Montego Bay, Beach-Front Luxury
Watch the surf roll in from the comfort of your lounge chair as you sip a sweet, frozen drink. Perfect your swing at one of the city’s world-class fairways. Snorkel or scuba dive in the crystal clear waters of Montego Bay, or enjoy duty-free shopping to pick out affordable souvenirs for the whole family. Enjoy exquisite cuisine crafted with distinct Jamaican spices, and venture inland for canopy adventures, horseback riding, and more. In Montego Bay, there are countless ways to enjoy all that Jamaica has to offer.
Laid-Back Luxury
Montego Bay is home to a number of 5-star hotels, many of which are all-inclusive resorts. If you’re seeking a hotel in Montego Bay where you won’t have to leave the property, you can choose a facility that offers the luxury of beach access, a variety of dining options, and recreational activities all onsite. Many resort properties also offer scuba diving, spa services, and even a private butler for additional fees. For travellers celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, or honeymoon, the convenience of being able to enjoy 5-star dining, white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and divine pampering all in one location is hard to beat. Of course, there are also plenty of options for accommodations that are more budget-friendly and family-oriented. As long as you’re staying in one of the hotels in Montego Bay, you’re never too far from the beach, which is most guests’ favourite aspect of visiting the surfside city.
Adventures On Land
Due to its Caribbean climate, the island of Jamaica is rich with breath-taking foliage year-round. You can immerse yourself in the beautiful landscape by taking a trip to Ahhh… Ras Natango Gallery & Garden, located in the heart of the city. This premier ecotourism destination is located 2,000 feet above sea level and provides stunning vistas of Montego Bay. If you’re lucky, you might also catch a glimpse of one of Jamaica’s indigenous birds during your tour. In addition to the garden, the centre is also home to an art gallery, which features an exquisite array of local artists’ work. You can also browse through the onsite gift shop, where all of the items available for sale have been hand-made right on the island. If you still want to see more island life, consider making your way over to the Animal Farm & Nature Reserve, where you can behold exotic birds and plant life, and even hand-feed a winged friend in the aviary. For more outdoor adventures, book a horseback riding trip on the island, or seek thrills from above by ziplining with Chukka Caribbean Adventure’s Canopy Tour. The area is also home to a number of golf courses, including Half Moon, Cinnamon Hill, and The Tryall Club, so don’t miss your chance to tee off at one of these beautiful fairways. Many of the hotels in Montego Bay offer booking services, so if you’re considering an excursion during your stay, approach someone at your facility’s front desk to see what’s available.
Shopping & Splashing
For an unforgettable shopping experience, head into the heart of Montego Bay to visit The Shoppes at Rose Hall, where you can browse through boutique and luxury outlets for cosmetics, fragrances, jewellery, and more. To shop where the locals go, head to The Blue Diamond Shopping Plaza, where you can purchase groceries or scope out souvenirs at the specialty shops. The Royal Shop and Casa de Oro Jewelers are two great spots to hit if you’re in search of something sparkly. While you’re out, don’t forget to pick up a snorkel, too! After you’ve had your fill of shopping, head back to your beachside hotel and put on your mask to watch schools of tropical fish swim by right before your eyes. Montego Bay is also home to water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, and scuba diving. Many local tour groups, like Real Tours Jamaica and Reggae Tours, can bring you to the action if your facility doesn’t offer water sports.
Fresh-Caught Seafood and Jamaican Specialties
While many Montego Bay hotels have at least one restaurant right on their property, you’d be remiss if you were to rule out all of the other dining options that the city has to offer. For one thing, you can enjoy a “Cheeseburger in Paradise” at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, or catch the sunset while enjoying first-class seafood at one of the city’s oceanfront eateries. The city’s seafront location makes it a prime location for enjoying fresh-caught specialties. You can also venture to Sugar Mill Restaurant, a facility that’s as rich in history as the dish it serves. Set in a plantation that dates back to 1676, the restaurant is known for its seafood dishes and perfectly-cooked land fare, including the steak and snapper, which are well-liked among guests. For more laid-back dining, you can check out the city’s bars and grills, which are popular for their happy hour specials and live entertainment. Some Jamaican-style favourites can be enjoyed at the local restaurants, such as jerk chicken, boiled green bananas, and fried plantains.