Tensing Pen Earns the No. 2 Spot as Jamaica Claims Nearly a Quarter of the Region’s Top 25

KINGSTON, Jamaica, July 17, 2026 – Jamaica has once again been recognized among the Caribbean’s premier destinations, with six of the island’s resorts earning spots on Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards ranking of the top 25 resorts in the Caribbean. The recognition places nearly a quarter of the region’s most celebrated properties in Jamaica, spanning the cliffs of Negril, the shores of Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, and the laid-back charm of Treasure Beach.

Leading Jamaica’s recognition is Tensing Pen in Negril, which earned the No. 2 position overall. The island’s honorees, and where each landed among the 25, are:

• #2 – Tensing Pen (Negril)
• #8 – Jamaica Inn (Ocho Rios)
• #12 – Rockhouse Hotel & Spa (Negril)
• #15 – Round Hill Hotel and Villas (Montego Bay)
• #18 – Jakes Hotel, Villas & Spa (Treasure Beach)
• #20 – Skylark Negril Beach Resort (Negril)         

“Recognition from Travel + Leisure readers reflects the experiences of travelers themselves, making it a powerful endorsement of Jamaica’s tourism product,” said Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism. “Having six resorts recognized among the Caribbean’s best speaks to the outstanding work of these properties and the dedication of the people who make Jamaica one of the region’s leading destinations.”           

Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards winners are determined by the magazine’s readers, who rate hotels and resorts on criteria including rooms and facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. The results are among the most closely watched benchmarks in luxury travel, making Jamaica’s strong representation a meaningful endorsement from travelers themselves.  

“Travel + Leisure readers have once again highlighted what makes Jamaica such a compelling choice for travelers seeking memorable experiences,” said Donovan White, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “This recognition reinforces the global appeal of our destination and the strong connection visitors continue to build with Jamaica.”

The recognized properties reflect the breadth of Jamaica’s hospitality landscape. Tensing Pen and Rockhouse Hotel & Spa offer dramatic cliffside settings above Negril’s waters; Jamaica Inn brings timeless elegance to Ocho Rios; Round Hill Hotel and Villas remains one of Montego Bay’s most storied retreats; Jakes Hotel, Villas & Spa captures the bohemian spirit of Treasure Beach; and Skylark Negril Beach Resort sits along the island’s famed Seven Mile Beach. Together, they showcase the remarkable range of experiences that await visitors to Destination Jamaica.

The full list, “These Are the 25 Best Resorts in the Caribbean for 2026—and They Range From Cliffside Hideaways to Beachfront Icons,” is available on Travel + Leisure’s website. For more information on planning a trip to Jamaica, visit www.visitjamaica.com.

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 ABOUT THE JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are in Berlin, Madrid, Milan, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.

Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition. In 2025, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #13 Best Honeymoon Destination, #11 Best Culinary Destination, and #24 Best Cultural Destination in the World. In 2024, Jamaica was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ for the fifth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named the JTB the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’ for the 17th consecutive year.

Jamaica earned six Travvy Awards, including a gold for ‘Best Travel Agent Academy Program’ and silver for ‘Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean’ and ‘Best Tourism Board – Caribbean’. The destination also received bronze recognition for ‘Best Destination – Caribbean’, ‘Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean’, and ‘Best Honeymoon Destination – Caribbean’. Additionally, Jamaica received a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support’ for a record-setting 12th time.

For details on upcoming special events, attractions, and accommodations in Jamaica, go to the JTB’s website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at www.visitjamaica.com/blog/.

Media Contact: Jamaica@louhammond.com