Best hotels in Jamaica: ten places to stay in Negril, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and the mountains

A large resort near Montego Bay

Half Moon lies east of Montego Bay on a large estate with its own beach, many pools, a golf course, tennis courts, a spa and an equestrian centre. You can stay in rooms, suites or villas with their own pool and staff.

This is our luxury pick, and one of the few places on the list that suits families as well as couples. There is so much space that it rarely feels busy. Rent a bike to explore the grounds, or ride along the beach in the morning. The airport in Montego Bay is a short drive away.

All inclusive for adults

Excellence Oyster Bay sits on a peninsula near Falmouth, with beach on several sides, many pools, several restaurants and a large spa. Everything is included, and the resort only takes adults.

It suits couples and friends who want everything in one place and no bill to think about. With more than a thousand reviews, it is one of the most reviewed hotels on the island. Book a suite facing the sea, and take a boat out to the reef.

For couples in Ocho Rios

Couples Sans Souci sits on a slope down to the sea just east of Ocho Rios, with pink buildings, several pools, a spa and small beaches below. Everything is included, and only couples can stay.

This is our pick for couples, a classic honeymoon spot with a calm atmosphere and plenty to do if you want it. Snorkel from the beach in the morning, and join a trip to the waterfalls near Ocho Rios. Guests give the hotel high scores for service.

Small and with a butler

Sandals Royal Plantation sits on a cliff near Ocho Rios, with small beaches below, few rooms and a butler for every suite. It is one of the smallest Sandals resorts, and everything is included. Only couples can stay.

It suits couples who want all inclusive with more peace and personal service than at the big resorts. Have dinner on the terrace above the sea. The hotel is small, so it fills up fast in high season.

Ian Fleming's old home

GoldenEye lies in Oracabessa east of Ocho Rios, on the estate where Ian Fleming wrote the James Bond books. Today it has cottages and villas by a lagoon and a small beach, surrounded by tropical gardens. You can rent Fleming's own house.

It suits you if you want a relaxed, stylish place with history. Paddle a kayak on the lagoon, and have a drink at the bar by the water in the evening. The hotel is quiet and has few rooms, so it rarely feels crowded.

Cottages on the cliffs

Tensing Pen sits on the cliffs of the West End, with cottages of wood and stone spread through a tropical garden, a footbridge over a small cove and ladders straight down into the sea. The hotel has one of the highest scores in Jamaica.

This is our pick on the cliffs, for you if you want nature, peace and style without a resort feel. Jump into the sea from the cliff in the morning, and watch the sunset from your own terrace. There is no sandy beach here, but Seven Mile Beach is a short ride away.

Suites above the sea

The Cliff Hotel also sits on the West End cliffs, with large suites, a pool, a spa and a restaurant on the terrace above the water. The hotel scores as highly as Tensing Pen.

It suits couples who want more space and modern suites than in the cottages further along. Have dinner on the terrace as the sun sets into the sea. The restaurants and bars on the cliffs are within walking distance.

All inclusive on the beach

Couples Negril lies on Bloody Bay north of Seven Mile Beach, with the beach right outside, a pool, several restaurants and plenty of water sports. Everything is included, and only couples can stay.

It suits couples who want a sandy beach and all inclusive in Negril. The bay is calm and good for swimming and paddleboarding. Head south to the West End cliffs to watch the sunset from there at least one evening.

A small hotel with its own recording studio

Geejam lies at San San east of Port Antonio, in the rainforest above a bay. The hotel has few rooms and cabins, its own recording studio that artists have used, and a restaurant serving Jamaican food. The beach below is small and quiet.

This is our pick among the small hotels, for you if you want peace, nature and personal service. Take a raft trip on the Rio Grande, and swim in the Blue Lagoon nearby. It is a long way from Montego Bay, so consider flying into Kingston.

Cottages high in the mountains

Strawberry Hill lies in Irish Town high up in the Blue Mountains, with white colonial-style cottages, a pool overlooking the hillsides, a spa and a restaurant. From the hotel you look down towards Kingston. The evenings are cool, and mist often rolls in during the afternoon.

This is our mountain pick, for you if you want to see another side of Jamaica. Go hiking in the mountains, and visit a coffee farm to taste Blue Mountain coffee. It works well combined with a few nights by the sea.