Jamaica is a playground of lush mountains, turquoise seas, reggae rhythms and of course, resorts.
Whether you want luxury, authenticity, budget-friendly charm or something in between, there’s a resort style for you.
At Connecting Jamaica, we believe your stay should be more than just a bed; it should be part of your Jamaican story.
Types & Styles of Resorts
When it comes to resorts in Jamaica, there are several styles to choose from:
All Inclusive Mega Resorts:
Think Montego Bay or Negril, where once you arrive, everything from meals to entertainment and drinks included. Big pools, multiple restaurants, beach access, water sports, and often nightly shows.
Boutique / Small Luxury Resorts:
Fewer rooms, more character. Maybe a cliff edge, maybe a private beach, often locally owned, more personalised service, quieter vibes.
Guesthouses & Boutique Hotels:
These are smaller still, often family run, with a chance for more authenticity. Maybe fewer frills but more charm, friendlier prices, more interaction with locals.
Eco Resorts:
Resorts that focus on sustainability, perhaps off grid, or using eco friendly practices, with more nature and less glitz.
Small Family Run Accommodation vs All Inclusive Resorts
Which is best? Depends on what you want.
Small family run / boutique / guesthouses:
Pros: More personal service, more “authentic” Jamaican feel. You might get homemade food, story telling, recommendations for off the beaten path local experiences. Usually quieter.
Cons: Fewer amenities; maybe no spa, no big resort style entertainment, more modest rooms.
All Inclusive Resorts:
Pros: Convenience. Food, drinks, activities all in one place. Good if you don’t want to think much. Often great value if you’ll use most of the services (restaurants, beach, spa, etc.). Ideal for family fun or romantic escapes.
Cons: Can be more expensive. Sometimes the food or service might feel a bit generic. Less interaction with local culture. Also, you might not leave the resort (which is fine if that’s your goal, but you miss the rest of Jamaica).
Where Solo Travellers or a Budget Family Can Stay
You don’t need to spend a fortune to experience Jamaica at a resort or charming accommodation. Here’s how:
Solo Traveller:
Look for guesthouses, boutique resorts or small hotels near Negril, Ocho Rios or Kingston. Shared dorm style or single rooms are less common in big resorts, so boutique or local guesthouses are your best bet.
You’ll also meet other travellers, maybe join small group tours (rafting, hiking).
Use Connecting Jamaica’s “Find Guest Houses in Jamaica”
Budget Family:
Go for smaller all inclusives or local resorts that offer family rooms. Consider staying in a mid range guesthouse or boutique hotel for part of your stay, then splurge a little in a beach resort.
Locations slightly inland or a bit off the prime coast roads tend to cost less. Also pay attention to off peak times.
In Conclusion
If you want glamour, ease and everything you need on site, an all inclusive resort is your ticket.
If you prefer stories, authenticity and local flavour, small guesthouses and boutique resorts will give you more.
Whatever your style, solo adventure, romantic escape, family fun, Jamaica has something for you.
