Jamaica provides lots of eye candy for the visitor who is in love with nature and beautiful gardens. When it comes to relaxation and tranquility, few experiences can compare to waking up in a Jamaican garden paradise, listening to birds chirping and watching as the sunlight reflects off dew-drenched leaves and multi-colored flowers.
For many visitors to the island, the lush vegetation is part of the escape they seek, in addition to the sun, sea, and sand. It’s a good thing many of the island’s top hotels have perfected the art of blending the architecture with the surrounding flora so that their guests get the best mind-resetting and relaxing experience.
With that said, here are just a few of the top garden hotels in Jamaica.
Jamaica Inn
Jamaica Inn / Jamaica
Around for well over half a century, Jamaica Inn has consistently been recognized as one of the most beautiful hotel properties on the island. That reputation is owed much in part to its lush garden scenery, featuring gorgeous floral staples such as bougainvillea, jacaranda trees, palms, and a host of tropical flowers. Located in Ocho Rios on eight acres of land, and consisting of 52 suites, it also has one of the best beaches on that side of the island while serving up a bunch of amenities that sync perfectly with the surrounding beauty of the property.
Sea Garden Beach Resort
Sea Garden Beach Resort / Jamaica
In Montego Bay not far from the world renowned hip strip, you’ll find Sea Garden Beach Resort. Its tastefully-decorated accommodations blend in with the acres of exotic tropical greenery, interspersed with splashes of color from the many species of bright and showy flowers. With its proximity to live reggae shows on the beach and its serene atmosphere on the property, it offers a balanced blend for those seeking relaxation mixed with some excitement.
Great Huts Resort
Great Huts Resort / Jamaica
Set on top of a cliff overlooking the sea, the unique huts of Great Huts Resort in Boston Bay consists of 21 rooms with design concepts drawn from African architecture and featuring Jamaican artwork and hospitality. This eco-resort set in a jungle landscape is a study in relaxation and serenity as it’s surrounded by outstanding foliage, including a host of tropical flowers and trees. Guests who are into yoga and meditation are among those drawn to Great Huts for its relaxing atmosphere provided by the calming surroundings.
Geejam Hotel
Geejam Hotel / Jamaica
Located in the beautiful parish of Portland, Geejam is a resort surrounded by natural splendor. The property consists of only seven rooms – including a three bedroom villa and three deluxe cabins, as well as a suite – on all of six acres of land covered in lush greenery. It’s highly reputed as a serene getaway due to the heavy garden landscape and forested surroundings, in addition to the hotel’s focus on relaxation and rejuvenation, and its proximity to attractions such as Frenchman’s Cove and several waterfalls.
Mocking Bird Hill Hotel
Mocking Bird Hill Hotel / Jamaica
Located in unspoiled Portland, The Mockingbird Hill Hotel is another property that is awash with natural beauty. It’s set on over seven acres on a hilltop and features ten rooms, all with balconies and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Voted as a top eco-boutique resort, it allows guests a truly gardenesque experience, with a variety of flowers, plants, and trees that attract more than 25 endemic bird species, and then some. It’s only minutes away from the famed Frenchman’s Cove beach as well.
The Inn at Shaw Park Gardens and Waterfall
The Inn at Shaw Park Gardens and Waterfall / Jamaica
Shaw Park Gardens is an attraction unto itself, featuring a wide scope of exotic and popular plants, flowers, and trees. Located in Ocho Rios, and not too far from the city center and other attractions, its accommodation includes rooms in a guest house and allows visitors to bond with nature. Every turn you make will be met with greenery of some sort, plus there are strategic spots where you can enjoy (and appreciate) the natural splendor. Waterfalls also add to the relaxing experience that is available.
Strawberry Hill Hotel
Strawberry Hill Hotel / Jamaica
Described as a “magical mountain village,” Strawberry Hill is located at high elevation up the slopes of the famous Blue Mountains. That should already conjure up breathtaking views of the island (especially the city of Kingston), but it also provides a refreshing experience of nature at its best. Strawberry Hill features a number of cottages on a 26-acre property, which is beautifully shrouded in foliage. From cottage balcony views to nature hikes, guests get to experience a wide variety of trees and flowers, including popular fruit trees, junipers, cedars, and eucalyptus. In fact, Strawberry Hill has on record over 350 plant species in the categories of exotic and endemic.
This list of hotels offering scenic garden surroundings in Jamaica is not easily exhausted. There are many more that could be included on this island paradise. Check the Jamaica hotel list for more helpful suggestions.
WHEN YOU GO:
Jamaica has a number of botanical gardens across the island, including Castleton in St. Mary, Bath in St. Thomas, Cinchona in St. Andrew, Hope Gardens in Kingston, and Clydesdale in St. Andrew. The Jamaica National Heritage Trust has more information about these gardens and and other island botanical destinations on its website.
Featured Image: Strawberry Hill Hotel
