How can I explain Jamaica Inn, where time has stood still and yet moves on…. ?Dick and I were at Jamaica Inn 25 years ago; 25 years later we walked in to the same peace - the gleaming blue and white buildings, the wonderful bar (yes, the same bartenders) the alfresco dining under the stars. They do have a covered area for dining if it rains, but I was there, so it did not rain.

Every suite category (including Superior Balcony, Deluxe Verandah, Premier Verandah) are furnished with beautiful four-poster mahogany beds, gleaming white bed covers and sheets, and fluffy white towels. On the verandahs/balconies, you have incredibly beautiful blue walls (I call it Jamaica Inn/Wedgewood Blue) and white trim. There are also white-covered comfortable love-seats/couches (kept sparkling clean), comfortable chairs with white cushions and the signature little white wooden tables and chairs where room service is provided with a great big smile. Yes, smiles abound. Service is impeccable and the food is excellent!

Jamaica Inn has two new cottages - numbered 3 and 4 - with infinity plunge pools, full privacy and lovely views. They are gorgeous. The Blue Cottage is still there, as charming as ever.

And of course, I leave the very best for the end - The White Suite (number 21). This is where Marilyn Monroe honeymooned with Arthur Miller, and Winston Churchill smoked his cigars floating on the private pool. Royalty, VIP guests (and yes, Moi) have stayed in this suite. It is an enormous room - not overly furnished - with a beautiful antique desk, a comfy love seat, chaise, and high bed that one seemingly needs a ladder to climb onto. Most of these furnishings were covered with white fabric. There is carved wood and floating white muslin curtains, built-in bookcases with a great library, two enormous glass windows (with very clear glass) draped with the same lovely floating muslin.

I love the enormous bathroom and hope they never change it. It’s on the same level as the bedroom with beautiful wood flooring, and very nice marble double-sinks with plenty of space for toiletries. One step down there is a clawed-foot bathtub facing a window which the housekeeper closes at night (and I left
open all day) where you can take a bath at sunset, hear the soft lapping waves, sip some wine, and watch the red skies. There are actually 3 windows: one over the tub, one in the center, and one in an open shower stall large enough to accommodate several people. Take a shower with the window open as well…. The Suite has a wonderful private pool, wonderful plantings and water views. A little ladder on one side leads you down to water where you can snorkel (and see lots of fish since this is all built on coral).

And, last but not least, the meandering walkway with views of the sea on one side, trees, plantings, vegetation on the other side, where Jamaica Inn (I am sure this was all Mary Phillips’ inspiration) placed a hammock amongst the trees. Meander a little more and you will find two shaded lounges with comfy blue covers, before you end up at The Point. Built on coral with undulating walls forming an circle, resembling the crest of the waves on the ocean. And there you’ll find a fabulous lounge for two with thick white thick cushioning (great for honeymooners). Oh, before I forget, 3 porches surround the bedroom, with beautiful furnishings.

The beach is beautiful, quiet, gentle. Each night at dinnertime there is a little band for your listening (or dancing) pleasure - I danced. There is an amazing new spa! Like the rest of Jamaica Inn, the spa is quiet, soft, relaxing. No sharp edges anywhere. I had two wonderful treatments. Please keep Jamaica Inn high on your list of places to visit; if you are bringing children, they must be at least 12 years old. Do call me with any questions you might have.

Please call the travel agent below to book your perfect Jamaica vacation:

Luisa McGrath
Travel Exchange - A Virtuoso Agency
125 Main St.
Westport, Ct. 06880
203-221-3500

Tags: caribbean, cottages, honeymoon, jamaica, Jamaica Inn, Luxury, Ocho Rios, Romance

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 5th, 2009 at 11:30 am and is filed under Hotel Review, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.