The Caves
jamaica, jamaica · ★★★★
The Verdict
Worth it for your honeymoon?
The Caves is one of the Caribbean's most genuinely original honeymoon hotels — a 12-cottage adults-only sanctuary built into the limestone cliffs of Negril's West End, where the property's iconic feature is not a beach but the network of natural sea caves carved by the Caribbean directly into the property. Cliff jumping from 35 feet, swimming through cave pools, and the hotel's signature private cave dining experience (a four-course meal for two by candlelight inside an actual sea cave) make this the property for honeymooners who want something truly distinctive over conventional beach luxury.
- ✓Want zero families around
- ✓Trust couples-verified reviews
- ✓Prioritise spa & wellness
- ✓Are willing to invest in once-in-a-lifetime
- →Want a direct beachfront
- →Prefer boutique & intimate properties
Score Breakdown
88/100
Book Your Stay
Check availability
We compare The Caves across partners and redirect to the cheapest option.
At a Glance
Room Recommendation
Which room to book
The 12 cottages are individually designed by Jamaican artist Beverly Robinson and each has its own architectural character. Aamore is the most romantic — a circular octagonal cottage on the cliff edge with a private outdoor shower and direct cliff steps to the sea. Sunsplash and Onelove have the best sunset orientation. The Sands suite is the most private and largest, with its own plunge pool and a hot tub overlooking the Caribbean.
No Surprises
True cost breakdown — 7 nights for two
Based on mid-range rooms, premium-economy flights from Europe, full dining and signature experiences. Adjust for your actual travel profile.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Room (7 nights avg $1,150/nt) | $8,050 |
| Flights (2 pax, economy/premium) | $1,800 |
| Airport transfers / seaplane | $200 |
| Dining & drinks (beyond room) | $12,075 |
| Excursions & experiences | $700 |
| Spa / signature treatments | $300 |
| Tips & service (8%) | $1,610 |
| Total estimated | $24,735 |
Day by Day
Your 7-night honeymoon itinerary
Arrival on the Cliffs
Fly into Sangster (MBJ) and transfer 75 minutes west to Negril's West End — The Caves is a small intimate property with only 12 cottages. Welcome rum punch on the cliff terrace as the sun sets over the Caribbean. First dinner at Blackbird, the on-property restaurant where everything is included in the all-inclusive rate.
Cave Swimming & Cliff Jumping
Morning exploring the sea caves — the main cave has a swim-through pool that opens directly to the Caribbean. The cliff jumping platforms range from 5 feet to 35 feet for the brave. Snorkel gear is complimentary and the underwater rock formations directly off the cliffs are dramatic. Lunch at the cliff-edge restaurant.
Seven Mile Beach Day Trip
The Caves itself has no beach — that's the trade-off for the cliffs. So a beach day is in order: drive 15 minutes north to Negril's Seven Mile Beach for a long sand walk and lazy hours under the palms. Lunch at one of the beach shacks (Rockhouse, Idle Awhile). Return to The Caves for sunset on the cliffs.
Rick's Café & West End Cliffs
Rick's Café is just down the cliff road from The Caves — sunset viewing of the famous cliff-divers leaping from 35 feet into the Caribbean. Combine with a tour of the West End cliffs that stretch from Rick's down to The Caves and beyond. The Caves' own setting feels even more dramatic by comparison after a day on the broader cliff coast.
Private Cave Dinner
The Caves' signature honeymoon experience — a private four-course candlelit dinner for two inside one of the sea caves, lit only by candles and the moon. Bookable in advance and worth every dollar. Combined with a couples' spa treatment in the cliff-side spa cottage during the day, this is one of the genuinely unforgettable honeymoon experiences in the Caribbean.
Mayfield Falls Inland Trip
Day trip 90 minutes inland to Mayfield Falls — a series of 21 small waterfalls and pools through the rainforest, far quieter than Dunn's River and a more authentic Jamaican waterfall experience. Lunch at a roadside jerk stand on the way back. Final dinner on the cliff terrace at Blackbird.
Final Cliff Morning & Departure
Final breakfast on the cottage terrace with the Caribbean below, last cliff swim and snorkel, then the 75-minute transfer back to MBJ. The Caves is small enough that staff remember every couple — many honeymooners return for anniversaries.
Honest Assessment
What to know before you book
The Caves has no sand beach — entry to the sea is via cliff steps and ladders into the water; couples wanting a traditional beach should consider this carefully or plan beach day trips.
Cliff swimming requires basic comfort in deeper water and the entry/exit ladders; not ideal for non-swimmers or guests with mobility limitations.
The property is small (12 cottages) and the all-inclusive applies only to the on-property restaurant Blackbird — variety over a week is more limited than larger resorts; couples often plan dinner outings to nearby West End restaurants.
Pre-Arrival
Email to send the hotel
Subject: Honeymoon inquiry — The Caves Negril Dear Caves team, We are planning our honeymoon [DATE]-[DATE] and are interested in Aamore [or Sands suite with private plunge pool]. Please advise on availability, the private cave dinner experience, all-inclusive details, and any honeymoon arrival touches you offer. Thank you, [Your names]
Send 2 weeks before arrival. Fill in names, dates, and preferences. Hotels respond to personalised requests.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Good for honeymooners?
The Caves is one of the Caribbean's most genuinely distinctive honeymoon hotels — only 12 cottages, adults-only, the dramatic cliff setting, the private cave dinner, and the level of personal service from a small staff who know every couple's name make this a serious contender for the most romantic Caribbean honeymoon. Couples seeking 'wow' over conventional beach luxury should put The Caves at the top of the list.
Best time to visit?
Mid-December through April is dry season and ideal — calm seas for cliff swimming, sunny weather, dramatic sunsets. May offers excellent value before summer humidity. June through October has hurricane risk and rougher seas occasionally affecting cliff swimming. November is excellent shoulder.
Book in advance?
With only 12 cottages, The Caves books 6 to 9 months ahead for high season. Aamore and Sands are the first cottages to go. Off-season has more flexibility but the property still maintains high occupancy because of its small size and strong reputation.
Adults-only?
Yes — The Caves is strictly adults-only (18+) and almost entirely couples-occupied. The cliff setting, the private cave dining, and the intimate 12-cottage scale create exactly the adults-only environment honeymooners want.
Best room type?
Aamore is the signature romantic cottage — circular architecture, private outdoor shower, direct cliff steps. The Sands suite is the largest with its own plunge pool and hot tub for couples wanting maximum privacy and space. Sunsplash and Onelove have the best sunset orientation.
How to get there?
Sangster International (MBJ) in Montego Bay is the gateway — a 75-minute private transfer (included) west to Negril's West End. The Caves is past Negril town centre, on the dramatic cliff coast that runs south from Seven Mile Beach toward Rick's Café.
Same Vibe, Different Destination
