Jamaica Luxury Resorts, Villas & Hotel Suites

We wanted to explore Jamaica and venture beyond the typical 4 star all-inclusives and megaresorts.  After tons of research we narrowed it down to two of the finest properties on the entire island.

Jamaica Inn

They only have 51 rooms, but every one of them has an ocean view.  Five rooms hang over the bay so you can feed the fish from your balcony.  Our room was on the sand which gives new meaning to the ocean front room location.  We loved our covered private beach patio that had only three walls to create an outdoor room feel plus it came with a fridge and comfy couch.  If you just want to lay on the beach and have somebody bring you a drink, then this is your place.  Literally if you are on the beach around 11:30 each day you will be treated to a free drink.

We loved the nightly cocktail hour where they provided tasty hot and cold snacks before the dinner seating.  The food was superb but we felt that the service could have been a tad more sophisticated to match.

Marilyn Monroe honeymooned here and her photos adorn the open air library.  Sir Winston Churchill enjoyed the place so much that he now has a suite named after him.  That one has its own wrap around front porch, secluded pool and private jetti.

Duns River Falls is one of the top attractions on the island and is only a few minutes away by both car or boat.  Enjoy complimentary sunfish sailing, snorkeling or kayaks.

Ask about the couples massage or moonlit champagne treatments in the Spa.   Oh and one last tip…have your breakfast or lunch delivered to your patio.

Half Moon

When you look at the Half Moon signage and black/white logo, you can’t help being reminded of the famous black and white cookies you see so often in New York.  Perhaps the founders got their inspiration from those same cookies since one of them was the designer of Radio City Music Hall.

We liked how Half Moon is not a typical high rise hotel.  They have villas, suites and cottages to make you feel more at home and de-urbanized.  Nestled in its own private cove fittingly in the shape of a half moon, the resort feels relaxed and away from it all.  We loved the Spa and you can even have your treatment overlooking the waves from their beach huts.  Golf carts whisk you around from the golf course to the various shops and resorts within the gates.  They even have their own private dolphin experience for those future marine biologists in your clan.  Stop by the swim-up bar or burn off some calories in the adjacent lap pool.

You sense that Half Moon is from another era and you wish that the walls could talk to fill you in on the last 50 years.  Tons of celebs and heads of state including Richard Branson, Erica Badu and former President George Bush (not W) all laid low at Half Moon over the years.  We liked the massive open air lobby, old world charm, classic woods and endless views.  Their villas have 4-7 bedrooms which gives you plenty of space for a small group trip.   The room interiors vary so be sure to check those details when you book as some are nicer than others.

When the sun sets, Half Moon takes on a magical feel with white lights intertwined around sea grape trees overlooking the gentle Caribbean sea.

For more Jamaica villa tips see JamaicaVillas.com.