The Latest on Jamaica's All-Inclusives

From over-the-water suites slated to debut in 2015 in Montego Bay to exclusive Nickelodeon entertainment for families heading to Negril, Jamaican all-inclusives are offering new amenities for all clientele. Here’s what you need to know to capitalize on Jamaica’s latest all-inclusive offerings.

A First for Hyatt

Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, in partnership with Playa Hotels & Resorts, officially entered the Caribbean all-inclusive market last month with the opening of the Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall and Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall in Montego Bay. The former Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall underwent an $83 million enhancement and expansion project.

Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall is an indulgent escape focusing exclusively on adults. It has separate gourmet dining rooms and lounges offering premium-branded beverages. Concealed along the western edge of the estate, this resort has 234 guest suites, including 30 swim-up suites.

Guests on the property can enjoy adult-oriented amenities, including four chic and contemporary private pools, a pool bar and restaurant surrounded by chaise lounges and Bali Beds, in addition to a private beach.

Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall caters to guests of all ages seeking rest, relaxation and recreation. The hotel’s 387 suites, including 28 newly created premium swim-up suites, have oversized terraces with picturesque garden and ocean views.

Sandals Resorts is constructing five over-the-water Suites at Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island on Montego Bay.
Sandals Resorts is constructing five over-the-water Suites at Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island on Montego Bay.

Sun seekers can slip into any one of the eight pools, featuring five swim-up pools and three whirlpools; relax in luxurious lounge seating; or linger poolside at the swim-up bar with personalized service provided by the pool butler. From gourmet gastronomy to thrilling sports by land and sea, as well as an innovative children’s program, Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall has something for every member of the family to enjoy.

To celebrate the grand opening, the resorts have established an exclusive partnership with the White Witch Golf Course and Cinnamon Hill Golf Club. Clients with reservations at the resort for a minimum of three nights will be eligible for one free round of golf at either of the courses (green fees only), including transportation from the resorts to the course. Booking begins on New Year’s Day for travel from January 1 to December 31, 2015. Tee times are subject to availability and must be booked in advance through the hotel upon check-in.

Agents needing more information should contact Mureen James ([email protected], 876- 953-2800), director of sales for both properties.

Azul Sensatori Courts Kids

Karisma Hotels & Resorts’ first and only Caribbean property, Azul Sensatori Jamaica, will debut its new partnership with Nickelodeon by the end of 2015, making it an even better pitch for families.

Mandy Chomat, vice president of sales and marketing for Karisma Hotels & Resorts, told Travel Agent in November about Karisma Hotels & Resorts’ new partnership with Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), a division of Viacom Inc., to bring Nickelodeon-brand experiences to Azul Hotels by Karisma.

This collaboration marks the first time Nickelodeon has partnered with an international resort collection. Chomat told us discussions have been ongoing since Karisma ended its very successful, seven-year partnership with Fisher-Price.

Azul Sensatori Jamaica marked Karisma Hotels & Resorts’ first expansion beyond the Riviera Maya when it had its soft opening toward the end of 2013. Agents should reach out to Nicola Roberts ([email protected], 876-620-0100), reservations manager, with any queries.

Moon Palace Jamaica Grande

The newest luxury all-inclusive offering from Palace Resorts, Moon Palace Jamaica Grande, is scheduled to open in February following a $50 million renovation of the former Sunset Jamaica Grande. The new hotel will have more than 700 rooms and suites with oceanfront views of the Caribbean Sea. The resort is set in Ocho Rios on the north coast of Jamaica, accessible from the Montego Bay airport.

Moon Palace Jamaica Grande is scheduled to open in February following a $50 million renovation.
Moon Palace Jamaica Grande is scheduled to open in February following a $50 million renovation.

In addition to 17 acres of beach, it will have five swimming pools, multiple restaurants, a gourmet corridor and a FlowRider Double wave simulator.

The resort looks to be a solid pitch for both couples and families as plans also call for a “Wired Teen Lounge;” “The Playroom” kids club; “Noir,” the resort’s nightclub; and an Awe-Spa with a wellness center. Reunions, weddings and group functions can also be booked here, as it is home to 25,000 square feet of multifunctional meeting and event space.

Agents should direct any questions to Frank Corzo ([email protected], 800-635-1836, Ext. 8671), vice president of U.S. field sales for Palace.

Sandals’ Over-the-Water Suites

Sandals Resorts is constructing five over-the-water suites on the private island at Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island in Montego Bay. Set to debut sometime in the second half of 2015, each 1,400-square-foot villa will feature a glass floor, a soaking tub, a king-size bed, 65-inch flat-screen TVs in both the living and bedroom areas, indoor and outdoor showers, outdoor dining space and a built-in hammock over the water.

Additionally, the Royal Sanctuary Village and Edinburgh building will continue to receive bathroom renovations and soft upgrades.

The go-to person for agents is O’Brian Gordon ([email protected]), resort sales manager.