Arrival/Check-In: Our flight arrived at the Montego Bay Airport, where we were greeted by The Caves’ driver and offered a beverage before the hour-and-a-half coastline drive to the cliffs of Negril. The private gate was small enough to miss; once inside, we felt an instant tranquility. We were offered a welcome drink and cool towels as we were checked in within minutes of arrival.

Guest Quarters: We stayed in the Butterfly Room, a one-bedroom, second-story, cliff-side room with simple island-chic decor. A small refrigerator, stocked with complimentary beverages and snacks, sat adjacent to a sitting area with two chairs and a small sofa. Bifold doors opened to reveal a jaw-dropping view of the sea.

The bathroom featured a large bathtub with a rainfall showerhead. The vanity was small and simple, with ceramic scented oil diffusers and candles lit for our arrival.

The bed was large, with plush linens and a mosquito net. A small table and chairs sat in front by large window shutters which opened to yet another view of the sea. Louvered windows throughout the room opened to catch a natural sea breeze during the day. All were closed and the air-conditioning unit turned on for a comfortable night’s sleep.

The CD player was already playing island tunes as we entered the room; no TV was in sight (but available upon request). Corded Internet access was available in the room and free WiFi within the common areas.

Services/Amenities: As a small, 12-room all-inclusive, The Caves is able to provide personal service to each of its guests. Breakfast and lunch are served cliff-side at handcrafted stone tables or in an open-air gazebo. Dinner is served on a second-story deck with the sky and ocean creating a natural ambience. Guests can reserve a dinner inside the cave, surrounded by candlelight and the sounds of the waves.

For excitement, water access is primarily through 10-, 20- and 30-foot jumps (or by climbing down a ladder). The activities director, Paul, takes guests kayaking and snorkeling off the cliffs upon request. The property also offers guests complimentary bicycles, a pool, hot tub and sauna. The Aveda Spa is available for cliff-side treatments, offering unparalleled relaxation.

The Experience: I left The Caves after only four days feeling completely refreshed. The outstanding service, food and accommodations leave guests with few decisions to make. A wonderful break from reality, just a three-hour flight from the East Coast.

GT Checklist

• Doorman/valet
• Less than 10 minutes for check-in
• Separate tub and shower
• Large vanity
• High-quality towels
• Powerful, unattached hair dryer
• High-quality bed linens
• Large, flat-screen television
• Large desk with convenient outlets
• Large, complimentary laptop safe
• Complimentary in-room WiFi
• Complimentary bottled water
• Stocked minibar
• Ample lighting
• In-room coffeemaker
• Iron and ironing board
• On-site restaurant and bar
• 24-hour room service
• State-of-the-art fitness center

The Caves

Light House Road
Negril, Jamaica
West Indies
tel 876 957 0270
islandoutpost.com/hotels-and-villas/the-caves