Air Canada Vacations hosted agents on a MegaFAM trip to lush Jamaica from November 14-17. Open Jaw joined the agents in touring a number of resorts and collecting insights. Three of the resorts served as host hotels.
Erminia Nigro, ACV General Manager of Sales, states, "We made sure to prioritize fairness and satisfaction for all our hotel partners and ensure their desire to be visited. With that in mind, we divided the group into three, visiting an equal number of hotels daily to guarantee an enjoyable experience for all."
Here's a Snapshot of the Resorts
Secrets St. James & Secrets Wild Orchid
Secrets St. James is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort nestled on a secluded beachfront Peninsula and it boasts 350 luxurious rooms. Sharing amenities with its sister property, Secrets Wild Orchid, the resort features ten restaurants, nine bars, an expansive spa, and nearly half a mile of beach. In addition to the large outdoor pools, there is a separate one for Preferred Club guests, granting them exclusive access to a lounge and upgraded amenities. The Unlimited-Luxury All-Inclusive package covers top-shelf liquor and all restaurants. For a more contemporary experience and closer proximity to restaurants, the 350 room Secrets Wild Orchid, offers an alternative, though at a slightly higher cost.
Hilton Rose Hall (Host Hotel provided Playa Hotels and Resorts)
Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa is a modern haven. This all-inclusive resort boasts an impressive array of amenities, including a pristine private beach, a spa, and a variety of offerings for both adults and kids. What truly sets it apart is the on-site star attraction "Sugar Mill Falls Water Park," apparently the largest in Jamaica. The 488 rooms are modern, with large flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and private balconies. Six restaurants, four bars, and lounges allow guests to try something new each day, from Italian, Japanese and Rum compatible cuisine.
Royalton Negril
The family-friendly Royalton and adults-only Hideaway offer stylish rooms. The expansive lobby showcases elegant furnishings with a beachy palette. Overall the resort is very welcoming! Themed restaurants and bars dot the resort, though top-shelf liquor is exclusive to Diamond Club guests only. Diamond Club perks include butler service, premier lounges, a private pool, and a beach area. Daily activities, kids' and teens' clubs, and a kiddy pool with waterslides create a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere. The property has 407 rooms.
Sandals Negril
Located on Seven Mile Beach, Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa is always popular. Set among lush palm groves on a powdery white-sand beach, it is perfect for a romantic getaway. There are seven restaurants, including the recent Spanish Tapas restaurant Brava, which is sure to be a hit. There are 222 rooms on property, with the new luxury "Bamboo Grove" one-bedroom butler suites available for booking in late November. There are enough activities and amenities available to keep guests entertained.
Holiday Inn Montego Bay
Situated behind a massive barrier near a serene beach, this older mega-resort features 551 rooms across seven interconnected buildings. Guests navigate open-air pathways amid bustling buffet lines, children's laughter in the pool, and continuous musical performances. Despite the overwhelming scale, the sprawling layout provides ample beachfront for solitude. The central area, by the lobby, bustles with activity. The resort has a dated '80s aesthetic. Predominantly catering to families, the resort does offer an adult-only enclave and beach cabanas for those seeking quiet time. This resort is perfect for budget-conscious travellers, and the bonus of staying here allows guests to enjoy the mini sand island within wading distance.
Jewel Grand Montego Bay
The 217-room Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa is an upscale, family-friendly hotel with three distinct buildings. Accommodations include spacious ocean-view junior suites, one, two and three-bedroom suites, fabulous three-bedroom villas, and luxurious two-bedroom penthouses.
The spa features a Himalayan Salt Lounge decorated in honeycomb yellow, a mineral pool and a gym. All-inclusive rates cover premium alcohol at multiple bars, buffets, and a la carte eateries. Although the beach is long and wide, there is seaweed, and beach umbrellas are hard to come by. Cabanas are available for rent.
Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall & Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall (Host Hotel provided by Playa Hotels and Resorts)
Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara are two different all-inclusive resorts branded by Hyatt Hotels Corporation. The Hyatt Ziva brand caters to families, while the Hyatt Zilara brand is an adults-only resort. Guests must be 18 or over to stay at Hyatt Zilara, but adults can visit both properties.
Both resorts feature luxurious accommodations, spacious rooms, and fully stocked bathrooms with robes and amenities. Multiple restaurants, bars, and pools are spread across both properties. The state-of-the-art gym shared by both properties has various training rooms. The resorts also offer access to the Rose Hall Country Club, a popular golf course and tennis courts. Nearby attractions include the Rose Hall estate and the Martha Brae River for rafting.
Hyatt Ziva has 387 rooms and suites, while Hyatt Zilara boasts 344 guest rooms and suites.
Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica
At Grand Bahia Principe, a sprawling Spanish mega-resort boasting 850 rooms, individuals and families can relish a laid-back beachfront escape loaded with diverse activities. Situated in the Runaway Bay area, once the residence of Bob Marley and hub of Rastafarian culture, the resort's charm extends to a scenic beach, expansive pool, water park, and kids' club. Complimentary non-motorized water sports, an onsite spa, and a well-equipped gym cater to both leisure and fitness enthusiasts.
While the junior suite-style rooms exhibit a touch of dated charm, they are fitted with jetted tubs, balconies offering ocean views, in-room coffeemakers, and mini-fridges. Currently, a section of rooms is undergoing renovation, set to be available for guests soon.
The ACV MegaFAM concluded successfully with a cocktail reception and dinner hosted by Bahia Principe. There was dancing, fire eaters and a grand fireworks finale.
