If you’ve read the story of my first mistake-ridden visit to Jamaica, you’re probably wondering why I keep returning. Well, it’s pretty simple! I learned my lesson, and I won’t make the same mistake twice! I definitely didn’t do Jamaica right the first time.
But look at you!
You’re reading this!
That means you’re already doing more research than I did. You’ve got nothing to worry about!
SO LET’S START WITH THE BASICS: WHERE TO STAY?
The first thing you might be wondering is whether you want to take advantage of one of Jamaica’s many all-inclusive resort options.
My short answer? No.
Here’s the thing: If you’re on a tight budget, all-inclusive is a great way to save some money. But if you really want to experience the best of Jamaica, it’s worth saving up and taking a more expensive trip. An all-inclusive simply doesn’t allow you to experience the culture and food that Jamaica has to offer.
But if you’re going to save up and spend a little more than what you would at an all-inclusive, you want to make sure you’ve REALLY found the best place to put that hard-earned money.
Well, I’ve gone back and forth and stayed in several different hotels in Jamaica. I always end up back at Rockhouse Negril.
Why Rockhouse?
Why indeed? Glad you asked.
Simply put, it has everything I’m looking for in one location.
So what AM I looking for? Well, I’m glad you asked that too!
Mainly, I’m looking for comfort, good food, and access to local culture.
Comfort And Food (and comfort food!)
Okay, so let’s talk comfort.
Obviously, the rooms matter. I’ve stayed in nearly all of the room categories, from the standard to the premium villa. I’m definitely a sucker for the rooms with the outdoor showers, but even the less expensive rooms are fine for a good, comfortable night’s sleep.
But forget the rooms for a moment. Let’s talk about the spa. Let’s talk about the pool with all of the comfy chairs, the view of the Caribbean Sea, and ever-convenient access to the pool bar and pool menu. It doesn’t get much more comfortable than that!
And how about the food? Well, here’s what’s really fun about this place. In addition to the aforementioned pool menu, Rockhouse also has two restaurants on site, and they are both excellent. I particularly recommend the Old Time Sinting, the goat curry, and the whole steamed fish!
Roots And Culture
Now for the local culture element. This might seem like a strange thing to include in one’s hotel criteria! But that’s one of the reasons I love Rockhouse. They actively encourage you to explore local culture with their Roots And Culture Passport!
Upon check-in, Rockhouse provides you with a cute little passport book filled with pages of classic Jamaican activities. Some of them keep you at the hotel (enjoying a spa treatment, spinning some records at the onsite Pushcart restaurant, taking a yoga or cooking class), but most of them encourage you to get out and try some local fruits, visit the beach, explore the lighthouse, go snorkeling…the list goes on and on. And once you complete an activity, you get a stamp! Earn enough stamps, and you can turn them in for a prize at the end of your stay! My favorite challenge in the passport book is the one where you leave your cell phone locked in a safe for 24 hours. Survive the challenge and you earn THREE stamps!
If this sounds like the perfect place to come home at the end of a beautiful day in Jamaica, then the hotel you’re looking for his Rockhouse.
Have you ever stayed at a hotel like this? Share it in the comments!
