I recently had opportunity to escape the bitter cold of NYC and explore Montego Bay, Jamaica. First and foremost, YASSS! Momma was in dire need of some sun. With such a short jaunt (three days) it’s key to plan your time with the goal of getting the most out of your brief stay. With this in mind, it’s only fitting that I share a round up of where to stay & what to do when in Montego Bay, Jamaica:
STAY
I highly recommend staying at the Royalton White Sands Resort. It was JUST the escape this city girl needed. The staff, food and property far exceeded my expectations. Everyone was incredibly accommodating and helpful. I loved that the gift shop was not ridiculously overpriced (this came in handy when I forgot essentials like flip flops and needed to buy souvenirs because there wasn’t enough time in my short trip to venture off the property to shop). Though I was not at Royalton White Sands Resort as a family, the resort felt family friendly without being overrun by kids and beach balls. The vibe was light, fun, easy going. Basically — your ideal Jamaica.
The property is simply breathtaking. And as a blogger, I could not resist shooting blogger-y photos like these for my Instagram account…
SEE & DO
If in Montego Bay for just a few days, it’s challenging to “see & do” without feeling overwhelmed…no one wants to need a vacation after his or her vacation, ya know? When on vacation, I generally say no thanks to guided tours and excursions because I don’t like being a captive audience…I like the ability to see and do at my own pace without the pressure of keeping up with a group. But, and this is a big BUT, for a 3-5 day trip, I think it’s really smart to partner up with a reliable excursion service. It’s key to pick an excursion service that matches your aesthetic. While in Jamaica, I entrusted my free time to the good folks at Island Routes (@IslandRoutes #LiveFunner). My first outing with Island Routes was the Catamaran Reggae Cruise. To call this experience a ‘booze cruise’ is to take away from this amazing at sea adventure. The adult only catamaran cruise, serves drinks (obviously), but the vibe is so uniquely Jamaican. As the shoreline fades into the distance, it’s exotic cocktails and panoramic views for the next three hours. The crew was so much fun, without going overboard (no pun intended). The entire time, I felt as if the crew genuinely wanted me to have a good time….nothing felt forced or ‘corny’. I had a blast and would absolutely recommend dedicating three hours to this experience.
In just a few short days in Jamaica, I made time to both chill and explore. The Island Routes Catamaran Reggae Cruise was a fun opportunity to chill..and sort of explore…but being at sea doesn’t allow you to touch and feel at a bird eye’s view. So for this I recommend River Bumpkin Bicycle Trek. The 2.5 hour trek shows a side of Jamaica known by very few. The picturesque bike ride along the Martha Brae River is just breathtaking. And along the route, cascading waterfalls and Jamaican ruins make the trek simply unforgettable. [PS: If you’re extra nice, your guide will give you a limestone foot massage at the end of your journey….AMAY-ZING!]
BOTTOM LINE
If you have the opportunity to visit Montego Bay – go! You will not be disappointed.
The people, the food, the vibe…ahh, it’s just everything you want in a getaway. While my trip spanned only a few days, I think the ideal amount of time is at least 5 days. When planning your stay, absolutely look up Royalton White Sands Resort and Island Routes…collectively, they’re sure to make your vacation one to remember!
