The Best Resorts in Jamaica, the Caribbean

An ultra-private, child-free resort, the Grand Lido in Negril offers 26 boutique suites, each with a jacuzzi soaker tub. It’s open to naturists – singles and couples are welcome – although you don’t have to get your kit off to enjoy the resort. There’s a premium butler service, plus a spa where you can enjoy a hydrotherapy circuit. Food is a globe-hopping extravaganza with Tex-Mex, Italian, Asian, a seafood grill, a steakhouse and buffet-style dining on offer.

Like many Grand Palladiums, this resort is found on one of the finest beaches in the world, this time on the northeast coast of Jamaica. Rooms come with hydro-massage baths and balconies, while elsewhere in the resort there’s golf, snorkeling, table tennis and indoor and outdoor pools. Younger guests have their own activities program, and there’s a plethora of swish bars and restaurants.

Looking for something different? Here, you can sleep in a luxury treehouse with French doors and Asian-style furnishings. A VIP arrival service fast-tracks guests at the airport, and there’s a daily activity program including a variety of classes, weekly cocktail parties and nature walks with the house gardener. Best of all, it lies right by the white sands of Bloody Bay in Negril.

Sandy Haven in Negril is as suited to honeymooning couples as it is to families with older kids (children over 12 are welcome). Choose from one of 35 rooms with either a wraparound balcony or a terrace. Dining takes place at the intimate and immersive indoor Bongos Restaurant, or on the more laid-back terrace. Over at the spa, high-grade natural ingredients are used in holistic treatments.

As the only hotel in Jamaica with nannies, this resort in Runaway Bay is ideal for families. Youngsters will love Big Blue, the 100ft (30m) waterslide, and staying active in the Yellow Bird kids’ club. There’s also a teen-friendly activity program with sports tournaments, discos, snorkeling trips and scuba tours. All the while, adults can appreciate the Asian-European treatments at the Seagrape Spa. The torch-lit beach barbecue buffet is a highlight for all.

Ocean Coral Spring is a five-star establishment with a water park. You can swim in the lazy river, dance at the disco, go ten-pin bowl, get a haircut, watch live shows and much more. With 24-hour catering, 10 restaurants, and nine bars, this resort is well suited to those who love variety and choice. A VIP service is available for an extra fee and grants access to Privilege Beach where you’ll find chaise lounges and Bali beds on private sands.

A more traditional Caribbean atmosphere and classic Jamaican decor await at the SeaGarden Beach Resort. It sits on the glitzy Montego Bay seafront, just under 3mi (5km) from the airport. Spend your days at the private beach club, dining on jerk chicken and pork, drinking tropical cocktails and snorkeling within the protected sea waters. Once the sun dips, you can dine in one of two restaurants serving local-style dishes, and party till the early hours in the nightclub.