By Susan Barlow
CJ Contributor
If you go a bit beyond Montego Bay, you discover another Jamaica.
This is the parish of St. Ann, about an hour and a world away from bustling Montego Bay, home to a pair of all inclusive brand Bahia Principe’s resorts.
That includes the Grand Bahia Principe and Luxury Bahia Principe Runaway Bay resorts, family-friendly and adults only, respectively.
So what’s here?
The first thing that stands out is the beauty of the property, from the beach to what is the largest pool system in all of Jamaica (including a swim-up bar, of course).
The rooms, too, are excellent. Most are ocean view, with either a king bed or two full beds (a max of three adults), along with free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries, a mini bar and safe, among other amenities.
There are eight ala carte restaurants, including the newly-opened Tallawah Jamaican restaurant. Additionally, there are the Jazmin buffet, Beach and Pool restaurants.
Each of these restaurants has its own unique décor and offers a wide variety of cuisines to appeal to any palate. Lounges and bars throughout the property offer all types of beverages, including delicious local rum concoctions.
By day, it’s all about the beach, from volleyball and tennis to non-motorized water sports (along with a major new water park the kids will love), all of which are part of the all inclusive amenities.
(There’s an even an au naturel stretch of sand for those who enjoy an all-over tan).
That’s along with an excellent spa with a large range of treatments, including facials, hair and mani-pedis.
By night, there’s the Bahia Principe Village, a model Jamaican town square with live entertainment, a disco, a karaoke bar, a casino, a sports bar and shops.
It all adds up to a very complete resort – and one of the best values in Jamaica.
Susan Barlow is Caribbean Journal’s senior all inclusive editor.