Jewel Dunn’s River Adult Beach Resort & Spa

Jewel Dunn’s River Adult Beach Resort & Spa is tucked in a little cove at the end of a group of resorts, giving it a secluded, edge-of-the-world feel. And listen, we don’t want to be those Americans, but part of the joy of going to Jamaica is that everyone speaks English.

We found this to be a cut above budget resorts, with decor that just felt a little classier and food more geared toward American palates. The adults-only aspect meant the atmosphere was quieter and more relaxed, with many couples and girlfriend trips.

• The water is very calm and clear green-blue with white sand and no seaweed, although there is sea grass at the back of the swimming area for good snorkeling.

• Giant tricycles, water bikes, catamarans (with a skipper or self-guided), and kayaks are available for free rental.

• The swimming area is small, so if you’re a person who likes to swim far out to snorkel, the roped-off water area might seem constraining to you.

• There’s an outdoor pizza restaurant with daytime hours, so you can sit at one of the cafe tables in your swimsuit or grab a pizza to go on your way to the beach.

• The coffee shop is outside near the beach and pool, so no need to dry off to get your frozen latte!

• The resort is located between two airports, so you can fly into Sangster in Montego Bay or Kingston-Norman Manley Airport in the capital city. It’s a bit of a drive, though, so expect to give yourself 1.5 hours to get there.

• No kids allowed!

• It’s a small resort that you can walk the entirety of very quickly, so you’re never far from anything. The pier at one end of the resort provides a quiet getaway with space to stretch your legs if needed.

• There are no vendors on the beach, but they do hang out on the fishing beach next door and will sell you items through the fence separating the resort if you walk near it.

• There are a few individual palapas on the beach to provide shade to a couple and a few larger ones to provide shade to larger groups. We placed our towels on chairs in the morning on our way to breakfast (not too early) and never had a problem getting the spots we wanted.

• The rooms at the resort have a plantation vibe, with huge heavy carved wooden doors and beds.

• There can be a few mosquitoes in the breakfast palapa in the mornings near the back; ask to sit near the edges so the breeze will keep them away from you.

• We were able to get an a la carte restaurant reservation every night we wanted one.

• There’s a private gazebo high above the pool for a beautiful view during romantic dinners.

•  Dunn’s River Falls is just a short drive away, making for an easy excursion to climb an incredible waterfall.