Stay in Cliffside Rooms and Old-Hollywood Hangouts at these Best Boutique Hotels in Jamaica

By Mike Richard April 18, 2017

Along with the Dominican Republic, Jamaica is well-known as a go-to destination for all-inclusive, tropical resort-style vacations. But, this iconic Caribbean island is home to far more legit, relaxed lodging that provides a better glimpse into the “real” side of Jamaica. Skip the overcrowded mega-resorts on your next trip in favor of these three boutique hotels in Jamaica.

Jamaica Inn (Ocho Rios, Jamaica)

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Among the uber-resorts of Ocho Rios, Jamaica Inn stands out for what it’s not. Blink, and it’s easy to miss. But that’s exactly why guests have been coming here to escape the tourist hustle for which the area is so well-known. Since 1950, this tiny inn has hosted celebrities from Marilyn Monroe to Arthur Miller and continues to be the ideal getaway for those looking to enjoy one of the island’s most beautiful beaches in seclusion. With only 48 cottages and suites, it’s easy to find a private stretch of sand all to yourself. The decor is beautiful, understated coastal chic in a way that’s equally elegant and relaxed. The flagship beachfront cottages offer sprawling layouts, large sea-view verandas, and stunning, cliffside plunge pools enveloped in lush greenery.

Polkerris Bed and Breakfast (Montego Bay, Jamaica)

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Just a few blocks from Montego Bay’s always-on Gloucester Avenue, Polkerris Bed and Breakfast feels worlds away. The hilltop location on a quiet residential side street provides a welcome reprieve and affords panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. The vibe is equal parts bed-and-breakfast and traditional inn. It offers the charming, intimate feel of a B&B without the awkward, forced interaction among guests. Rooms are sophisticated, but not stuffy with a Tuscan-meets-Caribbean decor. Amenities are surprisingly modern — free Wi-Fi, flat-screen satellite TVs, and mini-fridges. With a limited number of guests on-site at any one time, it’s often easy to have the two outdoor pools all to yourself. The party-hard nightlife for which Montego Bay is so well-known is also less than 10 minutes away on foot.

Rockhouse (Negril, Jamaica)

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Situated on a dramatic cliffside in Negril’s West End, Rockhouse is the definition of rustic luxury. Each of the 34 eco-conscious rooms is built with beautiful, locally sourced, raw materials including timber, stone, and thatch. Many offer private stone terraces integrated into the surrounding cliffs with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea. The scene here is purposely holistic and one of near-total disconnection — there are no TVs and no Wi-Fi. But there is a gourmet restaurant, a high-end spa, and a distinct lack of children (no one under 12 is allowed). The best part? The nightly rates are almost always unbelievably low.

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Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…

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Take the high route when hiking: The best high-elevation hikes around the world

Can you take on these high-elevation hikes?

Hiking in high elevation

Taking the high route involves more preparation, both physically and mentally. True, it's not easy, but the adventure to the top will surely be worth it once you see the amazing view. So to help you get started, we listed below some of the world’s best high-elevation hikes that will take you to new heights while also possibly allowing you to discover something you didn't know about yourself.

Inca Trail, Peru
While there are other trails that can get you to the famous archaeological ruins of Machu Picchu, none or more famous than the Inca Trail. While you can get to the mythical citadel without making the trek, you will miss out on imposing mountain passes, snowcapped peaks visible along the route, cloud forest high in the Andes, and the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the Inca. The three- to four-day trek can only be done with an approved outfitter, and there are limits on the number of people allowed on the trail daily. Plan early as slots fill up fast.

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Study: First class flights may be less expensive than you think (especially if you fly this airline)

American Airlines is the most budget-friendly option for travelers seeking first class luxury

An American Airlines plane in flight in a cloudy sky

For many travelers, the allure of first-class air travel is undeniable. The extra legroom, gourmet meals, and personalized service create an experience that's a world apart from economy class. However, the cost of upgrading to first class can often be a deterrent. But what if we told you that there are budget-friendly options for first-class flights? A recent study by Upgraded Points sheds light on the best airlines to fly first class on a budget within the United States.
The study
Upgraded Points conducted an extensive study analyzing the price variations in first-class tickets across four major U.S. airlines and twelve of the busiest domestic flight routes. The study meticulously gathered ticket price data from Google Flights, focusing on the 12 busiest domestic flight routes within the U.S.

To ensure a comprehensive representation of pricing trends, both peak and non-peak departure dates were considered. The costs were then averaged to determine one-way ticket prices for both economy and first-class seating. It's important to note that the study excluded U.S. airlines that do not offer first-class or lacked sufficient data on the analyzed routes.
Delta Air Lines first class
Delta Air Lines emerged as the front-runner in the study, but with a caveat - it charges the highest premiums for first-class tickets. Passengers opting for first class can expect to pay $284.55 more for a one-way ticket compared to economy. Despite the premium, Delta Air Lines has recently upped its game by introducing new first-class seats with privacy partitions, adjustable neck cushions, and additional storage space, making it a competitive choice for those willing to splurge.
Alaska Airlines first class
Alaska Airlines stands out not only for its high first-class ticket price differences ($281.25) but also for its unique amenities. The airline goes above and beyond by serving food in its first-class cabins on flights as short as 550 miles. This catering to shorter flights sets Alaska Airlines apart from most other legacy carriers that typically reserve in-flight dining for journeys longer than 900 miles.
United Airlines first class
United First Class offers a more budget-friendly option for travelers looking to experience first-class comfort without breaking the bank. With a price difference of approximately $250.23 between economy and first class, United Airlines provides an enticing opportunity to enjoy an elevated flying experience.
American Airlines first class: The Most Affordable Deal
Among the airlines studied, American Airlines first class is the clear winner in terms of affordability for travel. Passengers can expect to pay just $235.85 more for a one-way first-class ticket compared to economy. This makes American Airlines an attractive choice for those seeking a premium experience without a hefty price tag.
Average Premium for first class
On average, passengers traveling within the U.S. can anticipate paying a premium of $262.97 per flight (one-way) or over $525 (round-trip) when choosing a first-class ticket. This figure underscores the appeal of budget-friendly options like those offered by American Airlines and United Airlines.
Conclusion
While the lap of luxury may come at a price, there are notable exceptions for travelers seeking first-class experiences on a budget within the United States. Delta Air Lines, despite its premium pricing, offers cutting-edge amenities, making it a top choice for those willing to splurge. Alaska Airlines' unique dining options and United Airlines' budget-friendly fares are also worth considering. However, the title of the most affordable deal goes to American Airlines, which provides a premium experience without a substantial price difference.

Travel

Brilliant travel hack could save you a ton when booking international flights

A few clicks could save you a ton on travel

Man waiting for flight at airport.

We all want to make everyone else jealous with our photos from our exotic overseas vacation. But when it comes down to actually booking the trip, we go into panic mode over the amount of money we're going to spend. From the flights to the hotel to local transportation to sightseeing tours, all we see are dollar signs flying away, and for some, that's enough to turn things into a staycation. Traveling internationally doesn't have to be so expensive, and this one hack could save you a ton of money on your flight (and possibly other areas of your vacation abroad).

The travel tip is so simple
It's an easy two-part setup to get this money-saver for international flights