New Luxury Retreats in Jamaica

New Luxury Retreats in Jamaica
In Negril, the new culinary-focused, all-inclusive Karisma Hotels & Resorts has opened to serve foodies in an affordable way. For those looking to relax, The Spa Retreat, Negril, will melt away the cares of the world, with treatments that utilize indigenous ingredients and aromatic essential oils.

Jamaica is also home to top rated beaches. TripAdvisor's 2013 Travelers' Choice Awards recently listed Frenchman's Cove in Port Antonio and Seven Mile Beach in Negril as two of the Caribbean's best.

NEWCOMERS TO THE ISLAND

Trident Hotel, Port Antonio

Epitomizing laid-back luxury and quintessential cool, the recently reopened Trident Hotel features 13 spacious studios, one and two-bedroom villas with private heated plunge pools and terraces overlooking the sea. The generous public spaces include an infinity swimming pool; screening room that doubles as an art gallery; a boutique; gym with a Jacuzzi, yoga deck and spa treatment room; indoor and outdoor dining; two indoor bars and its own private beach and beach bar. Rates start at $600 for the studio villa. https://tridentportantonio.com

Trident Castle, Port Antonio

The Castle's charm still reigns on this sprawling seven-acre oceanfront estate. Much of the original furnishings and interiors have been refurbished and kept intact, creating an exceptionally unique retro-chic ambiance. The Castle features eight bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, and modern amenities including five hundred-count sheets, compact digital surround sound system, Apple TVs, mini-bar and Wi-Fi. Available for both individual bookings and buyouts. Rates start at $200. https://castleportantonio.com

Karisma Hotels & Resorts, Negril

Karisma Hotels & Resorts, a premier collection of 11 Gourmet Inclusive properties, opened their first non-Mexican brand in Jamaica in December 2012. Formerly Sandy Bay Beach Resort in Negril, the property operates under the new name, Seashore Bay Beach Resort. The 128-room all-inclusive resort features nine categories of rooms and suites with garden and ocean views, two pools, four specialty restaurants, a spa, various activities, entertainment, and a kid's club. Rates start at $273 per person, per night. www.seashorebaybeachresort.com

RESORTS FEATURING LAID-BACK SUMMER RATES

Jakes Hotel, Villas & Spa, South Coast

A collection of vividly decorated villas, suites as well as spacious cottages ideal for families, this hotel hosts monthly farm-to-table dinners on the Saturday closest to the full moon. The table is elegantly set in the middle of a working field at a local farm and enveloped by a ring of glowing white lanterns. Dinner is prepared table-side and the rotating menu reflects seasonal local produce and 100% organic ingredients. Rates start at $95 per room, per night; not inclusive of taxes. www.jakeshotel.com

ALL-INCLUSIVE PAMPERING

The Spa Retreat, Negril

This adults only luxury escape located on the West End cliffs of Negril, features 18 handcrafted stone cottages with spectacular tropical gardens. Enjoy cliff side organic dining, a full-service luxury day spa which offers classic aesthetic treatments with a Jamaican flair, a sea water pool, yoga and specialty tours to enhance the guest's experience. Rates start at $300 per room, per night, based on double occupancy. www.thespajamaica.com

BEST BEACHES TO VISIT WHILE ON ISLAND

Seven Mile Beach, Negril

From funky eateries that serve ice cold drinks by day, to sizzling hot Reggae by night, Negril's Seven Mile Beach is a haven for thrill-seekers and sun-worshippers alike. Legendary for its dramatic sunsets, silky white sands, clear turquoise waters, and spontaneous island spirit, the natural attributes of this phenomenal beach are alluring to the soul.

Frenchman's Cove, Port Antonio

Frenchman's Cove is tucked between two rocky bluffs and features a lagoon - the perfect secluded beach for the crowd-shy tourist. It was the location for a scene from the 2010 romantic action comedy, Knight and Day which starred Hollywood A-list actors Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz.

Doctor's Cave Beach, Montego Bay

Founded in 1906, Doctor's Cave Beach is located off the populous Hip Strip and offers one of the best snorkeling spots on island. Its translucent waters is also claimed to have therapeutic properties as a result of its waters being fed by a mineral spring.

Jamaica, easily accessible via non-stop flights from many major gateway cities, includes a diverse topography spanning 146 miles long with mountainous peaks soaring to 7,402 feet (2,256 meters). The island features 11 golf courses. Jamaica's accommodations range from luxury resorts to charming cottages and inns, all focusing on top-notch service, and restaurants to fit any taste and price point. The destination includes more than 120 rivers, stunning waterfalls and white sand beaches. A year-round vacation destination, some of Jamaica's other diverse activities include hiking the Blue Mountains, bird-watching, award-winning festivals, caving in the Cockpit Country, zip-lining, horseback riding, cliff diving, rainforest bobsledding, deep sea fishing, bicycle tours, dolphin and shark encounters, duty-free shopping, and more. To book a vacation to Jamaica, please go to www.visitjamaica.com.