As far as amenities go… the service is incredible. Somehow the staff seems aware of your every move and need, choreographing turned-down service and house keeping seamlessly. I loved the spa, which is tucked into the promontory. Breakfast was a scene in the best sense—a parade of caftans and croissants. Take me back.
The hotel more than met my expectations. Prices are steep, so save it for a special occasion. But once you’re there just suspend financial disbelief and enjoy. —Sam Cochran, global features director
As far as beach vacations go, I crave simplicity above all else. So when I was hankering an end-of-the-year escape in December, I wanted the ocean as close to my bedside as possible. I’d long followed Rockhouse, which, in its 50 year history, has hosted the likes of Mick Jagger and what seems like every fashion and travel editor I follow on Instagram, and decided there was no time like the present to get myself to Negril.
It’s easy to see why the property is such a siren call. All of the hotel’s villas, which were designed by two Frank Lloyd Wright apprentices, make the most of the coastal, cliffside locale with private decks that lead you straight into impossibly blue waters. In under twenty steps from my bed, I could jump into the sea—mission accomplished. This isn’t the white sand and placid bathwater you might be picturing and therefore isn’t for the faint of heart, but strong swimmers with a sense of adventure will appreciate the invigorating plunge. Grab a snorkel and get moving.
For vacation swims with a little less adrenaline, the infinity pool at Rockhouse gives the impression of an ocean swim with no danger in sight—and the poolside happy hour offers two-for-one drinks that’ll keep you quite content while you await what might be the most expansive sunset I’ve ever witnessed. The property also provides a free, daily shuttle service to its sister hotel, Skylark, which is situated on the legendary Negril Seven Mile Beach. It’s here that you’ll find the postcard-worthy white sand beach, as well as food from the Negril outpost of Manhattan-based Miss Lily’s.
While I wasn’t busy working towards my goal of doing absolutely nothing but sitting by the sea during my five day stay, I got a chance to check out the gorgeous spa nestled in a thicket of trees as well as a tour of the hotel’s greenhouse, where they hydroponically produce greens and herbs used at Miss Lily’s and the two on-site restaurants, Pushcart (casual, live music) and Rockhouse Restaurant (upscale, open all day).
As far as luxury hotels go, the rooms are simple but not lacking amenities in any way. For me, the highlights were the private outdoor shower and the four-post, mosquito-netted bed with unparalleled ocean views available as soon as you open your eyes. After a four hour flight and scenic, 90 minute ride from Montego Bay, you’ll feel gloriously far away from home. —Rachel Fletcher, commerce director
Photo: Sergio Amiti/Getty Images
Stepping through the gates of the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, a 17th century convent-turned 5-star hotel in Cartagena’s historic old town, feels like traveling back in time. Here, amid the Spanish colonial style architecture, lush gardens, and intoxicating heat, time just moves more slowly. I visited last January for an impromptu long weekend escape. We were a bit hardcore and booked the red eye version: Friday morning arrival and Monday night departure, but since the direct flight from New York is only five hours, it wasn’t too bad and really maximized our three-night stay. My best friend Aliza, a tour designer at Artisans of Leisure, crafted the perfect itinerary for our group of four with just enough activities. As it turns out, sunshine, ceviche (we liked La Cevicheria, near the hotel), and salsa dancing at Cafe Havana, fueled by bountiful breakfasts in the hotel garden, world class coffee, and coco loco cocktails, were just what we all needed to beat the winter blues.
