Along the silky edge of Negril’s famous Seven Mile Beach sits Footeprints Hotel — an intimate family-owned property that has quietly welcomed guests since the 1980s. For decades, it stood as a nostalgic reminder of a simpler era of Jamaican tourism. But when the second generation of owners set out to reimagine their beloved hotel, they turned to Sittol Architects with a challenge: Transform the property for the 21st century without losing the spirit that made Footeprints a classic.

What followed was not just a renovation — it was a complete architectural rethinking of how guests experience the Caribbean.

Rewriting the Arrival Experience

Before the renovation, the site layout felt disjointed. The lobby sat at the back of the property, and amenities were scattered in ways that didn’t reflect how modern travellers move through a resort. Sittol Architects responded with a bold reorganisation of the master plan, beginning with a new lobby and porte-cochère that create a generous, welcoming sense of arrival.

This new entry opens into an “internal street”— a softly lit pedestrian spine inspired by the relaxed promenades found in vibrant coastal towns across the Caribbean. Here, guests wander past a café offering fresh pastries and freshly brewed coffee each morning, a warm lobby bar, the main restaurant, and a tranquil spa. It’s a curated procession of moments designed to slow the pace and ease visitors into Negril’s laid-back rhythm.

A Contemporary Caribbean Aesthetic

The design language, coined Caribbean Contemporary, blends clean modern lines with warm tones, tactile finishes, and tropical textures. Every material was selected for both beauty and durability in the coastal climate, ensuring the hotel remains relevant and resilient for decades.

The property’s three blocks — Block F with 10 rooms and the main public functions, and Blocks P and H with 22 rooms — were at the heart of the transformation.

From Four Sea Views to a Coastal Panorama

Perhaps the most dramatic architectural move came from reimagining the guest rooms. Originally, only four rooms enjoyed a glimpse of the Caribbean Sea. Through strategic reorientation and angling of the building forms, Sittol Architects reshaped the room layouts so that nearly every guest now wakes up to views of the ocean.

This simple yet powerful change elevated the guest experience, increased the value of each room, and created a deeper connection between the architecture and the coastline.

Interiors Designed for Slow Living

Inside, the spaces celebrate comfort and calm. Modern furnishings, handcrafted textures, warm lighting, and soft, neutral palettes invite guests to unwind. Bathrooms and bedding were designed for effortless luxury — thoughtful touches that make each room feel like a personal sanctuary.

The intention was not just to modernise, but to create an atmosphere that allows guests to truly feel Negril: its softness, its warmth, its unhurried soul.

A Tropical Oasis, Reimagined

A new pool and landscaped courtyard now anchor the outdoor experience, framed by lush tropical planting that evokes a Caribbean garden. Perfectly positioned loungers, swaying palms, and the glow of sunset create the kind of postcard moments that define a timeless beach getaway.

A Resort That Lives Outdoors

The newly added pool courtyard forms the heart of the outdoor experience, surrounded by lush tropical landscaping and clean, contemporary loungers. But what truly sets the property apart is how it elevates outdoor living and dining.

A new beach bar offers casual beachfront refreshment by day and a lively social hub by night. Guests can order a tropical cocktail steps from the shoreline, feeling the breeze move through the property.

Above, a rooftop terrace provides one of the most captivating vantage points on Seven Mile Beach. Designed for both relaxation and dining, it gives guests a serene lookout to enjoy the famed Negril sunset — one of the most celebrated in the world.

Connecting these spaces is the hotel’s distinctive sky bridge, a floating architectural element that frames views of the pool below and the horizon beyond. By day it serves as a shaded link across the property; by night it becomes a dramatic silhouette against the fading sky. Guests can dine along the bridge, sip a drink, or simply pause to take in the colours of dusk.

Together, the beach bar, rooftop terrace, and sky bridge create a trio of immersive outdoor spaces that celebrate the Caribbean lifestyle — sun, breeze, water, and the ever-changing light.

A Modern Classic on Seven Mile Beach

The rebirth of Footeprints Hotel is a testament to what thoughtful architecture can achieve. It honours a family legacy while ushering in a new era — one that feels distinctly Caribbean, deeply connected to place, and designed for modern travellers seeking authenticity and quiet luxury.

More than a renovation, Footeprints is now a contemporary sanctuary on one of the world’s most celebrated beaches — a place to arrive, exhale, and experience the best of Negril.

Project Team

Architecture & Interiors: Sittol Architects & Associates

Engineers: Aztecian & Introllect Designs

General Contractor: Novus Building Systems

Furniture: Madison Chai & JFP Ltd.

Photographers: Richard Natoo & Aaron Dabee

A sculpted feature wall with soft, wave-like contours sets the tone for the hotel’s new Caribbean Contemporary identity. Subtle LED lighting traces the curves, while the refined marble-front desk and warm timber accents create a polished yet welcoming arrival experience. Photograph by Dimensions by Nattoo

A sculptural floating staircase becomes a visual centrepiece, combining raw textures, tropical plants, and playful accent décor. The design celebrates movement and verticality while adding an expressive architectural element to the interior. Photograph by Dimensions by Nattoo

Guests can indulge in elevated Caribbean cuisine at the hotel’s beachfront restaurant and bar, enjoying uninterrupted views of Seven Mile Beach. Photograph by Dimensions by Nattoo

The reoriented guest rooms now frame uninterrupted ocean views, bringing the Caribbean Sea into the heart of the space. Modern furnishings, clean lines, and calming tones create a serene retreat that reflects Negril’s relaxed rhythm. Photograph by Aaron Dabee

A newly added pool anchors the redesigned courtyard, surrounded by lush tropical landscaping and contemporary poolside furniture. The clean geometry of the buildings contrasts beautifully with the organic greenery, creating a bright, modern oasis. Photograph by Dimensions by Nattoo

The open-air dining terrace blends natural materials, warm lighting, and lush landscaping to create an intimate al fresco setting. Sightlines draw the eye through the garden toward the pool and the ocean beyond, reinforcing a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. Photograph by Dimensions by Nattoo

The redesigned pool frames the iconic Negril sunset, with the elevated walkway creating a dramatic silhouette over the horizon. Evening lighting and the gentle glow of the restaurant below offer a sophisticated beachfront dining experience.

As evening falls, the courtyard transforms into a glowing sanctuary. Warm lighting from the rooms and landscape creates a serene, cinematic atmosphere, highlighting the crisp architectural forms against the dusk sky. Photograph by Dimensions by Nattoo

A signature design gesture: The elevated walkway frames views of both the pool and the beach beyond. The striped umbrellas, modern loungers, and soft planting create an effortless resort atmosphere with a distinctly Caribbean sensibility. Photograph by Dimensions by Nattoo