Published: January 31, 2025
Jamaica is a quintessential Caribbean getaway, offering sunshine, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, majestic mountains and plenty of . Whether you’re soaking up the sun on a beach, diving vibrant coral reefs or browsing colorful street markets, Montego Bay stands out as the island’s lively northern coast hub for beaches, nightlife and culture.
With its wide array of resorts, planning your stay in Montego Bay can feel overwhelming. While deciding on the best time of year to visit Jamaica can feel overwhelming, finding a resort that fits your needs is just as important. Whether you’re searching for a serene retreat, a resort in the heart of the action or a romantic escape for couples, this guide highlights the 5 best resorts in Montego Bay, Jamacia based on amenities, location, activities and cleanliness to simplify your planning.
Step onto a private beach from Zoëtry Montego Bay, an all-inclusive resort sitting on a serene stretch of shoreline near Sangster International Airport. Pampering awaits from the moment you arrive, with a 20-minute massage and complimentary drinks and fruit welcoming you to the resort. Dining is a pleasure with six beachfront restaurants and bars serving expertly prepared Jamaican and international cuisine and special amenities like butler service, swim-out suites and an open-air theater on the beach will make your stay unforgettable.
Entertain yourself with yoga and cooking classes, a dip in your private whirlpool tub or pool, a day at the spa and adventurous excursions nearby like snorkeling, kayaking or ATV, Bamboo Rafting and Horseback Ride Guided Tours. With abundant dining options onsite, you may decide you never want to leave the resort. However, nearby eateries like the Sugar Mill Restaurant in Rose Hall may change your mind.
Couples looking for a secluded, intimate getaway will find it at Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island, a couples-only all-inclusive resort with luxury amenities and over-the-top guest service. You can stay in over-water bungalows and villas with a private pool and hammock. Your personal concierge or butler will cater to your needs with shuttles and room service, excursion bookings, onsite restaurant reservations and daily activities that envelope you in the sunny soul of this private island on Montego Bay. Enjoy Bali-inspired beach cabanas, luxury pools and unmatched tranquility with couples’ treatments and massages at the Red Lane® Spa Escape.
An adults-only oceanfront escape, Secrets Wild Orchid Montego offers upscale suites with soaker tubs and living areas for an extended getaway in the island paradise of Montego Bay. Near the Montego Bay Cruise Port, this conveniently-located resort offers a large heated outdoor pool and bar surrounded by loungers and cabanas. Dine at any of the nine restaurants to get the flavors you’re craving, then check out the nightclub after dark for drinks and dancing. A fantastic spa and sauna are the ideal way to melt away stress, while getting active is easy with a fitness center, water sports equipment and tennis courts.
Want the most exclusive experience at Secrets Wild Orchid Montego? Upgrade to a club guest suite for a private pool and breakfast room and enjoy lazy days on the beach with your own cabana to lounge under. You’ll find more excellent restaurants nearby if you find yourself out and about, like the unique The Houseboat Grill—it’s actually located on a houseboat.
Breathless Resort & Spa is one of the top Montego Bay resorts, offering a location just off the beach near Montego Bay Marine Park for the ultimate in seclusion and natural beauty. Surrounded by lush, tropical gardens with walking paths, this adults-only resort is still near the famous Hip Strip downtown area for shopping and dining and close to the airport. You’ll be delighted with amenities like a private terrace with your own hot tub, seven restaurants and five bars, a beach club with cabanas and loungers and a rooftop pool deck with a DJ spinning dance and reggae music. Upgrade your suite for access to the private lounge, butler service and views of the Caribbean from your terrace or rent water sports equipment to snorkel, dive and kayak the crystal-clear waters from the beach.
Because the resort is surrounded by the waters of the protected marine park, it makes excursions like snorkeling and diving trips to the coral reefs to spot marine life so convenient. You could spot stingrays, dolphins, colorful fish, sharks and more. Check out nearby restaurants like Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records, which is owned by the Olympian track star himself and serves twists on classic Jamaican fare, like Appleton rum chicken wings and jerk pork.
For those open to venturing just outside Montego Bay, the Royalton Blue Waters in Falmouth is a standout option that truly delivers on luxury and family-friendly fun. Though about 45 minutes from Montego Bay, this luxurious family-friendly resort offers a truly exceptional experience. Guests can enjoy elegant rooms with open layouts, large soaking tubs, and dual rainfall showers, along with an impressive selection of 11 restaurants and a private nightclub.
For families, the resort’s water park—with a lazy river and slides—is sure to be a hit, while the beach offers water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling for endless fun in the sun. Adults can unwind at the spa with massages or wellness treatments, and nearby nightlife options like Elevate Nightclub & Lounge or Pure Ultra Lounge provide a lively evening escape. Meanwhile, kids can have a blast at the supervised kid’s club and playground.
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