Jamaica is one of the top travel destinations in the Caribbean – and for a good reason! The island has fascinating culture, delicious cuisine, an exciting music scene, and miles of gorgeous beaches. Seven Mile Beach and Cosmo’s Beach are popular picks, but there are many inviting and welcoming coastal towns to explore too. Nature lovers will enjoy the hikes and exotic birds, while adventure seekers will love the snorkeling and scuba excursions.
One thing that sets Jamaica apart from other island destinations is its culture and top-notch resort offerings. It doesn’t matter if you’re on a honeymoon, a trip with friends, or a family vacation; finding a resort that suits everyone’s interests, hobbies, and needs is easy. The following are our picks for the best resorts in Jamaica.
The Caves, Negril
You can always find The Caves at the top of any ‘most romanitc’ list for accommodations in Jamaica. This Negril resort is right by Seven Mile Beach. Imagine dramatic cliff sides, picture-perfect sunsets, and gourmet restaurants, including two private cave dining options. Enjoy a nightcap at the Blackwell Rum Bar, accessible via a coral staircase along the water’s edge. The Caves is an ideal pick for couples looking for a little relaxation and pampering because the Aveda Amenity Spa is one of the very best spas on the island. It’s perfect for romantic escapes, but you should know that it’s situated along the cliffs, not a beach.
Key Amenities:
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Luxurious spa with a varied treatment list
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Two private cave dining options
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Hidden bar situated in the caves
Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay
Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in the world, with more activities, restaurants, and bars than most guests can even find the time to check out. There are seven a la carte restaurants, a buffet venue, a grill, and a cafe, plus 24-hour dining options. There are also multiple bars, including swim-up bars and music lounges. Just offshore, guests can enjoy diving at Montego Bay Marine Park. Not only do guests have access to everything at Secrets Wild Orchid, but they also have free-flow access to Secrets St. James.
Key Amenities:
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World-class spa
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Multiple on-site restaurants
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Close to Montego Bay Marine Park
Lot A59 Freeport, F352+G4J, Montego Bay, Jamaica— +1 876-953-6600
Half Moon, Montego Bay
Situated along two miles of sandy beach, Half Moon is a favorite Jamaican resort among celebrities and one of Jamaica’s highest-rated resorts. This property is near Montego Bay on the north shore of the island. The resort has several swimming pools, including a family-friendly pool, a saltwater pool overlooking the Caribbean, and an Olympic-sized lap pool. The on-site Equestrian Centre offers everything from relaxing beach rides to heart-pumping jumping and polo lessons. Of course, if you prefer to be in or on the water, check out the Water Sports and Dive Centre for a full list of water programs. Golfers will appreciate the award-winning 18-hole par-72 championship course.
Key Amenities:
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On-site equestrian, watersport, and dive center
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Three swimming pools
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Award-winning golf course
Rose Hall St James Jamaica WI, Montego Bay, Jamaica— +1 800-626-0592
Sandals Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios
The Sandals brand has a big presence in Jamaica, but one of the very best Sandals properties to stay at is the Sandals Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios. This is a suite boutique resort with butler service and a refreshingly intimate setting. There are luxe ocean-view suites and a champagne and caviar bar that will make you feel like royalty. The décor is retro-chic and sophisticated, and it’s a place you can find quiet and charm. Check out the 18-hole golf course nearby, or take advantage of the resort’s comprehensive scuba diving program while you’re here.
Key Amenities:
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Ocean-view suites
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Butler service
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On-site golf course and scuba diving program
Azul Beach Resort Negril by Karisma
Azul Beach Resort Negril by Karisma is best known for its perfect location on the Seven Mile Beach of Negril, one of Jamaica’s best beaches. It’s also known for its gourmet cuisine and lovely ocean-view rooms. This is a popular place for weddings and family reunions, especially for families that are foodies at heart. It’s a family-friendly resort that has a kids club, teen club, and even baby amenities. The vibe here is tranquil and zen, with lush landscaping and calming colors. To experience the crystal blue waters up close and personal, ask the staff to rent out a kayak, canoe, or boogie board while staying here. Guests can also take yoga, dance, and aqua aerobics classes!
Key Amenities:
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Watersports and exercise classes
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Family-friendly activities and amenities
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Gourmet cuisine
Beaches Negril
Beaches Negril is a family-friendly resort on Jamaica’s famous Seven Mile Beach. It’s one of the best kid-friendly resorts in the world, where families can rent one, two, or three-bedroom suites or three or four-bedroom villas. For larger groups, there are penthouses that can accommodate up to 18 people. This is a great place for kids because it’s home to Pirates Island Waterpark and Kids Camp. Plus, the resort offers a range of activities for all ages, from windsurfing and waterskiing to beach volleyball and bocce ball.
Key Amenities:
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Suites, villas, and penthouses are available
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Unlimited water and land activities
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Waterpark and kids camp
8M77+H2C Long Bay, Norman Manley Blvd, Negril, Jamaica— +1 888-232-2437
Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa, Montego Bay
The Rose Hall Resort & Spa is a Hilton resort that has all the modern features and luxurious amenities you’d expect from the brand. This isn’t so much of a party hotel, but rather a calm and comfortable place to relax after long days of sightseeing or doing nothing at all. Take advantage of the private beach or lounge by one of the terraced pools with a tropical drink from the swim-up bar. You can also get pampered at Soothe Spa by the Sea or practice your swing at Cinnamon Hill Golf Course, then float down the Montego Bay Water Park lazy river and dine at one of the multiple restaurants.
Key Amenities:
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Championship golf course
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Water park with lazy river
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Waterfront spa
Couples Tower Isle
Couples Tower Isle is a luxury favorite in Jamaica. There are several pools, bars, and restaurants, and all of the rooms have king-size beds and private balconies. The décor features vintage-inspired pastels, and 24-hour gourmet dining is at your fingertips when you stay here. The beach is just steps away, and there are lots of excursions you can do while staying here, including trips to Dunn’s River Falls, glass-bottom boat tours, and scuba diving.
Key Amenities:
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Area excursions and tours
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24-hour gourmet dining
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Private balconies in every room type
Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa, Montego Bay
Breathless is an adults-only, tropical oasis with luxury suites. It has a rooftop pool and bar where you can soak up the views of the bay and mountains. There are lots of activities and entertainment options when you stay here, including live music, private hot tubs, watersports, and pool parties. There are also packages that you can book here that include massages, local spirit tastings, and welcome gifts. This is a popular resort for weddings, honeymoons, and bachelorette parties because of the unlimited drinks and dining. There is a spa next door at Secrets Wild Orchard and Secrets St. James that you can visit to find even more relaxation.
Key Amenities:
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Adults-only resort with luxury suites
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Rooftop pool and bar with views
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Packages with add-ons for special occasions
Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa, Montego Bay
At the Grand Palladium, you will be on the northeast coast of Jamaica and between two popular tourist towns. The resort has numerous restaurants and pools to accompany its spacious rooms. This is a family-friendly Jamaica resort that has a baby club for children ages one to three, a mini club for children ages four to 12, and a teen club for youth ages 13 to 18. You’ll have access to four pristine beaches and a world-class spa and wellness center. There are family-friendly and adults-only pools at the resort.
Key Amenities:
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Family-friendly vibe with kids’ clubs for different ages
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Access to four beaches
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Excellent spa and wellness center
GoldenEye, Oracabessa
For a scenic, reflective, and peaceful time in Jamaica, consider staying at the GoldenEye, which at one point was author Ian Fleming’s winter escape and the exact place where he came up with the James Bond character. One of the best 5-star resorts in Jamaica, it’s name dates back to a World War II navel operation, which Fleming worked on. Today, the resort spans 52 acres and has private villas, cottages, and beach huts. GoldenEye overlooks the quiet village of Oracabessa on the north coast of the island. The top family resort in Jamaica also has some games and books on site for children and adults. Take a refreshing dip in the freshwater and saltwater swimming pools, or get adventurous with a deep-sea fishing excursion!
Key Amenities:
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Varied accommodation options, from villas to cottages
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Freshwater and saltwater pools
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Kid-friendly activities
Couples Swept Away Negril
Another adults-only resort in Jamaica is Couples Swept Away Negril, which is situated along one of Jamaica’s best beaches. The décor here is modern and the atmosphere is low-key. This is a great pick for couples that are social and sporty, as the resort is home to a 10-acre sports and fitness complex. The beaches, multiple restaurants, and included catamaran cruises are all great places to make new friends.
Key Amenities:
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10-acre sports and fitness complex
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Multiple restaurants and bars
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Located on the famous Seven Mile Beach
Bahia Principe Luxury Runaway Bay, Runaway Bay
This Jamaica resort is an adults-only escape with a spa, five restaurants, three pools, and three bars. There is a separate swimming area at the beach with a bar and waiter service in the hammock area. You can even take a diving lesson in the pool upon request. This all-inclusive resort gives guests an hour of free use of kayaks, tennis courts, snorkeling gear, and catamarans for hire. It’s also a popular place to stay among golfers because of the internationally renowned courses, professional golf instruction, and equipment rentals.
Key Amenities:
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Adults-only resort that’s ideal for golfers
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Multiple restaurants, bars, and pools
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All-inclusive offerings with water sports
Ocean Eden Bay - Adults Only, Montego Bay
Ocean Eden Bay is an adults-only resort that faces the sea in the Montego Bay area of Jamaica. The all-inclusive hotel has four bars, a buffet restaurant, four a la carte restaurants, a dinner-show restaurant, a swimming pool with bar service, a beach area with sun loungers, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers full access to the amenities and services of the adjacent Ocean Coral Springs Resort. Over here, you will have many more restaurants to choose from, as well as two more swimming pools, a spa, fitness center, lazy river, and diving center.
Key Amenities:
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Adults-only and all-inclusive
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A dinner-show restaurant and four bars
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Access to the adjacent resort amenities too
Secrets St. James Montego Bay, Montego Bay
For a romantic stay in Jamaica, consider booking a suite at Secrets St. James Montego Bay. This British Colonial-style resort is sophisticated and gives guests access to gourmet restaurants and bars with top-shelf drinks. There are daytime and nighttime activities and also a 15,000-square-foot spa that offers couples massages, seaweed treatments, and an outdoor hydrotherapy circuit. For pools, there is a large, free-form pool, private pool for club guests, and three outdoor hot tubs. Land recreation options include bike tours and cooking and dance classes, while on-water offerings include stand-up paddleboards, windsurfing, water skiing, and parasailing.
Key Amenities:
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Romantic setting with gourmet restaurants
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Spa with couples massages and hydrotherapy
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Classes for cooking and dancing are available
Lot 59A Freeport, Freeport, Montego Bay, Jamaica— +1 876-953-6600
Moon Palace Jamaica All Inclusive Resort, Ocho Rios
Located in Ochs Rios, Moon Palace is a Jamaica resort with laidback charm and all-inclusive luxury. This resort has the largest spa on the island and is a family-friendly resort that occasionally even has offers for kids and teens to eat, play, and stay for free. At Moon Palace, you can have 24-hour room service, a daily-refreshed minibar, a double whirlpool tub, and spectacular views from the rooms. Upscale sips are available both indoors and out at the swim-up bar, lobby bar, and nightclubs.
Key Amenities:
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All-inclusive, family-friendly resort
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Packages for kids and teens to stay and eat free
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Swim-up bar and nightclubs
Excellence Oyster Bay, Falmouth
Excellence Oyster Bay is an adult resort on a private peninsula. It is a Victorian-style paradise with all-inclusive accommodations just 30 minutes from the international airport. Stay in a beach villa or suite and enjoy many onsite restaurant options, as well as pool and beach service. You can elevate your experience with VIP add-ons, such as access to private lounges, private beach areas, private pool areas, and outdoor whirlpools. The resort is also home to a lovely spa where you can get some much-needed self-care and enjoy a modern aquatic playground.
Key Amenities:
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Adults-only atmosphere 30 minutes from the airport
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Pool and beach services are available
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VIP add on-ons for private access and a spa
Oyster Bay Peninsula Coopers Pen, Falmouth, Jamaica— +1 876-617-0200
Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, Montego Bay
Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall in Jamaica is fun for the whole family and has lots of activities to try, including snorkeling, beach volleyball, and unlimited food and beverages. You’ll have free breakfast during your stay and also room service, a fitness center, pool, and spa. The all-inclusive offerings include a kids’ club, live entertainment, non-motorized water sports, and daily activities. There is a pool for kids and oceanside fire pits to enjoy too. The spa offerings at the resort include options for treatments in the privacy of your room or in the outdoor location with oceanfront views.
Key Amenities:
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Family-friendly sports and a kids’ club
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Free breakfast each morning
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Spa treatments with ocean views
Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios
You’ll feel luxury as soon as you arrive at Jamaica Inn, with optional all-inclusive plans. This Ocho Rios resort is small and elegant with optional all-inclusive plans. Many famous people have stayed here throughout history, and it offers a quiet retreat for travelers looking to escape daily life. Play a game of croquet or just read a book on the oceanfront balcony and listen to the calming sound of the waves. This has been one of the top-ranked resorts in Jamaica since 1950. The Premier Verandah Suite, for example, has a spacious living room and unbelievable access to the private beach and water. But you don’t have to book a suite to enjoy the views, as all rooms overlook the ocean.
Key Amenities:
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Ocean views from all room types
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Meal plan options including an all-inclusive plan
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Private beach
Geejam Hotel, Port Antonio
The Geejam Hotel is an excellent option for travelers who want an upscale nature resort. The property is made up of six acres of tropical rainforest and extends all the way to the sea, making it perfect for those wanting both mountain and water adventures. There are spacious rooms, cabins, and villas. It’s near Frenchman’s Cove, which was voted one of the top beaches in the world, as well as the Blue Lagoon. Port Antonio is a historic town nearby, and the Blue Mountains majestically loom in the distance. Hikers love staying here because of the accessibility to great trails, waterfalls, and even rafting adventures.
Key Amenities:
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Variety of accommodation options
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Easy access to hiking trails and waterfalls
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Private beach
122 Skippers Blvd San San, Port Antonio, Jamaica— +1 876-993-7000
