Editor’s Note: This post has been updated to reflect the current status as of April 2026 regarding ongoing efforts to repair and rebuild in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.
Your opinions were collected and tabulated from sources such as Forbes, Conde Nast, USAToday Travel, USNews, TripAdvisor, Oyster, Expedia, Booking.com, and Hotels.com (to just name a few).
When the smoke cleared and the ink dried, these best all inclusive resorts floated to the top…..
Enjoy!
Sandals Royal Caribbean
Status: Currently closed. Reopening December 18, 2026.
Like its flagship neighbor, the Check PricesSandals Royal Caribbean Resort is undergoing a “total reimagination.” While the private island and the famous Over-the-Water Bungalows are being meticulously restored, the main resort is being updated with fresh dining concepts and a modernized pool scene to match the “Sandals 2.0” standard.
Fast Facts
- The only resort in Jamaica with its own private offshore island (accessible by a 5-minute dragon boat ride).
- The 2026/27 relaunch will debut refreshed Over-the-Water Bungalows with updated interior tech and decor.
- Features a “Sandals-first” Thai restaurant located right on the private island for a truly unique dinner setting.
- The renovation includes an expansion of the “Crystal Lagoon” swim-up suites, which are some of the most popular keys in the Sandals portfolio.
Sandals Montego Bay
Status: Currently closed. Reopening December 18, 2026.
Check PricesSandals Montego Bay is using the post-hurricane downtime to execute a $200 million “Sandals 2.0” overhaul. When the doors swing open just in time for the 2026 holidays, expect a completely reimagined lobby with unobstructed sea views and a pool scene that looks more like a high-end film set than a resort.
Fast Facts
- The new “Sandals 2.0” design focuses on “open-air everything,” maximizing the Caribbean breeze and minimizing walls.
- New swim-up suites are being added that will allow you to go from your bed to the bar without touching dry land.
- The resort is adding three new global culinary concepts, bringing the total dining count to an impressive 12.
- A revamped Latitudes Over Water Bar will feature 360-degree ocean views and hammocks suspended over the turquoise depths.
And don’t forget about the unlimited Scuba diving at Sandals (become PADI certified if you’re not already!) and it’s all on the best private beach on the island
S Hotel Jamaica
Fast Facts
- Located on the legendary Doctor’s Cave Beach—the water is so clear you can see your pedicure from the surface.
- Features a rooftop Sky Deck pool that serves as the unofficial headquarters for sunset cocktails and high-end lounging.
- The Irie Baths offer subterranean thermal pools that are basically a “ctrl+alt+delete” for your stress levels.
- A strict adults-only policy ensures the vibe remains “sophisticated party” rather than “juice box jamboree.”
Hotel Riu Palace
Status: Open and Operational.
The Check PricesHotel Riu Palace was one of the first “palatial” properties to bounce back, reopening in late 2025. It’s the sophisticated, adults-only sibling in the RIU cluster, offering a more refined and quiet atmosphere than the high-energy RIU Montego Bay next door. Tennis under the lights, moonlight swimming or a night on the pulsating dance floor give the activity-seekers plenty of fun options, and the less active will find plenty of comfy furniture on your balcony and throughout the grounds where you can relax and hang out and enjoy all the delicious bites and top-shelf drinks.
Fast Facts
- Features a sleek, “all-white” contemporary design that feels more South Beach than old-school Caribbean.
- Offers a “reserved” beach area specifically for Palace guests, ensuring a quieter experience away from the larger crowds.
- Guests have full exchange privileges with the Riu Montego Bay and Riu Reggae, giving you access to over a dozen restaurants.
- The 24-hour room service is a legitimate luxury perk here, perfect for those late-night balcony sessions.
Secrets St. James & Secrets Wild Orchid
Status: Currently closed. Reopening early 2027.
Following the same timeline as their Hyatt cousins, these two side-by-side favorites – Check PricesSecrets St. James (poised on a stunning peninsula) and Check PricesSecrets Wild Orchid (featuring a lazy river) are undergoing deep structural and aesthetic updates. The 2027 return will feature a more contemporary “island chic” design and enhanced Preferred Club amenities that aim to set a new bar for the brand in Jamaica.
Fast Facts
- The 2027 renovation will introduce “Enhanced Preferred Club” lounges with upgraded premium spirits and private check-in areas.
- Expect a total redesign of the Promenade—the shared social hub—including new boutique shopping and updated nightlife venues.
- All guest suites will feature new “soaking tubs” on the balconies for the ultimate private relaxation.
- The state-of-the-art Secrets Spa by Pevonia is getting a complete refresh with new hydrotherapy circuits.
Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa
Status: Open and Operational.
After a brief closure for infrastructure stabilization, the Check PricesHilton Rose Hall is back to full strength. It remains the quintessential choice for those who want a “waterpark vacation” without sacrificing the historic charm of the Rose Hall estate.
Fast Facts
- Home to the Sugar Mill Falls Water Park – Jamaica’s largest waterpark – featuring a 280-foot slide and a lazy river that is socially acceptable for adults to use.
- Set on the historic 18th-century Rose Hall plantation, offering a bit of “old Jamaica” soul alongside the modern amenities.
- The resort features a private beach and a championship golf course right on the doorstep.
- Known for its “Kids Retreat” program, which is widely considered one of the most engaging on the island for younger travelers.
JOIA Rose Hall by Iberostar
Status: Temporarily closing June 1, 2026; Reopening December 1, 2026.
Formerly the Check PricesIberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall, this property has officially moved into the ultra-luxury JOIA tier. It’s currently the “sophisticated elder” of the complex, but it’s taking a six-month hiatus starting this June for a comprehensive renovation. If your travel plans fall in the latter half of 2026, you’ll have to wait for the grand reveal in December.
Fast Facts
- An adults-only sanctuary where “butler service” isn’t just a buzzword—they’ll actually handle your unpacking while you head for the beach.
- Offers full “stay at one, play at three” access to the neighboring Selection and Waves properties (when they are open).
- The 2026 renovation is set to overhaul the suite interiors and introduce a more modern, “Caribbean-chic” aesthetic.
- The 2026 culinary program has been refreshed to include more “farm-to-fork” Jamaican specialties.
- Includes a free private airport transfer for stays of 3 nights or more—a nice perk to avoid the shuttle bus shuffle.
Iberostar Waves Rose Hall Beach
Formerly the Iberostar Rose Hall Beach, the new Check PricesIberostar Waves Rose Hall is currently in the middle of a massive identity shift. It’s the “high-energy” sibling of the group, and while it’s currently family-friendly, it officially bars anyone under 18 starting November 1, 2026. It’s the perfect pick for travelers who want the Iberostar quality without the “JOIA” price tag.
Fast Facts
- Starting November 1, 2026, the resort exclusively welcomes guests aged 18 and older—so book your family trips before Halloween.
- Home to a PADI-certified dive center, making it the unofficial headquarters for guests who want to explore the Montego Bay Marine Park.
- The Cajun Restaurant on-site is a local favorite, serving up a fusion of French and Jamaican flavors that actually lives up to the hype.
- Families with existing bookings after November 1st are being proactively upgraded to the Selection Suites next door.
Iberostar Selection Rose Hall Suites
While its neighbors are closing or changing their “no-kids” rules, the Check PricesIberostar Selection Rose Hall Suites remains the steady, upscale anchor for families. It’s the only resort in the complex that will remain 100% family-oriented throughout 2026 and into 2027.
Fast Facts
- Features a lazy river and the “Aquafun” park, which is basically a 5-star distraction for children of all ages.
- The Star Camp program is divided into three age groups (Monkey, Dolphin, and Eagle), so your 15-year-old doesn’t have to hang out with toddlers.
- The suites are noticeably larger than the “Waves” side, offering extra breathing room for the whole crew.
- Known for its “Star Prestige” level, which grants you access to a private beach club and guaranteed reservations at the high-demand specialty restaurants.
Hyatt Zilara & Ziva Rose Hall
Status: Currently closed. Reopening Q1 2027.
These sister properties – the Check PricesHyatt Zilara Rose Hall and the Check PricesHyatt Ziva Rose Hall – are taking the “long road” to recovery. Hyatt has pushed the reopening to early 2027 to ensure a total modernization of both the adults-only Zilara and the family-friendly Ziva. It’s a blow for 2026 travelers, but the 2027 relaunch promises refreshed suites and entirely new dining venues, along with their popular shops at Rose Hall Village and the unstoppable nightlife.
Fast Facts
- The 2027 relaunch will debut “Smart Suite” tech, allowing guests to control everything from lighting to room service via a custom app.
- The Ziva side is expanding its Kidz Club with a new tech-heavy teen zone to keep the youth occupied.
- Zilara guests will retain full exchange privileges with Ziva, giving adults twice the pool and restaurant options.
- A new beachfront “Barefoot Grill” concept is being added for those who find putting on shoes for lunch to be an unreasonable demand.
Half Moon
Fast Facts
- The newly reimagined Villas come with a dedicated personal cook and butler—because you shouldn’t have to scramble your own eggs on vacation.
- Sprawls across 400 acres, providing enough space to avoid that one person from your flight who won’t stop talking about their layover.
- The Robert Trent Jones Sr. golf course is fully restored and ready for your inevitable triple-bogey.
- Offers an equestrian center for those who prefer to see the beach from a four-legged perspective.
NEW and Coming Soon
Princess Grand Jamaica
Fast Facts
- Features a massive on-site aquatic park with waterslides that actually provide a decent thrill.
- The “Family Suites” are specifically designed for larger groups, so you don’t have to book three separate rooms.
- The resort shares a footprint with the adults-only Princess Senses The Mangrove, offering a “best of both worlds” scenario.
- Includes a specialized “Teen Club” with gaming stations and social events that might actually get them to look up from their phones.
UNICO 18°77° Montego Bay (Coming 2027)
Fast Facts
- Will feature 451 guest rooms, all designed with a focus on Jamaican craftsmanship and local art.
- The concept includes “Host” service—a localized version of a butler who can help curate off-site excursions.
- Expect a culinary program that ditches the “standard buffet” in favor of rotating guest chefs and local flavors.
- The property is being built on a prime stretch of north shore beachfront, designed to offer sunset views from almost every room.
