Jamaica
With plenty of exciting hotel projects in the pipeline, visitors to Jamaica have a lot of options to consider. Andrew Doherty looks at the latest developments
Finding the suite spots
More in Montego Bay Excellence Group’s (LA100) Oyster Bay has opened in Trelawny, adding 315 rooms following completion of the first phase of its $110 million development. The all-inclusive adults-only resort boasts direct beach access, eight restaurants, 10 bars, a luxury spa and a fitness centre. Phase two of the $75 million “master plan” redevelopment at the iconic Half Moon hotel is slated to complete this month. Coinciding with the resort’s 65th anniversary, additions include 57 new suites and rooms, an expanded beachfront with a swimming cove, an elegant entrance, Great House accommodation, an adults-only pool, two restaurants, a vegan cafe, three bars and a grill. The design, spearheaded by Hart Howerton architects, incorporates a “coming home” theme, with works by local Jamaican artists on display throughout the property.
The SeaGarden Beach Resort is currently completing construction on a new block, adding 80 new rooms to the 140 available.
Meanwhile, the S Hotel Montego Bay is slated for a 2019 opening. The 120-room development will feature a Mediterranean-inspired beach club, a ska music cafe and a rooftop bar with a pool. Holding company PanJam Investment Ltd has acquired six acres of land adjacent to the Montego Freeport cruise terminal for the construction of a 180-room hotel targeted at business travellers. Currently in its initial design phase,
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bar, a wedding chapel and dining options Butch’s Steak and Seafood, the Jerk Shack and sushi restaurant Soy.
Oyster Bay, part of Excellence Group
the hotel is estimated to open for business in 2020.
Tourist hotspot Margaritaville has recently purchased the Coral Cliff Gaming Lounge to undertake a series of renovations, including the construction of an overhead bridge and a zip line connecting the two properties.
Additions at Sandals Montego Bay include the Latitudes overwater
One to watch
Playa Hotels & Resorts (LA40) has signed a deal with Sagicor Group Jamaica to add fi ve all-inclusive resorts and two oceanfront sites to its portfolio. This includes the 495-room Hilton Rose Hall, the 250-room Jewel Dunn’s River, the 268-room Jewel Runaway Bay and the 225-room Jewel Paradise Cove. Playa has also proposed the development of an 88-room hotel and spa, two developable land sites with a potential density of up to 700 rooms and a management contract for Jewel Grande Montego Bay.
Elsewhere, the sentry tower at the Jewel Grande is now closed for renovations. Becoming part of the Hyatt Ziva in December, the hotel will add 82 junior suites, four two-bedroom suites and two three- bedroom suites.
New for Ocho Rios and Negril Karisma Hotels & Resorts (LA100) is developing a new luxury resort, entertainment and retail complex near Ocho Rios. Estimated to cost $1 billion, the Sugar Cane Jamaica project will feature 5,000 rooms, including Nickelodeon and Margaritaville-branded properties to open in the next 10 years.
Skylark Negril Beach Resort, sister property to the Rockhouse hotel, has now opened. Situated on Seven Mile Beach, the hotel offers 28 guest rooms, treatments from international spa consultant Linda Hall and a pop-up restaurant led by award- winning chef Andre Fowles. The property is also home to the first Jamaican outpost of Miss Lily’s, where guests can visit a Caribbean- themed diner and rum bar. Guests staying at Skylark will have access to facilities at the Rockhouse such as the cliff-edge cabanas and three restaurants, as well as a complimentary shuttle bus between the two properties.
A new adults-only section has opened at the Azul Beach Resort Negril by Karisma. The area includes a Premium pool, a Tamarind pool bar with concierge and butler service and a private area of Seven Mile Beach.
The Hotel Riu Palace Tropical Bay is currently undergoing renovations, including a full makeover of its rooms, lobby, restaurants and common areas. When reopened, guests will be offered 24-hour room service and new activities, while a selection of its brand-wide concepts such as the Capuchino Patisserie, a new Jerk Grill and a revamped children’s area with a larger pool and playground will be available.
View of Skylark Negril Beach Resort from the water
■ Jamaica Tourist Board is exhibiting on stand CA120
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