Ranked #1 Caribbean destination by TripAdvisor® in 2018, Jamaica, if you haven’t had the pleasure of visiting yet, is definitely bucket-list territory. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, tropical weather, sandy beaches and a host of incredible, fun-filled experiences, it most certainly is the place to be this year.
Here is our roundup of 7 reasons to visit Jamaica in 2019.
Where to stay
S Hotel Jamaica, Montego Bay is now open
The highly anticipated S Hotel Jamaica opened its doors earlier this year. The brand new, contemporary 120-room S Hotel combines urban sophistication with a laid-back charm, whilst remaining notably Jamaican. The new multi-experiential beachfront hotel has several buzzing venues including a Sky Bar and Lounge, a chic café, swimming pool, an international restaurant, spa, a boutique gym and guest rooms. S Hotel is a modern and effervescent space for guests to enjoy and is expected to be a top pick for newlyweds.
www.shoteljamaica.com
New additions at Sandals Resorts
There are some exciting additions at Sandals Montego Bay, including an Over the Water Wedding chapel, the perfect location for couples to tie the knot. Couples can also enjoy a traditional Jamaican rum and premium spirits at Latitudes, the resort’s new over-the-water bar, which is equipped with hammocks and underwater lighting. Look out for their new 5-star dining options including Butch’s Steak and Seafood, a sushi restaurant and Jerk Shack, serving the finest authentic Jamaican jerk.
www.sandals.com
New additions at Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Montego Bay
This year, Round Hill Hotel and Villas is introducing several exciting new additions and updates including villa renovations, a redesigned lobby garden and a new tennis court. Also new at Round Hill this year is the Wright Life Eatery with lunch offerings at the Round Hill Spa. Wright Life will offer dishes prepared with organic fruits and vegetables, with no sugar or preservatives.
www.roundhill.com
Excellence Oyster Bay opens reservations for new beach villas
Excellence Oyster Bay has announced their most luxurious accommodations in Montego Bay with the opening of reservations for their new Beach Villas with Private Pool. A collection of five beach villas, the accommodations are housed on a private stretch of beach, providing guests with their own pristine slice of the Caribbean for true serenity and privacy. Spanning more than 1,500 square feet of interior and exterior space, each villa comes complete with a 226 square foot private pool and a private porch.
www.excellencegroupluxuryresorts.com
What to do
The Caribbean’s first all-inclusive, unlimited spa experience at Couples Tower Isle
Couples Tower Isle in Ocho Rios recently launched Oasis Spa Villas, the island’s first all-inclusive and unlimited, hand-selected spa-day-experience. Guests will enjoy private round-trip airport transfers from Montego Bay, personal in-villa check-in and a custom designed spa itinerary featuring unlimited spa services. For couples looking to relax and indulge on the pristine white sand beaches of Ocho Rios, the experience will provide boundless opportunities to rejuvenate and pamper without the stress of additional costs.
Spa Experience at Couples Tower Isle
Reggae Sumfest, 13 – 20 July
This year marks the 27th anniversary of Jamaica’s biggest summer reggae festival, Reggae Sumfest. For more than two decades, the event has seen reggae icons and international artists grace its stages for the ultimate music celebration. The week-long event hosted in Montego Bay attracts music fans from all over the world providing authentic Jamaican music and cultural experiences.
www.reggaesumfest.com
Jamaica Ocho Rios Jazz Festival, 2 – 19 June
Every year, Ocho Rios hosts the oldest jazz festival in the region. The festival offers visitors the opportunity to experience the cultural heritage of Jamaica and showcase International, Jamaican and Caribbean jazz musicians. The theme for 2019 is ‘Return of Women in Jazz’ and will feature leading local and international female acts. The festivities will begin with jazz week at Franklyn D Resort & Spa in Runaway Bay before a fun-filled week of jam sessions which will be held at several venues.
Jamaica Ochos Rios Jazz Festival
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