Geejam: Sleeping in a Recording Legend

The first stop Geejam, tucked away in lush, tropical surroundings in Port Antonio, a lesser known part of the island but a favourite with celebrities and residents alike.  Geejam was originally built to house the recording artists who came to use its now-legendary studio.  The owner grew tired of constantly having people stay in his own villa so he created a handful of beautifully designed spaces for them instead.

The result is  a place that feels like a creative hideaway, part boutique hotel and part musical sanctuary.  You are not just checking into a room, you  are stepping into music history.  My clients could well be sleeping in the very same place where Amy Wintehouse recorded Back to Black or Harry Styles worked on Harry's House, both recorded there.

While staying at Geejam  you can arrange a tour of the recording studio itself.  It is a chance to see where so many iconic tracks were laid down and to hear the owner regale guests with behind-the-scenes stories that you will not find in any guidebook.  For music lovers, it is goosebump territory and an experience that makes the stay feel incredibly special.

GoldenEye: In the Footsteps of Ian Fleming

Next up Goldeneye on the North Coast near Ocho Rios.  Staying here is like stepping straight into a story.  The hotel is built around Ian Fleming's original home, where he wrote the James Bond novels and brought that famous spy to life.

Here, the atmosphere is one of understated glamour and quiet creativity.  You are surrounded by the same views and the same tropical garden that inspired Bond's world.  It feels both indulgent and deeply rooted in Jamaica's cultural history.  Guests can swim, snorkel and kayak in the same waters Fleming gazed upon, then relax in the evenings with a drink in hand, imagining the characters and scenes he may have dreamed up there.

Goldeneye is not just a beautiful resort, it is a piece of literary history woven into a luxury stay.

Jake's: Moorish Style Meets Caribbean Soul

Jake's is situated in the drier and much less visited Treasure Beach, a sleepy resort that reminds you of the hippy Jamaica vibe of the 60s and 70s.  This is one of the most characterful spots on the South Coast.  Built in a Moorish style, then layered with a unique Caribbean flair by owner and designer Sally Henzell.  Think vibrant colours, quirky details and a feeling that each corner has its own little story.

Jake's is the kind of place that feels more like a creative village than a traditional resort.  It attracts a mixture of artists, filmmakers, writers and laid-back travellers who appreciate places with personality.

Staying here also opens the door to some billiant local experiences.  On the beach you will find Jack Sprat, a relaxed spot filled with Jimmy Cliff memorabilia.  Jimmy cliff was made famous internationally by Sally's husband, director Perry Henzell through the cult classic The Harder They Come.  For anyone who loves film or reggae history, it is an absolute treat to soak up that atmosphere with the sea just a few steps away.

And then there is the Pelican Bar: a tiny wooden bar literally in the middle of the sea.  Yes, literally a bar in the water.  You take a little boat out, step on to the weathered planks and suddenly you are in one of the most surreal yet wonderfully simple bars in the world, surrounded by turquoise water in every direction.  It is one of those 'only in Jamaica' experiences that people remember long after they have flown home.

The Caves, Negril: Sunsets from the Cliffs

Then finally we have The Caves, based in Negril, home to the famous Seven Mile Beach.  This is a truly unique property carved into the cliffs.

The Caves feels almost otherworldly:walkways and staircases cut into the rock, hidden nooks lit by candles and views out over the Caribbean sea that are nothing short of spectacular.  It is  intimate, romantic and unlike anywhere else.

From here watching the sun sink into the horizon becomes an evening ritual.  The sky turns through layers of orange, pink and violet while the waves crash against the cliffs below and if you are not here you'll be at Rick's Cafe watching the same sunset while also watching the see it to believe it cliff jumping!

Why Jamaica Stays With You

There is a reason this tiny island, barely half the size of the Scottish Highlands has produced some of the most famous and influential people in the world.  Its impact on music, film, literature and style is huge especially given its size.

Part of that magic lies in the energy of the place: the rhythm of the music,  the warmth of the people, the layers of history and creativity.  But part of it also comes form these special, often tucked away hotels and hideaways that allow you to connect with the island in a deeper way.

Jamaica is infectious.  Once you have experienced this side of the island it is hard not to fall for it completely.

If you would like to go beyond the usual tourist trail and discover Jamaica's best-kept secrets, from music-soaked studios to cliff-top sunsets and bars out in the sea, I would love to help you design your own Jamaican story.

Get in touch and we can start tailoring a three-centre (or more) itinerary that feels every bit as unique as this island itself.