It’s no secret that ultra-luxurious getaways in Jamaica are plentiful.

And they're among the reasons the island has attracted the rich and famous to its shores for years.

Jamaica has been the playground and location for special occasions from birthdays to weddings and everything in between for captains of industry, socialites, and Hollywood stars.

World leaders and royalty from all over the world have visited the island including Prince Harry at Round Hill, U.S. President John F. Kennedy with First Lady Jackie Kennedy, U.S President Barack Obama, British Prime Minister David Cameron, the former British Queen Elizabeth, HRH Prince Charles, Sir Paul McCartney, and many others.

From Negril in the west to Port Antonio in the east, here are some of the luxurious resorts that the rich and famous choose to stay at for discreet five-star service, relaxation, and privacy.

Geejam Hotel, Portland

Geejam Hotel’s seven double rooms consist of three deluxe cabins, one suite, and a self-contained three-bedroom villa.

Geejam has drawn such celebrities as Gwen Stefani, John Legend, Drake, Sharon Stone, Bjork, and Grace Jones.

Equipped with a recording studio, healing spa, swimming pool, gym, and bush bar, the property forms an exclusive universe between the foothills of the Blue Mountains and the sapphire waters of Frenchman’s Cove, voted by Condé Nast as one of the world’s top five beaches.

GoldenEye Hotel and Resort, Oracabessa

The former home of author and James Bond creator, Ian Fleming, GoldenEye is now a stunning 52-acre resort overlooking the Caribbean Sea on Jamaica’s north coast.

Home to secret coves, breathtaking private beaches, tropical forests, and a seawater lagoon, the property also boasts the FieldSpa and two restaurants – Bizot Bar (a beach bistro) and The Gazebo (fine dining).

The property is dotted with trees planted by the numerous celebrities who have stayed there like Martha Stewart.

The lagoon cottage is dotted with photos of Naomi Campbell who has vacationed here a lot and Patrick Stewart who vacationed here with his songstress wife.


Half Moon, A Rock Resort, Montego Bay

One of the world’s finest resort hotels, Half Moon sits on a private estate of 400 acres with beautifully-landscaped gardens, a nature reserve, and 197 rooms and suites scattered amongst white-rendered cottages and 31 capacious villas, all fronted by two miles of private beach.

The epitome of luxury, it offers six fine dining restaurants, an 18-hole championship golf course, an equestrian center, 13 tennis courts, and a private Dolphin Lagoon.

Half Moon is Montego Bay's home to the stars, especially when Reggae Sumfest rolls around.

Lil Wayne stayed when he performed at Reggae Sumfest in 2007, and apparently 50 Cent and LL Cool J liked the resort so much they brought back their mom and kids.

Eddie Murphy used to stay in one of the resort's private villas, and famous guests of the past include Queen Elizabeth I, JFK and Jacqueline Kennedy, Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, and George H.W. Bush.



Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios

Consistently ranked among the top luxury hotels in Jamaica and the Caribbean, Jamaica Inn boasts an intimate eight-acre property situated on a private cove with an offshore reef.

With 52 suites and cottages and a 700-foot private white sand beach, often considered the Caribbean’s best, this exclusive resort is the perfect getaway for the traveler seeking unassuming style and warm, friendly service.

Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Montego Bay

This playground of the rich and famous has been providing timeless elegance and understated luxury for decades.

Round Hill’s 110-acre private enclave of luxury villas boasts Ralph Lauren-designed oceanfront guestrooms, award-winning seaside dining, and an exquisite spa that caters to all guests.

Visitors may indulge in a soothing, invigorating yoga class in the spa’s outdoor ocean-view pavilion, or tempt their palates with the restaurant’s locally grown, organic cuisine.

This remote, unplugged property was the location for the film How Stella Got Her Groove Back, and actor Taye Diggs returned to the resort for his wedding to famous Broadway starlet Idina Menzel.

Dule Hill, of West Wing and Psych fame, used the same premises for his wedding to actress Nicole Lyn. Stevie Wonder is also a reported fan of the resort.

Sandals Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios



Exquisitely private, Sandals Royal Plantation is an intimate, all-butler resort of 74 ocean-view suites tucked into a magnificent coral bluff.

Known for its meticulous attention to detail, this enclave of retro-chic sophistication showcases roaming peacocks and manicured lawns.

Guests spend their days lazing by the pool, teeing off at nearby Sandals Golf & Country Club, or scuba diving in the crystal clear Caribbean waters.

The Caves, Negril

Located on the limestone cliffs of Negril’s scenic West End in Jamaica, The Caves is an oceanfront sanctuary with 12 exclusive cliff-side cottages and a grand villa.

Two gazebos provide a stunning meal experience or enjoy unique dining in the restaurant in the caves below along with a drink at the signature Blackwell Rum Bar.

Cottages on the property are made from hand-crafted wood and stone in harmony with the natural setting.

Other ways to pamper yourself in this luxury resort include a spa, jacuzzi, sauna, private hot tub, and salt­water swimming pool, making it clear why celebrities often choose this boutique hotel for their vacation.

The Tryall Club, Montego Bay

Just west of Montego Bay in the parish of Hanover, the Tryall Club has distinguished itself as one of the world’s most eclectic addresses, where world-class sporting facilities, gracious hospitality, and stylish living blend seamlessly together.

With 2,200 acres of land, the club contains a portfolio of homes, ranging from one-bedroom villas to nine-bedroom houses, as well as the revered Tryall Golf Course, nine tennis courts, and a secluded private beach with an array of water sports offerings 

Trident Hotel, Port Antonio


If arriving from the east, this mini castle perched on the edge of the bay is an impressive site.

Built originally for Baroness Elizabeth Siglindy Stephan von Thyssen, the architect ended up taking over ownership.

13 spacious private villas offer a stunning view of the Caribbean Sea, each one with its own private soaking pool.

Amenities include a secluded private beach, a gym with a view, and a spa that allows you to listen to the waves lapping the shore nearby.

Nightlife is built in with the high-end speakeasy, Mike’s Supper Club, which offers exceptional music, and an exceptional menu.

Rockhouse Hotel, Negril


The Rockhouse Hotel offers an instant connection to the laid-back vibe that visitors to Jamaica crave in rustic intentionally low-tech rooms.

Gourmet dining on the cliffs, while the sun goes down, creates the perfect romantic getaway which the "no kids under 12" rule ensures.

Lying by the pool and being pampered by their luxury spa treatments is what attracts stars like Keri Russell, Jude Law, model Bella Hadid, designer Nanette Lepore, John Slattery, and retired boxer Lennox Lewis.

This serene setting creates the perfect hideaway for downtime from the non-stop celebrity lifestyle. 

Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, Montego Bay




A bikini-clad Ashlee Simpson-Wentz was spotted locking lips with Fall Out Boy musician (and now ex-husband) Pete Wentz in the Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort (the property's former name) pool in March 2008.

Kanye West, Michael Jordan, and Lawrence Taylor have all visited the hotel, too, for a celebrity golf tournament.