One Love Jamaica

Alison Kent on 12 September 2017
We travelled to the island of Jamaica in the month of November. We had no idea what to expect in Jamaica but we were totally blown away. It is an amazing island with its culture, scenery and people. Nothing was ever too much trouble for the staff in the hotels, they are genuinely passionate about their country and what they do. All four hotels were totally different and such a good contrast. I recommend that you do at least a two centre to get the feel of the island. I can’t wait to return!

Our first stay was at The Roundhill Hotel in Montego Bay. Beautiful hotel, impeccable service, excellent food, amazing views and plenty of water sport and land activities. Our Oceanfront room was bright and airy but what we loved most was the view we had with huge windows, which overlooked the beach and the clear blue Caribbean Sea. You don't have to go far to snorkel and see the most amazing marine fish, it was one of the best places I have snorkelled. I would definitely recommend dining outside as the atmosphere is amazing. This is hotel is suitable for couples, singles and families.

Leave Roundhill and Montego Bay and head West to Negril, a 90 minute car transfer. It’s a great way to see some of the island. The Caves are very different to Roundhill as it is set on a cliff where adrenaline junkies can jump or dive into the ocean from a 30-foot cliff! Our room was next to the Blue Hole where, if you’re feeling brave. you can take the plunge into the ocean!

The highlight of the stay was the snorkelling. You need to be a strong swimmer but it was worth it as we swam in the Blue Hole - it really was quite something. I recommend experiencing dinner taken in one of the caves - there are candles everywhere and it was so romantic. As we sat enjoying our meal the waves were crashing against the rocks, it truly was awesome. This hotel is suitable for couples, particularly honeymooners.

We left the Caves and headed east to Oracebessa and Goldeneye, 3.5 hours’ drive away. Although it was a long drive we saw a lot of the island including the highway that Queen Elizabeth II opened in 1953 and where Christopher Columbus landed in 1494. The weather was certainly changing the further west we went and we were starting to see a storm brewing. Nothing could have prepared us for Goldeneye, it was absolutely amazing and again so different from Roundhill and the Caves. We checked into our Lagoon Suite complete with its own kayak and outside rain shower. The room was huge and we had a very large deck.

I’d recommend eating in the Gazebo restaurant and making use of the spa facilities. We were fortunate to see the Ian Fleming Villa where he wrote his novels and a lot of the furniture is the originally pieces. Goldeneye was amazing thanks to the staff that can’t do enough for you as well as the amazing food and the whole environment that you’re in. This hotel is suitable for couples and families.

As we set off for the 30-minute drive to Jamaica Inn, we realised how lucky we had been to stay in three of the most amazing properties on the island. We arrived at Jamaica Inn and were met by Inl and Zion the adorable Cocker Spaniels that had me smitten! Jamaica Inn is again totally different from the three other hotels we stayed in. It has an old world charm and the setting is fantastic overlooking the white sandy beach. Our room was an Oceanfront Suite with a huge balcony which overlooked the ocean and we could even see the fish swimming around.

Back at the beach bar, Teddy who has been with the hotel forever was ready to serve us our drinks. We didn’t even need to ask him, he was always there with the correct drinks! On our last night at Jamaica Inn but Jamaica too we had a great send off as it was a beach BBQ with more food than you could even begin to imagine. Tables were set up on the beach, we kicked off our shoes and had a wonderful night, and probably one of our best times in the Caribbean. This hotel is suitable for couples, singles and families.