The Caves, Negril's most romantic boutique-hotel, is the antithesis of the commercial all-inclusive operations. Within minutes of the famous historic lighthouse and tucked privately behind a high stone wall in a tangle of tropical foliage, this 10-cottage Island Outpost property is alive with imagination and dancing with Cezanne colors: vibrant eggplant, yellow and gooseberry pastels. A joyful staff makes an impeccable impression from check-in to departure.
Coral walkways wind through a jungle garden to reception, which is in an exquisitely crafted wooden building. Coiling paths lead to private nooks and stone terraces, one with a free-form whirlpool, jutting out above the water along its cliff-lined shore. The cleverly crafted cave has molded benches for better enjoying the famous West End sunsets and can be used as a setting for private candlelit dinners. The small restaurant serves from a limited menu of Jamaican
food, and the intimate thatch-roof bar has board games and a large collection of CDs from the Islands label. The self-serve honor bar is open at all hours, and a second bar offers the usual rum drinks and snacks. Open to the public, this venue hops 4-8 pm and offers a chance for guests to mingle with locals. Drummers often perform on busier days, and once a week, a manager's reception is open to all guests and offers free drinks and snacks.
Openings in the stone wall along the cliff's edge dare guests to make the long plunge into the sea from various heights. Ladders also provide access to the sea and to a coral reef perfect for snorkeling. A hot tub is in one cave, guests gather at the saltwater pool, and sea kayaks allow guests to explore the dramatic cliffs along the coast. Sea-salt exfoliation treatments are administered in grottoes, and an Aveda spa offers full treatments, yoga and massages for less than $100 in 
an open-air gazebo. Its wood-and-stone sauna and outdoor massage area feature sea views above the wave-splashed cliffs. Exercise buffs are left high and dry, though, since a gym is lacking. Laptop luggers enjoy the wireless high-speed Internet access in public areas.
Lighthearted aptly describes the 10 thatch-roof one- and two-bedroom cottages trimmed with gingerbread fretwork. Each is uniquely designed, but all provide island art, ceiling fans, jalousies and vibrant batik fabrics. Muslin netting over king or queen beds adds convenience and beauty. Amenities include exquisite hand-carved furniture, phones, CD players with CDs, safes, hair dryers and robes, and TVs, VCRs and fax machines are available upon request. Most units boast alfresco showers in stone-lined terraces, and two units have two bedrooms. A fresh look by management has touched up any remaining deficiencies, with upgraded furnishings and air-conditioning 
in all rooms. Favorites include Bird's Nest for its second-floor perch, exotic fabrics, surround-sound stereo and creatively molded bath, and One Drop for its audible proximity to the crashing waves, wood and thatch cathedral ceiling, and hand-painted windows.
Room service delivers during regular hours, and turndown service is a nightly affair. International celebrities seek out this escape from the world, but all are accorded graceful and discreet service. Pets, however, are not permitted. So discreet and breathtaking is this resort that events ranging from a Caribbean film festival to the Sports Illustrated swimsuit-issue photo shoot return year after year. In an industry full of standard all-inclusive glitz, this place stands apart for its limitless charm and character.
