I Vacationed at Marilyn Monroe's Honeymoon Hotel—Here's What Blew Me Away the Most

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I Vacationed at Marilyn Monroe's Honeymoon Hotel—Here's What Blew Me Away the Most originally appeared on Parade.

I’ve always loved the lush, laid-back island of Jamaica in the Caribbean, but I’ve mostly stayed on the western coast, usually in Negril. I had my sights set on something different for an upcoming girls’ trip, maybe Round Hill in Montego Bay, where the Kennedys, Grace Kelly, Alfred Hitchcock, Paul McCartney and Bing Crosby all famously vacationed. I figured if I was going to channel some old-school Hollywood glam, that was the move. That is, until I discovered Jamaica Inn.

Located on the north coast in Ocho Rios, this is the kind of place that has quietly played host to icons and romantics for over 65 years—without ever losing its cool, understated charm. Ian Fleming used to belly up to the bar. Winston Churchill painted here. Meghan Markle even stayed during her first wedding. Marilyn Monroe honeymooned here in 1957. But unlike the flashy, see-and-be-seen resorts sprinkled across the Caribbean, this one trades glitz for grace.

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The Morrow family has run the show since the 1950s, perfecting the art of warm, personalized service and low-key luxury. Set on eight lush oceanfront acres, the property features 52 sea-facing suites and cottages (some with plunge pools and ladders straight into the sea), three relaxed dining spots, a cliffside spa that feels like a dream and what may just be the Caribbean’s prettiest private beach—a 700-foot stretch of soft white sand that’s blissfully uncrowded.

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In a word? It’s a vibe. One part vintage glam, one part barefoot luxury and all heart. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a girls’ getaway or a solo retreat from real life, this remote gem delivers. And then some.

Here’s what it’s like to experience it all.

Getting There

Nestled on a private cove along Jamaica’s north coast in Ocho Rios, Jamaica Inn isn’t the fastest destination to get to, but every scenic twist and turn makes the journey absolutely worth it.

If you’re flying from Miami, you’re in luck. American Airlines launched its first-ever scheduled U.S. commercial service to Ian Fleming International Airport (IFIA) in February 2024. Operating twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays via a 76-seat Embraer 175, the flight touches down at the airport named after James Bond’s creator, just 10 minutes from the inn. It’s not the cheapest route, but it’s certainly the most direct.

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Prefer more options and budget-friendly fares? You’re not alone. Montego Bay is the easier entry point for many travelers (including me and my best friend on our girls’ getaway), with far more flights on offer. It’s about a scenic 90-minute drive from the airport to the inn.

Either way, Jamaica Inn will help organize your transfer—ours cost around $80 each way—and they go that extra mile with a cooler stocked with ice-cold Red Stripes and water for the coastal drive. Consider that a pretty fantastic welcome gift.

Overview: Why Jamaica Inn Is One of the Caribbean’s Best-Kept Secrets

I’ve stayed at a lot of hotels across the Caribbean—some flashy, some forgettable—but Jamaica Inn? This one stays with you. From the moment we stepped onto the property, it felt like time slowed down in the best possible way. No crowds. No noise. No TV humming in the background. Just warm ocean breezes, the soft rustle of palms and the kind of quiet that makes you actually relax.

A beloved classic since the 1950s, this family-owned, all-suite property has been a sanctuary for generations of romantics, writers and icons (Marilyn Monroe, Katharine Hepburn and Winston Churchill, to name a few). With just 52 suites and cottages—most with wide-open verandas and postcard-worthy sea views—it’s intimate, peaceful and full of old-world charm.

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Whether you’re honeymooning, early-mooning or just celebrating the art of doing nothing with your bestie on a girl's getaway like we were, Jamaica Inn delivers slow, luxurious days that feel blissfully disconnected from the rest of the world. No TVs, no clocks, no pressure. Just sea breezes, Planter’s Punch and the occasional lizard darting across your sun-warmed veranda.

Best place for a girls' trip!Kelli Acciardo

And the care here extends well beyond the guests. The Jamaica Inn Foundation spearheads a coral reef restoration project just offshore, working with local marine biologists to rebuild reef systems and protect marine life. The inn also safeguards the endangered sea turtles that nest on its beach every year—making sure the shoreline stays safe, quiet and undisturbed for both mama turtles and their hatchlings. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a moonlit hatching. (We missed it by a few days and are still heartbroken. Just another reason to go back!)

Rooms: A Step Back in Time With Sea Breezes and Charm

Let’s start with the rooms—truly the heart of the stay. Jamaica Inn offers a range of accommodations, from oceanfront suites off the main house to breezy upper-level balcony rooms and sprawling, bi-level cottages with ladders that drop straight into the sea. My personal favorite? Cottage 7.

Awash in soft nautical tones and timeless touches, the rooms channel old-school island elegance. Think four-poster beds, cushy chaises perfect for an afternoon nap or a slow read and sun-drenched patios or balconies facing the sea. Many come with their own private infinity pools or jacuzzis. And in the best possible way, there are no TVs, radios or ticking clocks to interrupt the calm. Just the occasional hummingbird flitting by.

Everything you could dream of and more, inside Cottage 7Courtesy of Jamaica Inn

Cottage 7 in particular felt like the lap of laid-back luxury—secluded, spacious and equipped with a heavenly outdoor rain shower right off the bathroom.

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Over at the main house, the upper and ground-floor suites are just as special. They feature vintage furnishings and expansive balconies, plus a prime vantage of the sea, beach and Blue Mountains beyond. Each one includes air conditioning, ceiling fans on the verandas, walk-in wardrobes and free WiFi (if you must connect). A light continental breakfast is also included with your stay—and we made the most of it daily. I’ve never tasted sweeter papaya.

Each room has a balcony veranda to enjoy breakfast at leisure and sunset cocktailsCourtesy of Jamaica Inn

Tucked at the very edge of the property, Suite 21 is the most private and storied spot at Jamaica Inn. This is where Marilyn honeymooned with Arthur Miller in 1957, and the suite still carries that old-Hollywood sparkle. Wrapped in lush tropical gardens and perched above the sea, it features a sprawling wraparound sundeck, panoramic ocean views and a private ladder straight into those sapphire waters. Inside, the vibe is timeless island elegance, with nostalgic touches and framed photos of both Marilyn and Winston Churchill (another famous guest) enjoying their holidays here.

The perks? Breakfast trays delivered to your private plunge pool as birds sing from the garden. A vintage roll-top tub perfect for soaking in salt-kissed breezes. And a king-size bed where you’ll fall asleep to the sound of waves just beyond the veranda. It’s quiet, seductive and just a little cinematic—the kind of place that makes you want to sip champagne in a silk robe and whisper secrets to the sea.

Suite 21 in all its gloryCourtesy of Jamaica Inn

Winston Churchill painting at Jamaica Inn

Kelli Acciardo

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Amenities: Quiet Luxury Without the Flash

In keeping with the under-the-radar paradise theme—beloved by discerning travelers who’d almost rather keep it to themselves—Jamaica Inn’s amenities follow suit. Quiet luxury. Nothing flashy. Everything intentional.

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Sometimes, you’ll have the entire beach to yourself—just sugar-soft sand, lapis-blue water, and the freedom to float or loll as long as you like. Other times, you might find yourself bobbing in the surf next to a familiar face (yes, the occasional celeb does drop in—Marilyn and Winston set the tone, after all). That’s the energy here: low-key, effortlessly elegant and never trying too hard.

Beach-wise, the inn sits on one of the best in Ocho Rios—a 700-foot stretch of champagne-colored shoreline reserved exclusively for guests. And when you’re ready to do more than just bask, there’s a lineup of included beach activities with your stay: kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling… even skimming the waves on a sunfish sailboat. Once 11:30 a.m. rolls around? That’s when chilled glasses of complimentary Planter’s Punch start making their way to your lounger, like clockwork.

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Never leavingKelli Acciardo

There’s also a classic swimming pool, nearby tennis courts and a small but well-equipped fitness area with weights, a treadmill, stationary bike and stair climber. Even the on-site gift shop is a hidden gem—I scored a vintage seafaring map (total 1stDibs energy) for under $200, tucked among handmade pottery and West Indian art finds.

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Now, let’s talk spa—because The Ocean Spa at Jamaica Inn is nothing short of a dream. Tucked into the cliffs of Cutlass Bay and perched above the turquoise sweep of the Caribbean Sea, this serene sanctuary is made up of open-air, thatch-roofed huts that feel equal parts rustic and luxurious. Here, you're pampered to the soothing soundtrack of waves lapping the shore, as ocean breezes drift through the treatment rooms.

Wellness lovers will also want to try the resort’s new “Farm to Skin Foraging” experience—the first of its kind in the Caribbean. After harvesting ingredients like coconuts and fresh pineapple straight from the lush tropical gardens, guests take part in a hands-on workshop to transform the bounty into beauty products. A standout? The Piña Colada Body Scrub, crafted with coconut oil, dried coconut and just-picked pineapple to exfoliate, hydrate and calm inflammation, leaving skin glowing with island energy.

The blissful outdoor treatment huts at Ocean Spa

Kelli Acciardo

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If your idea of self-care leans a little more active, you’re in luck. Complimentary yoga is offered every Thursday and Sunday at 8 a.m., and for the sporty set, there’s croquet—and yes, rosé—every Saturday at 3 p.m. Beyond the grounds, a lineup of curated excursions invites you to dive deeper into the island. You might find yourself biking past coffee plantations and cascading waterfalls in the heart of the Blue Mountains (home to Jamaica’s iconic beans) or drifting down the jade-green Martha Brae River on a 30-foot bamboo raft, taking in the lush jungle scenery along the way.

It's always a lovely day for croquet at Jamaica InnCourtesy of Jamaica Inn

Foodies will be especially charmed by the resort’s hands-on culinary experiences. Take a guided stroll through the botanical garden with the head gardener, explore island flavors on a spice and fruit tour or dive into Jamaica’s rum heritage during a rumology session at Teddy’s Beach Bar—where you’ll learn about brewing techniques and world-renowned local distillers. For the ultimate foodie fix, tag along with Executive Chef Maurice on a “Shop & Cook” adventure to the Ocho Rios Farmer’s Market, followed by a cooking demo where he’ll show you how to make beloved Jamaican dishes like escoveitch fish or ackee and saltfish.

Dining: Classic Island Fare With a Grown-Up Feel

And speaking of Chef Maurice—you can taste his island-inspired creations from sunrise to sunset, just like we did. Start your morning with breakfast on the Sea Shanty terrace, soaking in that jaw-dropping view. Go for the mackerel coconut rundown or eggs with steamed callaloo, paired with a plate of vibrant, just-picked Jamaican fruit. Or, if you're in full vacation mode, stay wrapped in your robe and have it all delivered to your private veranda like we did on our final morning. In a word: heaven. Especially the roasted tomatoes and banana fritters—those were unforgettable.

Breakfast with a side of views

Kelli Acciardo

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Lunch is a relaxed, barefoot affair—think toes in the sand beneath the shady canopy of the almond tree, or posted up at Teddy’s Beach Bar & Grill, where the vibe is casual but the flavors are anything but. Snack on flaky Jamaican jerk patties, dive into a fragrant curry goat or go all in on a wood-fired pizza piled high with hyper-seasonal toppings.

I'm still dreaming of this Jamaican patty stuffed with saucy curry chickenKelli Acciardo

When it comes to dinner, there are a few tempting options—but wherever you land, you’ll want to kick things off with sundowners and complimentary hors d’oeuvres during sunset hour on the Cocktail Terrace (from 7-8 p.m.). Live music thrums in the background, managers mingle with guests, swapping stories from the day and the whole scene glows with that golden-hour magic. It quickly became one of my favorite rituals—winding down in a picture-perfect setting before heading over to Terrace Restaurant, where a thoughtfully curated five-course dinner awaits. The menu changes nightly, but there’s always a surprise in store—plus a weekly lobster night that’s not to be missed.

The fresh watermelon martini was incredibleKelli Acciardo

Craving something a little more laid-back? Teddy’s has you covered. Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday evening, they fire up the grill under the stars and serve up smoky, flavorful bites like juicy Angus beef, spicy shrimp kebabs and charred cauliflower that’s somehow just as satisfying. Flip-flops welcome.

And if you're in the mood to venture off property like we were one night, ask the staff about Miss T's Kitchen—a spot they insisted we try, and we’re so glad we did. The quirky, colorful compound was buzzing with locals and in-the-know travelers, all lining up for their signature NYAMMINS (aka big flavor on a plate). Standouts included the Jah Know Curried Ackee on crispy bammy with fruit chutney, the Crab Back baked to perfection with tropical salsa, and Miss T’s Pick-up Saltfish—salted cod tossed with pickled onions, tomato and a hit of Scotch Bonnet heat. Trust: you’ll want to order one of everything before splitting the whole fish, escovitch style.

What Blew Me Away Most About Staying Here

Nothing beats a morning swim in this stunning waterKelli Acciardo

Sure, touring Marilyn Monroe’s unbelievably romantic Honeymoon Suite (No. 21) was a pinch-me moment. And yes, starting each morning with a barefoot walk down the stairs of our bi-level cottage straight into crystal-clear cerulean waters was pure magic. Not to mention, the escapism that's attached to this place—a hideaway that feels remote yet clandestine all at once. But what truly blew me away at Jamaica Inn? The staff.

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They went above and beyond—every request handled at lightning speed, always with a smile and a personal touch. By the end of our stay, they didn’t feel like staff at all. They felt like family. And honestly? We didn’t want to leave.

For me, service makes or breaks a hotel—and after visiting 50+ properties across the Caribbean, I can say that’s not always the region’s strong suit. But at Jamaica Inn, hospitality isn’t just part of the job—it’s the soul of the place. No wonder most of the team has been there for over a decade.

If you ever get the chance to visit (and I really hope you do), please say hello to Gerry, Kyle and the rest of the crew for me. I miss them already—and those perfect rum punches.

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I Vacationed at Marilyn Monroe's Honeymoon Hotel—Here's What Blew Me Away the Most first appeared on Parade on Jul 16, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 16, 2025, where it first appeared.