Hermosa Cove - Jamaica's Villa Hotel

Hermosa Cove comprises a series of light and bright bungalows, with
quirky architectural features including small towers and rooftop palapas.
Terraced walkways with stone walls wind through the grounds, which are characterized by multiple sundecks, gazebos, and groves of shady palms. This resort has a quiet, laid-back vibe, especially when compared to the nearby mega-resorts and party-hard all-inclusives in the area. There are thatched-roof structures throughout, maintaining the hotel's eco-friendly ethos, and the homey lobby is filled with knick-knacks and sculptures hewn from local hardwood. Every corner of the resort has a casual, island vibe, including the beachside bar, with it's colorful painted floors and stools, and Christopher's, the quaint on-site restaurant that draws guests from around Ocho Rios. Visitors staying at Hermosa Cove include wedding parties, families, honeymooners, and couples. 

With its own private, small beach on the stunning turquoise waters of the Caribbean, guests can easily access diving, fishing, and
water sports. This area of Jamaica is known for its sea turtle population, and when eggs hatch, guests are invited to join local wildlife experts to witness the hatchlings
make their way down the beach and into the water. There are a few local restaurants within walking distance, as well as a supermarket that's a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Walks into town, however, will take up to 20 minutes, though it's only five minutes away by car. Dunn's River Falls is a 10-minute drive from the resort, while the Blue Hole is 15-minutes away by car. Sangster International Airport is a 90-minute drive from the hotel.

There are nine villas and suites at the resort, and all match the bright and homey charm of the public areas. Private villas have separate living areas and kitchens plus furnished terraces. Expect to see hardwood floors and shades of coral or soft yellow throughout, plus attractive antique prints, painted wood furniture with classic lines, paddle fans, ornately carved wall hangings, and rustic accents like woven jute headboards. Kitchens include full-size refrigerators, microwaves, cooking ranges, toasters, and blenders, and come stocked with snacks and drinks. A concierge is available to help with any additional shopping. Some units have private pools and their own outdoor living spaces, with personal lawns and gardens. All feature flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and air-conditioning throughout. Tiled bathrooms are also clean and bright, with mosaic- and stone-tile walk-in showers plus spacious granite vanities. Some villas have outdoor showers as well.Suites at Hermosa Cove are also decorated with wood carvings, local art and sculpture pieces, and furniture painted with ornate floral designs. Earthy color schemes of darks reds, browns, and light tans add warmth to the design elements here. Sliding glass doors open onto private decks with ocean views. Bathrooms include the resort's own brand of artisan bath products, and double vanities with tile or granite countertops. The Coconut Suite is among the smaller units, but is wheelchair accessible. 

This resort prides itself on creating a personalized experience for its guests. Concierge services are available to provide general assistance, as well as to help arrange outings suited to individual interests. Outings include everything from glass-bottom boat rides and diving to yoga classes and local art tours. There's also an on-site restaurant -- Christopher's -- that features authentic Jamaican dishes with ingredients like plantains and goat, all from locally sourced ingredients (many of which are grown in the resort's garden). A continental breakfast is included in room rates. Private, in-room dining is also available where the chef will cook the meal in guests' villas.The private beach is small, but the turquoise Caribbean waters and twin piers with thatched huts create a truly memorable scene. There's also a beachside bar and grill, more casual than Christopher's, called The Broken Rudder. They serve cold drinks and dishes like jerk chicken and conch.After our visit, the hotel added an outdoor pool area accessible to all guests. The three cascading pools overlook the water, and poolside drink service is provided.Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort, but the signal is unreliable in spots. Parking and beach access are included in room rates, while transportation and nanny services are available for a fee. Manicures, massages, and assorted spa services are available in rooms, on the rooftop pavilion, or at the beach.