Jamaica conjures up images of all inclusive resorts, expansive white sand beaches and a vacation that oozes relaxation. Fortunately, these stereotypes actually do describe this friendly Caribbean island, which is filled with interesting attractions.
All Inclusive Resorts
Half Moon Rose Hall: It doesn’t get much better than this. Walk into the Half Moon resort for history, luxury and exquisite attention to detail. 400 acres of land are a playground of sugar plantation-style, elegant buildings and direct beach access.
- A variety of rate plans, ranging from $205 USD for a superior room in the summer to $1,680 per night for a two-bedroom suite during the winter
- Private Royal Villas are available with a personal butler, housekeeper and cook (starting at $1,175 USD for a four-bedroom villa per night)
- A range of meal plans let guests choose the level of “all inclusive” they would like
- Activities include but are not limited to: tennis, 18-hole putting course, fitness centre, a children’s centre, kayaking, volleyball, basketball, badminton, pools and nightly entertainment
- Montego Bay area
- Reservations: 1-888-830-5974
Grand Lido Braco Resort & Spa (to become Breezes Rio Bueno): A European village on the island of Jamaica is quite a unique concept. This sprawling resort is actually modelled after an old-fashioned Jamaican village, complete with cobbled pedestrian “streets,” gingerbread architecture and a town square, attracting many European clientele.
- Rates vary but range from $755 USD for a two-night stay to $1,395 USD for a two-night stay including taxes and fees
- There is a also an au naturel section of the resort, where there is a private beach and guests vacation in the nude
- Activities include but are not limited to: 9-hole golf course, access to neighbouring 18-hole PGA-quality championship course, nightly entertainment, fitness centre, tennis, sailing, snorkelling and scuba diving
- A manicure and pedicure appointment is complimentary to all guests
- 32 miles east of Montego Bay, near Runaway Bay
- Reservations: 1-877-467-8737
Rose Hall Resort & Spa: This Hilton hotel keeps things modern with sleek new renovations. The resort has a small private beach, the Caribbean’s largest water park and a championship golf course.
- All inclusive rates start at $289 USD per night
- Packages include value-friendly, all inclusive, platinum all inclusive, golf all inclusive and a winter escape deal
- Activities include but are not limited to: 18-hole championship golf course, water park, snorkelling, windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, volleyball, basketball, tennis, fitness centre, pool and a game room
- Montego Bay area
- Reservations: 1-866-799-3661
Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach & Villa Golf Resort: Catering to couples, this property has beachfront and garden sections, with villa suites on the garden side. Although villas have private pools, it’s worth it to book on the beachfront side to avoid taking a shuttle to the beach.
- Activities include but are not limited to: nightly entertainment, fitness centre, volleyball, basketball, darts, lawn chess, tennis, rock climbing, pool tables, squash, windsurfing, kayaking and scuba diving
- Ocho Rios area
- Reservations: 1-888-SANDALS
Jamaica Travel from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios
The stretch of beach on the northern coast of Jamaica consist of Montego Bay, Falmouth, Runaway Bay and Ocho Rios. Some of the best attractions on the island line the highway for easy to navigate access.
Must sees include Rose Hall Great House (Montego Bay Area, 876-953-9982), Dunn’s River Falls & Park (Ocho Rios, 876-974-2857), Mystic Mountain (Ocho Rios, 876-974-3990), and outdoor fun with Chukka Caribbean Adventures (Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, 876-972-2506 and 876-953-6699).
Jamaica Vacations
Perhaps the easiest way to book a Jamaica vacation package is through Air Canada Vacations (1-866-529-2079). Travel advice and flight recommendations are available by contacting the Jamaica Tourist Board (1-800-233-4582 from the USA and 1-800-465-2624 from Canada).
Lori Henry - A travel writer, Lori flits between exploring the world with incessant curiosity and huddling over her laptop writing.
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