Most recently, I was invited to Jamaica with Caribtours and the Jamaican Tourist Board, which I did think twice about, as I was landing back from Puglia three days before. It didn’t take long for them to talk me into it. Having not been before, I wanted to see what this spirited island had to offer.
When you are travelling with our long-time partners at Caribtours, you always know you are in for some fabulous properties.
Normally, these educational trips are a bit of a whirlwind with very long days, but this one was nicely balanced. We had time to really get a feel for each location, as well as some downtime to open my laptop, check my emails and keep all of your enquiries and holiday bookings moving along nicely.
Is Jamaica Safe to Visit?
The question I get asked most about Jamaica is always, “Is it safe?” After my visit, my reply is absolutely.
Thousands of British travellers visit every year incident-free. I mentioned this to our lovely guide, Afiya, from the Jamaica Tourist Board. She agreed that safety concerns can be a barrier for some, but she was determined to show us how you can enjoy the island to the absolute fullest.
At one point, we somehow got talked into joining a Jamaican dance crew in a petrol station. I’ll spare you the photos, but we certainly immersed ourselves!
Naturally, common sense applies anywhere. Use hotel-ordered taxis and leave the jewellery at home, but that is standard travel sense for almost anywhere in the world.
A Vibrant Island with a Heart of Gold
Beyond the spectacular tropical scenery, Jamaica’s ultimate asset is undoubtedly its people.
They are exceptionally warm, proud and genuinely welcoming, offering a heartfelt hospitality that leaves a lasting impression long after you return home.
Montego Bay After Hurricane Melissa
We also saw first-hand how Montego Bay is bouncing back after Hurricane Melissa tore through late last year.
It was the worst storm in decades, causing immense damage, and the locals shared some deeply moving, terrifying stories with me. But the resilience here is unmatched.
As a result of this incredible community effort, many of these hotels have now reopened their doors, using the time to completely refresh and refurbish their properties.
Where to Stay in Jamaica: My Firsthand Hotel Guide
During the trip, we stayed at and explored some incredible properties across Jamaica, each offering something completely different.
Half Moon, Montego Bay
Our first stop was Half Moon.
They took a really severe hit from the hurricane last year, but you’d never know. There are very few signs now.
We stayed in one of the reimagined seven-bedroom villas, complete with your own dedicated staff. Now, these villas are a serious investment and come with a matching price tag, but they really are quite special.
The staff were so warm that by the time we left, they felt like good friends.
The complex is oceanfront. One thing to note is that because the estate is so vast, the villas are a fair distance from the main resort.
It’s not an issue though, as you can simply hire your own golf buggy for the duration or call reception to come and collect you.
The Eclipse Ocean-Facing Rooms
Personally, I actually preferred the Eclipse ocean-facing rooms.
They are beautifully put together and have so many different layout options, whether you’re a couple wanting a bit of extra space or travelling as a family.
Sport and Activities at Half Moon
If you are into sports, they have everything.
There are paddle courts, a fully equipped gym, their own golf course and even an equestrian centre where you can actually ride horses right along the shoreline and in the water.
There are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from here too and, as you can see from the photos, the restaurant views were just spectacular.
Round Hill Hotel and Villas
Our next stop was Round Hill, which has an amazing history.
It’s actually an old sugar plantation, and back in the 1950s, the owner invited local investors to build private villas. Individuals were then able to buy and take a share in the hotel’s profits, which is how the estate started.
Today, there are 27 of these privately owned villas managed by the hotel.
Staying in a Round Hill Villa
The villa we stayed in was very traditionally decorated.
Personally, I felt it needed a bit of an update, but they are still very special. They come fully staffed, feature multiple pools alongside a substantial main pool, and honestly feel like mini-hotels within themselves.
The privacy is incredible here. Harry and Meghan actually stayed in one of these villas a few years ago because they offer such great seclusion.
Ralph Lauren’s Connection to Round Hill
Right down on the beachfront, they have oceanfront rooms that were famously designed by Ralph Lauren, who actually owns a villa here himself.
This property has a far more intimate feel than Half Moon resort, and we were lucky enough to experience their ‘Jamaican Night’, which was brilliant.
It was a BBQ packed with traditional Jamaican dishes and great entertainment.
Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios
Our last stop was my absolute favourite.
We travelled back from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios for our final stay at the legendary Jamaica Inn.
It’s not quite as grand or vast as the first two properties, but it is completely steeped in history, from Marilyn Monroe’s honeymoon to Winston Churchill’s meetings with Roosevelt.
The old photos in the library tell quite a story!
This place feels much more like a home than a hotel, and the staff offer such a genuinely warm welcome.
The Oceanfront Verandah Suites
I stayed in a Deluxe Verandah Suite, but the Oceanfront Verandah Suites are definitely the most popular, and you can instantly see why.
You step straight out of your room and onto the beautiful white sandy beach.
A real highlight is that, for a very small extra fee, they will deliver breakfast straight to your verandah every morning, which is just the ultimate treat.
It’s definitely a place I’ll be returning to.
Exploring Jamaica Beyond the Hotels
While we were out and about, we also managed to climb Dunn’s River Falls.
It’s definitely not for the faint-hearted, but such an experience!
We also had a brilliant tour of the GoldenEye estate. It’s the actual place where Ian Fleming wrote all of the James Bond novels, and parts of three films were shot right there, including those iconic beach scenes from Dr. No.
The estate is completely unique, with gorgeous rooms looking out over both the calm lagoon and the open ocean.
Final Thoughts
Jamaica completely won me over. From the beautiful hotels and scenery to the warmth of the people, it is an island with so much to offer. I came home with a much better feel for the destination and would happily return.