Caribbean - Open for Business: Jamaica

By Joe Pike Nov 9, 2017 10:30am

As part of our new “Caribbean - Open for Business” series, in which we profile the hottest selling points for Caribbean islands that were not majorly impacted by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria, Travel Agent examines Jamaica's hottest accommodations for Millennials.

Here's what we found.

The Hottest Jamaica All-Inclusives for Millennials

Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa’s xhale club Master Suite Swim Up has a furnished balcony or terrace with Jacuzzi and direct access to a pool.

Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa

AMResorts’ Breathless brand has been trending high with Millennials ever since the brand was introduced about four years ago, which is why the first Breathless brand resort in Jamaica has been creating a buzz since it opened in March.

Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa, surrounded by Montego Bay Marine Park, is an adults-only resort with a chic design and modern technology ranging from free Wi-Fi to in-room tablets.

Single Millennials may also be interested in the resort’s occasional theme parties, such as the “Gatsby Party." It includes flappers and a speakeasy-themed bar. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes from the 1920’s. The Gatsby Party takes place every other Saturday night.

Guests can also enjoy free flow access to eight bars and ten restaurants with AMResorts’ “Exchange Privileges,” which allows guests to use the amenities of other nearby AMResorts hotels. Breathless Montego Bay is right next door to Secrets Wild Orchid and Secrets St. James.

Visit www.breathlessresorts.com/montego-bay

Sandals South Coast

After the huge success of debuting the Caribbean’s first-ever Over-the-Water Villas in Jamaica and then 12 additional Over-the-Water Bungalows at Sandals Royal Caribbean, Sandals Resorts recently announced 12 new Over-the-Water Honeymoon Butler Bungalows at Sandals South Coast (formerly Sandals Whitehouse) will be open by December.

Guests who stay in the Bungalows will also receive exclusive inclusions such as in-room dining and room service menu, personal airport greeting, expedited immigration, private luxury transfers and welcomes gifts, including a branded tote and towel set and Molton Brown bathroom amenities.

These over-the-water accommodations have hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings and custom-crafted king-size beds with soft linens. Each bungalow is also equipped with a smart TV and a large ceiling fan. The spa-style bathrooms are equipped with his and hers sinks, a large backlit mirror adorned with mosaic tile, and a walk-in rain shower.

These bungalows also come with Butler Elite service, which handles every detail of the couple’s vacation with unobtrusive grace, and 24-hour room service to complete their over-water vacation. Rates for Sandals South Coast’s new Over-the-Water Bungalows start at $1,078 per person, per night.

These bungalows also come with Butler Elite service, which handles every detail of the couple’s vacation with unobtrusive grace, and 24-hour room service to complete their over-water vacation. Rates for Sandals South Coast’s new Over-the-Water Bungalows start at $1,078 per person, per night.

Visit www.sandals.com

Zoetry Montego Bay

Millennials looking for sexy swimming pools and an emphasis on wellness should check the debut of the high-end Zoetry brand in Jamaica, Zoetry Montego Bay.

All of Zoetry Montego Bay’s 49 suites come with enhanced amenities and extraordinary architecture and features with suites situated in three main buildings: Wood & Water, Bamboo and Blue Mountain — a nod to Jamaica’s ecological tapestry.

The best rooms here for couples retreats or girls' and guys' getaways are the Swim-out Suites with Private Pools and the Master Suite Ocean View. Located in the Blue Mountain building of the resort, the Master Suite Ocean View comes with a King bed and a private balcony with a whirlpool.

Perhaps the best of the swim-out rooms are in the Junior Suite Swim Out Ocean View with Jacuzzi category. These rooms include direct access to a private pool from the terrace, a king bed and a Jacuzzi. All rooms come with butler service.

Visit www.zoetryresorts.com/Montego-Bay

Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall and Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall

Hyatt Hotels and Resorts in partnership with Playa Hotels & Resorts, officially entered the Caribbean all-inclusive market in 2015 with the opening of the Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall and Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall in Montego Bay, which are popular options for both Millennial couples and families.

Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall focuses 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 about 235 guest suites, including roughly 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 Millennials with children. The hotel’s roughly 390 suites, including about 30 newly created premium swim-up suites, have oversized terraces with picturesque garden and ocean views.

Visit www.hyatt.com

Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa

Montego Bay’s newest all-inclusive beachfront hotel for both honeymooners and families, Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa, recently opened its doors in Jamaica.

Located on a private cove about 15 minutes from Sangster International Airport, the Jamaican-owned all-inclusive resort includes a 30,000-square foot island villa-inspired Grande Spa.

The new addition to the Jewel chain of resorts offers three beachfront towers— Sabal, Silver and Sentry – and 11 villas for a total of 217 accommodation options.

An assortment of dining offerings catering to discerning palates, personal butler service, 25,000 square feet of customizable meetings space, and an elaborate villa inspired spa sanctuary are only a few of the noteworthy offerings gracing this island escape. Jewel Grande is managed by Aimbridge Hospitality, a long time operator for the resort portfolio in both Jamaica and Orlando.

For Millennials looking to go all out, the Penthouse Suites are the most luxurious suite offerings. Located on the highest floors, guests can choose between the 2,260-square foot three-bedroom/three-bathroom Penthouse or the 2,569-square-foot four-bedroom/four-bathroom Executive Penthouse. Butler service is provided to all rooms.

Also great for honeymooners is the VIP Spa Suite, which includes massage tables, a shower and a tub. The treatment begins in the resort’s Signature Relaxation room before a Jamaican Bush bath helps loosen the muscles for a Himalayan Sea Salt Hot Stone Massage.

Visit www.jewelresorts.com

Moon Palace Jamaica

Moon Palace Jamaica, a 705-room AAA Four Diamond resort and Palace Resorts’ first property outside of Mexico, is a solid match for honeymooners and destination weddings.

Sitting on 17-acres of private beach in Ocho Rios, this also is one of Jamaica’s trendiest all-inclusive resorts for small family gatherings and couples retreats.

For clients getting married, a destination wedding at Palace Resorts includes a team of 57 wedding planners ready to personalize and create the event. VIPs earn more than $27,000 in complimentary wedding benefits – including $1,500 in resort credit.

For couples who’ve already tied the knot, Palace Resort’s Complimentary Honeymoon Package is available for guests staying three nights or more. That package also includes up to $1,500 in resort credit.

The resort also offer some extra perks for certain room categories like the Concierge Level rooms, which come with two, 25-minute massages. These rooms also come with one king bed and access to a private beach lounge chair area with waiter service. The resort also offers a scenic catamaran ride through Ocho Rios.

Visit www.moonpalace.com/jamaica/en-us

More Hot, New All-Inclusives in Jamaica

The Ocean View Deluxe rooms at Azul Beach Resort Sensatori Jamaica by Karisma are available in both the adults and multigenerational sections.

Though the Azul Beach Resort Sensatori Jamaica by Karisma technically opened a few years ago, Karisma reintroduced the resort this year with full renovations. Now the resort, located beachfront on Negril’s Seven Mile Beach, has 149 premium suites as well as several restaurants and bars.

The most recent, over-21 clothing-optional Blue Diamond Resort opened in Grand Lido Negril, Jamaica, this past February. Its 26 ocean-facing suites have butler service, rain shower heads and personal terraces—ideal for couples looking to travel au naturel.

Just opened this spring, the 407-room Royalton Negril debuted with eight bars and eight restaurants as well as a Diamond Club wing and a 166-room Hideaway at Royalton Negril for adults.

For a new option for Millennials traveling with children, Travel Agent recommends the six-month-old Royalton Negril, which has waterfront rooms throughout three sections, including the main resort, an exclusive Diamond Club wing and, for guests 18 and older, the Hideaway at Royalton Negril. Diamond Club Chairman’s Suites, which have a private balcony with private outdoor Jacuzzi and dining table, are a good fit for Millennials traveling with other couples or for small families.

Royalton Negril has eight bars and eight restaurants offering a wide selection of local and international fare. After dinner, entertainment comes in the form of sunset champagne cheers at the 18-plus Hideaway, boogying at XS Disco Bar and live nightly shows.

Riu Reggae in Montego Bay recently became one of the newest all-inclusive in Jamaica when it opened its doors just before the summer and is a good fit for couples looking to party. In fact, the adults-only Riu Reggae is among the hottest Jamaican retreats for couples retreats. For a vacation with a group of friends, there are some family rooms that can accommodate up to five people.

The Best Hotels in Port Antonio

The Trident Hotel comprises 13 oceanfront villas. Shown here is the hotel’s infinity pool

The Trident Hotel

Trident’s 13 oceanfront villas aim to blend classic elegance with modern, chic luxury. Residential in feel, all villas include private terraces with soaking pools. Each villa is appointed with hand-selected furnishings, accent pieces and original artwork complemented by a contemporary tropical aesthetic.

This is our favorite hotel in Port Antonio. We first fell in love with it after a visit back in 2013 when we had the privilege of staying in Villa #14 (there is no Villa #13 for superstitious reasons), also known as the Shiprock Villa because of its proximity to the ocean and the rocks.

It was easily one of the best rooms we’ve ever stayed at in Jamaica. There’s a king-size bed and a flat-screen Smart TV to watch an array of movies on Netflix and to listen to just about any type of music. The room also comes with an outdoor shower. Some villas have outdoor showers, while others have outdoor bathtubs.

The best part of this room, however, is the private patio with a small swimming pool and lounge chairs. It is completely gated off from the other villas, so you basically have a backyard to yourself. The pool is only two feet or so away from the ocean and elevated by about two feet. It’s not uncommon to get sprinkled by the ocean as the waves crash into the rocks. The villa is also the closest one to the hotel’s private beach.

Geejam Hotel

To put it quite simply, if your clients love music, they should love this hotel. Whether they are recording artists or aspire to be one — or are just a fan of the recording process — this hotel is a music enthusiast’s paradise.

The Geejam’s seven double rooms consist of three deluxe cabins, one junior suite and a self-contained three-bedroom villa. Also included is a gym, the Bushbar restaurant / bar, a private beach and a professional recording studio. In fact, Geejam Studios is one of the leading residential recording complexes in the Caribbean.

Having catered to the music industry for more than 12 years, Geejam also has a showcase suite and customizable workspace. Clients can record an album, rent out the studio or even take over the entire property.

Goblin Hill

One gets a very high-end, country feel when staying at Goblin Hill and overlooking its landscaped gardens. The villas here open onto wide expanses of lawns and gardens. All of the apartments are self-contained, with fully equipped kitchens, living and dining rooms, and a wide, covered terrace or balcony with its own view over the bay. All bedrooms have private bathrooms, air-conditioning and ceiling fans.

Each apartment is staffed with a housekeeper to prepare and serve meals, do shopping and carry out all housekeeping duties. The housekeepers are versatile cooks and can prepare local cuisine as well as international dishes.

Facilities include a swimming pool and two lighted tennis courts, as well as a complimentary pass to the world-famous Frenchman’s Cove Beach. The white-sand beach, protected by a coral reef and suitable for snorkeling, is only a 10-minute walk away. A nature trail around the grounds wends its way through a miniature rain forest and over rolling lawns.

Kanopi House

Kanopi House is a Millennial’s dream, as it offers luxury “Tree Houses” set among 100-foot banyan trees and surrounded by a secluded cove. The property limits its carbon footprint with practices such as recycling the wastewater on the property and using sustainable and regionally sourced hardwood.

Hotel Mockingbird Hill

Hotel Mockingbird Hill comprises 10 eco-boutique rooms that are decorated using locally made furniture crafted from sustainable woods such as bamboo. The hotel has also partnered with the Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust, the organization that manages the national park in the Blue and John Crow Mountains, to help offset carbon emissions by ensuring that trees get planted in the area and are successfully grown.

Great Huts

Great Huts is an eco-friendly boutique hotel set on the edge of a cliff, only a few minutes’ walk from the beach. The African-style huts aim to inspire oneness with nature. Guests can choose to meditate, hike in the nearby Blue Mountains, meet with natural healing practitioners, take in the sight and sounds of African drumming circles, and get an all-around spiritual and nature-friendly experience.

Trident Castle

Set against the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea and Blue Mountains, the eight-bedroom Trident Castle has a helicopter pad, luxurious swimming pool and a secluded chapel. Wedding packages are available. Agents should also note that clients can rent out the castle as a private villa. Some of the castle’s most notable past guests include Johnny Depp, Tom Cruise and the late Robin Williams, and Arcade Fire filmed the video for the single “You Already Know” in the master suite.

Hot Villas for Millennial Couples

Round Hill Hotel and Villas. // Photo courtesy of Round Hill Hotel and Villas

For couples looking for an untraditional and intimate getaway, The Tryall Club, situated 20 minutes outside Montego Bay, Jamaica, offers the perfect escape to paradise.

Each of the 75 privately-owned villa homes sprinkled throughout the 2,200-acre property provide the ultimate privacy and relaxation, with astonishing views of the lush mountain and the Caribbean Sea.

Millennials couples can also enjoy the services of a butler, housekeeper, laundress and gardener to care for all needs, while a world-trained chef with a boundless recipe repertoire will fulfill every craving.

A round of golf, game of tennis, sunbathing on a private beach, kayaking and Hobie cat sailing on the Caribbean or partaking in a glass bottom boat tour will make for everlasting memories.

Bluefields Bay Villas is also a great spot for a romantic getaway. Visitors stay in a completely private waterfront villa with a personal staff who caters to their every need.

Clients can focus on each other as their butler serves their favorite cocktails as well as some new, Jamaican inspired ones. A chef will make each gourmet meal an experience complimented by a flower filled table with real china and silver.

The hotel also offers sea view bedrooms with four-poster canopy beds and excursions such as snorkeling or a romantic horseback ride on a private beach.

Private and secluded, Round Hill Hotel and Villas is situated on a 110-acre peninsula just west of Montego Bay, Jamaica. Long recognized as one of the most beautiful and elegant boutique resorts in the Caribbean, Round Hill caters, with impeccable service and warm Jamaican hospitality, to the needs of its sophisticated guests. Couples are invited to escape to the understated elegance of our captivating and carefree resort in Ralph Lauren-designed oceanfront guest rooms or luxurious villa suites; with dedicated staff.

This classic Jamaican hotel got a little publicity boost back in March when Prince Harry and his girlfriend, actress Meghan Markle, stayed there for a friend’s wedding. In fact, the buzz surrounding the hotel was so strong after Prince Harry and friends took over resort that Round Hill Hotel and Villas made a push for even more resort takeovers by more actively promoting the option.

Meet Half Moon

Half Moons’ lobby was renovated as part of the first phase of the hotel’s 75 million renovation

A longstanding, popular, luxury resort amongst affluent Millennials vacationing in Montego Bay, Half Moon is undergoing a major makeover and the hotel is in the middle of Phase II of a massive $75 million renovation.

Scheduled for completion in October 2018, the second phase of Half Moon Master Plan includes the introduction of new guest facilities and restaurants, as well as expanding the beach and the accommodations, which include 57 new rooms and suites that will replace 44 existing ones.

But guests don’t have to wait until next year to see at least some of the hotel’s upgrades as this phase follows the 2015 refurbishment of the Sugar Mill Restaurant, the resort lobby, the Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed golf course and the introduction of the popular Lester’s Cafe. The resort, occupying 400 acres of tropical gardens and bordered by two miles of beachfront, will remain open for the duration of the development project.

The 63-year-old resort has 31 four-, five-, six- and seven-bedroom luxury villas, all with private pools and a personal staff that includes a butler, a cook and a housekeeper.

Visit www.halfmoon.com

Jamaica’s Small Inns, Boutiques Are Great Options for Millennials

Although Jamaica tends to be known for its wide variety of all-inclusive resorts, the island is also dotted along its coastlines and mountain peaks with beautiful Jamaican-owned boutique hotels and inns, most of which are great options for Millennial honeymooners and romantics in general.

To provide an online marketing and reservation system to create greater visibility and allow guests to make direct bookings at these properties, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has launched a new website, www.jamaicainnsandhotels.com, which already has nearly 300 participating boutique hotels and small inns.

The JTB is funding the development of the GuestServe platform making it free for property owners to participate. Through this extranet platform, hotels, inns and villas with 100 rooms or less will be able to manage their own content, room inventory, property images, discounts and offerings, in real-time to the consumer.

Some of the notable hotels for couples that already included on the site are Hotel Mockingbird Hill and the San San Tropez in Port Antonio, Doctor's Cave Beach Hotel in Montego Bay and Negril's Idle Away in Negril.

Couples Tower Isle in Jamaica Debuts Unlimited Spa Experience

Couples Resorts recently introduced a new all-inclusive, unlimited spa experience with the launch of its new Oasis Spa Villas, available at its flagship Couples Tower Isle in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

The Oasis Spa Villas provide couples with unrestricted private access to all the services and treatments available at Couples Tower Isle's Oasis Spa, as well as the ability to book unique services in their own private terrace.

With the Oasis Spa Villas, guests also enjoy private round-trip airport transfers from Montego Bay, personal in-villa check-in and a custom-designed spa itinerary, featuring unlimited spa services, which are hand-selected in consultation with a dedicated spa concierge.

Oasis Spa Villas are spacious and ultra-exclusive. Each of the villas include private walkways with direct access to the spa, a personal plunge pool, a king size bed and an outdoor shower.

In addition to the special spa services, couples can also expect the customary comprehensive all-inclusive amenities that Couples Resorts are especially known for such as 24-hour gourmet dining, unlimited golf, Hobie Cat sailing, excursions and night life entertainment.

There are scores of swanky, new all-inclusives popping up all over Jamaica, but the country’s classic hotels aren’t just falling by the wayside. Travel Agent explores four of the hottest new hotels and a trio of longtime Jamaican favorites that have been making moves to keep up with the new kids on the hotel block.

They are comprised of two bedrooms, one with a king-size bed and sofa bed and a second room with two single beds and two bathrooms. A lively program of day and night activities includes evening shows with live music. For a quieter way to relax, there’s the Renova Spa. Two of its three infinity pools come with an adjacent swim-up bar.

Visit www.couples.com and keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for all your latest travel news. Be sure to follow Travel Agent’s Joe Pike on Twitter @TravelPike and Instagram @pike5260.