Montego Bay Jamaica Luxury Hotels and Destination

Jamaica’s Tourist Hub

Montego Bay is Jamaica’s tourist hub. Sir Donald Sangster International Airport, located in Montego Bay, is Jamaica’s largest airport and likely to be your port of entry as an international traveler. It has long been a popular vacation destination because of the scenic beauty, delightful beaches, lively culture and extraordinary history. Add to this the charm and elegance of all the luxury small hotels and also beautiful boutique hotels in the area and you have the makings of a truly memorable holiday. The attention to detail, both in personal attention and décor offered by Montego Bay’s small elegant hotels leave you feeling rested and pampered, which is what a holiday should be about.

Montego Bay Luxury Small Hotels

Jamaica is a fusion of cultures as is evident in the variety of architectural styles and décor. The luxury of the elegant small hotels accommodations can provide you with a blissful sensory, boutique experience from 19th century to modern styling, bright cheerful colors to subdued natural hues, stunning location, be it a romantic secluded beachfront or lush tropical surroundings, favorite aromas, luxurious linens and décor, specialty spa treatments and delicious mouth watering cuisine. Picture yourself watching the setting sun over the tranquil turquoise Caribbean or marveling as a hummingbird flits from flower to flower near your luxury small hotels window. It is all intended to heighten the experience leaving you feeling relaxed and indulged, wishing it never had to end. Believing you deserve such an experience is the best incentive you have to plan your visit to one of many Montego Bay small elegant hotels and start feeling gratified.

Montego Bay History

Christopher Columbus was Montego Bay’s first European visitor, in 1494, naming the area Golfo de Buen Tiempo (Fair Weather Gulf). From 1522 until 1655 the Spanish settlers living here exported vast amounts of lard as the surrounding hills of Montego Bay were heavily populated with wild boars. The Spanish word for lard is “manteca” from which it is believed the word Montego originated. In 1655, Oliver Cromwell overthrew this Spanish colony and Jamaica became a British protectorate. The fertile soil led to the development of sugarcane and banana plantations. Slaves were brought to the island to work the land. The mixture of these three cultural groups is what makes Jamaica unique. Montego Bay provides a charming blend of old and new, peaceful and bustling. The concierge at many of the luxury small hotels in the Bay can provide you with ways to experience history, to understand the real Jamaica, so you will feel like more than a tourist on this exotic island that is paradise.

Montego Bay Shopping

Montego Bay has a man-made peninsula that juts out into the turquoise Caribbean waters. Here is where the cruise ships dock and the ardent shopper will find a plethora of duty–free shops offering name brand European and US merchandise at considerable savings over retail prices. Start by leaving your luxury small hotel early in the morning and you will find a variety of products available in the shops waiting for you. All the jewelry, perfume, clothing, liquor and crystal just might be overwhelming and make you yearn for a more “native” experience. Montego Bay has craft markets which are an excellent place to purchase handcrafted, locally produced items such as cigars, artwork, Rastafarian hemp designs in green, yellow and red or a great souvenir for a loved one at home. If there is something specific you’re looking for consult with the concierge at the elegant small hotel where you are staying and they can direct you to the right place to find your hidden treasures. You might want to try your bargaining skills as you quickly find out it’s expected, not just in Montego Bay but throughout Jamaica.

Montego Bay Water Adventures

After making the journey to this island paradise surrounded by the clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean and after a restful night at your luxury small 0%2Cl, you’ll want to see what’s living under the sea. Chances are your Montego Bay small elegant hotel will offer water expeditions to make it easy for you to enjoy the sand and surf or they can make arrangements for you with reliable service providers. Their goal is to make your elegant small hotels experience so memorable that you’ll look forward to returning.

Montego Bay Underwater Tours

Step into the air conditioned comfort of an underwater viewing compartment six feet below the water’s surface and get up close to the colorful, exotic and fascinating creatures without getting wet. Montego Bay’s marine sanctuary is home to stunning coral formations, stingrays, turtles and brilliantly colored fish which are just as curious as you are. Scuba divers using wireless communications will educate and entertain you as you experience marine life.

Water Sports

For adventure seekers, ask your Boutique hotels concierge for a list of shops and vendors that rent water sports equipment. Give scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, jet skiing, or white water rafting a try in Montego Bay’s crystal clear waters. The concierge is your best source of referrals, so don’t hesitate to ask for their suggestions as there is so much to do, you might have to narrow it down to fit everything in. For the novice, start slowly with snorkeling and kayaking. For more adventure and increased exposure to the marine life, try scuba diving. Select one of the recommended dive shops where you can pick up your Open Water certification with just a few days of intensive training. For thrill seekers, parasailing and jet skiing offer a bit more action, but watch out for swimmers!

Doctor’s Cave Beach

This beach which is part of the Montego Bay Marine Park has been one of Jamaica’s most famous beaches for over one hundred years. The mineral rich content of the water is thought to have curative powers, so load up on sunscreen, gather your beach towels and perhaps some snacks and find a comfortable place to relax on this 5 mile long white sand beach. Although the water may be healing it won’t cure sunburns so be sure to pace your sun bathing, stay well hydrated and find some shade at regular intervals. There is a small charge for entry and you can also rent chairs and umbrellas and there are bars and restaurants along the beach.

Outdoor Activities

For a change from the beach and a little bit of exercise consider some of the other nature experiences to be enjoyed in and near Montego Bay. Ask the small luxury hotels concierge for recommendations on outdoor adventures that can be arranged .

Golf

Picture a beautiful landscape, perhaps an old Colonial plantation, a slow relaxing pace, birds singing, and you just might be golfing in Montego Bay. You’ll find world renowned courses with unforgettable vistas from lush tropical mountains to the turquoise expanse of the Caribbean. Add to that a hole in one and you’ve got a perfect day! Ask your friendly concierge at your boutique hotel where to find the best courses.

Horseback Riding

Early morning or sunset is a perfect time of day for horseback riding. The Montego Bay horseback riding facilities provide even tempered, docile horses to carry you along a lush rainforest trail or a sandy expanse. It’s a delightful way to relax and enjoy the ever changing scenery. At the end of the day, return home to a welcoming drink at your plush luxury small hotel.

Bob Marley Experience

Montego Bay’s Half Moon Shopping Village includes a theater that features a tastefully produced documentary film on the most famous reggae artist of all time, Bob Marley. Take this opportunity to learn about this reggae legend’s life and music in the wide screen theater. This free-admission documentary is an absolute must-see for any reggae lover. Also browse the world’s largest selection of Bob Marley T-shirts. To visit Bob Marley’s home, you’ll have to travel to Kingston, but it is well worth the trip for true fans. Ask your luxury small hotel owner for directions if necessary and they will make sure you find your way.

Rockland’s Bird Sanctuary

Originally owned and operated by “the bird lady” Lisa Salmon, located in the little town of Anchovy about 3 miles south of Montego Bay is the Rockland’s Bird Sanctuary. This is a spectacular opportunity to not only see many species of birds but to feed them as well. While a good guide book and binoculars may be helpful for the shyer species some of the hummingbirds might sit on your fingers to feed from a handheld bottle of sugar water. A visit here will make you aware of the beautifully colorful creatures that you can encounter around your luxury small hotel.

Food

Although Montego Bay offers all types of food (Italian, Japanese, French, American), there are several traditional dishes unique to Jamaica and the Caribbean which you must try. Often served at breakfast in your elegant small hotel is ackee and saltfish, an unexpectedly delicious start to your morning. Similar to scrambled eggs with sautéed onions, tomatoes and salted codfish this national Jamaican dish is an all-year favorite for many locals. Though the ackee fruit has a multi-step picking and cooking process to get rid of its toxins, it is one of the major export products of Jamaica.

Red beans and rice are a light whimsical dish prepared with coconut milk and other Jamaican spices. Always the kid’s favorite, this may very well be some of the best beans and rice you’ve ever tasted. Roast breadfruit with “rundown” sauce is mouth watering, more bread-like than fruit-like and surprising to most visitors. Don’t forget to ask your luxury small hotel owner about their favorite recipes too! Jerk chicken and stewed curry goat are also winners, but if you’re in rush, stop by a bakery for some fresh patties and coconut bread. A day at one of Montego Bay’s beaches isn’t the same without a fresh patty, sweet Gizzada (coconut pastry) and cold, refreshing Red Stripe or Ginger Beer.

Montego Bay - The Luxury Experience

Vacations are all about feeling special. The experience of staying in a small luxury hotel will leave you with the memory of being pampered in elegant surroundings, awakening refreshed and enjoying the beautiful landscape, fine food and drink. Montego Bay’s elegant small hotels offer the atmosphere to create this experience.