The Rockhouse Hotel, A Jamaican Gem

Just back from the Rockhouse Hotel in Negril, Jamaica and it has inspired me to share my experience of this picture-perfect hidden gem. Part of the Design Hotel collection, the Rockhouse Hotel is located two and a half miles west of Negril town on West End Road. Situated on the western most point of Jamaica, perched high on the cliff, offering spectacular views of the turquoise and deep blue shades of the sea. Undeniably, one of the best spots to view a consistently, mind-blowing sunset. While the Rockhouse might not fit the mold of every discerning traveler, I did find the laid-back vibe of this hotel to be beautifully unique, authentic to the roots and full of character.

With an eclectic group of guests staying at the Rockhouse from granola to uptight city girls letting their hair down (or their version anyway) which was a nice change of pace and great people watching. Perhaps, it was the endless infusion of ganja (which, by the way, is illegal, yet you would never know it), but everyone had a smile. Each day around four in the afternoon adjacent to our villa , not bothersome but rather comical, catamaran boats would pull up to Pirates Cove, a restaurant bar with a 42-foot cliff for diving or jumping, filled with mostly oldies but goodies full of life, adventure and a will to conquer fear.

Even at near full capacity, the Rockhouse Hotel never felt that way. I will admit, each day got more and more difficult to rise from our thatched nest, mesmerized by the soothing sounds of the crashing waves below. Whether you are relaxing at the Spa, or lounging under an umbrella reading a book, I found the hotel an ideal place to unwind. The Rockhouse Rocks!

The Jamaican experience had set in:relaxed and chilled.

Best Room: Villa 3 (private with a forward placement on the cliff) Villa 10 (next to the bridge)

Best Deal: Rockhouse Ritual Spa Treatments - 5-day Massage ($295) or Rockhouse 5-Day Program ($295)

Don't Miss: Cliff jumping off the bridge or the 42-foot cliff next door at Pirates Cove for an exhilarating rush. Snorkeling with Vincent, a spectacular reef guide that gets his hands wet with you.

Skip: Norma's Restaurant - Average food, horrible service.

Coming Soon: New Rockhouse Restaurant and Bar to the left of Villa 1

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