I recently embarked on a journey to my 24th country— the captivating island of Jamaica— and let me tell you, it was an adventure to remember! For the first time, I indulged in the luxurious experience of an all-inclusive resort, setting up camp at the stunning Secrets St. James all-inclusive resort in Montego Bay. As a seasoned travelista who thrives on securing the best deals on flights and accommodations, I was initially skeptical. Could an all-inclusive resort truly live up to its hype? Spoiler alert: It absolutely does!
But wait a minute— what exactly is an all-inclusive resort? Imagine a vacation package where your accommodation, meals, drinks, and recreational activities are rolled into one neat price. Perfect for the jetsetter who loves to combine convenience with a touch of luxury.
Is an All-Inclusive Resort Right for You?
All-inclusive resorts might be your cup of tea if you:
- Love the idea of a plethora of delicious food within arm’s reach, sans additional costs
- Have a birthday or a special occasion that justifies a little extra splurge
- Crave the tranquility and exclusivity of private beaches
- Desire the comfort and security of established properties
- Unpacking the All-Inclusive Package
At Secrets St. James, the all-inclusive package came brimming with some delightful perks. However, bear in mind that the specifics of ‘all-inclusive’ can vary by resort. Let’s dive into what my package included:
Accommodation: I stayed in the Junior Suite room with a king size bed and view of the pool. The room was spacious, clean, and Wi-Fi was great. Housekeeping services took place either in the morning or the evening and as someone who likes to sleep in, it was nice being able to reschedule for the evening round. The beach was accessible right at the resort and there were two pools and a jacuzzi available as well. Although traveling during the rainy season in Jamaica, June to November, can be risky, I was pleasantly surprised by the ample amount of sunshine that caused for some great photo moments. When it was overcast, it didn’t last too long.
Food: I loved the dining experience at the resort which ranged from quick cafes, sit down restaurants and room service. From a flavorful extravaganza at the Japanese hibachi restaurant to the varying selection of treats at the café, the food was consistently hit the spot. Remember to bring a cover-up for post-swim dining as some restaurants do require proper attire. On the first night, I definitely had to get used to seeing the total for a meal being $0 because I definitely went IN on the room service orders LOL!
Recreational Activities and Entertainment: The resort was a sanctuary of relaxation. Poolside fun, engaging games, a swim-up bar, and even a serene beach made it a perfect getaway. On the first night there was even a fashion show in one of the common areas. I also enjoyed the water aerobics activity which was surprisingly a nice workout. After grabbing ice cream and cake, it was so much fun sitting down and watching a movie in the outdoor space. The staff at the resort were so nice and helpful.
Venturing Beyond the Resort: The Excursions
A trip to Jamaica would be incomplete without exploring its natural wonders and cultural landmarks. Booking excursions was made easy with tour agents at the main entrance of the resort. I was contemplating booking excursions ahead of time through messaging travel tour groups via social media but decided on just booking at the resort since the overall cost was nearly the same.
The Dunn’s River Waterfall Hike was a hands-on, adrenaline-packed adventure. Climbing UP a waterfall, hand-in-hand with a chain of fellow guests, was an exhilarating experience that left me awestruck by Jamaica’s natural beauty.
Another highlight was a visit to Bob Marley’s Home. This pilgrimage to the home of the reggae legend was an opportunity to connect deeply with Jamaica’s culture and history. For these unforgettable excursions, I paid around $350 with taxes included, so bear this in mind when budgeting for your trip.
Money-Saving Tips for All-Inclusive Resorts
Tipping: Remember to account for tipping. A good rule of thumb is $5 per person for sit-down restaurants, $1-$2 for drinks, and $2-$5 for buffets.
Booking: Early birds get the worm! Booking in advance saved me a pretty penny. Consider traveling during the off-season or seeking out package deals to reap more savings.
Research: Know what’s included in your package to avoid unexpected costs. Some resorts charge extra for top-shelf liquor, certain dining options, or off-resort excursions.
Off Resort Experience
KFC in Jamaica
Of course I had to venture off the resort and see what Montego Bay was really like. The first time off the resort was to try KFC which so many people, especially locals, were raving about on TikTok. The line wrapped around with at least 30 people ahead of me so I definitely had high hopes. I stood in line for an hour and then waited another hour only to sadly be disappointed smh! But it didn’t dampen my night too much and I hopped into a lounge called 2727 and then to Margaritaville.
Margaritaville in Montego Bay
Margaritaville is a bar/lounge that also has water slides so I would definitely come back during the day time to take advantage of that. I definitely was there WAY too early at 10pm and ended up heading home before the party really took off which was probably around midnight but from the looks of it on Instagram it seems fun if you are up for it! dai
Another amazing restaurant that lived up to the hype was called Marguerites. It’s known for seafood but if you’re not too much of a fan of seafood cuisine they have several other options. I enjoyed the rack of lambs and the Cesar salad was well seasoned and tasty. It was also nice that there was a complimentary driver provided by the restaurant as well.
Closing Thoughts
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. My all-inclusive resort experience in Jamaica was a concoction of fun, convenience, and relaxation.
To my fellow travelistas, naturalistas, and wellness enthusiasts, I’d love to hear about your all-inclusive resort experiences. Feel free to share your stories in the comments below or connect with me on social media.
As always,
Take it step by step and day by day
