Rooms

There's an unpretentious, homemade feel here, and nothing is too slick or formulaic. There's a range of accommodation to suit all needs: see our rates table for full listings.

We stayed in one of the massive One Bedroom Upper Ocean View Suites with drop-dead ocean vistas. It gave us the feeling of tropical relaxation thanks to its cheery yellow walls and floors, green batik bedspread and woven cane lampshades. The bathroom had a huge shower and tub, with plenty of Blue Mountain Aromatics products.

The Two Bedroom Ocean Front Cottage also has fantastic sea views, as well as added space. Though its views are less impressive, the One Bedroom Partial Ocean View Cottage is closest to the ocean.

The private 3-bedroom Clandestino Villa (plus adjoining 1-bed annexe) is set within a lush jungle garden on The Caves property. It is very popular with families as all ages are welcome here. It comes complete with a private pool and BBQ.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Fan
• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

Dinner is taken in The Dining Room, which on a warm night is actually under the stars. Arrive in time for sunset and warm up with a Cliffhanger (Appleton Gold Rum, ginger and watermelon juice). The classy Caribbean fare is seasonal and local. We had split pea soup, ackee, mixed salad, and mains of grilled chicken and curry conch. A choice of 2 or 3 options for each course is read out for you to choose from – we actually found it very relaxing to not have to agonise over menus.

Afterwards, try one of the Blackwell Rum Bar’s special tipples, hidden in the limestone cliff. Over at The Sands, there’s often jerk chicken on the bbq and cocktails at the bar.

For breakfast and lunch, head to the thatched semi-afresco Gazebo for sea views and tasty fare. Try the local fruit plate - a delicious collection of mango, papaya, pineapple, watermelon, and naseberry. Come lunchtime, we loved the salads and grilled fish or chicken.

The Clandestino Villa has a full kitchen; some of the suites and cottages have kitchenettes (best for preparing snacks rather than full meals).

Features include:

• All meals included
• Bar
• Room service
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Take an early morning leap of faith into the azure blue sea - or alternatively use one of the 5 access ladders dotted about. The jump is not for the faint-hearted, but you can watch a member of staff make the impressive morning dive daily
  
• Take a memorable massage in the seafront FieldSpa, or discover the Jacuzzi set into the terraces, or the sauna at the top end of the property. You can partake in a yoga lesson, too
  
• Grab the floats, snorkels or kayaks for a gentle paddle. More adventurous types can head up to Negril for motorised water sports: water- and jet-skiing, parasailing, banana boating
  
• There are weekly cooking lessons on offer, as well as mixology classes. Where better to learn how to mix a tropical punch?
  
• The Caves has an arrangement with the Couples Swept Away Fitness Center (15 minutes away) for guests who want to use the facilities (pool, spa, 24 tennis courts, badminton, Pilates studio, fully equipped gym with state of the art equipment, walking/jogging course, sauna, yoga)

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Boat trips
• Cycling
• Fishing
• Jet skiing
• Kayaking
• Parasailing
• Scuba diving
• Snorkelling
• Surfing
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Well being
• Windsurfing
• Yoga

Kids

Due to the precarious nature of the setting (open drops into the sea, plenty of steep steps) children under 16 are not permitted in the main resort. However, all ages are welcome in the self-contained Clandestino Villa.

Family friendly accommodation:

Set in half an acre of jungle gardens (just a few minutes' walk from the main resort), the private Clandestino Villa is the only accommodation that welcomes families. Sleeping up to 8 people, the villa has 3 bedrooms, plus a 1-bedroom annexe. Facilities include a full kitchen, a private pool and private parking. Note that children staying here are not permitted elsewhere in the resort (e.g. the bar, restaurant, etc).

Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

The Caves is found on the Lighthouse Road at the western end of Negril, Jamaica.

By Air:
Norman Manley International Airport (245km), at Kingston and Sangster International Airport (81km) at Montego Bay are served by many airlines from the US mainland, Europe and the Caribbean. The hotel can arrange airport transfers.

By Car:
Hiring a car is not really required if you intend to take it easy; the hotel can arrange taxis or car hire for any day trips you may take.

Jamaican Taxis
There are 2 official types of taxis in Jamaica: Charter Taxis (officially licensed and insured, for sole use of passenger) and Route Taxis (a collective taxi, with red license plates). Robots are also collective taxis, but are often not licensed/insured and not recommended.

Detailed directions will be provided when you book through i-escape.