Stories, Screens & Scenes

Over the decades, the dramatic beauty of Jamaica Inn and its surroundings has drawn filmmakers from across the globe. Our beach, gardens, and timeless charm have appeared in an array of cinematic moments—some subtle, others unforgettable.

Featured Films:

• Cocktail (1988) – Starring Tom Cruise, with iconic scenes filmed at Jamaica Inn and on its beach.
• The Man Who Knew Too Little (1997) – The film’s finale was set and shot at Jamaica Inn.
• Like Father (2018) – A Netflix release featuring Kristen Bell, Kelsey Grammer, and Seth Rogen; scenes shot across Jamaica including nearby locations.
• Sea Wife (1957) – A post-war romance starring Joan Collins and Richard Burton, filmed across Jamaica with Joan staying at Jamaica Inn during the filming.

Other Notable Productions in Jamaica:

• No (1962)
• The Mighty Quinn (1989)
• Cool Runnings (1993)
• Wide Sargasso Sea (1993)
• Numerous travel documentaries and music videos

Jamaica’s lush landscape and storied past have long inspired writers, from classic literature to contemporary travel essays. Jamaica Inn itself has been featured, alluded to, or spiritually echoed in works across genres.

In Print:

• Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys – A haunting prequel to Jane Eyre, set in post-colonial Jamaica.
• Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier – Though set in Cornwall, its evocative title and intrigue have often drawn comparisons.
• Historical Travelogues & Memoirs – Writers over the decades have documented their stays at the Inn, capturing its elegance, tranquillity, and the vivid characters met along the way.

From royalty to rock stars, silver screen icons to literary giants, Jamaica Inn has welcomed some of the most influential figures of the 20th and 21st centuries. Their visits—often discreet, always memorable—add to the enduring mystique of the Inn.

Just a Few Famous Faces:

• Winston Churchill
• Marilyn Monroe
• Ian Fleming
• Grace Kelly
• Kate Moss
• …and many more drawn from our storied archives

Jamaica Inn has graced the pages of the world’s leading publications, celebrated for its elegance, history, and the rare sense of timeless escape it offers guests.

Spotlight Feature:

• Vogue, May 1975 – Renowned fashion photographer Norman Parkinson captured Jerry Hall at Jamaica Inn in a now-iconic editorial spread. The shoot perfectly fused high fashion with the relaxed glamour of the Caribbean, forever linking the Inn with the golden age of editorial photography.

Other Highlights:

• Forbes: “Jamaica Inn — Star Setting”
• Condé Nast Traveler
• Travel + Leisure
• Architectural Digest, Islands, and more