At Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2025, Kyle Mais, Managing Director of the iconic Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios, shared a passionate update on how the hotel continues to blend classic Caribbean luxury with forward-thinking environmental stewardship. In a landscape of evolving travel demands and urgent climate challenges, Jamaica Inn is proving that heritage hospitality and sustainability can thrive hand-in-hand.
A Historic Gem with a Unique Soul
Set along a private cove on Jamaica’s north coast, Jamaica Inn has long been recognized for its elegant simplicity, storied legacy, and intimate guest experience. Mais describes it as “luxury, yes—but the kind that is authentic, nostalgic, and unrepeatable.” With decades of service excellence and an ever-growing family of returning guests, the property continues to appeal to discerning travelers seeking depth, character, and peace.
It’s a place where the old-school charm of handwritten notes and oceanfront cocktails meets modern sensibilities—particularly when it comes to the environment.
Sustainability as a Daily Mission
Jamaica Inn isn’t just talking about sustainability—it’s living it. With the Caribbean facing increasing threats from coral bleaching, rising seas, and hurricane activity, Mais and his team have made it their mission to protect and restore the island’s natural resources.
“We’re actively managing a marine sanctuary right in front of our hotel,” says Mais. “It’s a no-take zone, which means we’re protecting not just the fish, but the entire marine ecosystem.”
One of the resort’s standout initiatives is its coral restoration program. In response to widespread bleaching events across the Caribbean, Jamaica Inn has committed to growing and planting thousands of coral fragments. This work not only supports marine biodiversity but helps reinforce Jamaica’s natural storm barriers. “Our reefs are the first line of defense against hurricanes,” Mais noted. “Protecting them is essential for our resilience.”
Another seasonal highlight? The resort’s turtle nesting program, where guests and staff alike celebrate the arrival of sea turtles laying eggs on the beach. This deeply moving experience has become one of the most beloved guest memories, connecting travelers with nature in real time.
Resonating with Today’s Travelers
Jamaica Inn is also riding the wave of experiential travel—a growing trend among both seasoned visitors and younger explorers. “People aren’t just looking for a place to stay,” Mais observed. “They want something authentic, immersive, and emotionally resonant.”
From its storied suites steeped in mid-century glamour to its rich cultural programming and eco-conscious excursions, the hotel is crafting experiences that matter.
“We’re relevant,” he adds, “because we’re real. You can’t recreate this. It’s a recipe with ingredients you can’t find again.”
Caribbean Unity and the Role of the Marketplace
As a regular at Caribbean Travel Marketplace, Mais emphasized the value of face-to-face engagement. “We’re a high-touch industry,” he said. “While Zoom has its place, there’s nothing like meeting your partners, building relationships, and collectively pushing the Caribbean forward.”
He also noted the importance of regional collaboration, particularly as the islands work to tackle shared challenges like climate change, airlift, and capacity constraints. “We’re all in this together,” Mais affirmed. “One Caribbean is the way forward.”
Jamaica Inn: Where Legacy Meets Leadership
Jamaica Inn isn’t just preserving the past—it’s shaping the future. With a strong foundation in heritage hospitality, a growing emphasis on sustainability, and a laser focus on guest experience, the resort continues to inspire both loyalty and admiration across generations.
Whether you’re drawn by the history, the hospitality, or the chance to help protect paradise, a stay at Jamaica Inn is more than a vacation—it’s a story waiting to be lived.
