Ocean Cliff Hotel Negril

The Ocean Cliff Hotel Negril is not your spring break Jamaica party scene. Guests choose this stylish hotel to enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean, eat farm-to-table food, and avoid crowds. It's an adults-only resort, though older teenagers are allowed. The owner's dog is a common sight; she even follows guests into the pool. Epic sunsets are on display every evening throughout the property.

The large sign and concrete walls make the hotel’s entrance easy to spot from winding West End Road, but passing through the gate leads guests into a strange little parking lot with waiting drivers and construction materials. Once inside the true property, the cool and spacious reception office is located down a winding path through gardens and greenery, giving the lobby a lush and private feel. As they arrive, guests are treated to a shoulder rub and cool non-alcoholic drink. The office itself has couches and chairs, a large reception desk, and brochures on on-site amenities and treatments as well as nearby restaurants, shops, and activities.

Tucked into the beautiful cliffs of Negril, the Ocean Cliff Hotel Negril is built on two acres, yet is still quite close to a number of restaurants and shops. It's far enough off the road that it feels very remote and quiet. The hotel itself stretches along the water, providing incredible views, but the unique location means that nearby buildings aren’t really visible from the property. While the resort is close to a number of attractions, the highway is winding and dangerous for pedestrians, so drivers and taxis are recommended. Parking on-site is free.

All of the accommodations at the Ocean Cliff Hotel Negril are two-story stone cottages. Some overlook the ocean and others look into the professionally landscaped gardens. Those wanting an even better view should opt for the rooftop option. Each cottage is decorated in cool tones with tropical inspired bed coverlets and curtains. High wooden ceilings give a spacious feel. With Platinum Serta beds, air conditioning and balconies or patios, the rooms are private and restful. Mini-fridges are stocked daily with selections guests make at check-in. Wi-Fi is free and you won't find a TV on-site. Large bathrooms have double sinks and granite vanity countertops, plus frameless showers and Blue Mountain soap. Storage can be an issue as there aren't any closets, just a small hanging rod. The retreat suite with a private patio and turndown service is perfect for wedding parties and larger groups.

The winding stone paths around the retreat lead guests to a number of activities and amenities, including the Blue Mahoe restaurant where guests can enjoy made-to-order meals made with farm-to-table ingredients. All-inclusive and a la carte dining packages are available. The bar is adjacent to the pool for full cocktails and a "serve yourself" popcorn machine gets spiced up with homemade jerk-flavored butter.

There isn't an actual sand beach on this property, though there are fun lounge areas with sand, and staff can arrange a glass bottom boat transfer to nearby Seven Mile Beach. The spa is a great perk, especially at a hotel that emphasizes relaxation. Outdoor massages and yoga are available. Staff can arrange special activities like cooking classes, candlelit dining, and excursions.

The hotel's cliffside location gives guests direct swimming and snorkeling access via a ladder or cliff diving, though the water can get rough.

The mint green swimming pool is filled with salt water fresh from the nearby Caribbean, which the pool directly overlooks, though it's not quite an infinity edge. A stone lined deck has plenty of blue lounge chairs with sun hoods and flat white umbrellas. The nearby pool bar does poolside service and offers a bar with more views of the ocean under a thatched roof. Beach towels are plush. There's a single hammock for some of the best sunset views on the property -- maybe even in all of Jamaica.

The Ocean Cliff Hotel Negril looks and feels like a spa, so it's no surprise that the property often hosts yoga and wellness retreats. All guests are invited (for a charge) to enjoy a day, or an hour, at the mostly outdoor spa facility overlooking the Caribbean. Dedicated spa staff provide fun and relaxing treatments like beach pedicures and body scrubs using all-natural and organic ingredients. The aloe and cucumber wrap sounds especially appealing after a day in the sun. Couples can sign up for massage lessons followed by a 60-minute couple's relaxation massage.