Think Caribbean

White sandy beaches, luxury living, gourmet food and an island paradise – the exotic Caves complex has been chiselled out of the very rocks. Sam Lewis investigates

A world away from the avenue of hotels in nearby Negril.

A coastline blessed with quite astonishing natural beauty, attitudes far-removed from the tensions of urban life. Unspoilt beaches and great food. This is Negril, a former port of pirates and slave traders, now one of Jamaica’s most beautiful beach resorts. With a seven-mile stretch of unbroken white sands, tropical green water and palm trees, it is well served to represent the typical Caribbean holiday.

Desirable but not unique in this part of the world. So let’s add an exclusive and extremely indulgent hotel to the equation.

Welcome to the Caves. The complex was founded on and around virgin beach and jungle, on and between some of the world’s most spectacular subterranean caves. A world away from the avenue of hotels in nearby Negril, founders Bertram and Greer Ann Saulter found a paradise. A section of uninhabited coast, initially so isolated their children were educated at home.

But the inescapable spread of sprawling resorts forced the Saulter’s hand; they, with fellow Kingstonian and Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, established the Caves, a refreshing alternative to blueprint holidays for the masses.

Now operating under Blackwell’s Island Outpost Hotel group, the Caves is as idealistic as hotels get. Bertram designed and built the huts and furniture. Greer Ann fashioned the interiors. It is a working, organic expression of the Saulter’s Rastafarian principles. But if that thinking isn’t your glass of punch, then try this: the Caves is authentic island living, with style, seclusion and very welcome luxuries.

The ten-acre site has ten uniquely presented villas and suites. All are brightly coloured, have thatched roofs and timber beams, drawing from the best of colonial, local and ethnic design. Every effort has been made to make the Caves uniquely authentic Jamaican experience. And this is the real draw of the complex.

The owners have been at pains to keep the site as unspoilt as possible. Steps have been cut straight into a rock face dotted with platforms suited to sheltered sunbathing, or more arduous activities. Exploring the sea is one of the Caves primary features: the grottos are actually an extension of the coral reef system, and so a variety of tropical fish and vegetation inhabit the area. As one would expect, the scuba diving is excellent, and the area is also safe for swimming.

Using the various panoramic perches for diving is one of the Caves unexpected but breathtaking little pleasures. If launching yourself 50 feet into deepwater pools is essential to your holiday, then the Caves caters for you. Even if you are less energetic, try a lower platform – you’ll find the experience exhilarating.

The cuisine is entirely in keeping with the island ethos. At the heart of the kitchen is traditional island fare of the very highest quality, from delicious seafood to spicy jerk chicken. And in keeping with the understated luxury evident throughout the complex, eating is a personal event, dictated by your timetable and appetite. The Caves prides itself on its ability to cater for any request, at any time – feel free to ask the chef to prepare you almost any dish, any style – just expect it with an exciting Caribbean twist. And this is more than fine dining - the Caves have removed the usual stuffy restaurant rituals replacing them with personable service, island-style.

Every effort has been made to make the Caves uniquely authentic Jamaican experience.

And after dinner, if you can manage it, how about a moonlit dip in the jacuzzi, part of a cave carved from volcanic rock, followed by drinks at one of several ‘cliff-hanger’ bars?
The Caves is certainly the last word in island luxury, and why not? The hotel’s founders have created a space fitting to the environment, an environment that is worthwhile visiting without the hotel’s existence. Two truly exotic spaces, both unspoilt and ready to cater for your needs, whether lazy luxury, or vigorous adventure. Think Caribbean holidays…

The Caves
PO Box 3113
Light House Road
Negril, Jamaica
Tel: (876) 957 0270
Fax: (876) 957 4930
Email: thecaves@cwjamaica.com
Greer Ann Saulter

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