At the western edge of Negril, The Caves’ end-of-the-road location provides extremely peaceful seclusion. And whichever way you look it’s all very photogenic - blue skies, red pennants, lots of honey-coloured stone. This is no accident: the unobtrusive beauty here is carefully conceived, and symptomatic of the attention to detail which underpins the whole place. Leave your individually designed cottage and 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 spa's hot tub.
The exotic rustic look hasn’t dated since the hotel's opening in 1993. And rather like other Island Outpost hotels, feels like staying with very gracious hosts - from the exotic Ciffhanger cocktail on arrival to being invited to come behind the bar and help yourself. The food is wonderful, especially if you opt for the private cave dining experience. 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, tranquillity and blissful views will stay with you for a very long time indeed.
Highs
- Location - pretty gardens, dazzling sea views, decks set up for perfect sunset watching, and the comfiest sun beds
- One of the Island Outpost collection, so you get amazingly unobtrusive and friendly service - no corporate uniforms here
- Colourful, daring-to-be-different décor makes a change from hushed tones of bamboo or white
- Our breakfast was the best we tasted on the island during our most-recent revisit
- This is couples' heaven: no children allowed (except in the private Clandestino Villa)
Lows
- It is quite pricey - but remember that rates are all-inclusive, covering all meals, house wines and non-motorised water sports
- Cruises from nearby hotels may occasionally break the spell by mooring in the bay for snorkelling - but they don't stay long
- Step ladders into the sea can be tricky to negotiate: you need to be nimble footed (but there is always the pool...)
- A lengthy disclaimer makes daunting reading on arrival, but you have to sign it to go through the magic door
- If coming with a friend, be aware that there are no twin rooms
Best time to go
It gets fairly hot during the hurricane season. which runs from the beginning of June to the end of November. The cooler months from December to March are still lovely and warm. The hotel shuts in September for a few weeks.
Our top tips
For the ultimate intimate dinner you can request private dining in one of the two caves. Totter down the breakneck coral staircase and you will discover your very own private cave, crammed with twinkling tea lights - it’s achingly romantic.
- Boutique Hotel
- 11 suites & cottages + 1 villa
- All inclusive
- Over 16s only (except in the Clandestino Villa)
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Concierge Service
- Bicycles Available
- Snorkelling
- Yoga
Rooms
There's an unpretentious, homemade feel here, and nothing is too slick or formulaic. There's a range of accommodation to suit all needs: see our rates table for full listings.
We stayed in one of the massive One Bedroom Upper Ocean View Suites with drop-dead ocean vistas. It gave us the feeling of tropical relaxation thanks to its cheery yellow walls and floors, green batik bedspread and woven cane lampshades. The bathroom had a huge shower and tub, with plenty of Blue Mountain Aromatics products.
The Two Bedroom Ocean Front Cottage also has fantastic sea views, as well as added space. Though its views are less impressive, the One Bedroom Partial Ocean View Cottage is closest to the ocean.
The private 3-bedroom Clandestino Villa (plus adjoining 1-bed annexe) is set within a lush jungle garden on The Caves property. It is very popular with families as all ages are welcome here. It comes complete with a private pool and BBQ.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
Dinner is taken in The Dining Room, which on a warm night is actually under the stars. Arrive in time for sunset and warm up with a Cliffhanger (Appleton Gold Rum, ginger and watermelon juice). The classy Caribbean fare is seasonal and local. We had split pea soup, ackee, mixed salad, and mains of grilled chicken and curry conch. A choice of 2 or 3 options for each course is read out for you to choose from – we actually found it very relaxing to not have to agonise over menus.
Afterwards, try one of the Blackwell Rum Bar’s special tipples, hidden in the limestone cliff. Over at The Sands, there’s often jerk chicken on the bbq and cocktails at the bar.
For breakfast and lunch, head to the thatched semi-afresco Gazebo for sea views and tasty fare. Try the local fruit plate - a delicious collection of mango, papaya, pineapple, watermelon, and naseberry. Come lunchtime, we loved the salads and grilled fish or chicken.
The Clandestino Villa has a full kitchen; some of the suites and cottages have kitchenettes (best for preparing snacks rather than full meals).
Features include:
- All meals included
- Bar
- Room service
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Take an early morning leap of faith into the azure blue sea - or alternatively use one of the 5 access ladders dotted about. The jump is not for the faint-hearted, but you can watch a member of staff make the impressive morning dive daily
- Take a memorable massage in the seafront FieldSpa, or discover the Jacuzzi set into the terraces, or the sauna at the top end of the property. You can partake in a yoga lesson, too
- Grab the floats, snorkels or kayaks for a gentle paddle. More adventurous types can head up to Negril for motorised water sports: water- and jet-skiing, parasailing, banana boating
- There are weekly cooking lessons on offer, as well as mixology classes. Where better to learn how to mix a tropical punch?
- The Caves has an arrangement with the Couples Swept Away Fitness Center (15 minutes away) for guests who want to use the facilities (pool, spa, 24 tennis courts, badminton, Pilates studio, fully equipped gym with state of the art equipment, walking/jogging course, sauna, yoga)
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Jet skiing
- Kayaking
- Parasailing
- Scuba diving
- Snorkelling
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Well being
- Windsurfing
- Yoga
Kids
Due to the precarious nature of the setting (open drops into the sea, plenty of steep steps) children under 16 are not permitted in the main resort. However, all ages are welcome in the self-contained Clandestino Villa.
Family friendly accommodation:
Set in half an acre of jungle gardens (just a few minutes' walk from the main resort), the private Clandestino Villa is the only accommodation that welcomes families. Sleeping up to 8 people, the villa has 3 bedrooms, plus a 1-bedroom annexe. Facilities include a full kitchen, a private pool and private parking. Note that children staying here are not permitted elsewhere in the resort (e.g. the bar, restaurant, etc).
Extra Beds Available
Families Should Know:
Children staying at the Clandestino Villa are not permitted to go elsewhere in the resort (e.g. the bar or restaurant area).
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The Caves is found on the Lighthouse Road at the western end of Negril, Jamaica.
By Air:
Norman Manley International Airport (245km), at Kingston and Sangster International Airport (81km) at Montego Bay are served by many airlines from the US mainland, Europe and the Caribbean. The hotel can arrange airport transfers.
By Car:
Hiring a car is not really required if you intend to take it easy; the hotel can arrange taxis or car hire for any day trips you may take.
Jamaican Taxis
There are 2 official types of taxis in Jamaica: Charter Taxis (officially licensed and insured, for sole use of passenger) and Route Taxis (a collective taxi, with red license plates). Robots are also collective taxis, but are often not licensed/insured and not recommended.
Detailed directions will be provided when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Sangster International Airport 81.0 km MBJ
- Norman Manley International Airport 245.0 km KIN
Other:
- Beach 10.0 km
- Shops 10.0 km
- Restaurant 1.0 km