While many travelers often debate between a getaway to Montego Bay or Negril, insiders know that the real magic can be found in Port Antonio, Jamaica. Located on the northeast coast of Jamaica, just 100 km or a two hour drive from Kingston, the area is known for its mystical calm, lush greenery, unspoiled beaches, excellent cuisine and exceptional independent hotels. Not to mention that the region is one of the rainiest in Jamaica, and therefore one of the greenest and most dynamic.
However, one hotel in particular is considered one of Jamaica’s most hidden gems. And that’s how they prefer to keep it. Over the years, the iconic Geejam Hotel and Recording Studio, run by former record directors Jon Baker and Steve Beaver, has attracted many of the music industry’s biggest stars, including Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Alicia Keys. , Drake, Grace Jones, Katy Perry, Ed Sheeran and Rihanna. But of course, with a clientele like this, the property is off the traditional tourist radar. A key trading port during the banana boom of the late 19th century, Port Antonio became a travel destination for the stars, musicians and socialites of the Rat Pack after the fortuitous arrival of Errol Flynn in 1946. The remains, as they say, is history.
Fortunately, you don’t have to be a superstar or a musician to stay at Geejam – regular and regular tourists are also welcome and get the same private luxury experience as A-Listers, which is part of what makes the hotel special. Geejam, which started out as a music studio, has evolved into a small hotel with recording facilities, including three luxury villas (Panorama, for example, has a home for four rooms with a private pool, butler service, private chef and access to a small fleet of vintage sports cars) and four cabins nestled in the Eden rainforest of Port Antonio. The hotel is simply idyllic, and also very exclusive, given that few people are lucky enough to take advantage of its services, as it is much smaller compared to the all-inclusive hotel circuit which is other popular destinations in Jamaica. .
The hotel recently entered a new chapter in its history with the launch of 12 new Rumba rooms featuring spectacular views, a new sparkling infinity pool and a redesign of the Bushbar that sits in the middle of the jungle canopy, reinforcing thus its commitment to the rebirth of Port Antonio. . And the owners? You can catch them around the property greeting guests and triggering conversation, making it truly a home away from home.
Geejam combines luxury, privacy and security, with each room named after a Jamaican music legend – from King Tubby to Augustus Pablo and Geejam’s Jolly Boys – and showcases a Jamaican-centric art collection, including 1970s Tourist Board posters, prints and artwork by David Calderley of Graphic Therapy.
The expanded open-air Bushbar has received a full restoration with the addition of an impressive infinity pool perched in the rainforest canopy. The expansion includes a new stage to host dynamic live music events and world-renowned artists and guests who frequent Geejam Studios.
In addition, Geejam has also created a new Beach Bar & Grill, Bentley’s Yaad, located on the resort’s private beach. The revamped Geejam Studios will also create an elegant balance between state-of-the-art technology and the natural vibes of the surrounding island landscape, and have already brought in resident musicians to come and collaborate like Leon Gray.
If you are in Jamaica to relax all day at the beach, you will be happy to know that Frenchman’s Cove, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, is just minutes from the Geejam Hotel.
Prices start at $ 360 per night; geejamhotel.com.
