The Caves

I've been blessed to have had the chance to travel all over the world for business and pleasure. But my experience at The Caves ranks among the most special of trips I've ever taken. There are three reasons for this: staff, location, and resort size. Let me cover each in order. STAFF: As you'll see in reading other reviews, The Caves has the warmest, friendliest staff you'll ever encounter. There is "professional friendly" and then there is the staff here. Because of the small size of the resort - about 12 cottages, I think - you get to know the people who work here over the course of your stay. And they enjoy interacting with you! You leave feeling that you've gotten to know the staff - superficially of course, but still in a memorable way. LOCATION: in a word, spectacular. Because The Caves is small, there are no high-rise elevators and palatial lobbies. Instead you'll find a collection of pastel-painted wooden cottages right at the ocean's edge, perched atop Negril's famous cliffs. These are quaint accommodations, with hand-painted furniture and mosquito nets over the beds. If you like boxy, anonymous hotel rooms and beige ultra-modern decor, this is not the place for you. Your room won't be sound-proofed the way it is at the Hilton. But with the ocean just a few feet away, you'll be compensated by the sound of waves lulling you to sleep each night. SIZE: This is an all-inclusive, but unlike most all-inclusive resorts, it's small. If your idea of an ideal vacation is to hop from one pre-planned activity to another, The Caves may not be right for you. But if you want deep relaxation and a home-like atmosphere, The Caves cannot be beat. We spent our days enjoying fabulous meals, including many Jamaican specialties, and in between we were reading, cliff-jumping with the assistance of a skilled lifeguard, swimming in the small infinity pool, chilling in the hot tub. The Caves offers spa services and one daily activity. Wer treated ourselves to massages and sugar scrubs to slough off our dry winter skin, and did painting, yoga and fitness classes. The seas were rough during our stay so we didn't snorkel, but there's reefs along the edges of the caves, and we'll enjoy that next time. Such a good time!

We just returned from an anniversary trip to the Caves, such an incredible time that our experience needed to be shared! The Caves is unique, breathtaking, unlike anywhere we have ever been but one of the most memorable trips we have ever taken. The hotel is built into the cliffs on the water, it is incredibly stunning. Jumping into the water from the cliffs and exploring the caves right on the property was unforgettable (all the catamaran tours from other resorts stop to look at the caves on property!) At most, there were seven total couples on property at the same time, so this feels almost like a private vacation, and there are plenty of corners and chairs to spend the day away from anyone else. Unlike some of the large resorts, no fighting for chairs early in the morning, which was a major plus for us. There is no beach, but you can jump from multiple places (including down long stairs right at the edge of the water) so the beach was not missed. Our room was open air (no glass on the windows), with a local AC unit over the bed, which felt more rustic than anywhere else we had ever stayed before, but fits the vibe of this place. The bed and sheets were very comfortable, and with the fans and AC going at night, we were never uncomfortable. Our window opened directly to a view of the ocean, and depending on the weather you could hear waves crashing from the bed in the morning. Highlight for us, easily the best food we had in Jamaica. Unlike some other resorts with buffets and mediocre food for the masses- there is one breakfast/lunch location, and a separate dinner restaurant. Each day, the menus are prepared featuring local Jamaican cuisine (but you can customize/order off menu), and the staff is very proud of sharing their local flavors with guests. Don't skip the private dining in the Cave on property, where a candle-lit cave on the water is the setting for a private dining experience. The staff goes above and beyond to get to know the guests, learn preferences, and make you feel at home at this beautiful place. By the end of the week, they knew our drink orders, how we liked our coffee, etc. which really put the experience here to the next level. They even let you go behind the bar and make your own drinks if no one is there! Special shout out to Randy, Omar, Stacey-Ann, Floyd and Racquel who made this place special. We’re already planning our return. Do yourself a favor and book it!

What an awesome place! We have been here twice, would love to go again. Unlike any other vacation. The friendly staff, the cliffs, the water, the food....all amazing.

WOW... I have to say, I have travelled a lot but this place was one of my all-time favorites! My friends wanted to go to Sandals, and I promised them I could find a better spot, so I was nervous about how it would turn out...but everyone said it was their favorite place they've ever stayed! The location is spectacular and so unique, the food is outstanding, and above all, the staff were what really made a difference. Our new friends Earl, Glenn, Omar, Floyd, Randy, and ESPECIALLY Stacy-Ann took SUCH good care of us and made us feel so welcome and at home with tip-top service and a warmth that we will never forget. I will forever recommend The Caves for a unique and authentic way to experience Jamaica and can't wait to go back! Do yourself a favor and book this place if you can, you will be so glad you did.

The Caves Hotel is, quite simply, one of the most extraordinary places I have ever experienced. Photos online truly do not do it justice. From the moment you arrive, it feels less like a resort and more like stepping into a hidden world designed for connection, beauty, adventure, and genuine hospitality. We stayed as a group of 24 for a destination wedding and rented the entire property, and I cannot imagine a more perfect venue. While The Caves is often marketed as a romantic escape for couples (which it absolutely is), it is also an incredible space for weddings, milestone celebrations, large family gatherings, or even small corporate retreats. The layout of the property, featuring 8 beautifully unique cottages that total 11 units, creates both intimacy and togetherness in a way that feels effortless. The property itself sits atop dramatic 30-foot cliffs overlooking the ocean, with natural sea caves built into the rock below. Stairs lead down to ocean shelves with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and bar service, and further down into candlelit caves that feel straight out of a dream. The caves, complete with built-in seating, tables, and even a rum bar, are unforgettable. Hundreds of candles illuminate the stone walls at night, creating an atmosphere that is both romantic and awe-inspiring. Dining at The Caves deserves its own standing ovation. This is an all-inclusive resort, but nothing about it feels typical. There are no buffets and no printed menus; instead, each meal features thoughtfully prepared daily specials using fresh, local ingredients, alongside familiar options. Every single meal was different, beautifully balanced, and absolutely delicious. Our entire group, from the foodies to picky eaters, from gluten-free guests to health-conscious diners, raved about every bite. I ate better ‌this week than I have in years. Our dinners were served family-style each evening in a different, beautifully staged location around the property, keeping every night fresh and exciting. One evening, we dined in one of the caves, an experience so magical it deserves to be called once-in-a-lifetime. Yes, there is a small additional cost, but once you see the level of setup, staffing, and care required to serve a meal 30 feet below the cliffs, you’ll understand why. It was perfection. The activities offered were another highlight. From cliff jumping and snorkeling with the incredible lifeguard team (who made everyone feel safe, empowered, and adventurous), to yoga, cooking classes, and a joyful sip-and-paint with a local artist, every experience felt relaxed, authentic, and fun. These activities became some of our favorite bonding moments as a group. The spa is exceptional—peaceful, oceanfront, and deeply restorative. Our bridal party spa morning was heavenly, and the massages were among the best many of us have ever had. Our wedding itself was nothing short of magical. Despite a surprise rainstorm, the staff handled multiple venue transitions with ease, grace, and joy, laughing and smiling throughout. The ceremony, dinner, live music, and dancing under the stars felt seamless, intimate, and incredibly special. It was hands-down one of the most fun weddings I’ve ever attended. Most importantly, the people at The Caves are the heart of this place. Every single staff member, from management to housekeeping, maintenance, bartenders, lifeguards, and drivers, treated us like family. By the end of the week, everyone knew everyone’s name. This trip took place just weeks after Hurricane Melissa, and the gratitude, warmth, and resilience of the staff were deeply moving. Choosing to visit felt meaningful, and we were reminded how vital tourism is to the local community. The cottages themselves are bohemian, rustic, and authentically Jamaican; warm, comfortable, clean, and full of character. Think plantation shutters, vibrant colors, Jamaican prints, and the most comfortable beds imaginable. A couple of units even had super cool outdoor showers (very private). If you’re expecting the glossy luxe of a Ritz-Carlton type hotel, this isn’t it, but if you’re looking for magic, soul, beauty, and authenticity, you’ll fall in love. While choosing our venue, I came across some reviews of The Caves saying it is expensive. After experiencing it, I couldn’t disagree more. This is not a standard all-inclusive; it’s more like a hybrid of a resort and a private villa. You get the amenities of a resort with the attention of a full villa staff, incredible food, and unforgettable experiences included. Our wedding here cost significantly less than a comparable event in the U.S., and delivered far more magic. If you are considering Jamaica, especially now, go. If you are considering The Caves, stop scrolling and BOOK IT! This place is a rare gem, and I cannot wait to return.