Frenchman's Cove Resort, building in Port Antonio, Jamaica
Frenchman's Cove Resort is a beachfront hotel on Jamaica's east coast featuring white sand and clear water. The property contains 18 villas and 10 rooms in the main building called The Great House, spread across lush grounds with more than 70 tree species.
The property was purchased in 1956 by Canadian businessman Garfield Weston and transformed into a luxury retreat, with the first hotel opening in 1958 with about 60 rooms. In 1962 it became Jamaica's first all-inclusive resort and later served as a filming location for movie productions.
The name Frenchman's Cove comes from a local folk tale about a battle where wounded soldiers sought shelter in the cove. The surrounding area still feels like a quiet fishing village where visitors can interact with local vendors selling crafts and fresh fruit.
The resort is reached by car or taxi from the interior through hills and fields with good road connections to the quiet cove. The beach has shallow calm water suitable for swimming, and snorkeling is possible directly from shore without needing a boat.
In 1962 the resort became Jamaica's first all-inclusive hotel and already offered helicopter rides as an activity, highlighting its early exclusivity and innovation. This pioneering role makes it a piece of hotel history in the region.
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