RafJam Bed and Breakfast

I stayed at RafJam for two days and it was just what I needed after a stressful school year. It felt like a real reset. From the moment I got there, I felt like I was part of the family. Ms. Susan and Shane were so kind and made sure I was comfortable the whole time. The place felt like a home away from home. The lush greenery, fresh air and calming sound of the river made it the perfect escape from the bustling city. |I also visited the gift shop, and there’s something there for everyone. I really enjoyed my stay and I’ll definitely be back soon.

I live in Kingston and came for the weekend to celebrate my 23rd wedding anniversary. Truthfully I had never heard of this place but saw the reviews online and wanted to give it a try. We were not disappointed! The bed and breakfast is nestled into the mountainside and has exquisite views of the Blue Mountains. It is rustic and no frills but clean and welcoming from the moment you step foot on the premises. We were treated with the utmost hospitality and the food was spectacular! We needed this true rest and relaxation to replenish and recharge. If you are looking for a not too expensive get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life this is the place for you!

Raf Jam Bed & Breakfast is a hidden gem nestled in the hills of Newcastle, St Andrew. The road leading up to the property is very rugged and I recommend anyone driving to use a SUV or a vehicle that’s built for rugged terrain. Once you arrive at the destination, you can hear the roaring river and an immense calm will take you over. The property seems to be under construction when I visited but didn’t take away from its tranquil vibes. Checking in wasn’t the smoothest, however, the service provided was very excellent. The room assigned was spectacular and overlooked one of the rivers on the property while a hillside view. There is no need for air conditioning as the cool mountain air kept the room cool for both daytime and at night. I’ll give this place a 4 stars as there are little details about the service and aesthetic that were lacking which would have made the experience perfect. In the morning there was no coffee - good thing I brought my own Nescafé instant packs. Couldn’t find the cook/chef to get breakfast made. In the end it all worked out when the owner/operator stepped in to assist. I would love to stay here again, it’s the perfect spot for a wellness retreat. Hopefully the owner is open to such an opportunity.

Don’t sleep on this one, ‘cause I bet they’ll delete it! DO NOT let them put you in a room called “The Cave.” The air quality in there is dangerous, and they know it. ||||My partner and I stayed there two weeks ago. Upon arrival, we saw the window was already open. Strange, but not alarming. We also noticed the room had an odd design, an open-concept space with no door between the living space and bathroom. Same reaction. Then we started getting sick: hacking productive coughs, noses running like faucets, chest and throat pain. All within hours of arrival. ||||It slowly dawned on us that there were no air vents in the ceiling, at all. That open window was the sole ventilation in that room which, again, was essentially a giant bathroom with a bed and couch in it. The air was so damp that I wouldn’t be shocked if there was mold. I hand-washed a pair of shorts just an hour after we got there, but they still weren’t dry when we fled a day later. That’s when the the respiratory symptoms triggered my chronic pain and a scary asthmatic episode. ||||We paid for two nights, and didn’t even request a refund for the second one. And yet the owner still hid from us when we were trying to settle up. It was a stunning show of cowardice, beyond unprofessional. My partner and I were both sick for over a week after Rafjam. The Cave is also on the bottom level of an unfinished concrete building, so construction dust was likely also a factor in the severity of our sickness.||||The most enraging part of this was that we were only recommended The Cave because I have mobility issues, and most rooms are up a staircase. Meanwhile, the room was still down a major slope, meaning I still had to climb cobblestones to exit. There were other red flags: The “bed” was two single beds masquerading as a king, a deception that damaged our backs. The Wifi was out the whole time (Starlink? Really??) and despite limited cell service due to remoteness, there was no urgency or communication about it.||||Not even that gorgeous river can save this place. If you’re here you’ve likely heard great things about Rafjam, and I’m sure some are true. But I’ve spent at least as much in medical bills as I did on this misadventure. If I can spare one other person the same fate, I’ll be grateful. I’ve never experienced such wanton disregard for my safety in a travel establishment. If you proceed, just be incredibly careful.

In July 2025 I paid for 2 nights up front at Rafjam on a friend’s recommendation. First and most impressively, the Rafjam property is immaculately maintained outdoors and is truly a breathtaking and magical place to be. The sound of the river, the abundant fruit trees were my favorite parts of the experience. ||||Suzanne the owner presents a convincing patina of care that lasted exactly up until there were major complaints. There were a few small issues I won’t get into and two major ones (the bathroom and the bed). Ultimately, it was disappointing to have to leave a night early due to the exceedingly poor quality of our accommodation. ||||The Bathroom||||The “newly renovated” Cave Room had its first blunder with its open concept. The bathroom takes up half the room space and has no door. The room lacks any real ventilation. We made do with an open window, door, and a fan— which was inadequate. For reference we spread out a damp pair of shorts and wet towels the night we arrived and in the 24 hours we lasted in the room they were still wet. This dampness was the number one reason for cutting the trip short as we found it difficult to breathe, developed congestion and a cough within hours of arrival that became unbearable within by the beginning of our second night. Due to concerns about possible mold (or at the very least cement dust from our open window over the construction debris) we let Suzanne and her husband know that we were leaving and we would like to have a word about our experience. Suzanne has not responded to my request. She has not called to follow up or shown any real interest in understanding our experience. ||||The Bed||||My partner, who has a back injury experienced major flare ups due in large part to the bed provided. The “king” bed is really 2 single beds pushed together and sinks in the middle. Sleeping toward the middle of the bed was unfortunately, extremely uncomfortable. The one full night we stayed was far from restful and by the second night my partner and I were forced to leave our accommodation due to a combination of our coughing, congestion and physical discomfort. ||||Rafjam has such amazing potential and has clearly cornered the marketing aspect of their business as the pictures and press releases far surpass the real thing. Perhaps other accommodations on the property may not have these issues. I would have considered a return to a different room, if not for the blatant disregard Suzanne showed for our comfort and safety when it actually mattered left a sour taste in our mouth. I asked for a conversation and we received a message through her husband about our tab. We paid her bill and left once it became clear she was uninterested in any matter beyond the tab. Her “you are family here” charade turned out to be little more than patronizing lip-service. I doubt she would put her mother to sleep in The Cave Room.

What a wonderful hidden peaceful haven of nature and tranquility in the most stunning setting. We stopped by Rafjam in a walk from Irish Town. We only stayed for a look around and a quick drink but were welcomed so warmly by Shaun and Susan who have clearly created the most unique and stylish accommodation. We were given a tour of the rooms and facilities and we are highly impressed. Rafjam will be top of our places to stay on our next visit and we will be booking the ‘Cave Room’. Want to know more…go stay 😊

An Unforgettable Stay at Rafjam Bed and Breakfast From the moment I arrived at Rafjam Bed and Breakfast, I knew I was in for a truly special experience. Nestled in the serene hills of Irish Town, this hidden gem offers the perfect blend of comfort, breathtaking scenery, and genuine Jamaican hospitality. The property itself is stunning—lush greenery, the sound of a nearby river flowing, and a peaceful ambiance that instantly makes you feel at home. My room was spotless, cozy, and thoughtfully designed, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere with all the amenities I needed for a relaxing stay. What truly sets Rafjam apart is the exceptional service. The hosts went above and beyond to ensure my stay was nothing short of amazing, treating me not just as a guest but as family. Their warmth and attention to detail made me feel completely cared for. The food was an absolute highlight—freshly prepared, authentic Jamaican dishes bursting with flavor. Every meal was served with love and showcased the rich culture of the island. Waking up to a delicious breakfast while overlooking the lush mountains was a memory I’ll cherish forever. Whether you’re looking to unwind in nature, enjoy scenic hikes, or simply escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Rafjam Bed and Breakfast is the perfect retreat. I left feeling refreshed, inspired, and already planning my next visit. I wholeheartedly recommend Rafjam to anyone seeking a peaceful, authentic, and unforgettable Jamaican getaway. 💛

Don’t sleep on this comment, ‘cause I bet they’ll delete it! DO NOT let them put you in a room called “The Cave.” The air quality in there is dangerous, and they know it. My partner and I stayed there two weeks ago. Upon arrival, we saw the window was already open. Strange, but not alarming. We also noticed the room had an odd design, an open-concept space with no door between the living space and bathroom. Same reaction. Then we started getting sick: hacking productive coughs, noses running like faucets, chest and throat pain. All within hours of arrival. It slowly dawned on us that there were no air vents in the ceiling, at all. That open window was the sole ventilation in that room which, again, was essentially a giant bathroom with a bed and couch in it. The air was so damp that I would be shocked if there wasn't mold. I hand-washed a pair of shorts just an hour after we got there, but they still weren’t dry when we fled a day later. That’s when the the respiratory symptoms triggered my chronic pain and a scary asthmatic episode. We paid for two nights, and didn’t even request a refund for the second one. And yet the owner still hid from us when we were trying to settle up. It was a stunning show of cowardice, beyond unprofessional. My partner and I were both sick for over a week after Rafjam. The Cave is also on the bottom level of an unfinished concrete building, so construction dust was likely also a factor in the severity of our sickness. The most enraging part of this was that we were only recommended The Cave because I have mobility issues, and most rooms are up a staircase. Meanwhile, the room was still down a major slope, meaning I still had to climb cobblestones to exit. There were other red flags: The “bed” was two singles masquerading as a king, a deception that caused back pain. The Wifi was out the whole time (Starlink? Really??) and despite limited cell service due to remoteness, there was no urgency or communication about it. Not even that gorgeous river can save this place. If you’re here you’ve likely heard great things about Rafjam, and I’m sure some are true. But I’ve spent at least as much in medical bills as I did on this misadventure. If I can spare one other person the same fate, I’ll be grateful. I’ve never experienced such wanton disregard for my safety in a travel establishment. If you go for it, just be incredibly careful.