At the western edge of Negril, The Caves’ end-of-the-road location provides extremely peaceful seclusion. And whichever way you look it’s all very photogenic - blue skies, red pennants, lots of honey-coloured stone. This is no accident: the unobtrusive beauty here is carefully conceived, and symptomatic of the attention to detail which underpins the whole place. Leave your individually designed cottage and explore the cliffside to discover hidden stairways, sun decks and grottos that gradually reveal themselves above an endless azure sea; be sure to check out sunset from the spa's hot tub.
The exotic rustic look hasn’t dated since the hotel's opening in 1993. And rather like other Island Outpost hotels, feels like staying with very gracious hosts - from the exotic Ciffhanger cocktail on arrival to being invited to come behind the bar and help yourself. The food is wonderful, especially if you opt for the private cave dining experience. There is plenty to see if you want to explore the area, but you might not bother. And when you do have to leave, the superb service, tranquillity and blissful views will stay with you for a very long time indeed.
Highs
- Location - pretty gardens, dazzling sea views, decks set up for perfect sunset watching, and the comfiest sun beds
- One of the Island Outpost collection, so you get amazingly unobtrusive and friendly service - no corporate uniforms here
- Colourful, daring-to-be-different décor makes a change from hushed tones of bamboo or white
- Our breakfast was the best we tasted on the island during our most-recent revisit
- This is couples' heaven: no children allowed (except in the private Clandestino Villa)
Lows
- It is quite pricey - but remember that rates are all-inclusive, covering all meals, house wines and non-motorised water sports
- Cruises from nearby hotels may occasionally break the spell by mooring in the bay for snorkelling - but they don't stay long
- Step ladders into the sea can be tricky to negotiate: you need to be nimble footed (but there is always the pool...)
- A lengthy disclaimer makes daunting reading on arrival, but you have to sign it to go through the magic door
- If coming with a friend, be aware that there are no twin rooms
Best time to go
It gets fairly hot during the hurricane season. which runs from the beginning of June to the end of November. The cooler months from December to March are still lovely and warm. The hotel shuts in September for a few weeks.
Our top tips
For the ultimate intimate dinner you can request private dining in one of the two caves. Totter down the breakneck coral staircase and you will discover your very own private cave, crammed with twinkling tea lights - it’s achingly romantic.