Virgin Holidays View
Whilst staying at Jamaica Inn, Winston Churchill swore the light was the best in the world for his watercolours. Jamaica Inn is one of the loveliest small luxury hotels in Jamaica, now over fifty years old, retains a gracious air of colonial Jamaica and attracts individuals and couples (some famous), who return on a regular basis. There is a wonderful, natural tranquility about this hotel and it has a lovely location on a private 700ft white sand beach.
Dining is on an outdoor terrace that adjoins the bar terrace. A more romantic setting is hard to imagine, and in keeping with the ‘Noel Coward’ lifestyle there is a live band most nights. There is a cocktail terrace with a magnificent view and in step with its elegant classic approach, there is a dress code after dark. Bordered by an exquisite 700ft-long beach, the hotel is in Ocho Rios on the more tranquil west coast of the island. All guest suites face the beach and the turquoise water. Each suite has a verandah or a balustraded balcony and many guests opt to leave the air conditioning off and allow the sea breeze instead to do the work.
Where is it?
Situated on the best secret stretch of beach in Ocho Rios, overlooking some of the finest water in the Caribbean, its different shades of blue and green will refresh and rejuvenate you as you unwind in this elegant retreat. Transfer time from Montego Bay airport: 2 hours 15 min. Transfer times from Kingston airport take considerably longer.
Eats and drinks
Gourmet Magazine names Jamaica Inn as its choice for a romantic dinner on the island. The food is international with a Caribbean twist. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Jamaican chef has worked at the hotel for several years, creating a satisfying mix of Jamaican and international cuisine. As everywhere in the resort, as much use as possible is made of Jamaican products. Daily afternoon tea. Room Service* (7.30am-11.00pm). A weekly barbecue is held down on the beach (depending on occupancy).
Entertainment
A live band every night from 8:00pm-11:00pm.
Fun and games
Swimming pool, holistic cliff top KiYara Ocean Spa (treatments*) and exercise room. Complimentary Sunfish sailing, kayaking, snorkelling and croquet. Nearby activities include windsurfing*, diving* and tennis*.
Handy stuff
Gift shop. Laundry Service*. Library. Hotel has private car and driver available (local charge).
Room info
The rooms are simply but very tastefully furnished with the view being the dominant factor. There are many choices in types of accommodation, all sleep 2 adults, choose from a Suite with fabulous terrace or one of the handful of cottages on the bluff overlooking the resort.
Superior Balcony Suite is located upstairs on the main wing and east wing with tremendous views from a large balcony across the grounds to the beach, Caribbean Sea and the Mountains.
Deluxe Verandah Suites maximise on the tropical outdoor living with huge fully furnished verandah (on the ground floor on the main wing or east wing). There is a great view across the lawn to the beach & Caribbean Sea and easy access to the beach.
Premier Verandah Suites enjoy the same fabulous outside space and have settings either directly over the water or right on the sand.
The Cowdray Suite (named after the polo legend), is upstairs in the east wing with a bedroom with superb views.
The Blue Cottage is a luxurious and private one-bedroom cottage - right on the beach.
Cottage 3 & 4 are totally private with their own sea access and are situated on a bluff that overlooks the Caribbean Sea whilst being just steps away from the main hotel. Each has an outdoor shower and an infinity pool.
The White Suite sits on its own private peninsula. A unique one bedroom suite with large private terrace opening onto a secluded pool surrounded by tropical vegetation.
Cottage 7 on the edge of the property opens onto a private cove. Upstairs is one bedroom with a balcony whilst the ground floor opens onto an infinity pool and a deck cantilevered over the sea.
Minimum stay
Applies to certain dates and durations.
Additional information
The dress code at Jamaica Inn is of casual elegance. Gentlemen are required to wear a collared shirt and trousers after 7:00pm in the main bar & dining area. Ladies also need to dress accordingly.
*Denotes local charge.