S Hotel Montego Bay tops Tripadvisor’s 2025 Best of the Best Awards in Jamaica
Published:Friday | May 2, 2025 | 12:07 AMJanet Silvera/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
The Montego Bay-based S Hotel has again been rewarded for excellence by emerging as the number one all-inclusive resort in Jamaica by Tripadvisor’s 2025 Traveler’s choice Best of the Best Awards, reaffirming its position as a trailblazer in Caribbean hospitality.
The boutique, adults-only property, situated along the famous Doctor’s Cave Beach, was also ranked #2 in the Caribbean and #11 globally in the all-inclusive category, an unprecedented achievement for a fully Jamaican-owned hotel in a fiercely competitive international market.
Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best Awards represent the highest level of recognition on the platform, based on a year’s worth of reviews and ratings from millions of travellers around the world. Winners are placed in the top one per cent of listings on Tripadvisor’s global travel site, making the accolades especially meaningful for S Hotel, which prides itself on delivering authentic, culturally rooted experiences.
For Christopher Issa, CEO of S Hotel and managing director of the Crissa Group, the award reflects more than just excellent amenities; it is a nod to Jamaica’s potential to lead on the global luxury stage.
PASSIONATE TEAM
“This recognition is a testament to the spirit and heart of the Jamaican people. Our team, from the front desk to the kitchen, pours passion into every guest experience. To be ranked among the world’s best by actual travellers is the highest compliment we could receive,” Issa told The Gleaner following the announcement.
“This isn’t just a win for S Hotel; it’s a win for Brand Jamaica.”
The announcement comes amid a string of accolades for the stylish, design-forward property located in Jamaica’s tourism capital.
In 2024, S Hotel Montego Bay was named the #1 hotel in the Caribbean and Central America by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards for a second consecutive year. The property also received Jamaica’s Leading Hotel award at the 2024 World Travel Awards, further cementing its dominance in the region’s luxury market.
Opened in 2019, S Hotel Montego Bay quickly distinguished itself from its peers with its striking contemporary architecture, locally inspired décor, and a culinary programme that puts Jamaican cuisine at the centre of the guest experience. Its Sky Deck suites with soaking tubs, spa sanctuary with therapeutic plunge pools, and curated island excursions have proven irresistible to discerning travellers seeking an upscale escape rooted in local flavour.
More importantly, S Hotel’s 100 per cent Jamaican ownership and team stand out in a landscape dominated by international chains. The property has become a source of national pride; not just for its success, but for the way it champions local talent, artisans, and culture.
Sister property S Hotel Kingston was ranked #22 in the top 25 Best of the Best in the Caribbean, the only city hotel on the Tripadvisor list, while Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios was ranked #13.