-end gourmet cuisine served a la carte, 24-hour room service and a full-service concierge can all be expected at this extravagant all-inclusive property (http://www.azuljamaica.com/).
Geejam Hotel (Negril, Jamaica)
Geejam Hotel’s seven double rooms consist of three deluxe cabins, one suite, and a self-contained three-bedroom villa. Equipped with a recording studio, healing spa, swimming pool, gym and bushbar, the property forms an exclusive universe between the foothills of the Blue Mountains and the sapphire waters of Frenchman’s Cove, voted by Condé Nast as one of the world’s top five beaches (http://www.geejamhotel.com/).
GoldenEye Hotel and Resort (Oracabessa, Jamaica)
The former home of author and James Bond creator, Ian Fleming, GoldenEye is now a stunning 52-acre resort overlooking the Caribbean Sea on Jamaica’s north coast. Home to secret coves, breathtaking private beaches, tropical forests and a seawater lagoon, the property also boasts the FieldSpa and two restaurants – Bizot Bar (a beach bistro) and The Gazebo (fine dining) (https://www.goldeneye.com).
Half Moon, A RockResort (Montego Bay, Jamaica)
One of the world’s finest resort hotels, Half Moon sits on a private estate of 400 acres with beautifully landscaped gardens, a nature reserve, and 197 rooms and suites scattered amongst white-rendered cottages and 31 capacious villas, all fronted by two miles of private beach. The epitome of luxury, it offers six fine-dining restaurants, an 18-hole championship golf course, an equestrian center, thirteen tennis courts and a private Dolphin Lagoon (http://halfmoon.rockresorts.com/default-en.html).
Jamaica Inn (Ocho Rios, Jamaica)
Consistently ranked among the top luxury hotels in Jamaica and the Caribbean, Jamaica Inn boasts an intimate eight-acre property situated on a private cove with an offshore reef. With 52 suites and cottages and 700-foot private white sand beach, often considered the Caribbean’s best, this exclusive resort is the perfect getaway for the traveler seeking unassuming style and warm, friendly service (http://jamaicainn.com/index.php).
Round Hill Hotel and Villas (Montego Bay, Jamaica)
Steeped in rich history, timeless elegance and understated luxury, Round Hill’s 110-acre private enclave of luxury villas, boasts Ralph Lauren designed oceanfront guestrooms, award-winning seaside dining and exquisite spa, caters to all guests. Visitors may indulge in a soothing, invigorating yoga class in the spa’s outdoor ocean view pavilion, or tempt their palates with the restaurant’s locally grown, organic cuisine (http://www.roundhill.com).
Tensing Pen Resort (Negril, Jamaica)
An incredible boutique resort in Negril, Tensing Pen is home to a multitude of remarkable stone, wood and thatchcut cottages, which overlook the stunning limestone cliffs of Negril’s West End. Guests may choose to spend their days relaxing by the ocean, being pampered in the resort’s world class salon and spa, or indulging their adventurous side with guided tours, mountain biking expeditions, scuba diving and parasailing (http://tensingpen.com/).
The Caves (Negril, Jamaica)
Located on the limestone cliffs of Negril’s scenic West End in Jamaica, The Caves is an oceanfront sanctuary with twelve exclusive cliff-side accommodations. Made from hand-crafted wood and stone, it also features private cave dining, The Blackwell Rum Bar, and a sea view Aveda Amenity Spa. The spa was recently named one of the top five in Jamaica byOcean Magazine (https://www.islandoutpost.com/hotels-and-villas/the-caves/).
The Tryall Club (Montego Bay, Jamaica)
Just west of Montego Bay in the parish of Hanover, the Tryall Club has distinguished itself as one of the world’s most eclectic addresses, where world-class sporting facilities, gracious hospitality and stylish living blend seamlessly together. With 2,200 acres of land, the club contains a portfolio of homes, ranging from 1-bedroom villas to 9-bedroom houses, as well as the revered Tryall Golf Course, nine tennis courts, and secluded private beach with an array of water sport offerings (http://www.tryallclub.com/).
Trident Port Antonio (Port Antonio, Jamaica)
Set on the edge of the Caribbean Sea, The Trident Hotel in Port Antonio offers a vision of contemporary luxury. Its thirteen spacious villas each come equipped with oceanfront porticos and private soaking pools. Lifestyle amenities including a media lounge, gym, spa and private beach are also available. The highlight is Mike’s Supper Club, a high-end speakeasy which provides a fusion of exceptional music, cuisine and authentic Jamaican culture (http://www.tridentportantonio.com/).
For further information on luxury travel to Jamaica, please go to http://www.visitjamaica.com.