Mid-century coastal villas
The property revives Jamaica's 1960s jet-set heyday, balancing private modernist living with nightly speakeasy jazz.
“the address to shelter at is the Trident Hotel, whose 13 waterfront villas would not look out of place on South Beach.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Thirteen modernist white villas with private plunge pools overlook the rocky coastline.
Notable
Every villa pairs an oceanfront terrace and heated plunge pool with outdoor soaking tubs.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in AFAR.
the subtly retro, thirteen-villa Trident Hotel makes a strong case that the style of Jamaica’s ’50s and ’60s heyday belongs firmly in the here and now.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Frenchman's Cove is a ten-minute drive down the coast, with the emerald waters of the Blue Lagoon just beyond.
The rooms
Airy white interiors catch the Caribbean breeze, opening onto broad terraces with private heated plunge pools.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The stone pool terrace stretches along the rocky shoreline, lined with woven daybed canopies facing the Caribbean Sea.
The spa
Treatment rooms open onto wooden oceanfront balconies, catching the sea breeze during holistic therapies and Caribbean massages.
The gym
Treadmills and free weights look out to sea through floor-to-ceiling glass doors beside an outdoor yoga deck.
Bar
Mike's Supper Club
The supper club serves Jamaican-international fusion dishes under moody red lighting, with rum cocktails poured at the slatted wood bar.
How it began
Jamaican architect Earl Levy opened the hotel in 1968, later adding the eccentric Trident Castle next door.
Port Antonio
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.