Last Updated on May 18, 2026
As I stepped out of my transport to Geejam Hotel, I was greeted by hotel staff with a lovely “Welcome to Geejam,” a big authentic island smile, and of course, a luscious, refreshing rum punch.
One of Jamaica’s most distinctive luxury boutique hideaway resorts, Geejam, is a perfect choice for discerning adventurists as it’s tucked into the dense, lush, rainforest hills in the country’s Portland Parish.
Port Antonio is considered one of the most beautiful and least commercialized parts of Jamaica, earning it an “old Jamaica” moniker with its dramatic jungle-covered hills dropping straight down into tourmaline waters. It’s also the center of Jamaica’s famous jerk tradition.
The city became wealthy through the banana trade in the late 1800s and later became a hideaway for celebrities and artists like Errol Flynn and more recently, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Rhianna, Sharon Stone and Harry Styles.
The resort is known for combining ultra-private villas, music-industry pedigree, and a low-key, secluded and sexy ‘creative retreat’ atmosphere, much different from the larger and busier all-inclusive resort vibe and party atmosphere Jamaica is often known for. Located near Port Antonio, the magical Geejam is in a quieter and much greener part of Jamaica renowned for its rivers, waterfalls, the Blue Lagoon and Frenchman’s Cove.
Resort Accommodations
Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations on site which include luxurious and spacious hotel rooms and suites, cabins and villas. Rooms and suites feature a king size bed with a balcony, with ocean and forest views. Four treetop cabins are nestled in the lower Blue Mountains offering the perfect jungle hideaway with ultimate privacy and seclusion. Standard villa, Sanwood, pays homage to island life with mid-century roots and includes three separate guest rooms, two upper deck verandas, an outdoor swimming pool and a media lounge.
I shared the four-bedroom, five-bath Panorama villa with three friends, a more remote sprawling ranch-style home once the vacation retreat of Audrey Hepburn. Set on a half-acre of landscaped gardens, the mid-century marvel boasts a 360-degree view of the John Crow and Blue Mountain peaks along with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. The villa also includes a living room with a Steinway grand piano and a dining room area, a heated swimming pool, private gym, fully-equipped state-of-the-art kitchen, in-house chefs, full-service staff, 24-hour security, and same-day laundry service.
The sleek Cocosan Villa is a private hilltop hideaway with stellar views of the Caribbean Sea, featuring six bedrooms with private balconies and terraces, a lap pool and an inspirational art, vinyl and photography collection.
Access to All Amenities
Villa guests also have access to all the Geejam Hotel main property amenities which include a rainforest outdoor infinity pool, spa, and Jamaican-inspired BushBar restaurant that’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
My favorite Jamaican dishes here included the Jamaican Breakfast of the Day, an assortment of the island’s favorite and freshest offerings, local Catch of the Day (which was snapper during my visit), Caribbean Curry Shrimp and Red Strip Fish and Chips. Guests should save some room for dessert which includes such delectable delights as Sauteed Bananas and a Bread Pudding. A full bar features mocktails, wine, beer and creative cocktails such as an Amaretto Sunset, Bay Breeze, Bahama Mama, and more.
Guests also have access to Geejam Bay, a private natural cove for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding or relaxing in a cabana. Geejam Bay also includes a bar, grill and waterfront live stage overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Geejam Studio
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the resort is the Geejam Studio located on site. Founded in 1998, the studio that welcomed recording artists such as Drake, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Bad Bunny, No Doubt, and more, sports panoramic floor to ceiling windows looking out over the sea from both the control and live rooms. The studio continues to be the leading residential recording facility in the Caribbean and North East America and also has its own private rooftop lounge and bar area.
When visitors consider destinations to stay in Jamaica, Geejam offers a lovely option that’s tropical, green, mountainous and slower-paced. The resort is ideal for couples, nature lovers, creatives and those who prefer the quieter travel. But it also offers a side of Jamaica most tourist overlook, but shouldn’t. It’s magical.
