DESTINATIONS JAMAICA | CARIBBEAN


agents agents ASK THE


Sheila Stamp, Travel Counsellors


“I love Couples Tower Isle, as it offers adult-only with a twist for naturists; the views from the hotel are stunning; and it has a prime beach location. I like Moon Palace too. As a specialist in packages for


CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Moon Palace Jamaica; Bayside Restaurant, Couple Tower Isle; Lagoon Cottage, GoldenEye PICTURES: Palace Resorts; Island Outpost Images/Brie Williams


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from the 55 cottages and suites to the elegant lawns where croquet is still played. Two perfect Ocho Rios beaches, a dining terrace to die for and a new relaxed restaurant


serving pizza on the beach make it nigh-on perfect. Book it: From $469.50 per room, per night, room-only. jamaicainn.com


BEST FOR . . . MOVIE FANS GoldenEye, Oracabessa Ian Fleming wrote all 14 of his James Bond books at Goldeneye, the villa he built on the north coast of the island in 1946. It’s available to rent at the kind of prices a Bond baddie wouldn’t bat an eyelid at but, alongside it, and a little more affordable, the GoldenEye resort offers a beguiling mix of lofty-ceilinged and spacious beach villas designed by Jamaican architect Ann Hodges, lagoon cottages (each with their own kayak for exploring the lagoon and beyond) and beach huts that


make you feel like you’ve landed in paradise. Book it: From $692 per room, per night, based on two adults sharing on a B&B basis. goldeneye.com


BEST FOR . . . ROMANCE Couples Tower Isle Decor here has a mid-century modern vibe – not surprising given that it dates back to 1949, when Abe Issa opened it as Jamaica’s first year-round resort. Nice eco touches include refillable water bottles in all 225 rooms, which span the gamut from balcony rooms


travelweekly.co.uk


with brightly coloured art and bold accents to villas with plunge pools in walled gardens. The atmosphere is sophisticated and intimate, with a private island that


allows nude sunbathing. Book it: From £274 per room, per night, based on two adults sharing, room-only. couplesresorts.co.uk


BEST FOR . . . HIKERS Strawberry Hill, Blue Mountains This estate was turned into a gorgeous hotel almost 30 years ago and comprises white wooden buildings that are in pleasing harmony with the lush surroundings, plus cottages filled with four-poster beds dressed in white linen accented with vivid African fabrics. Set 3,000 feet above sea level in the beautiful Blue Mountains, there are far-reaching views from the veranda, where afternoon tea with estate-grown strawberries is served. A pool, spa, glorious gardens and a restaurant serving classic


Jamaican dishes complete a perfect picture. Book it: From $395 per room, per night, based on two adults sharing on a B&B basis. strawberryhillhotel.com


BEST FOR . . . MIXED GROUPS H10 Ocean Eden Bay & Ocean Spray, Trelawny Child-free family friends and grandparents who don’t want to be left holding the baby, rejoice! H10’s new 444-suite, adult-only Ocean Eden Bay gives child-free adults holidaying with friends and family who do have


families with disabled children, it is unusual in offering


accessible interconnecting


family rooms, something that can be hard to find and double the cost for families if they have to pay for two rooms.”


Vanda Cowley, Travel Counsellors


“The staff in Jamaican hotels are the best-ever, with an


infectious sense of fun. And they go above and beyond to help make your holiday


memorable. If I had to choose a favourite, I’d say Couples Negril; my heart lies there as I learnt to scuba dive in 2009 with a great instructor called Sugar, who still works there. Sandals, another


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Jamaican-owned brand, is also great for watersports, particularly scuba diving.”


8 SEPTEMBER 2022 43


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