Hidden on the opposite side of the Jamaican capital to Kingston, Montego Bay seems to be successfully playing a game of hide-and-seek with its notorious big brother. Not that it is understated: this is the land of mega resorts, where thousands of guests come to bathe in the Caribbean sun and paddle in its waters. The flavours of Jamaican culture may often be diluted round these parts, but for anyone looking for a reliable, safe holiday managed by a long-established regional specialist could do worse than to sign up for one of the gigantic all-inclusive resorts.
Boutique hotels may be a very loose concept in Montego Bay, but the service is nonetheless reliable, while more curious travellers can request to book tours of the local region, whether that’s to former colonial mansions, waterfalls, or to take a day trip to visit the birthplace of Bob Marley.
Main photo: Sandals Royal Caribbean (Booking.com)
1. Sandals Royal Caribbean
Sandals Royal Caribbean offers couples the chance to head out to their own man-made island. The over-water villas here look distinctly Maldivian, while the wider resort back on the mainland is more typical of the region. With hundreds of rooms to cater for, the resort has eight restaurants, though the top pick is the Thai option out on the private cay. If you’ve somehow exhausted all the options here, you can head to the Sandals Montego Bay via the hotel’s free shuttle.
Spa Y
Pool Y
Price £££
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2. S Hotel Jamaica
In a region where sprawling all-inclusive resorts are the norm, the 120-room S Hotel Jamaica might be described as a boutique hotel. In the heart of Montego Bay, it is of course surrounded by other hotels and the infamous Hip Strip, but few offer the same level of service at these price points. Despite occupying less real estate, the hotel has its own gym and spa, as well as two restaurants and its popular Sky Deck, a rooftop swimming pool with stirring views out to sea.
Spa Y
Pool Y
Price ££
3. Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall
If downtown hotels in Montego Bay seem a little too intense for your holiday desires, then an hour east of the city, Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall in Discovery Bay will provide comparative tranquillity. Beach focused and family-friendly, this all-inclusive hotel often sees its guests not leave the property for the duration of their stay in Jamaica. Sailing, kayaking, and boogie-boarding are all included among their activities, while children up to 12 years old can go to the KidZ Club.
Spa Y
Pool Y
Price ££
4. Riu Reggae
Located a short drive east from Sangster International Airport, Riu Reggae is part of a trio of Riu hotels in the neighbourhood. Sitting next door to its equally giant sister hotels the Riu Palace Jamaica and the Riu Montego Bay, it’s what feels like an accommodation megalopolis, catering to anyone with a focus on not having to worry about planning their holiday. As the hotel is an adults-only property with a comprehensive all-inclusive package and direct beach access, the only thing guests will have to fret about is losing their wristbands.
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Spa Y
Pool Y
Price ££
5. Hilton Rose Hall
A calming distance from the hubbub of Montego Bay proper, Hilton Rose Hall is another of the all-inclusive resorts looking north towards Cuba. Like many of its nominal rivals, it has a humungous private beach, while the backdrop as a former sugar plantation means there’s no shortage of greenery on the grounds, too. The list of services and facilities is impressive, with a kids’ club and waterpark, and the Cinnamon Hill golf course just across the road. The rooms may have the usual Hiltonian uniformity, but with so much to do on site, you probably won’t be spending too much time in them.
Spa Y
Pool Y
Price ££
6. Sandals Montego Bay
Situated in the shadow of the international airport, Sandals Montego Bay has been holding its own in this incredibly competitive market for over 40 years. Its proximity to the airport of course results in some aircraft noise, but if you’ve booked a beachfront villa with a personal butler, there’s a chance you’ll be too distracted to notice. As well as the private beach area, there are tennis courts, and a well-established spa. If you’re curious about the other Sandals resort to the east, free transfers are available too.
Spa Y
Pool Y
Price £££
7. Eclipse at Half Moon
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Following in the footsteps of the doyen of Jamaican hospitality, Half Moon, Eclipse is a boutique product rarely found around Montego Bay. This 57-room extension of the famous brand launched somewhat unluckily in early March 2020, meaning it crashed headfirst into the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Bookings are now rebounding, however, as guests are keen to see, among other things, the grand ocean suites, the largest of which have four bedrooms and their own tropical gardens.
Spa Y
Pool Y
Price £££
8. Round Hill Hotel and Villas
Unlike so many other resorts around Montego Bay, Round Hill sits to the west of the city centre, ensconced by a white sand beach, and with outrageous sunset views from its west-facing location. The architecture and service call to mind a colonial formality, but while so many of the accommodation options are hulking all-inclusive affairs, this feels altogether more considered. If you’re looking to stay somewhere a little different but still unmistakably elegant, Round Hill is the place for you.
Spa Y
Pool Y
Price £££
9. Royalton Blue Waters
Around 45 minutes’ drive east from Montego Bay, Royalton Blue Waters enjoys a prime position on Mountain Spring Bay. With 228 rooms, it’s nowhere near the largest resort on Jamaica’s north coast, but with 12 dining options, its own water park, and a club designed specifically for teen guests, it has many more facilities than other Jamaican five-star hotels. If you’re looking to get out and explore, the hotel can arrange tours to the picture-perfect Dunn’s River Falls or to Bob Marley’s birthplace in Nine Mile St Ann.
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Spa Y
Pool Y
Price £££
10. Iberostar Selection Rose Hall Suites
Flanked by other Iberostar properties, the Selection Rose Hall Suites has been remarkably popular since opening in 2016. While its broad offering of beach access, kids’ clubs, and a dizzying array of restaurants may be replicated elsewhere in and around Montego Bay, the mix here also includes the option to get Padi certified for scuba diving. There is no shortage of activities for families too, with football, beach volleyball and basketball as well as a water park, featuring a lazy river.
Spa Y
Pool Y
Price £££
11. Secrets St James
Located on a hammer-headed peninsula west of Montego Bay city, Secrets St James has decided to eschew the family market and focus on adults looking to holiday with an all-inclusive package. With no little ones running around, here you can hit the casino, the on-site nightclub, and the nightly entertainment. It’s not exclusively a party hotel, however — there’s also a selection of outdoor pools and hot tubs, plus the option to book sailing trips and spa treatments.
Spa Y
Pool Y
Price £££
12. Jewel Grande Montego Bay
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Just 15 minutes from the international airport, Jewel Grande is another all-inclusive behemoth situated near the storied Rose Hall. This famous colonial building of course has a troubled past, something tours of the mansion address with admirable clarity. Back at the resort, there is a shimmering beach and idyllic turquoise waters captured inside the hotel’s private cove. There are 12 bars and restaurants, with many offering them excellent views of that striking shoreline.
Spa Y
Pool Y
Price ££
13. Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall
While Hyatt’s other property in the region is proudly family focussed, this similarly named sister hotel is resolutely aimed at adults. Here that means a superlative spa and high-tech gym, and some villas with direct pool access that allows you to swim back to the room. Private dining can be arranged in the quieter beach areas, but if you’re worried this is all getting a bit too quiet, it’s a short hop into Montego Bay, or you can head out to the Hyatt Ziva to use their facilities, too.
Spa Y
Pool Y
Price £££
14. Royal Decameron Cornwall Beach
If want to holiday in proximity to Montego Bay’s raucous two-mile party avenue known as the Hip Strip, then this is the hotel for you. It’s also near the international airport, so you’ll be deep-ended into your Jamaican holiday quicker here than almost any other local hotel. The packages are all-inclusive, the beach is private, and there’s a sister hotel where you can use the facilities just next door. While this pattern is repeated around the region, this hotel has the added bonus of being beside Tracks and Records, a restaurant owned by local lad Usain Bolt.
Spa Y
Pool Y
Price ££
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Inspired to visit Montego Bay but yet to book your trip? Here are the best packages from Virgin Holidays* and Tui Holidays*. And if you’re still unsure of where you want to go or what type of holiday to book, get in touch here and one of the Designer Travel experts will be in contact to help you arrange your perfect tailor-made break.
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