Cliff Diving and Relaxing at The Caves in Jamaica

On the scenic limestone cliffs of Negril on Jamaica’s western side, we find a resort that embodies glamping and tropical hideaway, The Caves by Island Outpost. Glamping is all about finding a true ‘getaway’ where privacy, and calm allow the discerning traveler the opportunity to experience a destination to its fullest. The Caves combines the romance and magic of the ocean with all the comforts you can expect from a glamping destination. Negril is located away from larger more crowded Jamaican resorts. The Caves is for travelers who appreciate the extra effort to make an experience special.

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Adventurous travelers will have no trouble being entertained. Negril has a reputation for some of the region’s best snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, and outdoor experiences. The Caves is comprised of two acres of oceanfront property designed to maximize privacy and a feeling of tropical seclusion despite its proximity to a vibrant town center. The landscape is truly inspiring starting with the honeycomb cliffs atop which the resort stands. Per tradition, guests are encouraged to take early morning dives from the cliffs. Jumps start at 8 ft and can go all the way up to 30 ft and even one inside of a cave.

Negril is famous for its seven-mile beach, which is a short 15-minute drive from the resort.  There you will find even more activities and adventure companies providing everything from parasailing to deep-sea fishing. You might say boredom doesn’t exist in a place like this.

The Caves Aveda Concept Spa is one of the major attractions. Topping the list is the “Caves Massage” where guests receive their treatment by candle light in an actual cave while listening to the sounds of the ocean.  The Caves also has a sauna, plunge pool, and saltwater pool in support of complete relaxation.

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There are 12 choices for cliff-side accommodations, including one and two-bedroom cottages or the larger three-bedroom villa. Each cottage is work of art with its sweeping views of the spectacular landscape and handcrafted comfort. For example, one cottage called “Stardust” is perched on the cliff’s edge overlooking the ocean. The second story bedroom is highlighted by a cozy sitting area offset by a view-worthy balcony.

The Caves

Dining at this all-inclusive resort is anything but standard. Meals are made from local ingredients and follow home recipes. It’s not only the what but the where, meals are served either at an oceanfront gazebo, at a hand-crafted stone table under the stars at the cliff’s edge, or in a private cave (with reservations). To get your mouth watering, here are a few items from the menu: Succulent Rock Shrimp simmered in a Savory Coconut Sauce and served with Seasoned Basmati Rice and sautéed Calalloo greens and a roasted ripe plantain, for dessert, Coconut Crepe with a scoop of homemade tropical mango sorbet, and there’s much, much more.

The Caves, Jamaica

The Blackwell Rum Bar, housed by two limestone grottos, has a full open bar where you can enjoy after dinner drinks. The bar is furnished with cut stone tables and benches built by local stonemasons, not to mention the beautiful backdrop of the turquoise ocean water.

Getting to The Caves is fairly simple, the Montego Bay Sangster International Airport (MBJ) is only an hour and a half away and flights are available from major U.S. cities.

Book your vacation through Glamping.com and receive $100 Spa Credit!

 

Photo credits: All photos courtesy of The Caves and Island Outpost

Glamping Among Mayan Ruins

La Lancha is a glamping destination a world away from the norm. The rainforest setting and nearby Mayan ruins of Tikal give La Lancha a unique and wonderful atmosphere. The pace of life slows down here – it’s an ideal destination where you can’t help but be present in the moment. Let the pace of life really slow down as you explore the Petén region. La Lancha is a charming 10-room lodge and rainforest casitas hidden away in the rainforest high above the shores of Lago Petén Itzá. La Lancha is part of the Coppola Resorts family of hotels and resorts. The lodge and rooms are decorated with art and furniture from Bali. Relax and slow down, La Lancha is a refuge from hectic life.

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The casitas give excellent views of the the lake and rainforest and feature a queen-size bed. You’ll want to take time to relax in the hammock on the covered deck, and maybe take an afternoon nap. Visits from friendly howler monkeys right up to the edge of the deck leave no question of the natural surroundings.

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Tikal is the epicenter of Mayan spirituality and the most striking visual sight while staying at La Lancha. Five monolithic temples rise above the jungle canopy. Buried deep in the rainforest are the ruins of more than 3,000 structures. It’s the small details like the moss clinging to the steps of ancient temples and plazas that make you feel like a true adventurer. The temples and ball courts tell the story of a rich and powerful empire and is considered an archaeological wonder of the Americas.

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A short distance from La Lancha, the Lago Petén Itzá can be explored by boat. In the lakeside communities of San Jose, Santa Barbara, and Flores you can walk narrow cobblestone streets lined with shops featuring local arts and crafts. Other highlights include a museum with Mayan artifacts and a very prominent cathedral.

La Lancha features an open-air restaurant situated under the main lodge’s thatched roof. Enjoy a meal and the spectacular views of the rainforest and Lago Petén Itzá. The parakeets and other wildlife provide the background ambience. The menu includes authentic Guatemalan dishes like Chilaquiles and Suban Ik. The rooftop bar serves Guatemalan rum and Belize-brewed beer – it’s a great place to quench your thirst and take in the beautiful panoramic views.

Learn more about La Lancha.