Jamaica after Melissa: Post-Hurricane Resort Updates for Travel Advisors (part 1)

During a post-hurricane media tour of Jamaica, TMR visited and stayed at hotels throughout the island to assess the impact of the Category 5 storm on each resort area and its properties.

Being in the hurricane belt, Jamaica is naturally well-prepared for storms. All hotels and resorts already have an established operating procedure in place that includes regular maintenance of generators, air conditioners, secure food and water supply, and comprehensive contingency plans. When it was evident that Melissa was tracking towards the island, properties intensified their efforts to safeguard and secure the facilities and guests who chose to remain on site. 

Melissa made landfall on October 28, inflicting severe damage on Jamaica’s southwestern region, but the resort areas on the north and west coasts, as well as the eastern part of the island, were largely spared. Here is what we observed on the ground in Kingston and Ocho Rios (part one), and Montego Bay and Negril (part two), along with reviews of five properties spanning boutique hotels, all-inclusive resorts, and exclusive luxury retreats.

Kingston

Located on the island’s southeastern coast, Jamaica’s capital city experienced only storm-force winds and rain. None of its hotels closed or sustained any damage. Although Norman Manly International Airport was closed as a precaution ahead of the storm, it reopened two days later, on October 30.

The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites

Located approximately 15 miles from the airport, The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites is in New Kingston – the city’s business district and a lively neighborhood with restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions, making it well-suited for both business and leisure travelers.

The hotel offers 127 deluxe rooms and one- and two-bedroom suites, with complimentary Wi-Fi and views of the ocean or mountains. The interiors blend contemporary with traditional touches, including mahogany furniture, framed prints of local flora and fauna, and four-poster beds in some suites. Some accommodations also feature full balconies. Standard amenities across all room categories include work desks, tea and coffee-making facilities, and walk-in showers. Suites feature separate living areas and walk-in closets.

On the main floor, Alexander’s Restaurant serves a complimentary breakfast buffet for all guests, featuring both Jamaican dishes and Western breakfast classics. The restaurant, which has indoor and outdoor seating, also serves lunch and dinner. The adjacent Mingles Bar and Lounge provides a relaxed setting to enjoy snacks, happy hour specials, and a weekly live DJ. 

Also located on the main floor, the outdoor terrace houses the hotel’s swimming pool and a pool bar that serves a variety of food and beverages. Additional amenities include a 24-hour fitness center with cardio and weight training equipment, as well as over 5,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space.

Ocho Rios

Hurricane Melissa tracked through Trelawny Parish, between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. While Ocho Rios experienced some impact from wind, heavy rain, and storm surges, the destination overall fared well. During our visit, cleanup efforts were ongoing, with crews removing broken branches and debris along the roadways. At the time of our visit, all but a handful of hotels and resorts had reopened. 

Hermosa Cove

The brainchild of artist and art collector Clayton Korver, Hermosa Cove is a hidden treasure tucked inside 12 acres of woods in Ocho Rios. It was closed briefly after the hurricane for minor roof repairs and debris removal, but it was fully operational during our visit.

The property reflects Korver’s vision, with grounds and suites that are as imaginative as they are beautifully crafted. Stone-lined paths wind through native gardens, leading to the resort’s centerpiece: triple cascading pools overlooking the ocean. Creativity is evident everywhere, from hand-carved railings and intricate woodwork to whimsical sculptures and antique furnishings, most of which were designed and crafted by Korver in collaboration with local artisans and stonemasons.

With only 13 villas, Hermosa Cove delivers an intimate and secluded experience for the discerning traveler.  “The Village” houses nine individually-styled villas nestled amid lush gardens, including one- and two-story suites with one and three bedrooms. Each villa is distinctive, with colorful exteriors, original artwork, king-sized beds, full kitchens, and generous outdoor spaces. Most also have private plunge pools. 

Beyond The Village, four boutique villas offer even more elevated accommodations, each with a standout design. The two-story, one-bedroom Cottonwood Treehouse is a whimsical interpretation of a childhood hideaway, supported by tree trunk stilts and connected to a thatch-roof turret. The three-story, one-bedroom Nautilus House has been built right into the rock at the ocean’s edge. Sea Biscuit, the exquisite two-story, three-bedroom villa, features a private plunge pool, an oceanfront gazebo, and an outdoor soaking tub on the master balcony. For larger groups, the eight-bedroom Buttonwood Reef provides over 15,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor oceanfront living space. In short, every suite at the Hermosa Cove is full of charm and showcases Korver’s remarkable imagination and artistry.

All villas can be booked by the night (with a minimum stay of three or four nights) or by the week. The Village, or the entire resort, can also be reserved for buy-outs, weddings, and special events. Rates include a continental breakfast, and meal plans are available. Additional onsite amenities include a tennis court, spa, exercise path, and oceanfront restaurant. 

Jamaica Inn

The Jamaica Inn is a throwback to a classic resort experience. Owned and operated by the same family for nearly 70 years, the boutique hotel has retained all of its 1950s charm, from louvered shutters and antique furnishings to colonial-style decor. The resort remained open during the hurricane, and aside from downed trees and beach debris, it experienced very little damage.

The 52-room resort has hosted a star-studded clientele over the decades, including Marilyn Monroe, Errol Flynn, Vivien Leigh, Noel Coward, Winston Churchill, Ian Fleming, and 007 himself, Sean Connery. Today, clients come here looking to relax, unwind, and unplug – there are no TVs, radios, or clocks in the rooms (Wi-Fi is available). Guests are happy to sunbathe on the 700-foot private beach, read, swim in the ocean, or indulge in treatments at the spa. The sounds of nature abound – the surf of the Caribbean Sea by day and the songs of tree frogs by night.

All air-conditioned rooms share the same layout and are tastefully appointed with mahogany headboards, white bedspreads and curtains, and ceiling fans, preserving the inn’s mid-century character. Each features a large covered verandah furnished with a full-sized sofa and wing chairs, a dining table, a writing desk, and a refrigerator stocked with water and ice. Rooms overlook the manicured grounds, beach, or ocean. 

For those seeking greater privacy, the inn offers seven one- or two-bedroom cottages. One is located on the beach, while the others are perched on a private bluff overlooking the ocean, each featuring an infinity plunge pool, an outdoor shower, and direct water access. The inn’s most coveted unit though, is Suite 21, which has hosted Marilyn Monroe on her honeymoon with Arthur Miller, Winston Churchill, Michelle Pfeiffer, and other celebrities. Situated on its own peninsula, the suite has all original antique furnishings, a wraparound verandah, a private plunge pool, and sweeping ocean views.

Service at Jamaica Inn is attentive and highly personalized, with many staff members having been with the inn for decades. Every guest is greeted by name, and with a 49% repeat factor, guests and staff have formed a deep bond, feeling like family to one another.

Stays include a continental breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening hors d’oeuvres. All other meals and beverages are priced à la carte at the formal restaurant or the casual Teddy’s Beach Grill, and a room service menu is also available. Daily activities – complimentary and fee-based – range from yoga and rumology lectures to boat cruises and Bond movie nights. Additional complimentary watersports include snorkeling, sunfish sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

The Jamaica Inn is ideal for mature travelers seeking a quiet escape with warm hospitality. The inn welcomes families, but children must be at least 10 years old. Travel advisors can also take advantage of the “Come & Stay” package, offering reduced rates for personal stays.