3 Things to know about Montego Bay, Jamaica
“Aren't you going to ask me how Jamaica was?”
While not as epic as Michael Scott’s Jamaica trip, my time spent on Montego Bay was a much needed beach getaway. It’d been about 20 years since I last touched down in Jamaica, and a multi-gen celebratory trip was the perfect excuse to visit. My parents were celebrating their 50th (!) wedding anniversary, so the whole family (ages 5-75), dusted off their passports and headed South. Jamaica is very family friendly, and most resorts have kids clubs to keep the kiddos busy during their stay.
All-Inclusive Resorts were invented in Jamaica
When most people think of Jamaica, they think of all-inclusive hotels. And the reason for that may be because the all-inclusive hotel was actually invented in Jamaica. With the global pandemic still in full swing, AI’s have had to re-think how they operate in order to keep guests safe. Say (mostly) goodbye to buffet dining and hello to innovative ideas like street food festivals with food truck-esque stands, the ability to order via your phone, and plated meals that feel more fine dining than all you care to eat.
Activities Abound at All Inclusives
I checked in to a suite at the Hyatt Ziva property, which is family friendly but shares the beachfront locale with the Hyatt Zilara property which is adults only. One of my favorite things about AI’s is that there are activities planned throughout the day so you can do as much or as little as you like. There are also nightly shows that you can attend in the evening before headed to Zilara for a nightcap, or a silent disco. If this sounds like how you love to vacation then keep reading for the 3 tips that you need to know about your next trip to Jamaica!
3 Things to Know
Make dining reservations early- If you can reserve your dining reservations when you work with your travel advisor to book your accommodations, then you are guaranteed to get the best times (especially if you’re with a larger group like we were). If you’re not able to book in advance, try to arrive to the property early in the day so that you can be first in line for reservations for guests who are checking in that day. Don’t worry if you get there early, you can always get checked in, store your bags, and use the amenities!
Leave your resort- It may sound like an obvious choice, but the hotels in Jamaica make it so easy to get tucked into the property, that you may wake up on your last day and realize that you never stepped foot off the grounds. There are some real gems in Jamaica, so don’t be shy about spending the morning at Martha Brae river, or renting Mini Coopers to explore the island on your own.
Don’t forget to use the non-motorized equipment- Sure there’s a lot to be said for lounging pool or beachside, but don’t forget that your room rate also includes the use of non-motorized equipment like snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and Hobie Cats. Try something that you’ve always wanted to test out, or dust off skills that you haven’t used in a while. I always consult the beach staff about what they enjoy doing, because depending on where you are on the island one activity could be better than the other.
Have More Questions?
Reach out when you’re ready to plan your next Jamacia trip!