All inclusive resorts are the most popular way to holiday in Jamaica, both for overseas visitors and for Jamaicans taking a short break. The appeal is simple. One rate covers accommodation, meals, drinks and most activities, so there is little need to carry cash around the property. Guests can eat, swim, join a class or watch an evening show without thinking about the bill.
The idea has grown steadily on the island. Sandals and Couples were long the dominant names, and they now compete with a wave of large Spanish-owned chains. Most of the resorts described below sit in the three main tourist areas: Ocho Rios on the north coast, Montego Bay in the north-west and Negril in the far west. For a closer look at how the concept works, see the page on the all inclusive concept, which also sets out how it differs from paying room-only rates.
Family-friendly resorts
Beaches Resorts. Built around families, Beaches has two properties in Negril and one in Ocho Rios, plus a sister resort in the Turks and Caicos. Expect a water park, round-the-clock entertainment, children’s programmes with well-known cartoon characters, and video games for older kids.
Franklyn D. Resort and Spa. Often shortened to FDR, this resort on the north coast is known for putting local food and entertainment in front of guests, so families get a taste of Jamaican culture along with the pool time.
Holiday Inn SunSpree. Unlike a standard Holiday Inn, this Montego Bay resort was designed for family holidays. Its 524 rooms and suites include garden and ocean views, and some are arranged as kids’ suites, where children have their own space next to the parents’ room.
Sunset resorts. There are three Sunset properties: Sunset Jamaica Grande in Ocho Rios, Sunset Beach in Montego Bay and Sunset Palms in Negril. All have large water slides, and they cater to families, couples and singles alike.
Iberostar Rose Hall. One of the newer Spanish arrivals, with three hotels sharing a single property. It suits both families and couples.
Resorts for couples
Sandals Resorts. Frequently named among the leading all inclusive chains in the Caribbean, Sandals has seven resorts in Jamaica, spread across Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Negril. The brand has moved towards a luxury-included style of all inclusive stay, and the properties share a similar standard of service.
Couples Resorts. This is the brand most often credited with introducing the all inclusive idea to Jamaica. As the name says, it is for couples only, and it has four properties on the island.
Jewel Dunn’s River. Formerly a Sandals resort, this couples-only property changed management and was extensively redone. Its landscaping is particularly admired.
Shaw Park Beach Hotel. A quiet, European-style hotel in Ocho Rios that suits couples who want privacy and a calm atmosphere.
Adults-only and luxury options
Secrets Resort, Montego Bay. An adults-only, romance-oriented resort with about 350 suites. Guests can eat at the restaurants without making reservations, and pool attendants look after drinks and service.
Club Ambiance. A small north-coast resort in Runaway Bay with roughly 90 rooms, open to adults and singles. It is less well known than the big chains but has a reputation for being intimate and friendly.
Hedonism and N Resort. Both are adults-only and clothing-optional in character. Hedonism in particular is better known for its packed activity programme than its reputation suggests.
Ritz-Carlton Golf and Spa Resort. With 427 rooms, an emphasis on polished service and a championship golf course, this is the formal end of the spectrum.
Half Moon. Set on about 400 acres, Half Moon has 197 guest rooms and 33 private villas. Its 18-hole golf course is regarded as one of the finest in the Caribbean and was named the best in the region in 2009.
Large international and regional brands
RIU. The Spanish group has three properties in Jamaica, one in each major resort area. The hotels are big, with hundreds of rooms each, and they often offer reduced rates to residents during local holiday periods.
Grand Palladium. The most recent addition to the Fiesta Group, with 540 rooms, three buffet restaurants and seven specialty restaurants. It lies roughly fifty minutes from Sangster International Airport.
Gran Bahia Principe. Located in Runaway Bay, just outside Ocho Rios, with a long activity list that justifies a stay of at least three nights.
Breezes. Known for introducing the all inclusive format to Runaway Bay and Trelawny, with another property near Montego Bay. The brand sells itself on friendly staff.
Royal Decameron Montego Bay. A smaller property with a lot going on during the day, and nightlife close by.
Point Village. Better known for condominium rentals and sales, it also offers a simple all inclusive package in Negril.
Coyaba Beach Resort. A family-run four-star property of about 50 rooms in Montego Bay, with diving, horseback riding, tennis, a gym, a spa and three restaurants.
Choosing between them
Start with who is travelling. Families should look at Beaches, FDR, SunSpree or Sunset; couples at Sandals, Couples, Jewel or Shaw Park; and adults who want a more unconventional atmosphere at the adults-only properties. Then consider location. Montego Bay is convenient for the main airport, Negril is known for its long beach, and Ocho Rios is close to many attractions. Finally, read the details of what is included, since policies on specialty restaurants, premium drinks and water sports vary from one resort to another.