An Irie Good Time

You know it the minute you peer out the airplane window and see the sparkling, turquoise ocean serving as the first welcome: this is going to be a holiday to remember. And with only a ten-minute drive from Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport, your experience at the stylish all-inclusive S Hotel Jamaica starts sooner than later. I’ll take this opportunity to suggest you schedule the Fast-Track Service for your arrival at the airport when making your hotel reservation. You’ll be greeted at the gate by a friendly face and whisked through shockingly long lines, making your pain-free, speedy experience well worth the low fee.

Opened in 2019, the adults-only sleek 102-room property is located on famed Doctor’s Cave Beach, known for its pure white sand and crystal clear, calm water. Named after Dr. Alexander James McCatty (who formerly owned the beach in the 1800s), it used to be accessible only through a cave on McCatty’s property. Years later, a visiting British physician, Sir Herbert Baker, penned an article claiming the water to have healing properties — a move that prompted curious travelers from all over the world to visit.

The hotel is open and airy, a deliberate design to welcome in the bright sunshine and ocean breeze. But beyond its vacation-friendly architecture, S Hotel stands out from other luxury resorts in that it prides itself on its Jamaican heritage — a message made clear by the local art showcased throughout the property.

In fact, guests are treated to a visual history lesson on every floor with impressive life-size sculptures (made from recycled material) of national heroes such as Samuel Sharpe and Marcus Garvey and National Heroine Nanny of the Maroons.

There are also odes to music legends Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff. In addition to those statues, there is a monument in honor of the Reggae Girlz as well as legend Usain Bolt, the record-breaking athlete considered to be the fastest sprinter of all time by many. Works by Tamara Harding, a local lumber artist whose pieces feature wood recycled from trees removed from the property during construction as well as numerous paintings tastefully placed throughout the hotel.

But the first thing you’ll remember, after taking in that sweeping, gorgeous view from the lobby, is the rum punch you’re handed while waiting to check-in. It is the perfect antidote to any and every worry you may have left behind, instantly activating vacation mode.

The amiable staff will direct you to your room, a comfortable and modern space with an inviting bed, generous balcony overlooking the main pool and an even bigger bathroom with his and hers rain showers as well as an indulgent wicker-wrapped soaking tub. Each room features decorative turntables with a copy of Bob Marley’s “Legend” album, to add to the irie vibe.

The cuisine in Jamaica is delectable and the S Hotel makes sure to represent it in several iterations. Head to Marketplace by the pool for the daily breakfast buffet, where alongside expected omelets, pastries and pancakes, local specialties like Brown Stew Chicken and Ackee (from the same family as the lychee) and Salt Fish can be enjoyed. You can also have a floating breakfast prepared (an Instagram-ready smorgasbord served on a buoyant tray) to enjoy on the gorgeous rooftop, glass-enclosed pool on the Sky Deck — just be sure to allow 24 hours to make the request.

Roots Rock, on the fifth floor, celebrates the country’s musical influence (there’s a colorful large mural depicting Jamaica’s Roots Rock Reggae artists setting the tone) and dishes like Jerk Chicken Spring Roll, Coconut Crusted Shrimp and Curried Tofu.

On scheduled nights this space doubles as a Paint and Sip art and wine class led by a local artist. Rocksteady, the most elegant eatery, features Italian fare and, for dinner with a view, head to the 5th floor for a steak meal at Jamrock. (Pro-tip: schedule your meal for the sunset.)

There’s a Pool Bar & Grill for guests lolling in the sun and, while there’s a coffee machine in the room, you’ll become fast friends with the 24-hour S Café, serving some of the best java you’ve ever had. After all, Jamaica is famous for its coffee, grown in the mist-capped Blue Mountains.

Both pools are surrounded by inviting lounge chairs, umbrellas and music, with the same setup available at the pristine beach steps away.

Which begs the question, why leave either spot? I can only think of two answers: to experience the rum tasting (held at Jamrock on scheduled days) or to go to the hotel’s Irie Baths and Spa. Beyond the six treatment rooms offering an array of services (partners will enjoy the double room for an indulgent couple’s massage) there are three unique subterranean plunge pools — also said to have healing properties — with varying temperatures well worth a try.

For those wanting to explore beyond the comfortable confines of the hotel, excursions are easy to arrange. A visit to Rose Hall Great House, a colonial ruin restored to its former majesty in the 1960s may pique the interest of history buffs, while adventurers willing to undertake a 45-minute drive in the mountains can explore a more rural, yet equally important, slice of Jamaican history touring a Rastafari Indigenous Village (by invitation only) to learn first-hand about this distinct religious and political minority of which Bob Marley was an ardent proponent.

Whether you park yourself at one of the pools, bask in the calm waters of the ocean or partake in as many fun activities as you can schedule, a visit to this embracing tasteful establishment is one you’ll soon want to repeat. Not only does it know how to make guests feel welcome, but it also takes all the hard work of orchestrating your dream holiday to heart: making having a wonderful time the only thing you have to focus on.

S Hotel Jamaica is located at 7 Jimmy Cliff Blvd., Montego Bay. For more information, visit shoteljamaica.com.