Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Montego Bay

Round Hill is phenomenal. Sincere, intimate hospitality; private child care; large, beautifully designed rooms by Ralph Lauren; and breathtaking grounds (to which no photo can do justice) -- it is easily among the best resorts in Jamaica, even with a few mosquitoes and ants in the room.

The sprawling Secrets Wild Orchid is one of the more luxurious adults-only all-inclusive resorts in Montego Bay, and has a laundry list of property features, including eight restaurants and five bars, and a host of activities: a theater, a spa, a water sports and dive center, a shopping center, and a casino. But the resort shares virtually all of its amenities with the next-doorSecrets St. James, and some of the best amenities and freebies are reserved only for the VIP guests staying in the “Premiere” part of the resort.

The best of the three Iberostar resorts in Montego Bay, this 295-room all-suite hotel is light years beyond its neighbors in terms of decor, food, and features. While some elements remain shared with the lesser Iberostar Rose Hall Beach andIberostar Rose Hall Suites -- for instance, the spa, fitness center, casino, nightclub, and shops -- guests at Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall get the pick of the litter with free access to all three resorts’ restaurants, bars, pools, and beaches. The rates might be higher, but for good reason.

Drawing everyone from Queen Elizabeth to 50 Cent, Half Moon strives for timeless, understated luxury (even at the swim-up bar). Stretching over 400 acres (including 2 miles of beach), the 230-room resort offers attentive service, quality cuisine, and seemingly limitless activities like golfing and horseback riding.

This all-inclusive beachfront resort on a remote peninsula is one of the more luxurious adult-only options in Montego Bay, and has a laundry list of property features, including seven restaurants, seven bars, an expansive spa, nearly half a mile of beach, and tons of activities: a theater, dive center, shopping plaza, casino, and game room. Secrets St. James shares most of its amenities with its sister property next door, but rates here are often a bit cheaper.

For adult guests who want to enjoy an all-inclusive experience but prefer a resort that’s a bit smaller and more private, Sandals Royal Caribbean makes a great choice. With a number of small beaches and a private island, the resort feels intimate and secluded even though it’s a short drive to both the airport and downtown Montego Bay. Restaurants cater to all tastes, from a romantic French restaurant to a laid-back British style pub to snacks on the beach, and premium alcohol is unlimited. Guests can also dine at restaurants and partake in activities at the other two Sandals resorts nearby, and on-site activities and entertainment are also extensive.

Debuting in late 2013, the 352-room Royalton White Sands Resort is an stylish all-inclusive in Trelawny, just 30 minutes from Montego Bay. Rooms come with comfy pillow-top beds, mini-fridges, private patios, and large rainfall shower heads. Unfortunately, they also contain hip but cheap decor and many are already starting to show wear and tear. This upscale resort has multiple bars and restaurants (including a delicious jerk hut), large hydrotherapy spa, family-friendly features, two pools (one with swim-up bar), and a water park, though, some may be disappointed at the limited beachfront and late-night bar options.

The 238-room Hotel Riu Palace Jamaica is located along Montego Bay's Ironshore, right next to sister property Riu Montego Bay. This upscale, adult-only all-inclusive has a fun atmosphere, an outgoing entertainment and restaurant staff, lots of planned activities, a small beach, several restaurants and bars, and two pools. In fact, with so much going on, some people may feel a bit cramped. Luckily, the stylish rooms are spacious and come with private patios, jetted tubs, liquor dispensers, and rainfall showers. This Riu is best suited for young social couples, but older folks should not be deterred.

For couples seeking a luxurious, all-inclusive experience, with plenty of activities and dining options on-site, Sandals Montego Bay is a beautiful option, though it definitely does feel like the branded resort that it is. Large and expansive, with a long private beach and list of things to do, the resort is close to both the airport and downtown Montego Bay. Guests can enjoyrestaurants and activities at the other two Sandals resorts nearby, providing even more options. The resort’s sprawling layout can be confusing to navigate, and the proximity to the airport can make the property noisy when planes go overhead, but with plenty of tours around the island and a number of restaurants, shops, and craft shows nearby, as well as local attractions, there’s plenty to do both on and off-site.

For travelers who want to enjoy a resort experience but still prefer a more intimate hotel, the Coyaba Beach Resort is an attractive upper-middle-range option. The 50 plantation-style rooms are spacious if a bit dated, and guests won’t feel crowded or cramped at the private beach (even though it's small). An all-inclusive option lets guests dine and drink on the property, but many rate the food as mediocre, so it may be better to stick to the room-only plan and explore the local restaurants in Montego Bay; the so-called Hip Strip is around 10-minute taxi ride away. The airport is just a five-minute drive away, and the resort does experience plane noise. Still, couples will likely appreciate the spa services, lush gardens providing shade and privacy, and the quiet pool.