Luxury for Less in Jamaica: The Caves versus Rockhouse and Tensing Pen
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The Caves
- The Service: Personalized, attentive, and relaxed
- Rooms: Eleven unique one- and two-bedroom suites and cottages, all but one with ocean views
- Features: Saltwater pool, ocean-view Jacuzzi, intimate spa, free yoga classes
- Food: All-inclusive cuisine with seasonal ingredients; top-shelf alcohol
- Price: $445/nt & up
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Rockhouse Hotel
- The Service: Laid-back but still professional
- Rooms: Comfortable and intentionally simple
- Features: Infinity pool, daily yoga sessions, on-site spa
- Food: Casual restaurant that's one of the best in the area
- Price: $125/nt & up
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Tensing Pen
- Service: Warm and intimate
- Rooms: Unique cottages with simple furnishings and comfortable beds
- Features: A small pool, a yoga center, free Wi-Fi, spa services
- Food: Open-air restaurant with very good Jamaican fare
- Price: $140/nt & up
The West End Cliffs in Negril, Jamaica are among the most ruggedly beautiful places on earth, with spectacular sunsets and a handful of lovely eco-boutiques that seem to grow out of the rock. The chicest and best known of these eco boutiques is The Caves, a member of the Island Outpost hotel group (which also includes swank properties Geejam and Goldeneye). With 11 unique, private cottages, locally-focused cuisine, and intimate service, The Caves certainly is a spectacular place -- but it's hardly the only game in town. You can get almost identical experiences at both Rockhouse Hotel and Tensing Pen, for a third of the price.
Below, we'll break down what all three hotels have to offer. Do you think the Caves is worth the splurge, or do Rockhouse and Tensing Pen deliver more for the money? Let us know in the comments section.
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