Top 5 Allures of Montego Bay, Jamaica
- Mo G.
- Oct 16, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 1, 2024
All-inclusive vacation in Montego Bay
Introduction to the Top 5 Allures of Montego Bay, Jamaica
Your Gateway to Tropical Paradise
When it comes to idyllic Caribbean getaways, Montego Bay, Jamaica, stands out as a true gem. With its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and a wide array of activities, this coastal haven is a top destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience. In this article section, we'll delve into the magic of Montego Bay, offering insights into its attractions, culture, and tips for making the most of your visit.
Safety and Practical Tips
While Montego Bay is a fantastic destination, like any other place, it's essential to prioritize safety. Keep your belongings secure, avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and follow local advice. Montego Bay is generally safe for tourists, but it's always wise to exercise caution and respect local customs.
Montego Bay, Jamaica, offers a slice of paradise that caters to a diverse range of interests and budgets. Whether you're a sunseeker, culture enthusiast, adventurer, or savvy traveler, Montego Bay has something special in store for you. We now get a first-hand account from a veteran, author, and good friend of the AXTENZO family, Mo. Check out her book, A Relatable Read! Presents: Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
1 Breathless/Secrets Montego Bay Resorts & Spa
Recommendations for accommodations
I stayed for 5 days and 4 nights at Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa & Secrets Montego Bay Resorts & Spa all-inclusive vacation resort for a reasonable price. The Hotel room was immaculately clean, with double sinks, a spa bathtub, shower, and boasting breathtaking views of the poolside and ocean. Housekeeping turned the room over every single day and replenished whatever was used.
Both resorts were within walking distance of each other and joined by a bridge, that all guests had access to. The resorts were equipped with a rooftop pool/bar, several pools, jacuzzies, several restaurants (Seafood, Jamaican, French, Brunch style, even “street” vendors serving jerk chicken), nightclubs, classy piano bar, jewelry shop, coffee & tea shop (breakfast items/fresh fruit/and sweetbreads), bike rentals, water sport rentals, and etc.
Remember, this is all-inclusive, so guests pay nothing! Of course, small tips are appreciated but not mandated. Free entertainment such as dance troops, musicians, or karaoke was available every night on stage, at the main pool, piano bar, or nightclub. So, there was never a dull moment! Free water activities such as swimming and kayaking were available as well as reasonably priced parasailing, fishing, party boat rides, etc. I would recommend this adult-only resort to anyone seeking a fun-filled getaway in the sun.
2 Travel tips for Montego Bay
Amstar Destination Management Company
This trip planning company is located at Sangster International Airport and the resort lobbies for your convenience. They will book everything from your airport transportation to your day and night excursions. Customer service was top-notch from every agent I encountered.
Montego Bay excursions
Some of the excursions offered are horseback ride ‘n’ swim, Black River Safari, Blue Hole Exotic, Bob Marley/Dunn’s River Falls, Chukka Catamaran Sail, Dolphin Cove, Bamboo Raft/Limestone Massage Ride, ATV rides, and much more! Affordable, adventurous, and fun times!
3 Historic Sam Sharpe Square
Sam Sharpe Square history
In 1976 Charles Square in Montego Bay was renamed Sam Sharpe in honor of national hero Sam Sharpe who was from Montego Bay. Sharpe was executed in the Montego Bay Marketplace on May 23, 1832, for his role in the 1831-32 Emancipation War.
This square includes several heritage buildings, the Sam Sharpe Monument, the Montego Bay Cultural Center, the Freedom Monument, and local vendors selling fresh food, clothes, and organic herbal products. The authentic Jamaican curry chicken with rice and peas was delicious!
4 Baytown Old Fort Craft Market/Artisan Villages
This quaint market village was very personable and inviting. Each shop owner beckoned me to “come take a look and see” and I sure did! I managed to purchase a short set, a kid’s soccer set, 1 necklace, and 1 belly chain for $60 USD. The cool part is that the shop owners don’t mind negotiating prices, especially if you are spending American dollars with them.
The best part of exploring the local scene was our driver. My friend became acquainted with him and hired him to drive us to the less-known parts of town (to get the best deals and explore the realness of Montego Bay). Not only was he extremely professional, but he also kept us safe and serenaded my friend on the ride. And boy can he sing! On this shopping trip, I neglected to snap many pictures because I was so enamored with the beautiful local people, the scenery, and most importantly my food!
5 The Jamaicans, the Water, and the Vegetation
Local Jamaican experiences
I got the opportunity to connect with some of the local people while at the resort, on the excursions, at the local club, and while shopping. These are beautiful, genuine, and insightful people that know their history, have a deep sense of pride, and respect for everyone. One Love!
Flying onto the island I couldn’t help but notice the clear water and the fresh air upon departing the airport. I automatically felt at home.
Jamaican healing herbs
Disclaimer
Lastly, Jamaica is known for its organically grown healing herbs. While getting to know the locals, we had the pleasure of drying out leaves and steeping them in hot tea. Some of the medicinal herbs I experienced were:
Cerasee-Most popular herb in Jamaica and is used to treat colds, fevers, diabetes, skin conditions, and detoxify the body.
Dogblood Bush- Used for women's fertility issues and cleanses fallopian tubes.
Leaf of Life- strengthens the immune system.
Soursop Leaves- are used to fight cancer properties, treat worms, lower blood pressure, and calm nerves, and insomnia.
Wrapping up this post on the Top 5 Allures of Montego Bay, Jamaica
As we draw the curtain on this exploration of the top 5 allures of Montego Bay, Jamaica, let's take a moment to savor the essence of this tropical paradise. The vibrant Jamaican flag waving proudly against the azure sky serves as a symbol of the warmth and spirit you'll encounter on this enchanting island.
Montego Bay's allures are like chapters in an epic novel, and with Amstar as your travel companion, you'll keep adding more chapters to your Jamaican story.
The allure of Montego Bay is not fleeting; it's a lasting love affair. The rhythmic beats of reggae music, the fragrant aromas of jerk chicken wafting through the air, and the radiant smiles of the Jamaican people will leave an indelible mark on your heart.
If you get the chance to experience Jamaica, the first sentence you will hear from the locals is “Welcome Home”. I can’t wait to go home again!
Plan your visit with Amstar and let the beauty and warmth of this Jamaican gem enchant you.
Guest Writer
Mo is a passionate traveler and a self-published children’s book author. With an insatiable curiosity for exploring the world and a love for storytelling, Mo brings a unique perspective to travel experiences and literature. When not embarking on adventures or getting lost in the pages of a good book, Mo can be found sharing their insights and relatable tales on various topics.
As the writer of the insightful Top 5 Allures of Montego Bay, Jamaica travel article and a keen exploration of timeless stories like A Relatable Read! Presents: Goldilocks and the Three Bears Mo's words transport readers to distant destinations and captivating narratives. With a profound appreciation for diverse cultures and literary wonders, Mo's writing is a bridge between the known and the uncharted, making every journey and story relatable and memorable.
Jamaica is still on my bucket list.