Frenchman’s Cove is named after an old folk tale that describes an explosive battle with cannon fire and swashbucklers between the British and the French near the Cove.
It is said the British defeated the French and wounded soldiers sought refuge in the cove, hence its historical name, Frenchman’s Cove. Set above the gentle swells of the Caribbean Sea amidst expansive parkland and lush tropical growth, Frenchman’s Cove has been an exclusive getaway for over 50 years. Developed in the 1960s, it set the benchmark for the best of the Caribbean while protected from the public eye. The private villas and The Great House have welcomed royalty to rock royalty.
Frenchman’s Cove is not a traditional resort and unlike other locations on the island, our home in Port Antonio, on Jamaica’s eastern coast is nestled between the blue mountains and the Caribbean Sea. Port Antonio has preserved its charm as a sleepy fishing village whilst still offering the comfort, variety and adventure of a true Jamaican holiday. For many of our visitors, herein lies the charm of Port Antonio and the lure of Frenchman’s Cove.
Frenchman’s Cove is a 48-acre resort that combines history, natural beauty and serenity. The resort is a collection of 18 unique and individual villas, and 10 double rooms in our Great House all shrouded by discreet shrubbery and scattered over the headlands on both sides of the river, beach, and bay. We have over 70 different species of trees, amongst other plants and are proud of our high level of biodiversity. It is our goal to continue to enrich our grounds and take care of the environment. Continually ranked the “best beach in Jamaica” and famous all over the world, we invite you to paradise where you can disconnect and discover.
Accommodation
The Great House sits at the highest point on the western side of the property, with a perfect view of the garden. This two-level building consists of the upper-level hosting 10 double bedrooms, each with ensuite bathroom, and the ground floor, hosting two suites, both with ensuite bathrooms. The Great House is just a five-minute stroll down to the beach. There is a communal TV area, lounge, and a large covered open-air communal room complete with a lower level that can be used for events, seminars and workshops.
At present The Great House does not have a restaurant. However, guests can enjoy breakfast and other meals at our Frenchman’s Cove Beach Bar and Grill.
The villas at Frenchman’s Cove offer guests a slice of tranquility to call their own. Situated in the lush grounds of the estate, each villa is secluded within its own space, while sharing the extensive landscaped grounds with the other villas around the Cove. Each villa has its own unique charm with some best suited for couples, and others for families or large groups.
All our villas offer an en-suite bathroom and are only a short walk from the facilities of the Great House and our World-Famous Beach. Our villas have spectacular ocean and garden views.
Heritage ResortFrenchman’s Cove is a piece of Jamaican, arguably global, history. Over the decades, the owners have lovingly kept its original 1950’s modernist architecture and unique interior design. The properties retain many of the original features and fittings which, due to their age, do show some decorative wear and tear. Please see our T&Cs for more details.
Frenchman’s Cove is proud of the resort’s authenticity; many of our guests are history and architecture lovers. Walking through the grounds and buildings guests can enjoy stepping back to a gentler epoch, where the style and glamour of the time was the essence of this extraordinary place.
World Famous Beach in Frenchman’s Cove, Port Antonio, Jamaica. Frenchman’s Cove beach is a hidden treasure; picture-perfect with soft, golden sands and sapphire water, shaded by a canopy of emerald trees. Our beach is a unique place where the sea and river combine to create a tropical paradise. Frenchman’s Cove beach is the kind of place where you lose track of time. You can laze with a book, relax with some drinks, or splash in the sea salt spray. The beach is accompanied by freshwater riverside showers, restrooms, and a locally operated beach bar and grill.
The bar and grill are independently operated and accepts Cash, Visa/MasterCard, and Debit Cards. Daybeds can be rented from the bar and grill at JA$300 for day pass guests and JA$200 for in-house guests.
The beach at Frenchman’s Cove was featured on: The Culture Trip.com
The beach at Frenchman’s Cove is one of Jamaica’s most beautiful places. Surrounded on both sides by vegetated rocky cliffs, the stunning contrast between the green forests and cerulean sky and ocean make this place truly special. The films Lord of the Flies and Knight and Day were filmed on the beach, showcasing both the beauty and wildness of the area. It is located on the eastern side of the island in Portland parish, far from the busy tourist towns like Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. While you’re nearby, make sure to check out Blue Lagoon, another of Jamaica’s most beautiful spots.
Water ActivitiesThe shoreline east of Port Antonio boasts 300 kilometres of interconnected coral reefs at an average of 100m to 300m from shore. In 2016 the Alligator Head Foundation facilitated the creation of the East Portland Special Fishery Conservation Area, an area where fishing is no longer allowed and the focus is on conservation, including for the assistance of the native Turtle population. The remarkable success of this venture makes Portland a fascinating destination for those wishing to see conservation in action. In addition, the creation of the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Surfing in Jamaica Boston Beach is 20 minutes east of Port Antonio and located near the famous Boston Jerk Centre. It is highly popular with surfers and bodysurfers as tides are often high. Most of the beach has been washed away, so surfing is your best bet! Boards can be rented at the beach. If you still have energy after a day of surfing, head over to Boston Bay for African Drumming & Dance every Saturday from 7 pm – 9 pm.
Getting Married in JamaicaFrenchman’s Cove makes an idyllic setting for your dream wedding, whatever the time of day or year. We are able to provide a variety of locations and accommodation to suit wedding parties of all sizes, whether that is for the couple, their immediate family or the guests.
Our various locations provide iconic and intimate settings for your wedding regardless of guest count. Mark this special day on our iconic beach, at The Great House Dining area, Atop our Famous Canon Cliff or on one of our lawns. With the privacy and exclusivity that Frenchman’s Cove provides, the extraordinary Caribbean views and our world-famous beach, this is a location like no other.
