The Caves

The Caves Jamaica was opened by a Rastafarian artist couple, Bertram and Greer-Ann Saulter, in 1994. Bertram designed each of the unique cottages and furniture (much of which is hand-carved), and Greer-Ann dreamt up the whimsical interiors, which are heavy on colorful batik prints and Jamaican crafts. The hotel was subsequently acquired by Island Outpost, a hotel group owned by Jamaican music legend Chris Blackwell, best known for helping bring Bob Marley’s music to the world. 

One of the last hotels along Negril’s winding West End Road, The Caves is entered via a royal-blue gate. A commune-with-nature theme and a shabby-chic aesthetic unfolds just beyond. Quirky, vibrant cottages that have mystical names are connected by garden paths cut from limestone cliffs with panoramic Caribbean Sea views (and incredible sunsets). Every element of the hotel seems in sync with the nature surrounding it, from the jungle-like landscape enveloping cottages, to limestone tables and chairs carved into the private dining caves down below.

An open-air bungalow serves breakfast and lunch, and dinner is available in a cozy cottage with alfresco treetop seating. With bamboo lounges and sandy floors, The Sands bar is perfect for star, sea, and sunset gazing in hippie-chic style. There’s no sandy beach, but stairs carved into the cliffs provide plenty of direct access into the water and deck chairs on limestone platforms and in secluded nooks allow for sun-bathing in privacy. Several grottos at the base of the cliffs have dining booths, lounging benches, and a bar carved into the rock, and candlelit dinners and drinks put the romantic ambience in overdrive. Due to its dramatic yet precarious location along Negril's cliffs, the resort does not accept children under 16 as guests (except in the on-site villa), which helps to preserve the calm atmosphere at this boutique all-inclusive resort.

Travelers wanting a more traditional all-inclusive experience with a pretty beachfront and ample resort features should consider Couples Negril.

The Caves Jamaica is set along a calm stretch of the West End Road that winds alongside Negril's limestone cliffs. It’s a 90-minute drive from Montego Bay and its airport, and the hotel can arrange transfers on request. A number of bars, including the famous Rick’s Café, are located about a five-minute walk away, and it’s a 15-minute drive from famous Seven Mile Beach, accessible via hotel shuttle (available upon request). Guests keen to explore are best off renting a car, and free on-site parking is available. Bike rentals are also available. For travelers using navigation systems, The Caves hotel is on Lighthouse Road, West End, Negril, Jamaica.

Accommodating 24 guests max across 12 rooms, The Caves has one- and two-bedroom cottages and suites with enchanting names like “Sun Dancer” and “Moon Shadow,” plus a three-bedroom villa, Clandestino. All suites offer plenty of space, privacy, and outdoor spaces, and most have sea views. Some add kitchenettes and dining areas. Decor and layout vary from room to room. A-framed cottage dwellings, for instance, feature large round open-plan spaces with stone floors, angular walls, and huge louvered windows. Bold, cheery colors are used throughout the units, from cobalt-blue staircases to emerald-green cabinets. Beds (in Queen or King sizes) sit on platform bed frames and have soft pillow-top mattresses with bright batik bedding.

All rooms have cozy sitting areas and minibars that are re-stocked daily with free cold drinks including beer, water, juice, and liquor assortment along with basic snacks. All bathrooms offer a nice selection of individual, locally produced toiletries. Sun Dancer, Moon Shadow, Two Birds and One Drop have outdoor showers surrounded by high-privacy walls and trees. Sea Turtle and Bird’s Nest feature bathtubs. All rooms have air-conditioning, bathrobes, iPod docks, CD players, and a selection of island-inspired music. TVs and DVD players are available on request. While children under age 16 aren't allowed in rooms, the Clandestino Villa allows families.

As an all-inclusive property, dining is included in The Cave's room rates and local, seasonal ingredients dominate the creative menu. While offerings are limited given the hotel’s small-scale, guests consistently rave about the quality of meals. Bamboo Terrace is the main dining room, and it has a 24-hour bar stocked with drinks and treats. The thatched-roof Gazebo is an alfresco eatery where Jamaican breakfasts, banana pancakes, and smoothies are served.

There are several grottos at the base of the cliffs, where private five-course dining by evening candlelight is available. It's included in the rates, but reservations are required. Blackwell Rum Bar occupies another grotto, while the clifftop bar -- The Sands -- offers outdoor imbibing and authentic jerk-barbecue nights. Room service is also available, and the hotel offers cooking classes on request once a week.

While there’s no conventional beach with sand, stairways carved into the cliffs provide swimming access to the water, and there are plenty of lounge chairs overlooking the sea from private platforms. The property also offers free snorkeling and kayaking trips around the caves and along the cliffs, and lessons on how to safely cliff jump. Guests can also watch staff cliff jump.

Guests can also take a dip in a small saltwater pool and a whirlpool hot tub overlooking the Caribbean Sea. An additional private indoor hot tub can be booked for sunsets. The Aveda mini-spa offers massages and treatments right over the sea, including couples’ massages. A small gift shop sells tropical attire, logo apparel, and Jamaican souvenirs. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel.

Wedding and honeymoon packages are available.