Reviews are ordered by language and date with a maximum of 25 reviews.
A wonderful experience! Like no other!!
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4.2 |
Guest name: agpb26, Chicago, Illinois
Guest type: Honeymoon
stayed in Jul 2008
We had the pleasure of staying at the Caves for 6 days/5 nights. This resort is like no other. It is almost entirely open air which was a new experience for us. I'm pretty sure that all of the non-AC rooms have fantastic views. I think that most of the AC rooms do not have views (except for Sea Turtle) which has the best of both worlds: AC AND a view! We were in an AC room (Blue Hole) and did enjoy it but looking back I wish I had opted for the view rather than AC. The room is very private if that is what you're looking for. I wish I had asked about changing in to another room, if available, because I do think that they would have allowed us to change. The staff is incredibly accommodating!
The views from the pool, restaurants, and cliffs are beautiful. You can't get enough of them. Food is great as well! Had a full stomach the entire trip. The staff though is truly what makes this place. They are so kind and gracious. They really are what makes this place not good, but great. As for tipping, we tried to do it at most meals and then when anyone went out of their way for us. We never felt like we were pressured to tip you just want to because the staff is so wonderful!
If you're heading to The Caves be sure to read the guestbook in your room. We didn't until the morning we left and missed out on some helpful info and advice. Also be sure to book some of the private dining areas (Caves dinner, red table, etc...) Head out kayaking or snorkeling with Paul, it's a good activity to break up all of the laying around you will do. We never left the resort because we had everything we wanted right there! Ask about the sky lanterns (read about that in the guestbook), sounds like it would have been very cool!
If you're planning on visiting the Caves. realize that this is not a One and Only property or the Four Seasons. It's totally unique and not even comparable to that type of resort. While you won't have 1000 count sheets and amazing business services, this property will make up with it's exceptional service and one of a kind experience! I would highly recommend this to the laid back traveler that enjoys a one of a kind resort. Enjoy!!!
My ratings for this hotel are:
5.0 Check in / front desk
3.0 Business service
4.0 Value
5.0 Service
3.0 Rooms
5.0 Location
4.0 Cleanliness
Absolutely Astounding and a whole lotta Hospitality
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4.5 |
Guest name: redhead78, charlotte
Guest type: Honeymoon
stayed in Jun 2008
My ratings for this hotel are:
5.0 Check in / front desk
3.0 Business service
4.0 Value
5.0 Service
4.0 Rooms
5.0 Location
5.0 Cleanliness
Beyond Incredible!
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4.7 |
Guest name: NCTraveler245, Charlotte,NC
Honestly, the Caves is one of the most incredible places I have ever experienced. My husband and I traveled to the Caves with some other friends in May and it exceeded our expectations.
As the other reviewers said, the pictures are beautiful but seeing the Caves in person is unreal. What sets the Caves apart from other resorts is the amazing staff and service. The Caves, itself, is a beautiful and relaxing spot, but the staff make it superior.
We stayed in the One Drop, which was air conditioned but did have an outdoor shower, so if privacy matters to you you may want to pick another cottage. Also, it sat near the dining area for breakfast and lunch. We really enjoyed it but you couldn't really see the ocean while lying in bed.
Don't miss the spa treatments with Claire and Patrick- they are unbelievable. Also, have Paul take you kayaking or snorkeling- he is wonderful... Honestly, everyone we came in contact with at the Caves was amazing! The only negative to our stay was that it was incredibly warm,and some of the rooms dont have air conditioning. Also, the ocean wasn't as calm as it usually is, so we couldn't spend as much time in at as we would have liked. But, that didnt stop us from enjoying every moment and relaxing.
I dont like to go back to places because there are so many places I want to see, but my husband and I will definitely be back to enjoy the Caves again...
My ratings for this hotel are:
5.0 Check in / front desk
5.0 Business service
5.0 Value
5.0 Service
4.0 Rooms
5.0 Location
4.0 Cleanliness
Clandestino Villa - Perfection
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5.0 |
Guest name: Bridget_Ryan, Devnver, CO
Guest type: Honeymoon
stayed in Jun 2008
Just came home from a 5 night stay in the Clandestino Villa across the street from the caves resort - and this was the best trip ever! We were completely spoiled rotten - our own private butler, our own housekeeper, gardeners, security - and we had complete access to the Caves resort via a secret underground tunnel that only our group was allowed to use. Let me tell you - the pictures on the website of this property do not do it justice, this is a 4,000 square foot home completely private and surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Every detail was perfect - the art work, the library, the outdoor garden shower, the furnishings, the lighting at night, and they even had scented oil diffusers in every room. We never used the big flat screen tv but we did blast reggae music on the stereo system every night and swim in our private pool every night until midnight under the stars. They even kept our kitchen stocked with booze, fresh fruit and snacks so we had everything! We stayed with two other couples (my sister in law and her husband and my husbands best friend and guest) and used the three main rooms in the house - and every room was off in it's own wing - so each couple had complete privacy when we wanted it. My room (the red room) had a private sitting area and the shower had a full wall of windows that opened up to the gardens, and the master suite upstairs was just phenominal. They did have a green house on property, and all of the food that we ate was fresh, organic, and crazy good! They even arranged for us to have dinner one night in the cave surrounded by candelight. I went to a yoga class Saturday morning that was fantastic and I would highly recommend getting a full massage from Patrick at the spa - the best massage of my life! We also rode bikes down to Ricks Cafe to watch the sunset and jam out to some live reggae music - so fun! The service, the atmosphere, and the staff at the Caves really made the trip amazing, this is truely a special place, very intimate, romantic, and the staying at the Clandestino Villa made me feel like a total rock star! After we left our five night stay at Clandestino - we went to stay at the Ritz Carlton in Montego Bay for some golfing... and even though the Ritz is a five diamond resort... everyone in our group thought the Ritz didn't even compare to the Caves... and I honestly do not think I could ever go back to staying in a big hotel chain ever again... I have been completely spoiled by the Caves! I can't wait to go back... this is what Jamaica is all about... peace and love!
My ratings for this hotel are:
5.0 Check in / front desk
5.0 Business service
5.0 Value
5.0 Service
5.0 Rooms
5.0 Location
5.0 Cleanliness
Heaven on Earth
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4.6 |
Guest name: dreamtravelerVA, Tortola
Guest type: Honeymoon
stayed in Jun 2008
My husband and I stayed at the Caves in May of 2008. Ground transfers from Montego Bay Airport to the resort and back were perfect. The trip takes about 1.5 hours. The drivers will stop wherever you want to eat or shop. I arranged the transfers via email to the resort. The cost is $75 per couple per way and is added to your room bill.
When booking our stay, I requested the Sea Turtle bungalow. However, the Caves will not guarentee a specific room, only the type of room (downstairs or upstairs). One Drop and Two Birds are stand alone bungalows and can be guarenteed at booking. The downstairs bungalows and the 2 stand alones have air conditioning which is a wonderful thing in the summer. We had humid weather so it was nice sleeping in a cool room. Also some guests complained of mosquitos but we didn't get one bite mostly because we could close our shutters at night with the a/c.
At check-in, we were told that the Sea Turtle was given to other guests and we got the Blue Dolphin. Our room was very cute with a furnished front porch, king sized bed, stocked mini-bar (vodka, whiskey, rum, beer, pepsi, juices, oreos, crackers, coffee), ceiling fan, CD players with great selections, bath with rain shower and a room safe. The Blue Dolphin is set back from the main path which gives it a wonderful sense of privacy. There is an outdoor shower close by to rinse the sea water off before entering your room. The only down side to our room was that it was not very bright.
Small wonderful touches are everywhere, stain glass in our bathroom walls, hand painted murals, beautiful foliage, private spots for sunning. Besides the scenery, the best thing about the Caves is the staff. The people are just wonderful. They introduce themselves, shake your hand and genuinely seemed interested in talking with you. By Day 2, they all know your name. Paul, the life-guard- cliff-diver- kayak-snorkle-guide is such a sweet guy. He will take you for a kayak trip or snorkle into the caves. We saw large string rays, eels, puffer fish, barcuda, needle fish, just to name a few. Paul does not work on Fridays or Saturdays so be sure to plan your water adventures in advance.
Dinner in a cave can be reserved upon your arrival. It was a unique experience but nothing too incredible. It was fun but definitely not the highlight of the trip. That also goes for the private hot tub (by reservations only). There is a hottub/shower and bench area built into a cave with a window overlooking the sea. There were robes, flowers and champagne for us. We were disappointed that the water was only luke warm.
The food was incredibly fresh. Breakfast begins with a fruit plate of at least 8 different kinds of fruit. Fresh-squeezed juices were always available. Jamiacan Blue Mountain Coffee put Starbucks to shame! If you love dark, rich coffee, you're going to love BMC. There was always a choice of 2 entrees for lunch and for dinner. Both come with lots of veggies. I was looking forward to the desserts but was dissapointed. They do however have a large supply of Haagen-Daz ice cream in a variety of flavors!! If you happen to get the munchies between meals, there are snacks (brownies, banana cake, pringles, nuts) located at the 2 bars in addition to an unlimited supply of drinks.
My husband and I had massages with Patrick (the spa manager) and Claire. They are both wonderful and give can give excellent deep tissue massage when requested.
I was able to get a sneak-peak into 3 other rooms. The Sea Turtle, Butterfly and One Drop. The Sea Turtle and The Butterfly are at the southern end of the property next to the dinner area. The Butterfly is ontop of the SeaTurtle. Both have king sized beds and spacious, bright rooms (larger than Blue Dolphin). Although located on the end of the property, the Sea Turtle in on the main path. So if your shutters are open then anyone walking by can easily see into your room. The Butterfly is probably the ultimate in privacy being an upstairs bungalow. However, it does not have a/c. The Butterfly is beautiful inside with a peaked ceiling and orange walls. One Drop is a bit smaller room with a queen sized bed and outdoor shower. The room is very cute with peaked ceilings and a comfy window seat.
My husband and I were completely thrilled with The Caves. We had very high expectations and they were amazingly exceeded.
My ratings for this hotel are:
5.0 Check in / front desk
3.0 Business service
4.0 Value
5.0 Service
5.0 Rooms
5.0 Location
5.0 Cleanliness