reviews

Caribbean Chic: Hotels, Restaurants, Spas, Golf Resorts, Villas 2007
"Perched on rugged cliffs over Negril Bay, Rockhouse is the sort of place that Robinson Crusoe might design if given the chance to create a 21st century island escape. The laid-back ambience and "no problem" attitude – together with sensational cuisine, comfy digs and killer sunsets – is just what the doctor ordered for wannabe castaways who find themselves "washed up" on Jamaica's west coast. Just ask the Rolling Stones, who used to chill here back in the 1970s.

Owned and operated by a couple of affable Aussies who fell in love with the Caribbean many moons ago, this small and trendy boutique hotel takes full advantage of its spectacular natural setting. Thatched roof bungalows hug the cliff top, mere steps away from sundecks chiseled into the naked stone and ladders that lead down the drop of rocky palisades to half a dozen coves, where the swimming and snorkeling is marvelous.

Simply divine too are Rockhouse's new spa – think cliff side cabanas – and premium villas. Built on their own rocky promontories, the latter are individual thatched-roof cottages which boast wraparound terraces, gorgeous sunset vistas of Pristine Cove down below and private outdoor showers concealed by lush tropical vegetation. Featured among the timber furnishings are four-poster beds with delicate muslin netting and, this being music-crazed Jamaica, villas are outfitted with CD players.

Even those staying at other hotels make a point of coming to Rockhouse for dinner. The hotel's stylish restaurant and bar, set on a wooden verandah right above the water, serves Jamaican fusion fare that combines fresh local ingredients and European culinary flair. Seafood is the house specialty, although the jerk chicken is also a popular favorite.

The front desk can arrange all sorts of outdoor activities – from scuba diving trips, boat rental and parasailing to golf, tennis and horseback riding &ndash as well as visits to Negril town or beach, and excursions into Negril's exotic hinterland and, sometimes, even touch crocodiles in the Black River swamps."