The Caves at Negril, Jamaica

Perched on the limestone cliffs of Negril’s spectacularly scenic West End in Jamaica, The Caves is a member of Island Outpost’s stunning collection of Jamaican hotels and private villas. With just 12 brightly painted wooden, thatch-roof one and two-bedroom cottages that quite frankly, would not look out-of-place in a Matisse painting, and one four-bedroom deluxe villa, crowding is never going to be an issue at this dreamy hideaway. Beach lovers may be disappointed that there isn’t actually one here, but when you’re able to climb down into waters like this, a stretch of sand ceases to be a big deal. A truly dazzling setting for waterfront accommodation.

All cottages are furnished with handcrafted wood furnishings and coverings displaying funky tropical motifs. The palette comprises every colour of the ocean: from sea green to ultramarine blue.

This was the heart-stopping view from our bedroom window.

What we properly love about The Caves is that it’s the kind of property that is as equally romantic both day and night. In the evening, you’re given complete carte blanche and can choose where you wish to dine: an oceanfront gazebo, or perhaps a hand-crafted stone table under the stars at the cliff’s edge, or you may wish to reserve your own private dining cave, strewn with fresh bougainvillea petals and lit by candlelight.

The Blackwell Rum Bar is a dramatic and enchanting space, created from two of the many limestone grottos; the cave has a full open bar, furnished with cut stone tables and benches made by local stone masons, where you can enjoy pre or post dinner drinks. A must is a cocktail made with original Blackwell Rum. Music producer, Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records and Island Outpost, hails from one of Jamaica’s oldest merchant families: the Lindo family, who first came to the island in 1625.

His grandfather owned J. Wray & Nephew; renowned for distilling the best rum in Jamaica. Chris continued the family tradition with the introduction of Blackwell Fine Jamaican Rum, developed from his own secret recipe. We can vouch that this special (not to mention extremely potent!) reserve is best teamed with coke and a slice of lime (the Black Eye) or blended with orange and pineapple juices and crushed ice (the Goldeneye). The bar is open from Wednesday to Saturday, 6.00pm to midnight, weather permitting.

On site, there’s also a beautiful Aveda Spa, and not surprisingly, one of the best places to have a massage is inside a candlelit cave, backed by the soothing sounds of the ocean lapping the cave wall, just yards away.

For further information please visit: http://www.islandoutpost.com/the_caves/

Images by CELLOPHANELAND*  and Island Outpost.

CELLOPHANELAND* were guests of The Caves.