The Caves

Gorgeous, colourful rooms on an extraordinary cliffside location just outside Negril - heaven for couples

At the western edge of Negril, The Caves is close enough to the action, but its end-of-the-road location provides extremely peaceful seclusion. Once through the huge blue entrance gates you quickly discover it is also built onto the edge of the limestone cliffs - 10 stone clad, thatched roofed 1 & 2 bed Bohemian cottages are dotted about the 2-acre seafront site, hovering somewhat defiantly above the sea.

Whichever way you look it’s all very photogenic - blue skies, red pennants, lots of honey-coloured stone - and this is no accident: the unobtrusive beauty here is carefully conceived, and symptomatic of the attention to detail which underpins the whole place. Explore the cliffside to discover hidden stairways, sun decks and grottos that gradually reveal themselves above an endless azure sea; be sure to check out sunset from the hot tub.

Open since 1993, the exotic rustic look hasn’t dated, and rather like other Island Outpost hotels, feels like staying with very gracious hosts - from the mango cocktail on arrival to being invited to come behind the bar and help yourself. It’s all-inclusive, and the food is wonderful (especially if you opt for the private cave dining experience), but there’s not a day-glo wristband in sight. There is plenty to see if you want to explore the area, but you might not bother. And when you do have to leave, the superb service, tranquility and blissful views of The Caves will stay with you for ages.

Highs

• Investigating the various steps, levels, caves, paths and terraces - you feel like an 8-year-old kid
• One of the Island Outpost collection, so you get amazingly unobtrusive friendly service – no corporate uniforms here
• Colourful, daring-to-be-different decor (brightly pattered towels, red-yellow-blue paintwork) makes a change from hushed tones of bamboo or white
• Location – pretty gardens, dazzling sea views, decks set up for perfect sunset watching, and the comfiest sun beds
• No children allowed, save in the four-bedroom family cottage - this is couples' heaven

Lows

• It would not be enjoyed by those who suffer from vertigo, as there are many unprotected drops opening directly into the sea
• Booze cruises from nearby hotels may occasionally break the spell by mooring in the bay for snorkelling, so you may be bothered by loud music and nudity, but they don't stay too long
• Step ladders into the sea can be a bit tricky to negotiate: you need to be nimble footed (but there is always the pool)
• A lengthy disclaimer notice makes daunting reading on arrival, but you have to sign it to go through the magic door
• No rooms can be made up as twins