Sleepover: Ritz-Carlton

A bed for the night in Jamaica

Where is it?

Rose Hall, Jamaica, on the north coast of the island, about 15 minutes' drive west of Montego Bay airport.

What's it like?

According to its own blurb, it's the only five-diamond hotel in Jamaica. The Ritz-Carlton has 427 rooms, 51 executive suites and 36 "clubrooms" and suites. Opened two years ago, the alabaster-hued hotel sits confidently next door to its main rival on the island for holiday dollars, the Half Moon Hotel. Coconut trees lead to a shallow swimming pool and poolside restaurant, framing the landscaped courtyard. Beyond that there is a modest beach and a "jerk" centre, where spiced barbecued dishes are served. Martin Nicholson, the hotel's manager, says he wants the Ritz-Carlton to "reflect the vibrancy of the Caribbean, from the culture-specific pictures hanging on the walls to the reggae music playing in the background".

What's its USP?

The challenging 18-hole White Witch golf course which cuts through the historic Rose Hall plantation, where the "White Witch of Rose Hall" legend has its roots. The top of the course has spectacular views of the sea. You even get the chance to buy your own villa within the grounds. Back at the hotel, there is the opportunity to sample some of the finest rum at the Cohoba bar, where Godfrey Miller, the local expert, can tempt you with more than 150 varieties.

Rooms?

They vary. Each one is decorated in warm, vibrant colours and takes its inspiration from the culture and the climate. The rooms are spacious with a comfortable feel. A presidential suite over Christmas costs $3,000 (£1,900) per night, while a garden view room is more affordable $205 (£145) from 10 May to 19 December. The rooms have private balconies, marble baths, 24-hour service, safe deposit box, laundry service and internet access.

Food?

Spectacular. Especially Jasmines, the hotel's premier restaurant, where the UK-trained Dennis McIntosh has created his own speciality – "Jamasian" cuisine – Jamaican ingredients with Asian cooking styles.

Service?

The staff, from the managers to the inexhaustibly fit young man who took the early morning power walking classes, are polite, courteous and efficient. And there was consistency, too. Not once did the warm welcome flag or the enthusiasm waver, not even on the faces of the babysitters.

Clientele

Middle-age American couples and families with small children. Britons, Germans and Italians complete the roll call.

Things to do

If you have the energy and can tear yourself away from the rum bar, there is a spa and fitness centre with a well-equipped gym, sauna, steam room, massage, a fully functioning beauty room, offering aromatherapy and reflexology. But if all that pampering is not your style, then there is tennis, basketball, scuba diving, snorkelling, motorised watersports and sailing. Or you can just bask in the sun. And if the children get bored, there is the Ritz Kids activities programme.

Address

The Ritz-Carlton, 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Rose Hall, St James, Jamaica, West Indies (001 876 241 3333; www.ritzcarlton.com).