Reviving Jamaica Tourism: Explore 8 Inspiring Retreats
Half Moon, Jamaica |
Montego Bay, St. James
With two miles of white-sand beachfront and a legacy of world-class amenities, Half Moon has long stood as one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated resorts. Yet it’s the warmth of Jamaican hospitality—the people behind the place—that truly defines the experience. When Hurricane Melissa struck Montego Bay, the resort’s focus immediately turned to supporting its 800-strong team, many of whom have called Half Moon home for decades. As homes were damaged or destroyed and daily life was profoundly disrupted, the impact on the community was deeply felt. In response, an employee relief fund was launched in partnership with Mission of Sight to support recovery efforts, with rebuilding homes, restoring livelihoods and caring for the Half Moon community now the clear priority. A phased reopening is planned, with existing reservations accommodated first and new bookings welcomed beginning in July 2026.
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Round Hill Hotel & Villas |
Montego Bay, St. James
Perched on a secluded 100-acre peninsula in Montego Bay, Round Hill Hotel & Villas is a Caribbean icon of heritage and understated elegance, having welcomed generations of esteemed guests including the likes of Jackie Kennedy and Grace Kelly. In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the resort sustained only minor cosmetic damage, allowing the team to move swiftly and thoughtfully toward recovery while keeping the safety and well-being of the Round Hill family firmly at the forefront. Supporting its community, the resort invited contributions to its Employee Support Initiative through Hanover Charities General Donations. Welcoming guests again in early December, the reopening reflects not just a return to normal, but a renewed sense of resilience and unity. As Resort Manager Pearl Flavian notes, the heart of Round Hill now beats stronger than ever—united by care, compassion and community.
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Jamaica Inn |
Ocho Rios, St. Ann
A fixture of Jamaica tourism for over six decades, Jamaica Inn warmly welcomes guests to its secluded eight-acre retreat, headlined by a private beach, plush oversized suites and an authentic charm blissfully untouched by time. Following the storm, the property emerged unscathed and secure, remaining open and operational throughout. Today, it is truly business as usual, with every service and experience running seamlessly and the entire team safe and in good spirits—including Shadow, the inn’s beloved black Lab and unofficial ambassador, greeting guests as joyfully as ever. Beyond the gates, Ocho Rios’s attractions are open and thriving, from Dunn’s River Falls and the Blue Hole to river rafting adventures and local craft vendors. The team emphasizes that booking a trip is one of the most impactful ways to support the island right now: travelers play a crucial role in sustaining local communities, and the inn is ready—and eager—to welcome guests for the winter season ahead.
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GoldenEye |
Oracabessa, St. Mary
Once the home of celebrated author Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond, GoldenEye is where laid-back Jamaican seclusion meets the enduring mystique of one of pop culture’s most iconic characters. Named for the novel Fleming wrote here, the property is a living tribute to the Bond legacy, infused with a sense of intrigue and timeless allure. Following Hurricane Melissa, the property sustained only minimal damage and has remained fully operational, with all amenities, dining and experiences continuing as usual. From open-air meals at the Gazebo to rum-soaked afternoons at the Bamboo Bar on Button Beach, its beloved venues continue to welcome guests with heartfelt spirit, alongside the region’s many enduring attractions. While all of Island Outpost‘s properties—GoldenEye, The Caves and Strawberry Hill—were spared significant damage, the company invites guests to support local communities through the GoldenEye Foundation and Support Jamaica, aiding the island’s hardest-hit regions.
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Strawberry Hill |
Irish Town, St. Andrew
A former coffee plantation reimagined as a soulful creative retreat, Strawberry Hill sits high in Jamaica’s dramatic Blue Mountains—one of the island’s most unique and underrated places to stay. Though less than ten miles from Kingston, the boutique hideaway feels blissfully removed from the city’s pulse; days unfold between Ayurvedic spa rituals, sunlit swims in crystal-clear waters and leisurely afternoons at the Strawberry Hill Bar, rum punch in hand, set to live music and mountain air. Following the storm, Strawberry Hill sustained only minimal damage and continues to stand strong, with surrounding Blue Mountain communities safe and fully accessible. Roads to the property and nearby highlights—including Craighton Estate Coffee Plantation, Gordon Town Trail and renowned Blue Mountain hikes—remain open. Kingston, too, is operating as usual, with restaurants, hotels, shops, museums and entertainment venues all welcoming visitors.
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The Caves |
Negril, Westmoreland
Carved into Negril’s dramatic limestone cliffs near a historic lighthouse, The Caves is an all-inclusive sanctuary where nature and design blend seamlessly. Twelve custom-designed cottages rise from the rocky terrain, forming a hidden, almost mythical village that balances seclusion with the warmth and comforts of home. Sitting atop some of the world’s most spectacular sea caves, each room is entirely unique—layered with character and opening onto jaw-dropping coastal views. While parts of Jamaica’s southwestern coast faced challenges after the storm, The Caves and the surrounding area remained largely unaffected, continuing to welcome guests with the soulful, immersive experiences the resort is known for. Visiting now is more than a vacation: it’s a chance to reconnect with Jamaica’s natural beauty and culture while supporting the local communities whose livelihoods depend on tourism.
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Jake’s |
Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth
A beloved institution in Treasure Beach, the family-run Jake’s is far more than a boutique hotel—it is the heart and soul of its community, and one of Jamaica’s true hidden gems. In the wake of the storm, the property sustained significant damage, yet what followed was a moving display of renewal, hope and the unbreakable spirit that defines Treasure Beach. After the hurricane passed, the team turned outward, helping deliver much-needed relief supplies through the Breds Treasure Beach Foundation and to neighbors throughout the community—a powerful reminder that Jake’s is not simply a destination, but a family rooted in care, resilience and shared purpose. Through countless hours of hard work, the hotel reopened in December. From beach bonfires and freshly caught lobster to boat rides, beach picnics and Thursday nights at Jack Sprat—where reggae rhythms mingle with the crash of the waves—their return signals the rebuilding of moments that linger, both physically and spiritually, together.
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Geejam |
Port Antonio, Portland
Set deep in rainforest at the foot of Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, Geejam originally opened as a recording studio before evolving organically into a boutique hotel—yet music remains its beating heart. Reggae drifts through breakfast, local bands animate weekends and legendary artists including Rihanna, Alicia Keys and The Rolling Stones have all recorded within its walls. Geejam was fortunate to sustain only minor damage from Hurricane Melissa, allowing the property to reopen just days after the storm passed. Beloved excursions, from rafting the Rio Grande to swimming in the Blue Lagoon, are once again open to visitors, with the team on hand to curate the very best of Portland Parish. At the same time, the property remains deeply mindful that many communities were far less fortunate, directing fundraising efforts to the Breds Treasure Beach Foundation, which is delivering critical relief to families who have lost everything.
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To support Jamaican families in their recovery and help communities rebuild, visit the Hurricane Melissa Relief webpage for online donations and volunteer opportunities. Visitors are also encouraged to bring new toys, clothing and toiletries to directly support families in need.
