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The Caves at Negril, Jamaica

September 1, 2008 By: Kathleen M. Mangan Travel Agent
 


Looking for a water-level view of the sunset, I wander down stone stairs fronting the cliff to a terrace at The Caves on Negril’s West End. But rather than the sunset, I am drawn to the scene inside a sea cave off the terrace.

There, nestled into the coral stone surroundings, is a single elegant table set with linens, crystal, candles and flowers. The staff is placing hibiscus blossoms and candles into every nook and cranny to create a romantic, over-the-top scene. Champagne is chilling in the ice bucket. A honeymooning couple is waiting at the thatch-roof bar to be escorted down to the magical cave for a five-course meal.

Agent Advice

"Negril is a gem," says Denise Brandenburg, an independent agent with Carlson Wagonlit Travel in Huntington Beach, CA. After sailing the Caribbean for two years, she says Negril is where she feels most at home. "I love the casualness and the quiet," she says.

Brandenburg recommends Negril to clients who are laidback and want to relax. She says water sports are the most popular activities, notably snorkeling in the marine reserve, kayaking along the West End, parasailing and jet skiing. Brandenburg loves climbing Mayfield Falls: "It's a special place that sees few tourists," she notes, adding that it takes an hour to walk up the middle of the waterfalls, stopping to swim in the pools.

For happy hour, check out Margaritaville; at sunset, head to Rick's Cafe; and for late-night revelery, go dancing in the sand at Alfred's Ocean Palace where colorful locals party, says Brandenburg.

May and early November are excellent times for travel to Negril, explains Brandenburg, since it's less expensive, less hot and less crowded. Her advice to agents: "If you haven't been to Negril, get on a fam trip. There are so many all-inclusive and boutique properties, and they're all unique. Firsthand knowledge makes it easier to sell the destination."

The romantic cave dining experience is just one of the special opportunities at The Caves in Jamaica, part of Island Outpost. The walls built along the 20- to 30-foot-high cliffs have small terraces at different elevations for private sunning. There are 12 cottages, all individually designed in colorful West Indian style, plus the new four-bedroom Clandestino Villa. We were most impressed by the unique experiences and activities focused around the sea caves, as well as the friendly, attentive Jamaican service.

An atmospheric Cigar Bar opened last December in a seaside cave with dramatic lights and alcoves for seating. It’s a great spot to enjoy a specialty cognac and Cuban cigar.

The snorkel trip into the sea caves in front of the hotel reveals schools of baby snapper, a yellow stingray, parrotfish and blue tangs. I follow lifeguard Paul Grant through an underwater rock opening and come up in the King’s Jacuzzi with swirling tidal waters. Kayak trips along the cave-riddled West End cliffs are also popular with guests. Nearby Rick’s Café is renowned for cliff diving: Clients can attempt to jump from different levels and marvel at the veterans diving from 90-foot heights while listening to live reggae music.

Lap of Luxury

Pampering takes place in the caves and on the cliffs here, too. A small room cut into the cliff wall holds a jetted hot tub for two with a window overlooking the sea. A sea cave is used for massages when the first rays of morning light illuminate the interior. And there is a massage hut on the cliff edge that makes a cheerful spot for a massage with sea breezes. Be sure to recommend Patrick Watt, spa director, to administer the Aveda treatments.

All but two of the handcrafted cottages have sea views from cliff-top perches. Some of the suites are air-conditioned; the rest have ceiling fans and bug nets over the beds. Bathrooms are small and outdated. Each cottage has its own personality. The most popular are Butterfly and Sea Turtle, both one-bedroom suites with stunning views. Tip: Agents can request specific suites, but the hotel will only guarantee the two-bedroom cottages.

We recommend Sundance for its prime location, close to the saltwater pool, Jacuzzi and main bar. It has a bar, living room, terrace seating, outdoor shower, two bedrooms and a second-floor balcony for gazing at the lights across the cove at Rick’s Café at night.

Recommend the new 3,500-square-foot Clandestino Villa for upscale clients, small groups and families with children. Staffed with a butler, it features four bedrooms, rooftop sun terrace, great room, library and free-form pool. It’s set in the jungle, reached by a tunnel under the main road.

Guests are welcomed at The Caves with a Cliff Hanger, made with Appleton rum, fresh watermelon juice, ginger and lime juice. The food and drinks here are all-inclusive. Hint: Recommend the award-winning conch stew and local lobster. There are two specials for lunch and dinner that change daily, but the chef is willing to prepare alternatives to suit guests’ preferences. Guests can also choose to dine in their suite.

Contact Kevin Clarke, general manager, (kevin.thecaves@cwjamaica.com, 876-957-0270) for VIP bookings, special requests or airport transfers by helicopter or stretch limousine. Otherwise, agents can book through the GDS, the website and the Island Outpost reservation office. Note: Guests must be at least 14 years of age to stay in the cottages, but children may stay at the villa.

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