That's the saying on Geejam's t-shirts, and if you are looking for a traditional golf, pool, and tennis type resort, you will be disappointed. But we weren't, and my husband and I loved it! Geejam is a very private, beautiful hideaway in which guests stay in individual cabins on the side of a hill 10 minutes by car outside the town of Port Antonio. We flew into Kingston and were met at the airport by a Geejam driver, who skillfully negotiated the 3 hour drive across the mountains to the hotel. Be aware if you get motion sick, the drive may be difficult, as the roads are poor with many curves but does show you what Jamaica is really like and the scenery was spectacular. Geejam has only a few cabins, which means very few guests, and part of the time we were there, it seemed the place was exclusively ours. We stayed in Rocksteady, which was comfortable, modern and well appointed but small with very limited space for clothes and luggage by American standards- no real drawers, but we managed with the few open bins and a small closet. (You can see the pictures posted on the website) There are snacks and drinks that are complementary to start. The view was incredible and we loved sitting out on our private balcony, where you can relax and also eat.
The staff, whom you reach by a cellphone they give you with some free calling minutes to the US, were very attentive and generally very helpful. We ate many mornings and evenings in the Bush Bar. The food was very good, although the staff could get overwhelmed and occasionally forgot a request if more than 2 of the 6 or so tables were filled; again, could be disappointing but we felt like part of a big family and it was part of the charm. We went several places by car and really enjoyed getting to know Bentley, the driver. We walked to Frenchman's Cove but didn't swim there. The Geejam beach is beautiful and very private but the water is shallow as there is a reef off shore - Steve, one of the owners and a swimmer, told us how to get around it, but we didn't have the opportunity to try. Being the only people on the beach in this very private and beautiful setting more than made up for any downside. And there is wireless everywhere, even the beach! There is a small pool that is available to other guests if no one is staying in that residence. One day it rained and we "stayed in," watching some of the thousands of movies available on the Apple TV set in our room. We also appreciated how fair the charges were - Geejam is expensive but very fair - they don't gouge and they don't nickle and dime you to death. We also felt safe the whole time we were there.
Geejam is a gem and Port Antonio is not much of a tourist destination. We appreciated that, but if you are looking for a big pool, miles of beach associated with the hotel and gift shops that sell sarongs, this isn't the place. If you want a very private, low key, beautiful hideaway to rest and relax, and see a little of the real Jamaica in all of its beauty while being treated like a friend, you'll be happy here.
- Geejam Port Antonio
- Geejam Hotel Port Antonio
