Bahia Principe Is Reopening a 647-Room All-Inclusive in Jamaica This December
The Runaway Bay resort returns December 1 with renovated rooms, three pools, seven restaurants and a new name.
One of Jamaica’s largest family all-inclusive resorts is reopening on December 1, bringing 647 rooms back into service on the island’s north coast ahead of the winter season.
The former Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica will return as Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica after a renovation that took approximately a year, the company announced. The work covered guest rooms and suites, public areas, restaurants and spaces used for recreation and entertainment.
Bahia Principe says the reopening will also bring back approximately 1,000 jobs in Runaway Bay.
What’s New at the Runaway Bay Resort
The resort will have three swimming pools, a water park and a kids club, along with seven restaurants. Dining options include Italian and Mongolian cuisine, the Route 66 restaurant and more casual places to eat.
The activity lineup includes Jamaican patois and dance classes, live music and a production called Xaymaca The Show. Beach parties, karaoke, sports and a bike tour are also on the program, along with creative activities for children.
The patois classes are among the more unusual additions to a family all-inclusive. Alongside the dance classes and live performances, they give guests a chance to learn about Jamaica through the resort’s daily program.
What the New Name Means
Explore is Bahia Principe’s label for resorts geared toward families and groups. Its other label, Escape, is geared toward adults seeking a quieter stay. The Runaway Bay property is reopening under Explore, with the water park, kids club and group activities central to the resort’s offering.
Bahia Principe is part of Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection through a joint venture between Hyatt and Piñero. The new labels are part of a broader reorganization of the Bahia Principe portfolio.
More Rooms for Jamaica’s Winter Season
The December 1 return comes as Jamaica restores hotel capacity following Hurricane Melissa in 2025. The Jamaica Tourist Board projects that 90 percent of the island’s hotel room inventory will be available by Dec. 1, as we reported in our look at Jamaica’s winter flights and resort reopenings.
Bahia Principe is marking the reopening with an introductory promotion offering discounts of up to 50 percent.
Caitlin Sullivan began her career with Caribbean Journal as Arts and Culture editor before shifting to travel full time. She writes frequently on the Caribbean cruise industry, flight networks and broader travel news. Her most frequent Caribbean destination? Nassau.
