Jamaica Travel Guide

Last weekend, I marked off #3 on my 30 Things to Do Before Turning 30 list. If you haven’t checked out the list, it was to “visit a new country and dance in the ocean”. I had to have a little help due to a foot injury (keep reading), but I did it. I went to Montego Bay, Jamaica on a short, but beautiful 3 day trip. It was my 10 year line anniversary for my sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. I traveled with 18 of my other line sisters for a fun filled weekend.

I left Nashville Thursday morning and flew on my favorite airline, Southwest. We landed around 2:30PM Jamaica time and went straight to the bar outside of the airport as we waited on our transportation. We were staying at the Riu Reggae an all-inclusive adults only resort. If you have children, it’s right next to the Riu Montego Bay that is open to families. I’m in the lifestage of adults only and no children splashing in the pools. The nice thing is you get access to both resorts so you can enjoy all of the restaurants and pools at both.

The rooms at Riu are nice, but standard. We paid for a partial ocean view room which was certainly worth the view of the sunset and sunrise everyday. If you want to save a little, you can get a courtyard room without the view. Honestly, I’m assuming you won’t be in the room too much. Riu has free wi-fi throughout the resort and in your room. The free wifi is nice to cut down on your international phone plan.My one complaint was the bar in the room. We had 4 bottles (Scotch, Rum, Vodka and Gin). We only drank the rum and beers in the fridge. Which we had a whiskey option.  The staff was fun and very helpful throughout the stay.

Most of my group’s time was spent at the two pools on the property. The beach is white sand that connects to the beautiful blue sea. During the day, you can get jerk chicken and all the sides you want at the hut grill outside. I highly recommend this, but have to warn it goes quickly and there is always a line. It was delicious! My favorite restaurant on the property which I ate at two night was the Italian restaurant.  Every night around at 9:00PM they have games and entertainment on the main stage by the pool bar. Thursday night, I decided to participate and ended up slicing open my toes. I was thus handicapped the rest of the trip and couldn’t get in the ocean or the pool. Despite that, I still had a great. time. Mainly because of my group, but also it’s so beautiful it’s hard to be sad.

I briefly went into town to visit a few shops. Due to my foot injury, I couldn’t do the excursion my group had planned. I stayed at the pool with a few others and met lots of guests and had a blast. I was able to really have fun AND relax on the beach which was nice. Since it’s adult only you can chill with people that are on holiday or turn up with the birthday, bachelor and bachlorette parties. Sunday morning I had an early morning flight back to the US. Due to booking my ticket last minute, I had a 10 hour layover in Charlotte. I planned to explore, but was so exhausted, I got a $55 hotel room near the airport and slept and watched movies all day. It was just what I needed since I had to be at work at 7AM Monday.

Do you prefer a tropical or city vacation? Do you have any other recommendations for Jamaica. If so, let me know in the comments section below.

love,

Leigh