Caribbean honeymoons: Best resorts in Jamaica – USA Today

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Know before you go is always good travel advice, but even more important when planning a honeymoon. With a little effort beforehand, couples intent on honeymooning in Jamaica can find a resort that’s perfect for their needs. Here are six Jamaica resorts with their own unique charms.

Half Moon

The beachfront Half Moon in Montego Bay has been attracting famous couples (and star-crossed lovers like Jacqueline Kennedy) since its opening back in 1954. Since then the resort has steadily refined its offering over the years to meet modern tastes and demands, but without sacrificing its links to the genteel ways of the past. The resort has 2 miles of beach, several restaurants — including the very romantic open-air Seagrape Terrace — and a championship onsite golf course. Keep in mind that the atmosphere is on the sedate side with little in the way of nightlife, although lively Montego Bay is only 20 minutes away by cab. For the ultimate in privacy, consider booking a one-bedroom villa with its own private plunge pool. The resort has some unexpected fans — 50 Cent vacationed here with his mom. Advertised rates are as low as $236 per night.

Sandals Royal Plantation

All-inclusive properties have upped their game over the years. Sandals Royal Plantation — when compared to other luxe all-inclusive resorts — has upped it even further. The resort’s Caribbean colonial atmosphere can be compared to Half Moon, but the upside of Royal Plantation is a couple can price out the expense of their honeymoon with no surprises in their bill at the end of their stay. Located on Jamaica’s north coast in Ocho Rios, Sandals Royal Plantation has eschewed the buffet altogether and only serves a la carte at its four restaurants. The resort has a beautiful secluded and compact beach, a Red Lane spa, golf, and unlimited scuba diving. Other perks include butler service, four-poster beds and 24-hour room service. Ocho Rios — with its shops, restaurants and nightlife — is only a five-minute drive from the resort. Rates at Sandals Royal Plantation start at $257 per person, per night based on double occupancy. . 

Geejam

Geejam takes a little more effort to get to since it’s located in Port Antonio in a more secluded area of Jamaica’s north coast. Even so, if a couple is looking for a unique and hip honeymoon experience, Geejam is worth the extra time on the road. Geejam is a collection of private villas with cliff-top views decorated in what could be described as Caribbean sleek-chic. There’s also an onsite recording studio that has attracted such luminaries as Rhianna, Gwen Stefani and John Legend. This is not an all-inclusive resort, and while Geejam has its own restaurant — Bushbar — and 24-hour room service, guests will probably want to explore the sights and dining options in Port Antonio, a town relatively untouched by tourism. The legendary mento group and international stars the Jolly Boys often perform in Bushbar and are not to be missed. They’ve been playing in Port Antonio for decades. There’s no spa, direct beach access or communal pool, although some of the villas have their own private pool. Geejam a good choice for those couples who really want to zero in on each other. The starting rate for the lowest category at Geejam is $425.

Round Hill Hotel Villas

The rooms at Round Hill have been designed by Ralph Lauren and have the sophisticated yet casual aesthetic associated with the designer. The seaside resort is about 40 minutes from Montego Bay airport and a world away from the tourism swirl. Round Hill is a perfect choice for those honeymooners who are looking for country club quiet and attentive service. There’s an onsite restaurant, spa and infinity pool. All of the rooms and villas have seaside views; for optimum romance, book one of the oceanfront villas or rooms.  Round Hill offers a One Love romance package that starts at $719 a night.

Jewel Paradise Cove Resort Spa Runaway Bay, Curio Collection by Hilton

Sometimes a lively, all-inclusive resort is a perfect choice. The adults-only Jewel  Paradise Cove Resort Spa Runaway Bay, Curio Collection by Hilton is an up-market all-inclusive resort on the island’s north coast. Here honeymooners will find all of the inclusions that make budgeting a vacation easy. The 225-room resort is right on the beach and has a buoyant ambiance, with lots of options for socializing around the three pools, each having their own swim-up bar. All-inclusive perks include poolside movies, glass-bottom boat tours, scuba diving and a complimentary excursion to Konoko Falls. Advertised prices on the internet are as low as $198.

Jake’s Hotel, Villas Spa

The great majority of Jamaica resorts are gated affairs that separate travelers from the Jamaican community beyond the walls of the resort. This isn’t the case with Jake’s Hotel, Villas Spa, a funky but chic boutique hotel on Jamaica’s more remote southern coast. Rooms and cottages have been designed by owner Sally Henzell, using a whimsical combination of stones, glass, cement and wood. There’s a salt-water pool, a spa and a restaurant. If a couple wants to connect with the destination, Jake’s is a perfect fit. Locals often pop in for a meal or a drink. There’s also the option of al fresco dining farm-to-table Jamaica-style at a nearby farmer’s field. What guests won’t connect with at Jakes’s is in-room TV, phone or Wi-Fi. The downside for some will be the two-hour drive from Montego Bay airport. But if their hearts are set on a stay at Jake’s, the drive is well worth it. . Rates start at $95 per night.