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All-Inclusive Resorts in Jamaica

All-inclusive resorts in Jamaica offer worry-free vacations for travelers

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Jamaica All Inclusive
 

 

Jamaica is the birthplace of the all-inclusive resort, a one-stop vacation spot travelers either love or hate.

All-inclusive resorts are extremely popular among Americans, and are appropriately equipped to satisfy American appetites and expectations for safety and consistency. No matter which side of the all-inclusive debate you are on, you will find the most options among the bevy of big-name resorts with meal, lodging and activity packages.

Why?

People like all-inclusive resorts for several reasons, but the most common is the billing procedure. Guests receive one simple bill up-front for nearly everything they could want to eat, drink or do during their stay. Most all-inclusives in Jamaica are priced with several restaurant options, top-shelf liquors, and sports already included. Although you may have to sign a check once or twice, say, after a massage or a dinner at an on-site upscale restaurant, in general you can spend your vacation not worrying about how much you're paying for everything. Another perk is being able to leave important documents, such as your bank and credit cards and IDs, hidden in the safety deposit box or safe in your room.

For some, this freedom from budgetary concerns helps coax relaxation. After all, tropical vacationers are often interested in leaving their cares and worries back home, and budgeting for a trip can be stressful. Another relaxing thought is that all-inclusives employ security guards to keep the resort safe and worry-free.

Many resorts also offer other extras to keep their visitors happy. All-inclusives in Jamaica generally provide airport transfers as part of the package, which can save some travelers a hefty sum just in bus or cab fare. They also offer plenty of pre-planned activity and on-site nightlife. So, as a rule, all-inclusives can not only be safe but also more affordable than staying at "just" a hotel.

Why Not?

Travelers who savor independence more than airtight security and group activities may feel that all-inclusive resorts take some of the fun and flavor out of international travel. Visitors do not generally feel encouraged to leave the grounds and explore Jamaica or spend their travel budget on local foods, activities and merchandise when staying at an all-inclusive resort.

All-inclusives are notorious for not offering great examples of local Jamaican culture to their guests. Plain and simple, guests will need to venture out on their own to taste local flavor and experience what truly makes Jamaica unique, its people. This kind of exploring is especially appreciated by local restaurateurs, who often feel that all-inclusives inhibit their business. Many intrepid travelers believe that elaborate resort security makes too much of the dangers outside the complexes.

Several Jamaican all-inclusives favor couples over singles and adults over children, making family travel to all-inclusive resorts on the island less than ideal. Though family-oriented all-inclusives are gaining in popularity, they still haven't taken over the top spot from adults-only clubs. Research a few of the popular chain resorts, and you'll find plenty of family-friendly programming to choose from.

Visitors traveling to all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica will need to book their trips ahead of time, especially in the winter high season. Many popular resorts book up to a year in advance for popular holidays such as Christmas and New Years.

The Resorts

There are more than 25 all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica.  Some of these resort are a part of large and well-known chains, while others are lesser known (but still high in quality).   Many, but not all, of the island's all-inclusive resorts are described below. 

Bahia Principe

Only the Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica represents the Bahia Principe resort family on the island of Jamaica.  Located on the north side of the island, the Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica is a five-star resort that includes such amenities as a large solarium, a children's club, three lake inspired pools, night time entertainment, water activities, and horseback riding.  All meals and beverages are included in the room rate, which start at $200 per night.  This resort has 700 rooms, six restaurants, and several fully equipped bars.

Beaches

There are three Beaches resorts located in Jamaica: Beaches Boscobel Resort and Golf Club, Beaches Negril Resort and Spa, and Beaches Sandy Bay Ultra.  The Beaches resorts are known for catering to their youngest guests, and has even been named as one of the Top Ten Beach Resorts for Families.  Activities at each of the Beaches resorts include a Kids Camp, group water sports, teen night clubs, boat tours, championship golf, and more.  While many all-inclusive resorts are only all-inclusive up until a point, the Beaches resorts really do include everything for one price: meals, drinks and snacks at 16 restaurants per resort, room service, kids play areas, water sports, alcoholic beverages, and even weddings can be included as part of your package.  All-inclusive packages with the Beaches resorts range from $540 (USD) to $1792 (USD), depending on your length of stay and desired activities.  The only difference you'll find from one resort to the next is their location.  Beaches Boscobel Resort and Golf Club is located in Ochos Rios, while Beaches Negril Resort and Spa and Beaches Sandy Bay Ultra are located in Negril.

Breezes

Breezes Resorts are what are known as "super-inclusive" resorts.  At a Super-Inclusive resort, absolutely everything is included in one packed price: meals, drinks, snacks, entertainment, activities, sports instruction, and room service.  Tipping is off-limits, and the resort will do everything it can to make sure you have everything you need.  Jamaica's Breezes locations include Breezes Montego Bay, Breezes Negril Resort, Breezes Rio Bueno Resort, Breezes Runaway Bay Resort and Golf Club, and Breezes Trelawny.  Pretty much any part of Jamaica you want to stay in, you'll find a Breezes.  Prices here range from $476 (USD) to over $4,000 for the deluxe suit.  Families beware, children under the age of 16 are not permitted at Breezes, except for Breezes Trelawny, but these resorts will make the perfect getaway for couples in need of romance and relaxation, or families looking to reconnect with older children. 

Club Ambiance

Club Ambiance is an adults-only, three-star resort in Runaway Bay.  91 rooms cater to couples and singles looking to have a romantic and sensual vacation in Jamaica.  Club Ambiance offer two restaurants, four bars, a spa, one pool, golf, water excursions, tennis, and an exciting night life.  The all-inclusive price includes all meals, snacks, and drinks, use of water sports equipment, admission into the on-site night club, daily activities, nightly entertainment, taxes, and tips. Rates start as low as $140 (USD) per couple.

Couples

All though there are several Couples resorts in Jamaica, only one is all-inclusive: Couples Secret Rendezvous.  This resort is a great place for couples, especially honeymooners, to spend their romantic vacation in Jamaica.  Couples Secret Rendezvous includes two swimming pools, four lighted tennis courts, a fitness center, water sports, a shuttle to the nearest golf course, food, beverages, entertainment, lodgings, taxes, and tips in their all-inclusive price.  Spa treatments are available at an added cost.

Franklyn D. Resort and Spa

The Franklyn D. Resort and Spa is the ultimate family vacation resort.  Rates begin at $280 per night, with a minimum of three nights required.  Children under the age of six are free, and children from six to 15 are $40 to $50 (USD) a night, while those 16 to 19 are $80 (USD) per night.  The all-inclusive package includes a Vacation Nanny, who is assigned to your children upon arrival, and will assist mom and dad from 9am to 4pm each day with child care and basic housekeeping.  Other perks include all meals and drinks, a private beach, sports equipment, glass-bottom boat trips, kids club, nightly entertainment, fitness center, and WIFI. 

Grand Palladium

Both the Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and the Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort and Spa are all-inclusive resorts located in Montego Bay.  Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton offers 444 suites, 330 of which allow for families traveling with young children, and will provide cribs upon request.  There are 10 restaurants and bars, and available activities include (but are not limited to) five pools, three tennis courts, and mini-golf.  Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort has more rooms (540), and a Mini Club that caters to children ages 4-12, but fewer available activities.  Room rates at each facility are based on travel dates.

Hedonism

The Hedonism Resorts are Super-Inclusives for the adventurous travelers who like to indulge their wild side.  These resorts are definitely not for families, as they include private nude beaches and retreats, more bars than restaurants, and lots of partying.  There are two Hedonism Resorts in Jamaica, Hedonism II, which is located in Negril, and Hedonism III, located in Runaway Bay.  Prices range from $300 (USD) to $3,000 (USD), but Jamaica's travelers who want to join in on the fun without staying overnight may buy guests passes.  Hedonism II passes are $50 (USD) for women and $100 (USD) for women, and can be used both during the day and night, while passes to Hedonism III are $15 (USD) more expensive for night passes. 

Sandals

With six of Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, guests have their choice of locations and price tags, with packages starting at around $600 (USD) and topping out at around $4,000 (USD) depending on the time and length of your stay.  Sandals offers its guests at all resorts fine-dining, luxurious accommodations, championship golf, water sports, personal butler service, taxes, and tips for one price.  Sandals is also happy to help you arrange tours of the island with third-party tour groups, but the price of these excursions is not included in your package.  The Sandals resorts on Jamaica are Sandals Inn, Sandals Whitehouse European Village and Spa, Sandals Dunns River Resorts, Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Negril Beach Resort and Spa, and Sandals Royal Caribbean.  All of the Sandals on the island are 3-star resorts, except for Sandals Montego Bay, which is rated as a 1-star resort.

Sandcastles Resort

Sandcastles Resort offers visitors the choice of 174 apartment style lodgings that range from studio to two bedroom facilities.  The resort is located in Ocho Rios on Turtle Beach, providing guests with a beautiful view of the ocean and a location close to many must-see attractions.  The Castle Restaurant, Mabe' Grill, and Castle Pub services guests for all of their meals and alcoholic beverages, all of which are included in the all-inclusive price.  Families are welcome at Sandcastles, and babysitting services are available for an additional fee.  Sandcastles offers both all-inclusive and regular room rates, with all-inclusive packages beginning at $140 (USD) per person.  Children under the age of 12 stay free. 

Secrets

The Secrets resorts are the perfect adults-only setting for a romance and luxury.  Amenities include 24-hour room service, luxury fitness and spa facilities, seven restaurants, and 1/2-mile private stretch of beach, and a live theater.  There are two Secrets resorts in Jamaica, Secrets St. James Montego Bay, and Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay.  The all-inclusive packages at these resorts include all meals, snacks, and drinks, daytime activities, room service, nightly parties, your room, and taxes and gratuities.  Spa treatments are an additional charge.

Sunset

Jamaica hosts three Sunset resorts on the island: Sunset at the Palms Resort, Sunset Jamaica Grand Resort and Spa, and Sunset on the Beach.  The Sunset resorts are known for being eco-friendly, and they cater to every type of traveler.  Families can look forward to the new water park at Sunset Beach Montego Bay, as well as several pools, water sports, and baby-sitting at each of the resorts.  Couples will enjoy the in-room jacuzzis and romantic dinning atmosphere at some of the upscale restaurants, while singles can spend time relaxing on the beach, and mingling at the Martini Bar at night.  While meals, accommodations, and most activities are included in the all-inclusive price, some water sports and laundry services will cost extra. 

What Else? 

Major resort chains began in Jamaica many years ago and may seem old-fashioned in some ways.  For instance, Jamaica is not particularly accepting of the gay and lesbian lifestyle, and most of the all-inclusive resorts are no exception. However, some resorts are more tolerant than others; if this is a concern to you, a little research can go a long way.

All-inclusive resorts are, however, famous for offering incentives and amenities that appeal to straight couples. For instance, many offer free honeymoons to the bride and groom if they hold the wedding at the resort. This can be helpful to couples looking to save a little money on their wedding.

Tipping is usually not permitted. Most of the larger resorts consider tipping to be a part of the "all-included" price, leaving visitors with one less bill to pay. Don't be afraid to ask someone at the front desk their policy on tipping.

Below, you'll find a list of the all-inclusives in Jamaica. Click the names of the properties for information about each of them, including amenities, activites, food and more. It's the easiest way to browse the necessary details of all-inclusive accommodations.

Resort Name Quality Rating
 

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