Two Takes on Jamaica: From Runaway Bay to Montego Bay Adventures

Montego Bay and Runaway Bay

Jamaica is a vibrant Caribbean island known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality.

Beaches: Jamaica boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, with powdery white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush palm trees swaying in the breeze. Popular beach destinations include Seven Mile Beach in Negril, Doctor’s Cave Beach in Montego Bay, and Frenchman’s Cove in Port Antonio.
Blue Mountains: The Blue Mountains offer breathtaking scenery and excellent hiking opportunities. Visitors can explore lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque coffee plantations. The Blue Mountain Peak hike, which leads to the island’s highest point, is a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts.
Reggae Music: Jamaica is the birthplace of reggae music, and it has a vibrant music scene deeply rooted in the island’s culture. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rhythm and soul of reggae at live music venues, dance halls, and annual music festivals like Reggae Sumfest.
Cultural Heritage: Jamaica has a rich cultural heritage influenced by African, European, and indigenous Taíno traditions. Visitors can explore historical sites such as the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, the Rose Hall Great House in Montego Bay, and the Maroon village of Accompong.
Adventure Activities: Jamaica offers a wide range of adventure activities for thrill-seekers, including zip-lining through the rainforest, river tubing down the Martha Brae River, and swimming with dolphins in Ocho Rios. The island’s diverse landscape provides ample opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Hospitality: Jamaicans are known for their warm hospitality and friendly demeanor, making visitors feel welcome and at home. The island’s laid-back atmosphere and “no problem” attitude contribute to its relaxed vibe and appeal as a vacation destination. It’s a real thing that you feel where ever you are in Jamaica.

The Same

The DINKs and The Family both had memorable travel experiences in Jamaica, especially when it came to indulging in the local cuisine and relaxing on the island’s stunning beaches.

Relax on the Beach

Although they visited different beaches, both groups enjoyed the serene beauty and laid-back atmosphere that Jamaica’s shores offer. Relaxing on the beaches of Jamaica offers a blissful escape into turquoise waters and soft, white sands. Whether in Negril, Montego Bay, or Ocho Rios, the island’s renowned beaches like Seven Mile Beach and Doctor’s Cave Beach provide idyllic settings for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the rhythmic sounds of reggae music in the background. With warm tropical breezes and stunning sunsets, Jamaica’s beaches invite visitors to unwind and soak in the laid-back Caribbean vibe, making it a perfect destination for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Local Cuisine

Additionally, they savored the island’s vibrant food scene, delighting in delicious dishes like jerk chicken, fresh seafood, and tropical fruits. These shared experiences of savoring Jamaican flavors and unwinding by the ocean highlight the island’s unique charm and appeal to travelers of all types.

Jerk Chicken: Marinated in a spicy mixture of Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and other seasonings, jerk chicken is grilled to perfection, offering a smoky, spicy, and flavorful taste.
Ackee and Saltfish: Considered Jamaica’s national dish, this savory meal combines salted cod with boiled ackee fruit, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and spices.
Curry Goat: Tender pieces of goat meat slow-cooked in a rich, aromatic curry sauce made with Jamaican curry powder, garlic, ginger, and other spices.
Rice and Peas: A staple side dish made with rice, kidney beans (or pigeon peas), coconut milk, and seasoned with thyme, scallions, and Scotch bonnet peppers.
Patties: Flaky, golden pastries filled with seasoned meat, chicken, seafood, or vegetables. Jamaican patties are a popular snack or street food.
Callaloo: A leafy green vegetable dish similar to spinach, often cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices. It can be served as a side dish or used as a filling for other dishes.
Fried Dumplings: Also known as “Johnny cakes,” these are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often served with breakfast dishes or as a snack.
Festival: Sweet, fried dough made with cornmeal, flour, sugar, and spices, typically served alongside jerk chicken or fish.
Escovitch Fish: Fried fish topped with a tangy, spicy sauce made from vinegar, onions, carrots, and Scotch bonnet peppers.
Breadfruit: A starchy fruit that can be roasted, fried, or boiled and is often served as a side dish.

The DINKs

We stayed at a resort in Runaway Bay, a picturesque coastal town located on the northern coast of Jamaica. It offered a variety of dining options serving authentic Jamaican cuisine as well as international dishes. The water was crystal clear however, the water had tons of large rocks.

Runaway Bay

Entertainment: Most all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica feature nightly entertainment that showcases the island’s rich culture. Guests can enjoy traditional shows, including lively performances of Jamaican music and dance, such as reggae and dancehall. These shows often highlight local talent and offer an authentic glimpse into Jamaican culture.
Water Activities: Many resorts offer complimentary amenities like snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards, allowing guests to explore the ocean at their leisure. In addition to those items, our resort also included trips out on the sun sail. We had a blast zipping through the water though I was a little freaked out when he stopped to show us the fire corral & then zipped out of there. They also had an inflatable “obstacle course. I wish I had video as we could not get passed the long tube but it was hilarious to watch.
Local Beer: As always in addition to eating local we try to drink local as well and in Jamaica that means Red Stripe. Red Stripe is a renowned Jamaican lager beer known for its distinct flavor and iconic branding. Brewed by Desnoes & Geddes Limited in Kingston, Jamaica, Red Stripe has become synonymous with the vibrant spirit and culture of the island.

Overall, we found that an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica was a perfect blend of relaxation, entertainment, and cultural immersion.

The Family

Jamacia is one of the kids favorite places and the Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay is such a great deal we keep going back. Nestled along the pristine shores of Montego Bay, the Holiday Inn All-Inclusive Resort promises a tropical escape like no other. From sun-drenched beaches to endless amenities and warm Jamaican hospitality, our stay at this beachfront paradise was nothing short of unforgettable.

Holiday Inn Resort Montego

Dining: One of the highlights of our stay was the resort’s culinary offerings. With multiple restaurants and bars to choose from, we indulged in a variety of international cuisines and local Jamaican specialties. With easy access to food throughout the day, including breakfast and dinner buffets, a grill, snack hut, and a jerk hut serving delicious chicken and pork, the resort ensures that guests have a hassle-free and enjoyable experience.
Activities and Entertainment: The Holiday Inn All-Inclusive Resort in Jamaica offers a variety of activities and entertainment options for families. While lacking a water slide or lazy river, the pool area features bridges and sections where kids can play hide and seek, with shallow areas and a zero-entry part for safety. Scheduled activities include daily water aerobics, poolside games like ring toss and bingo, and afternoon entertainment on the stage, including corn-hole competitions and crab racing. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy basketball, tennis, shuffleboard, and miniature golf, while evening entertainment includes live music during dinner and nightly shows. Whether we were lounging by the pool with tropical cocktails in hand, snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, or joining in on a game of beach volleyball, there was never a dull moment. We love taking the kayaks out as the bay is calm. In the evenings, we were treated to live music, cultural shows, and themed parties that showcased the vibrant spirit of Jamaica.

Read more how The Family makes this trip super affordable https://affordablefamilytravel.com/holiday-inn-all-inclusive-montego-bay-jamaica-review-and-tips/

Summary

While exploring Jamaica, both travelers experienced the island’s warm hospitality, indulged in delectable local cuisine, and savored the pristine beaches, albeit in different areas and resorts. The DINKs opted for Runaway Bay, where they stayed at an all-inclusive resort with water sports and lively nightlife. In contrast, the Family chose Montego Bay, relishing in the ammenities of their all-insclusive resort. Both experiences showcased Jamaica’s diverse offerings while celebrating its rich culture and natural beauty.

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